Egyptian Cultural Questions

Hmm, tricky one. Just my view...I'm willing to be wrong here...
I have no real experience, but I'd suggest any gifts my be seen as patronising, or make the recipients feel they need to respond.
Unless of course they are entertaining you in their homes, in which case a small present would probably be in order.

Bear in mind their culture is vastly more ancient than yours (isn't everyones?, just teasing).
Del
_{(and don't mention US foreign policy)}

Before you go to Egypt you should be aware of:

1- Very Islamic government similar to the Iranian government is there.

2-population is 80 million

3-Corruption and bride every where including the police which is very violent.

4-They hate any person if is not Muslim and call him infidel(kafer)- enemy of God.

If you need more details welcome.

Whenever I travel overseas, I take small gifts from here in the US, and hopefully Ohio, where I live.

So Small bottles of Maple syrup, Smuckers preserves, or maple sugar candy for instance are able to be shared no matter what the "ism" of the reciever is- and can be shared are appreciated by all including kids.

When I went to CHina, I also took a book Schotts Original Miscellany,

http://www.amazon.com/Schotts-Original-Miscellany-Ben-Schott/dp/1582343497

a book of amazingly interesting and obscure facts. It was a high touch item with fancy printing, a red fabric cover, and a sewn in ribbon bookmark. The irony of giving a little red book in China was appreciated by all. Our translators, tour guides, and engineers we visited were very pleased to get this. We gave some executives and party officials photobooks of the Rock and roll hall of fame. They passed muster in China, Not sure how that would be perceived in Egypt, but its an example of tying your gift to your locale.

Certainly your area has similar treats (I don't mean moon pies and RC cola or boiled peanuts) that you could share. Or a similar book on history of your area.

Obviously, don't take booze to Islamic countries. And I would pass on chocolate because of the heat.

Milo

Very useful information! More would be welcome. Thank you!

Get a book on foreign etiquette. I remember something about exposing the sole of the foot or shoe, or offering the left hand. In some countries certain numbers or colors are unlucky.

Being aware of foreign etiquette can be very useful and informative. You never know when you will suddenly be meeting a foreigner, and it's good to know what not to do!

Egypt is completely different from China.

Egypt is not the right place to invest your money there .

The local US Embassy's website may be worth a look and because of the common language, check-out the UK Foreign Office's advice to travellers, which is given on a country-by-country basis on the web. Tips and local customs may also be found there.

If leisure time is available during the visit, do take (a) guided visit(s) to an/some ancient monument site(s) so as to enhance the understanding of this fascinating country. Egypt has many of them and each is unique.

A greeting message before the trip to Abdel Halim Galala via CR4's personal message system might also prove fruitful for both parties, perhaps?

Many ugly things here about Egypt. Did you go there? Egypt is not radical and extreme and has always been an ally to moderate the Middle East situations. During my visits I have not seen hate and all the pretty things that are discussed here. Need to read some real news and maybe visit the country. They do not stamp your passport, same as Israel for the same reason. Bribes should be forbidden everywhere, but a typical present will be appreciated, Be careful with alcohol. I hope we'll get prime info from "Abdul".

Hey Y'all, I just got back from a 10 day project in Cairo, Egypt. Saw the Pyramids, rode a camel and worked my tail off. It was a great experience. Thank you all for your suggestions and comments. The people were wonderful! They were friendly, generous, kind and showed great hospitality. I learned a lot, made new friends, learned a little Arabic, which they appreciated, and taught them a few things which was why they brought me over. I hope to go back in a couple months on follow-up.