Arab Republic of Egypt

Capital: Cairo

Language
In Egypt the spoken language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood. However, if you can spend sometime picking up a few words of Arabic, the locals will be absolutely delighted.

Visa
All Egyptian consulates issue visas and they can also be issued at the airports for some nationalities. 1-month tourist stay permits are issued to the nationals of most European and (other) Western countries at the airports of Egypt upon arrival. Fees are applicable and to be paid either directly by the arriving tourist or are charged to the wholesaler/tour operator. Passports must have mandatory 3 months validity from the day of scheduled departure out of Egypt. For clarification on eligibility for a stay permit on arrival or other classes of immigration permits, please contact the nearest Egyptian Embassy at your place of residence.

Culture/Religion
Egypt is a Muslim country with a very different culture and mentality to that of the west. Please expect a lot of attention from the local people they will give you all an exceptional welcome in their land.

Climate
Take care in the dry climate and very high temperature, especially during the summer months. Make sure you get enough fluids by drinking plenty of bottled water which is available everywhere. We also advise guests to take care when sunbathing.

Egyptian Currency and Changing Money

The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound, which is made up of 100 piasters. You will very rarely see any coins, most of the Egyptian currency comes in note form starting with 25 pilastres, 50 pilastres, 1 pound, 5, 10, 50 and hundred Egyptian pound note. The value of each note is written in English in one side and Arabic numbers on the other side

Shopping

Egypt is a shopper's paradise and you can find many wonderful gifts for your family and friends. There is a huge variety ranging from herbs and spices to gold and silver, perfume oils, papyrus paper and statues.

Handicapped Facilities

Facilities for handicapped travelers are limited. Check with us for the availability of transport and rooms configured for handicapped travelers.

Health Notice

No vaccinations are currently required for visitors to Egypt if coming from the Western world. Many hotels maintain clinics and doctors on call. Several well equipped medical (outpatient) facilities operate on 24-hour basis. Note that all services are to be paid on the spot and in cash. No (travel) health-insurance-vouchers are accepted so far and it is advised to purchase evacuation insurance prior to arrival.

Pharmacy
Common pharmaceuticals are stocked at Egypt's many drugstores (in each neighborhood one will find a 24-hour opened pharmacy). It is recommended that one brings copies of eyeglass and medical prescriptions to facilitate local service. Also it should be considered to bring details of any significant medical history in case a sudden need for local medical treatment arises.

Water
Is generally potable in Egypt though it is highly advisable to use tap water not for consumption due to the high content of chloride. Bottled water is available everywhere.

Alcohol

As Egypt is a Muslim country, alcohol is not served everywhere. They are available in hotels, bars, discotheques, pubs, on board the Nile cruisers and in most restaurants.
You may find alcohol quite expensive, due to the fact that taxation on such products is very high. Imported beer and wine are more expensive than local products.

Smoking
Public smoking is widely accepted and many Egyptians enjoy smoking either cigarettes or the famous "water pipe". Major brands of tobacco are produced locally under license or are imported for sale. Like the rest of the developed world, there is a growing sensitivity to the dangers of passive smoking. Nowadays smoking is not permitted in all public buildings and all means of transport including their stations. Many hotels started to offer nonsmoking rooms as well as nonsmoking sections in their restaurants.

Tipping
One of the greatest pleasures of traveling in Egypt is the friendliness of the people especially in the hotels and the cruise boats. All the staff strive to provide a very high standard of service. In view of this, it is customary to leave a tip, otherwise known as Baksheesh. Tipping is not restricted to foreigners and you will often see during your travels within Egypt, local people leaving a tip for any service provided.

Tour Tips

When on tours please wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat and carry plenty of drinking water. Spare cash will be required to cover any gratuities or extra camera ticket cost, which are not including in the excursion price. At some historic sites, photography is completely forbidden as is the use of a flash. Your guide will always be on hand to advise you of such details as they arise.

Consulates and Embassies

Most of the countries of the world maintain Embassies in the capital Cairo and some (European) countries have opened (honorary) Consulates in Alexandria, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada.

Taxi and Transportation

There are several reputable limousine companies operating in the Capital and along the Red Sea Resorts. Rates are fixed and are available at the hotel's reception or concierge desk. Non-metered taxis are on service throughout the country but fares have to be negotiated in advance. Public transport in the form of small local vans, intercity buses and trains operate at reasonable rates. Cairo features the continents only Metro/Underground system and tramways are available in Cairo and Alexandria.

Television
Egypt has numerous national television networks, many broadcasting western entertainment programs with subtitles in Arabic. Most of the hotels referred to as our 'preferred partners' offer satellite links providing international broadcasts in a number of languages.

Electricity

The Egyptian network works on 220volts, 50Hz.sockets take the standard European round plug. Adapter plugs and transformers are generally required for 110 volts devices.

 

Weights and Measures

Egypt operates on the metric system.