Egypt Travel Guide: Essential Information for Tourists:
Explore Egypt’s rich history, vibrant culture, and unique geography with this essential guide for tourists. From practical details to cultural tips, this information will help you navigate your Egyptian adventure with ease
Geography of Egypt:
Size: Egypt spans nearly one million square kilometres.
Population: 90% of the population lives in just 10% of the country’s land area, primarily in the Nile Delta and Nile Valley, where agricultural activities thrive.
Time Zone:
Egypt operates on Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC +2.
The country does not observe daylight saving time, meaning the time remains the same year-round.
Climate:
Summer: Egypt’s climate is predominantly hot and dry, with temperatures exceeding 38°C during the summer months (May to September). In Upper Egypt, temperatures can even reach 50°C.
Winter: From late November to February, temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C along the Mediterranean coast, while in Aswan temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C.
Desert & Sinai: The desert regions and Sinai mountains experience extremely hot days and chilly nights.
Currency:
The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), commonly referred to as LE
Exchange: US Dollars, Euros, and British Pounds are easily exchanged in major cities.
Denominations: Egyptian pounds come in coins (10pt, 25pt, 50pt) and notes (1LE, 5LE, 10LE, 20LE, 50LE, 100LE, 200LE).
Small change can be scarce, so keep small denominations handy for tipping and minor purchases.
Visa Requirements:
Visa on Arrival: Nationals from many countries, including the USA and UK, can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Egyptian airports.
Advance Visa: Citizens of certain countries, such as India and China, must apply for a visa before arriving.
Cost: The visa fee is $25 USD per person.
Health & Water:
Tap Water: Tap water in Egypt is chlorinated, and while it is generally safe for locals, it is recommended for short-term visitors to drink bottled water.
Bottled Water: Popular brands like Nestlé, Hyatt, and Baraka are widely available.
Milk & Juice: Avoid unpasteurized milk and fruit juices that may contain untreated water.
Health Tips: For more health and vaccination information, refer to the official CDC travel page.
Toilets and Facilities:
Public Toilets: Public toilets in Egypt can range from squat toilets to Western-style toilets. Usage typically requires a small fee (1-2LE).
Paper: Always carry toilet paper with you, as public restrooms may not provide it.
Water Jet: Many toilets are equipped with a water jet for cleaning—something worth trying
Trading Hours:
Shops: Typically open from 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM and 05:00 PM to 10:00 PM (summer); 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM (winter).
Tourist Sites: Most tourist attractions operate from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, though some, like Khan al Khalili Bazaar, remain open until late evening.
Banks: Open from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM Sunday to Thursday. Some banks in Cairo offer evening hours.
Transportation in Egypt:
Flights: Domestic flights are the fastest way to travel between cities, especially to Luxor and Aswan.
Trains: Sleeper trains offer an overnight option for traveling between Cairo and Upper Egypt.
Horse-Drawn Carriages: While traditional, horse carriages in Luxor and Aswan should be approached cautiously to avoid scams.
Other Transport: Public buses and taxis are common, but taxis should be metered or negotiated in advance.
Safety and Personal Belongings:
Crowd Safety: Be cautious in crowded areas and always secure bags and money belts.
Personal Security: Always keep valuables like money and passports on you. Use hotel safes when necessary, but avoid leaving important items unattended.
Hotel Safes: Many hotels provide safe deposit boxes in rooms.
What to Pack & Wear:
Religious Sites: Many mosques are closed during prayer times but are open to visitors at other times.
Visiting Mosques: Egypt is home to some of the world’s most beautiful mosques, including Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo. When visiting, remove your shoes and dress modestly.
Beachwear: Can be worn on the beach and at resorts, but avoid it in public areas.
Mosques and Religion
Women: Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a scarf when entering mosques or churches.
Men: Avoid wearing shorts in holy places.
Respecting Local Customs: Egypt is a Muslim country with a conservative dress code. When visiting local areas, markets, and religious sites, dressing modestly is important
Alcohol:
Local Beer: Stella is the local beer, commonly found in most venues.
Alcohol Laws: While alcohol is available in bars and hotels, it is prohibited in public places.
Shopping and Markets:
Bargaining: Most items in Egyptian markets are negotiable. Aim to pay 30-50% of the initial asking price and work your way up.
Popular Markets: Khan al Khalili Bazaar in Cairo is a must-visit for tourists looking for souvenirs.
Conclusion:
With a rich history, unique culture, and fascinating landmarks, Egypt offers something for every traveler. Use this guide to plan your trip, and enjoy exploring the land of the Pharaohs!