|
|
|
| Travel Tips |
|
|
Flight Booking
We do not organize international flights and suggest booking these with your local travel agency or online with the airlines directly. Most of the largest airlines have regular flights into Egypt such as Egypt Air, Singapore Airlines, KLM, Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, Etihad, Alitalia, Olympic, Austrian Airlines and United. Charter flights are also available from many European countries to Luxor, Marsa Alam, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
Visa Requirements
Tourist visas can be obtained from Egyptian consulates all over the world.
Visas are also issued at the Emigration office at Cairo airport for $15 for Canadian, American, European Union, Australian and New Zealand passport holders. Please note that your passport should be valid for at least six months.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange is available at the airport, hotels and in banks. Banking hours are Sunday - Thursdays 8.30am - 2pm. ATM's are readily available in the big cities and in the majority of the 5* hotels. Credit cards are widely accepted at shops and restaurants but often incur a 3 - 5% supplement. Egyptian currency has both Arabic and English numerals and consists of these denomination:
Pound Notes : 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1.
Piaster Notes: 50, 25, 10.
Coins: 1 (Pound) and smaller piaster - 25, 20, 10, 5.
Tipping
It is customary to tip in Egypt as a reward for services rendered and for most local people an essential means of supplementing their income.
As you are a visitor to this country, you do not always know what the right amount to tip someone is. It is always at your discretion the amount to tip someone as it is essentially a sign of your appreciation for the services rendered however, we are able to give you a guideline of recommended amounts to help you in your budgeting and also to give you a better idea of what amount people generally give as tips.
The following amounts are in Egyptian Pounds (L.E.) and are on a per person basis.
Tour Representatives
| (Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Oasis, Dahab) |
20 - 50 L.E. (Pay to the rep as you leave each city) |
| Guides |
30 - 100 L.E. (Per Day) |
| Drivers |
10 L.E. (Per Day) |
| Felucca Captain |
20 – 30 L.E. (for the 2 night Felucca cruise) |
| Cruise Staff |
10 - 20 L.E. (per night onboard the boat) |
| Porters and Hotel Staff |
5 L.E. (per service rendered) |
Weather
Summer months are hot and dry in Upper Egypt, the Delta and on the Mediterranean Coast. Winter months are mild with bright sunny days and cold nights. Spring and autumn months are pleasant and warm.
Dress
Light cottons and comfortable shoes are suitable year round for day touring. Try to dress conservatively (both Men and Women alike) when touring in religious areas, public places such as train stations, markets and when in rural areas. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended for protection against the harsh rays of the sun during the summer months.
Language
Arabic is the official language not only for Egypt but also for all the Middle Eastern countries except Israel, Iran and Turkey. English and French are widely spoken in Egypt.
Religion
Some religions and customs may seem strange, complicated and at times unfathomable but to local people they are important so be respectful.
Approximately 90% of Egypt�s population is Muslim and the remainder are Coptic Christians. Ramadan is when people of the Muslim faith fast during daylight hours. This results in many businesses closing during the day, particularly in the afternoon. However this does not generally apply to businesses that cater predominantly to tourists. The start/finish date for Ramadan is different from year to year. In the evenings during Ramadan, the meal called Iftar (which is breaking the fast) is a happy occasion, which often ends with a lively party celebration - an interesting feature for visitors.
Health
Vaccinations are no longer necessary when traveling to Egypt. We do however recommend you drink bottled water, avoid ice and place caution when eating salads and fruits.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones with roaming operate effectively in most areas of Egypt (including the beach resorts).
Internet Access
Internet access is readily available. Most hotels have business centers and internet cafes are in all cities and beach resort towns. You will also find free wireless internet access at many coffee shops and restaurants in Cairo.
Photography
Egypt is a photographer's heaven! At most sights cameras are welcome. Don�t take photos of military areas, bridges and embassy's. Please check with your guide and always be respectful if taking photos of local people.
Tombs and Temples
When inside the tombs and temples please do not touch the walls. The natural oils present in your skin can damage the surfaces. Flash photography is also not permitted.
Voltage
The voltage in Egypt is 220 and the sockets are 2 pronged European Style. If traveling from the US, Canada or other countries where the typical voltage is 110 you will need to bring a power adaptor. All other countries with 220 or 230 voltages will simply need to bring a travel adaptor plug.
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
