Travel Tips

Essential Travel Tips for Egypt

Egypt is a unique and fascinating travel destination, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and natural wonders. To help you prepare for your trip, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide with practical tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Visa Requirements

• Visitors to Egypt must have a valid passport.
• Tourist visas can be obtained from Egyptian embassies or consulates before travel, or upon arrival at major entry ports for most nationalities.
• Check with the nearest Egyptian consulate for specific requirements based on your nationality.

Climate

• Egypt is generally warm and dry, with temperatures varying by region.
• Best Time to Visit: September to April for pleasant weather.
• Summer: Can be extremely hot, especially in Upper Egypt during June and July.
• Winter: Warm days but chilly evenings, especially in the desert and northern areas.
• Rainfall: Rare in Upper Egypt; occasional light rain in Cairo and the Delta during winter.

Health and Safety

• Drink only bottled water, widely available. Avoid tap water for drinking but it’s safe for showering and brushing teeth.
• Avoid street food; stick to reputable restaurants and hotel dining.
• Protect against heatstroke by staying hydrated and using sunscreen.
• Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations and bring any prescribed medications, including antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea.
• Use hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the strong sun.

Language

• Official Language: Arabic is widely spoken, though English is commonly understood in tourist areas.
• Learning a few basic Arabic phrases is appreciated and can enhance your interactions.
• Other European languages, such as French, German, and Italian, are commonly spoken in popular tourist spots like Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada.

Money and Payments

• Keep sufficient cash for expenses like meals, entrance fees, tips, and shopping.
• Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted in most cities and ATMs are widely available.
• In rural areas, cash is essential, as card payments and ATMs may not be accessible.

Photography

• Egypt offers endless opportunities for incredible photography.
• Photography is allowed at most historical sites, though flash is often prohibited, particularly in tombs.
• Some sites charge a fee for photography or videography.
• Avoid photographing military facilities, airports, and other restricted areas.
• Always ask for permission before photographing people and respect their wishes.

Food and Drink

• Hotel and Nile cruise meals are typically served buffet-style and cater to international tastes.
• For authentic Egyptian cuisine, seek recommendations from your guide or our team.
• Egyptian beers, such as Stella and Sakkara, and wines like Omar Khayyam and Obelisk, are widely available and of good quality.

Shopping

Egypt is a shopper’s paradise, offering:

• Papyrus, perfumes, spices, gold, silver, and cotton products.
• Handicrafts, handmade carpets, galabiyas, and unique souvenirs.
• Bargaining is common in bazaars, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for the best price.

Tipping

• Tipping ("baksheesh") is customary and appreciated in Egypt, especially for services like housekeeping, porters, guides, and drivers.
• In restaurants, a tip of around 10% of the bill is standard.
• Tip based on the quality of service, but it is not mandatory.

Travel Insurance

• Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover unforeseen situations such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
• Verify that your policy includes international coverage, particularly for Egypt.

Voltage and Electricity

• Egypt uses 220V AC, 50Hz electricity with two-pin European-style plugs.
• Bring an adapter and transformer if your devices require them.

Packing Tips

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days.
• Sweaters, jackets, or coats for cooler evenings, especially in winter.
• Comfortable walking shoes for tours.
• Hats, sunglasses, and scarves (especially for women visiting religious sites).
• Prescription medications and travel essentials like sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Swimsuits for swimming or beach outings.

Dress Code

• Dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites like mosques, churches, and synagogues.
• Avoid shorts and sleeveless attire in sacred places.
• Women are advised to carry a scarf to cover their heads and shoulders when needed.

Time Zone

• Egypt operates on GMT+2.
• Daylight savings time (GMT+3) is observed from the last Friday in April to the last Friday in September.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the wonders of Egypt. For any additional questions or guidance, our team is here to assist you every step of the way. We can’t wait to welcome you to this incredible destination!