what is the drinking age in Cairo? and what clothing is appropriate for nightclubs and bars, especially if you have to walk in public to get there? and what happens throughout the city during ramadan- can you still find places to eat during the day?

Answered by Egyptologist Guide Since 1992 in 7 lang. , Cairo, Egypt

For foreigners and tourists there are no problems to drink as they like and at any age. The only thing is that some restaurants do not serve alcoholics and especially in Ramadan but others do (not in Ramadan). For clothing in nightclubs and bars normally it is casual but some disotheques require official dressings.

Answered by Mahmoud Ahmed elsharkawy , Giza, Egypt

For foreigners and tourists there are no problems to drink as they like and at any age. We have in Egypt some restaurants do not serve alcoholics and especially in Ramadan but others do also (in Ramadan) You can buy from the hotels and private shops . For clothing in nightclubs and bars normally it is casual but some disotheques require official dressings. For more contact me at :
elsharkawy16@hotmail.com

Answered by Lyndall El Masry , Giza, Egypt

Hi there - the official legal drinking age in Egypt is 18 for beer and 21 for wine and spirits (International Center for Alcohol Policies. May 2009) however I am not sure that this is greatly enforced especially in resort cities like Sharm el Sheik and Hurghada, especially for tourists. However some nightclubs, like Latex in the Nile Hilton, require you to be 21 for you to be allowed entry. Some nightclubs also will only allow couples entry and not allow single men entry. Latex is one, Coco Jungle is another.

Smart casual would be the dress policy although most women like to dress up when going out. I am sure that most clubs in the big 5-star hotels would have a dress code. If you are a female wearing something strappy and revealing then a light shawl to cover up when walking in the streets would be good. Although Egypt seems to have relaxed in relation to dress in more recent times in reality women are still judged on how they dress and revealing dress equates to immoral behaviour in the eyes of many. Cairo Jazz Club (which has not only jazz music and is popular for dancing) likes its patrons to look like they've made an effort, Pub 28 in Zamalek is more like a British pub atmosphere, the Odeon Palace Bar is in the heart of Downtown and has an outdoor terrace. Research is easy to do on the net to find somewhere you'll be comfortable with.

In Ramadan lots of food places are closed in the day, opening later in the afternoon but you should still find some places open especially if you are staying in a tourist area. In the evening though Egypt comes to life with many Egyptians out and about eating, drinking, socialising and shopping after iftar. That combined with the many coloured lights in the streets and decorating buildings makes for a very festive night time atmosphere.

If there's anything else specific I can help you with please don't hesitate to ask

Lyndall El Masry
Nile Wave Travel
http://www.nilewave.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nile-Wave-Travel/305912636331

Answered by Carolyn Sallouma , Cairo, Egypt

Hi,
In Cairo and most of Egypt there is no rule as to how old you should be to drink alcohol. Most hotels serve alcohol but this is restricted during Ramadan, but you can get alcohol from " bottle shops". Most hotels, whether large or small serve food during Ramadan so dont worry you will not starve !!
Night clubs and discos, smart but casual is required, not a good idea to enter wearing shorts though, as for you ladies,I suggest you cover your shoulders with a wrap, which can easily be put in your bag once you get inside,and try not to wear a skirt/dress that is too short because you will attract unwanted attention.
I hope this had answered your questions, if you have any further questions you can contact me by email at cary_lyn@yahoo.co.uk

Yours Carolyn Salouma

Answered by Tamer Mina , Cairo, Egypt

No problems to drink ,there are no conditions for foreigners even concerning age.. . For clothing in nightclubs and bars normally it is casual but some disotheques require official dressings.

Answered by Jack , Cairo, Egypt

Hi all

Really i would like to say that the answer of Lyndall is perfect and complete , except the age for wine drinking , In Egypt Alcohol is not classified to Bear and Wine or other Alcoholic drinks , it is all considered Alcohol , so the rule is 18 + can drink with no difference between if it is Bear or Wine.

Enjoy your time

Jack

Answered by Mohamed Mansour , Cairo, Egypt

we don't have age for drink because we are muslem country and our religion prevent us to drink but it's up to in the end , u can wear any thing in the night clubs and bars we are in afree country