USEFUL INFORMATION FOR EGYPT

In order to help you enjoy your time in Egypt, we have compiled this information and guide, offering suggestions and advice on everything from visas, staying healthy and tipping.

VISA Citizens of the UK require a visa to visit Egypt. This can be obtained on arrival for £10.00 (this must be paid in English pounds). A return air ticket is also required and your passport should be valid for at least six months after your return date to the UK.

CURRENCY The Currency in Egypt is called the Egyptian pound (epd) and is divided into 100 piaster (like 100 pence).  Notes are available in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pounds.  The current exchange rate (01/05/11) is roughly £1.00 to 9.5 Egyptian pounds.

You can change money at the airport and hotels. There are banks and ATMS in all major cities. For clients taking Nile cruises it is advised to change money before embarkation.

Exchange rates are normally far better in Egypt and no commission is paid.

CLIMATE Egypt does not get a lot of rain and relies on the Nile for nearly all of its water. From April to October the average daily temperature is well over 30°C, but even during the winter months it can still be hot.

Excursions, especially those on Nile cruises are likely to start early to avoid the hottest part of the day, sometimes around 0600.

ELECTRICITY The electrical current in Egypt is 220 volts, 50 Hz and uses round-pronged plugs. Therefore UK citizens need to bring adaptors. Most hotels and Nile cruise boats do however have hairdryers in each room and cabin.

HEALTH In common with many tropical countries, standards of hygiene and safety can vary from those in Europe. Upset stomachs are unfortunately quite common; though this in many cases is down to dietary and climate changes. However a degree of caution should be exercised.

Tap water should never be used as drinking water, or even for brushing teeth. You should drink only bottled water and ensure that the seal is not broken. Also try to avoid ice (unless it is known to be from mineral water), very cold drinks and too much fruit (this should be peeled). Also food from street vendors cannot be recommended.

To avoid dehydration drink plenty of bottled water.

The Egyptian currency notes also have a reputation for being dirty as they are passed around frequently, so wash your hands more regularly than normal.

A small bottle of antiseptic hand gel or a packet of wipes is an ideal way to aid hygiene precautions.

INSECTS As in any hot country these can be a problem and repellent sprays should be used. Mosquitoes surface around dusk, especially in locations along the Nile.

SUN The sun will be quite obvious after about a minute, as the sun in Egypt is very strong. Great care should be taken and sun lotion should always be used.  A hat and sun glasses, especially on sightseeing should be obligatory.

LOCAL CUSTOMS Although Egypt is a very friendly country, special care and attention should be paid when visiting mosques and holy sites.  Ladies should cover their shoulders and legs and possibly in some cases their heads. Permission to photograph local people should always be asked.

TIPPING Known as baksheesh; like most places in the world it is now expected, and Egypt was probably the country to invent it! Most people who provide a service will expect a tip, from the airport porters to the maids in the rooms. It is, therefore suggested to ensure you have a supply of 1.00 epd notes to use as required.

On arrival at most airports trolleys are available for 2.00 epd.

NILE CRUISES

ITINERARY This can change suddenly for a number of reasons. Traffic on the Nile, the water level of the Nile changing (sometimes this occurs with little warning when the authorities alter the flow of water from Lake Nasser) and delays in crossing Esna lock.

SIGHTSEEING These can sometimes start very early in the morning to avoid the midday heat. Tickets are required in order to use cameras and videos inside of most tourist attractions (your guide will advise on this). Be warned at some sites you cannot use videos or take photos for security reasons! Also, flash photography is not allowed as it causes harm to the ancient paintwork.

A torch is also a useful idea to view inside some tombs.  Please note that some of the tombs require climbing steep stairs or descending into narrow and confined spaces.

There are police present at all sites (called reassuringly, Tourist Police) and they will ask to check bags on entry.

MOORING When the boats are moored, particularly in Luxor and Aswan you may have to walk through other boats (sometimes up to 5) to reach your vessel. Views from cabins can therefore be restricted. A gang plank is also generally used to board the boats.

FOOD Meals are generally served buffet style, although on some occasions a set menu may be offered. All meals are served with a fixed timetable.

EXTRAS All extras such as drinks, any laundry and telephone calls should be settled on the last day of the cruise at checkout time. Payment can be made with credit cards, traveller’s cheques or cash.  Forms of payment should be checked with the boat captain to confirm what each boat accepts.

DRESS During day and on tours, wear what you like, but please remember that some excursions will mean long periods in the sun. Lightweight clothes are recommended. For dinner smarter clothes are required, though this does not extend to jacket and tie for men.

TIPPING This is customary on a Nile cruise (and actually forms a major part of the staffs’ income) and is divided in to 2 areas. The first is for the staff on the cruise boat; porters, waiters, bar men and cabin attendants. For these, the tip should be placed in an envelope at the end of the cruise and given to the boat captain. The second would be for the staff on the sightseeing excursions; the guide and the driver.

Expect to budget around £4.00 pp per day but this is a guide only

OPTIONALS The main ones are Abu Simbel by road or air and the Sound and Light show in Luxor. Both are bought locally and tend to be paid in cash.

A recent addition is a sunrise balloon ride over the west bank, viewing the sites from the air.  It is advised to check travel insurance to see if this is covered.

SHOPPING There will be ample opportunity for this either on board your cruise boat or at the numerous bazaars and shops. Haggling is customary, as is touting for your trade. In general this is quite good natured but if you feel uncomfortable walk away. Below are a few Arabic words which can be used to good effect.

Thank you                 -          Shukran
No                             -           La
Yes                           -           Naam
My name is               -           Ismi
How much is it          -           Bi-Kaem
God willing                -           Inshallah

This information and guide is intended as a reference only.