Most Egyptians are quite accommodating; they'll go out of their way to respond to questions and help you in any way. You'll discover that most Egyptians stand a little closer to you than you're used to when carrying on a conversation.
You might also notice that you seem to draw a crowd everytime you strike up a conversation with an Egyptian. Often the eavesdroppers will rev up their own discussion of the issues you were discussing.
Invitations
If you offer something, most Egyptians will at first refuse. This is their custom, and you should do the same. (The exception is if you are dealing with western-savvy Egyptians) If the offer is sincere and from the heart and not mere politeness, don't worry, it will be repeated.
For instance, if you are invited to visit someone's home, especially in smaller villages, and refuse as you should, the householder will likely press you for a promise from to stop by sometime in the future, usually for a meal. If you make such a promise, be sure and keep it; it is considered a social coup to have foreign house guests. If you fail to show up, your would-be host will feel humiliated. To repay such invitations, you might host a dinner in a restaurant. This is common practice.
Baksheesh
To avoid offending locals who would consider themselves your social equal, such as businessmen and other professionals, do not offer tips. This will seriously offend.
Women
It used to be common practice for all respectable women to wear a veil in public. But, in 1922, Hoda Shaarawi, the famous Egyptian feminist, deliberately removed her veil.
By 1935, veils were a comparative rarity in Egypt, though they continued to be worn as an item of fashion in neighboring states like Syria and Jordan for 30 more years, and have remained a must to this day on the Arabian Peninsula.
Some Egyptian women still wear the veil as a demonstration of modesty or Muslim piety. Many young professional women do this because it discourages male advances.
Since the 1930's, Egyptian women have entered more and more into business and the professions. In fact, by 1965, Egypt was boasting a far higher proportion of women working as doctors, dentists, lawyers, professors, diplomats, or high officials than might have been found even in the US or Europe.
Women Traveling Alone
In Egypt, a woman traveling alone is essentially safe. But she will be noticed, though less in large cities than in the country. If problems crop up, seek help from the police (shouting "POLICE" will almost certainly help!) or any nearby place of business.
Although you will probably never be accosted, please take the same simple precautions you would anywhere: Don't walk in deserted areas alone; And don't accept invitations from strangers.
