dress codes for Israel and Egypt

[jjeffjb]

We'll be sailing on the Nautica June 23. Are there religious sites that require long pants for men?

[orchestrapal]

Can't help with Egypt but in Israel, although the country is very informal, dress as you would in a church or synagogue in the states. Respect the sights you visit.;)

[Rickey 88]

Egypt of a Muslim country and has rules of dress that apply to tourists visiting their mosques. As a rule, shorts are frowned upon, and while ladies are no longer required to cover their heads, taking a shawl along may be a good precaution.

 

In any event, shoes must be removed before entering, and if you're not wearing socks, you will not be allowed to enter. Bare feet in a house of worship is not permitted and is an affront to God.

 

Remember, you're a guest - and be respectful of their beliefs.....

[lcand1923]

If you are visiting any Catholic or Orthodox Churches, think in terms of covering knees and shoulders. A friend told me that bare knees and shoulders are frowned upon, and may even cause you to be blocked from entering, these.

[pvan]

In your cruise doc the Haifa tours have a note at the bottom stating that shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted when visiting religious sites.

[pkamison]

When we did Egypt my husband had pants that zip off into shorts - they worked very well as you should be covered in religous areas as a sign of respect.

[cathi]

Haven't been to Israel but were in Egypt in April. We had a long involved discussion over dress codes on our roll call before we left. Needless to say much of what I thought to be true proved not to be!

In Egypt - specifically the Giza Plateau, Sakkara, Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings - there really is no dress code. None of these sights are currently mosques or churches! Very short shorts will get you lots of attention but walking shorts or capri are just fine. All of these sights are tourist sights so you will see almost everything! It was very hot in April so can't imagine how hot it will be in June! Dress comfortably and take water!

[sacway]

It's common for people from temperate climates to dress improperly for very hot weather. Having lived in the middle east for three years (two without AC), I learned first hand why both men and women are traditionally covered from head to foot. Even though our core body temp is 98.6 (approx), our surface or skin temp is only about 92 degrees. That is, at any temp (and any humidity) above 92 degrees, your body gains heat if you are wearing short sleeves or short pants or short skirts. Loose clothes of natural fibers create a buffer protecting you from the heat.

 

Not surprisingly, when everybody local is covered up, anyone who is not attracts attention. If you are in tourist zones, you are less noticed.

 

We used to travel with 1-1/2-liter bottles of water (the basic size sold in the souk or any market), and in the summer drank 2 1/2 gallons per person per day. Either carry a lot of water, or make sure there's a big (5 gallon minimum) cooler full of water in your car/van/bus.