ESSENTIAL TO DO BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Visas:
Entry Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. For many visitors a tourist Visa can be purchased in advance online on the Egyptian Government Visa website (visa2egypt.gov.eg — see the page FAQ – Who requires a visa?) or on arrival at the airport when you enter Egypt.
Tourist visas are also available on arrival for many nationalities. At Cairo airport the process takes about 20 minutes and costs US$30. The visa is valid for 30 days, it can be extended for an additional cost of about US$90.
Other nationalities must obtain their visa before leaving their country. Visas can be obtained at any Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country, but allow enough time before your tour for your visa to be processed. The embassy or consulate in your country should be able to give you an estimate of the processing time.
SHOPPING POLICY:
Our guides are not allowed to get commission from shop-owners, and our payment to guides is good so it does not require that they seek extra money from forced shopping. However, should you wish to shop, our guides will take you to some good, reliable and properly priced shops.
Our policy is to be honest and treat our customers as a guest not as a client.
Before you travel:
Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date.
Get travel insurance, essential for medical emergencies, and make sure it covers COVID. Also check any medications you need are LEGAL in Egypt.
Email to yourself scans/photographs of your important documents – passport, including the stamped Visa page, travel insurance, both sides of your debit and credit cards. This makes it easy for you to have copies to arrange replacement if the originals are lost or damaged. Also email yourself a list of your important phone numbers in case of phone loss or damage.
While you will be with your guide for much of the time, there will be times you are on your own. Don’t expect all Egyptians to understand your language. Instead, learn some useful phrases. Even if you have only a few basic phrases, people will appreciate this and make an effort to communicate or help you.
ABOUT EGYPT, THE COUNTRY
Egyptians call the country Misr. It is a Republic and has 27 administrative regions, or governorates.
The Egyptian flag consists of three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black, with the national emblem (a Golden Eagle of Saladin with a shield on its chest above a scroll bearing the name of the country in Arabic) centred in the white band. These band colours are derived from the Arab Liberation flag; black symbolises the eras of oppression, underdevelopment and colonialism, red the bloody struggle to overcome this, or glory, and white is for purity or a bright future.
GEOGRAPHY
Egypt is in North Africa, but because of the Sinai Peninsula we also are part of Southwest Asia. Egypt covers approximately 1,001,500 square kilometres (386,660 sq mi), so Egypt is about the same size as all of Central America, twice the size of Spain, four times the size of the United Kingdom, and the combined size of the US states of Texas and California.
Egypt’s coastlines are the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, extending more than 2,900 kilometres. To its West is Libya, to the East the Gaza Strip and Israel, and in the South, Sudan.
Egypt is predominantly desert, with less than 4% of total land area cultivated and permanently settled. The major areas are the Nile River Valley and Delta, Western and Eastern Deserts, and the Sinai Peninsula. The Nile valley and Delta support most of the population; the deserts include many oases which contribute to agricultural production.
The Western desert is more mountainous, and the Sinai Peninsula features a mountain range along the Red Sea coast that includes Egypt’s highest mountain, Jabal Katrinah (Mount Catherine), 2,642 m above sea level. In both deserts, winds create sand dunes that may reach more than 100 feet (30 m) high.
Egypt’s important role in geopolitics stems from its strategic position: as a transcontinental nation, it possesses a land bridge (the Isthmus of Suez) between Africa and Asia, traversed by a navigable waterway (the Suez Canal) that connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean by way of the Red Sea.
The two largest cities are Cairo, population of about 22 million, and Alexandria, about 20 million.
WEATHER
Egypt has a desert climate with hot, dry summers and moderate winters.
Summer temperatures average between 26.7 and 45°C in Upper Egypt, up to 43°C on the Red Sea coast.
Winter temperatures average between 13 and 21°C. Wind lowers temperatures near the Mediterranean coast. In spring the Khamaseen wind blows from the South, bringing sand and dust and sometimes raising the desert temperature to 38°C.
Most rain falls in the winter months. South of Cairo, rainfall averages only around 2 to 5 mm per year and at intervals of many years. On the Northern coast rainfall can reach 410 mm, with most rain between October and March. Snow falls in the Sinai mountains and some Northern Coastal cities such as Damietta, with rare falls in Alexandria. Desert nights are cold, dropping below zero in winter.
Detailed weather forecasts to help plan your packing: weather.com
PEOPLE, RELIGION, LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
Population is estimated at 100 million but growing rapidly, about half live in urban areas, including the major cities of Cairo, Alexandria and others along the Nile. Egypt has been continuously inhabited since the 10th millennium BCE and its history of trade and political takeovers has ensured a rich mixture of genetic and cultural traditions.
Egypt is predominantly Sunni Muslim, an estimated 90%, with 9% Coptic Christian and 1% other denominations.
All Egyptians speak Arabic, and a small percentage speak other languages alongside Arabic, such as the people of Siwa and Nubians.
Egypt is a cultural leader in the Arabic-speaking world, and heavily influences literature, music, film and television with its cultural production.
Egypt offers travel opportunities that can include your interests in culture, history, adventure, relaxation, family experiences, spirituality, and romance.
FOOD
The mix of cultures and trade across this country’s history has ensured a wonderful cuisine, with many traditional favourites and contemporary twists that are seeing the ideas of “Egyptian food” changed. Foods familiar from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines appear on Egyptian menus.
You can choose from large restaurants, cafes or street food from small stalls (sometimes on wheels). Meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans can all be satisfied with variety, and while Egyptian food has become part of the offering in many countries through the familiar hummus, falafel, and its famous baked sweets, you are sure to complete your visit with some new favourites.
Try: Mouloukhiya (dark green soup), koshari, taa’meya (falafel), ful (beans), karkadeh (hibiscus tea, hot or cold), pigeon, the excellent seafood and BBQ meats. Meals will usually be served with soup, salad and/or vegetables, and bread. Naturally, food in restaurants in tourist areas is more expensive, often comparable with European prices, while the places used mostly by Egyptians can be very inexpensive.
Coffee shops are an essential part of Egyptian life, where the men gather to drink tea or coffee, smoke shisha, talk, and play board games or watch television. Women do go to the coffee shops, but you should go with company, not alone.
HYGIENE
Be aware that hygiene may not be of the highest standards, depending on the place. The number of tourists that suffer from some kind of parasite or bacterial infection is significant. Despite assurances to the contrary, exercise common sense and bring appropriate medications to deal with problems.
Drink only bottled water. It is available everywhere. The local brands (most common being Baraka, Siwa, Hayat, Dasani) are just as good as expensive imported options which are also available: Nestle Pure Life, Evian.
As a precaution, don’t eat raw vegetables or fruits that you can’t peel, and insist that your juice be prepared fresh with bottled water.
For complete travel health information about Egypt updated daily, visit: mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/africa/egypt.php
ALCOHOL
Egypt is a majority Muslim country, so alcohol is not served everywhere. It is available in hotels, bars, nightclubs, pubs, on board the Nile cruisers and in most restaurants. You should not walk around the streets drinking alcohol, but restrict your drinking to the places where it is served.
Drinks are available at many hotels, on regular Nile cruises and at some restaurants and pubs. You are free to order your drinks wherever they are served but do not drink outside these places as this could offend conservative local people. You can also drink in the privacy of your accommodation.
Drinking alcohol is part of Western culture, and though about 10% of the Egyptian population are Orthodox Christian Copts and other Christian denominations whose religion permits alcohol, Egyptian society is mainly conservative and does not approve of drinking in public. As Muslims constitute the majority of the population, drinking, drugs and other intoxicants that affect the mind are not permissible according to Islamic teachings that encourage sobriety, alert minds and proper social behaviour. For Muslims it is not permitted by their religion to carry, serve and trade in alcohol, wine, beer and spirits. Although these regulations are not observed by all Muslims in Egypt, please show your understanding and patience in cases where serving drinks is not welcomed.
You can buy alcohol at the Duty Free Shop on arrival at Cairo International Airport or any of the other international airports in Egypt. You are allowed to purchase from Duty Free shops using your passport for 48 hours after arriving, and are permitted to bring only 2 litres of alcohol into Egypt.
There are also liquor shops in Egypt including the “Drinkies” chain. You can locate them using Google Maps. Such liquor shops are mainly present in major cities.
If you need to replenish your supply of drinks, especially on board a Dahabiya, ask the guide to arrange for a driver to take you to a local liquor store (for a charge) where you can buy what you would like.
Some of the Dahabiya Nile Sailing staff are from local communities that are conservative and they may not be comfortable serving alcohol, but you can bring your own alcohol on board and use the dahabiya facilities to store your drinks.
FINANCIAL SYSTEM / EXCHANGE
The diverse economy includes tourism, agriculture, industry and services. Units of currency are the Egyptian Pound (LE) and piaster. The Pound is made up of 100 piasters. Coins are 25 piaster, 50 piaster and 1 pound; notes are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 pounds. The value of each note is written in English on one side and Arabic numbers on the other.
Almost all foreign currencies are traded at banks, exchange offices, airports, and major hotels in Egypt at the official currency rates (Scottish and Northern Ireland banknotes are not accepted). ATMs are widely available. Most banks open 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, with some branches open until 5:00 p.m. Hotel branches in some cities operate 24 hours.
USD and Euro are normally accepted in touristy restaurants, cafes and shops, and credit cards as well, but in local places they accept EGP.
You can change money at the airport bank when you arrive; the rate is fixed all over the country. Don’t change much, because it’s difficult to change EGP back to USD or Euro.
In every city you visit there’s an exchange office, and your guide will help with that too.
For updates or info about the exchange rate, visit: Egypt National Bank (nbe.com.eg/en/exchangerate.aspx)
Credit and Debit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in touristic places and shopping malls, but cash is more commonly used in Egypt.
Travellers’ Cheques: International travellers’ cheques in Sterling Pounds, Euro, US Dollars are accepted in a few places in major cities. About 3% commission is charged for travellers cheque use.
Note: In some smaller towns there is only one bank and one ATM, credit cards are not accepted everywhere, and bank opening hours are more limited than in many other countries. It is advisable to always carry enough cash and small change for small purchases including food and water.
PHONES AND INTERNET
You can roam with your international number by registering on any of the three mobile phone operator networks in Egypt — Vodafone, Orange or Etisalat. Alternatively, it is inexpensive to buy a SIM card when you arrive if your phone is on an unlocked network. These can easily be topped up with a scratch card, available at many stores aside from mobile supplier stores.
Landlines are available in all hotels.
Wireless internet is available in many hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops — sometimes free, sometimes chargeable.
Internet connection is no longer a problem in Egypt (unless you are in far-out places like the mountains), with service provided by mobile networks covering almost all of Egypt. You can get connected using a local SIM card with a data plan and your smartphone used as a hotspot. It’s inexpensive in Egypt to have a data plan.
EGYPTIAN AIRPORT AND PORT AUTHORITY CUSTOMS
You are not allowed to import more than 200 cigarettes (or 25 cigars, or 200 grams of tobacco) and 1 litre of alcohol. Passengers on flights are not allowed to carry any flammable liquids, mercury, liquid and dry batteries, or electronic devices that contain lithium (computers, cameras, car batteries, lighting systems) except for private mobile phones. Not permitted in baggage are frozen items and any liquid that exceeds 100 ml, except for that bought from duty free inside the airport (sealed, with receipt).
It is illegal to bring in drugs, firearms and other weapons (including Swiss Army knives), seeds or agricultural seedlings (to prevent the transfer of pests).
Drones can only be brought in with an official licence, which is difficult to obtain.
Please check before you travel that any medications you may use are LEGAL in Egypt. It is illegal to export drugs, firearms and cotton that is not for personal use. Locally purchased gold and silver can be exported if for personal use or in small quantities.
Egypt strictly controls the import and export of antiquities and artefacts that are more than 100 years old. You will need to apply for a licence to export any such item.
You can bring in up to US$10,000 (or equivalent in other foreign currencies) for exchange, and local currency up to 5,000 Egyptian pounds. Leaving Egypt, the maximum allowed for foreign exchange is US$10,000.
CAMERA CHARGES
At some monuments there is an additional charge to use a camera. At some sites, photography is completely forbidden, as is the use of a flash. Your guide will advise you on this, and tickets to use the camera can be bought at the sites when required. Any commercial photography or videos need official permission in advance. Using tripods or camera stabilisers is often considered a sign of commercial use.
DRESS CODE AND CULTURE-APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR
Egyptian society is conservative, in some places more than others. Exposed arms, legs, and more are accepted in big city nightclubs and in tourist hotels in places such as Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada. However, off the beaches and in the streets you will be mixing with Egyptians who mostly choose more modest dress, for religious and traditional reasons. You will be more comfortable and have the chance for far deeper interactions with Egyptians if you dress modestly. This applies to men too — many Egyptian men cover their arms and do not wear shorts that expose above the knee.
The basis of your travel wardrobe:
Men: long pants and shirts.
Women: long pants and skirts combined with a longer shirt (covering upper thighs) which is loose and long-sleeved and doesn’t show cleavage.
Choose clothing made of natural fibres — cotton, silk, hemp, linen, or a mix of these. White or light colours reflect the heat; darker colours will make you feel it more. Long, loose layers can be just as comfortable as shorts and a tank top, and you won’t need sunscreen for the skin you are covering.
Women should carry a large scarf to cover hair and shoulders when entering mosques. Visiting some mosques you may be provided with an abaya, a loose, comfortable garment covering you from head to feet. Some Christian women cover their hair in church, so bring your scarf if attending a service. The scarf can also make you feel more comfortable in traditional areas, and protects you from sun and sand dust.
You will see Egyptian women wearing different levels of cover, from dressing similarly to you, to being fully covered except for their eyes. Bedouin women and the women of Siwa Oasis cover differently and more than most; you will be more accepted in these places if modestly dressed.
Wear a hat to protect from heat, and your hair and scalp from burning — light colour, broad brim, with an adjustable string.
If swimming in a conservative place, such as natural springs in the oases or local beaches, shorts or leggings and a shirt are best.
Comfortable shoes are essential. Socks are also advised even in summer, as they protect against mosquitoes in the evenings.
Always take an extra layer of clothing. Early morning tours in winter and desert nights can be very cold — temperatures can drop 20 degrees from peak daytime to nighttime minimum.
Choose sunglasses that protect from UV radiation. Don’t look directly at the sun.
INDOOR AND EATING ETIQUETTE
Shoes must be removed before entering a mosque. People also go shoeless in many homes and eating places, especially where seated on the floor — watch what others do and take your cue from this. If eating a traditional Egyptian meal that includes sharing food from the same bowls and eating with bread, note that people eat with their right hand, even left-handed people. If eating with bread, use small portions and eat that portion in one mouthful if possible.
GREETING PEOPLE, PUBLIC INTERACTION
Showing affection is different here. Do not kiss or embrace someone of the opposite sex in public. You will see Egyptian couples holding hands in the cities, but these will be married, engaged or courting. Children are freely embraced and kissed in most places, but as a foreigner you would not kiss or embrace a child unless you knew them and they instigated it. Smiles and waving are fine. Many women do not like to be photographed, and children in some places will also object — always ask first, and if a parent is present, ask their permission too.
Handshakes are an accepted greeting for foreigners, but be aware some Muslim women do not shake hands, and some Muslim men will not shake hands with women — don’t feel slighted if they don’t respond. Foreigners should not greet those of the opposite sex by kissing or embracing. Men often walk arm in arm or with an arm around a friend’s shoulder — this is purely a gesture of friendship here. Men embrace each other warmly and kiss lightly on meeting; women may also greet each other with a kiss.
Egyptian body language is complex. Do not maintain eye contact for a long time, especially women — it can be misinterpreted as staring, rudeness, or even an invitation to intimacy.
In tourist resorts you may meet Egyptian men who use Western social body contact norms such as touching your arm or trying to hold your hand — politely decline this contact.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
How to avoid dehydration, heat stroke and heat rash, and maintain your energy to really enjoy your travel.
When possible, schedule activities so you are in shade or air-conditioning at the hottest times, following local living patterns.
Drink more water than usual, especially since you may be more physically active than at home. Alcoholic drinks and caffeine (tea, coffee, some soft drinks) dehydrate you, so limit these. Avoid heavy meals and stick to cooler, peelable fruits with high water content. Rehydration sachets are always an asset in Egypt.
Take cool showers, not hot ones. If outdoors and feeling the heat, soak a cotton scarf in water and tie it around your neck.
Aloe vera relieves sunburn, heat rash or other skin irritations. Cold tea also soothes sunburn. Natural cornstarch powder (without talcum chemicals) can ease skin problems. Peppermint oil is great for aching feet and legs.
If the heat gets too much, ask your guide to stop for a cool lemon juice made with bottled water.
MEDICATION AND PRESCRIPTION GLASSES / LENSES
Bring your preferred mosquito deterrent — spray, cream or deterrent arm bands.
Bring your prescription medicine but always check with the Egyptian embassy or consulate to confirm what medicines you can legally bring into Egypt. It will help to have a doctor’s note listing your meds. Bring Imodium or another anti-diarrheal and keep it in your bag — even a change in water can cause diarrhea.
Email yourself or upload online a copy of each prescription, including for glasses or contact lenses.
Do not drink tap water — use bottled water for brushing teeth too.
OTHER THINGS TO PACK
- Torch — small, useful in many ancient monuments (also in case of electricity failures)
- Sunscreen (high factor) — even in winter, fair skins may burn here
- Mosquito net, if you react badly to bites — light and compact, preferable to nightly chemical sprays for longer trips, especially along the Nile Valley (lemons or dry soap can also ease itching from bites)
- A lightweight extra bag that folds into your main bag, for things you buy and bring home
- Small gifts for children (many will ask for money — bring inexpensive souvenirs representing your country instead)
- Depending on your interests (bird watching, fossil hunting, astronomy): binoculars, magnifying glass, constellation map
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES — CONVERTERS AND ADAPTORS
Voltage is 220–240 Volts, with a 2-pin plug. Bring a converter for any appliances that don’t match this. Electric sockets are “Type C” Europlug and “Type E”/”Type F” Schuko. If your plug doesn’t match, bring a travel adapter — buy this before you arrive.
BARGAINING
Bargaining is part of life here and takes practice and patience to get “local” prices. Decide what you’re willing to pay, and enter the bargaining as a game, not a challenge to beat the seller down to his minimum. Consider the labour and skill in producing an item. If you go too low, the seller will rightly refuse — there’s no point getting angry, as they have a living to make too. You can find great bargains and wonderful crafts by skilled artisans. Shopping often includes tea or a cold drink with the seller, and negotiations take time. Carry small change, as many shops may not have change readily available.
Our tour guide is ready to help and give suggestions about this.
TIPPING EXPLAINED AND SUGGESTIONS
Generally speaking, tipping is expected in Egypt’s culture. However, it should only be given if the service is excellent.
To ensure your tour goes smoothly and as part of our services, we cover some tipping on your behalf (restaurants, guards, short boat rides, horse carriages, local guardians, luggage handling in the hotels we book, etc.)
Tipping is not compulsory.
Gratuity guidelines per person per service (EUR) — suggestions, not compulsory:
Airport Assists / Driver per day tour: EUR 4–6 per person per day
Guide: EUR 9–13 per guest per day
Camel or Horse ride: EUR 2 per person per ride
Felucca or motor boat ride (1-2 hours): EUR 1–2 per person per ride (depends on number of guests on board)
Dahabiya Gratuities — Suggestions for Dahabiya Crew, not compulsory:
Dahabiya Crew tipping: EUR 13–17 per person per night
3 Nights: 38–51 EUR per person per trip
4 Nights: 61–68 EUR per person per trip
(Note: the fewer people on board, the higher per-person rate is expected.)
The above gratuities cover all staff on board (12–14 crew members: Captain, Chef, Waiter, Housekeeping, Sailors, Tug Boat Driver, etc.) — not including the tour guide on board.
Gratuities are best given in an envelope on the last night after dinner to the boat captain (the night before checkout).
Nile Cruise Crew tipping: EUR 9 per person per night
3 Nights: 26 EUR per person per trip
4 Nights: 34 EUR per person per trip
(Not including tour guide tipping.)
Overnight Felucca Crew tipping: EUR 4–9 per person per day
(Note: fewer people on board = higher per-person rate expected. Not including tour guide tipping.)
THINGS NOT TO DO IN EGYPT
- Photograph restricted sites, such as military sites, or anywhere an official indicates you should put the camera away
- Be aware that in some places, women and children should not be photographed — your guide can advise
- Carry any weapons, including Swiss knives, as these are banned in Egypt
- Go anywhere without your passport or other identification
- Drink and dive — this increases your risk of decompression sickness
- Take anything from national parks or antiquity sites
- Stand on, climb on, lean against, rest feet or bags on walls, or touch artwork (including statues) at monuments or museums — respect Egyptian and world heritage for future generations
- Kiss and/or fondle your partner in public
- Discuss Egyptian politics with people you don’t fully trust