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Explore the essential do's and don'ts for travelers to Egypt with our expert guide. Learn how to respect cultural sites, dress appropriately, manage health and safety, and navigate local customs for a memorable Egyptian journey. Get practical tips on preparation, interaction, and enhancing your travel experience.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Egypt is a marvelous chance to explore Egypt with great ease. This article's main goal is to provide a clear explanation of all the things that every traveler can do & things to avoid in Egypt. This article was written by a group of Egyptian travel consultants, tour guides, and tour operators.
The experience of witnessing the Wonders of ancient Egypt with your own eyes is a majestic phenomenon. The do’s and don’ts of Egypt were written to help you have a more safe and relaxing journey across Egypt. Here is a list of the most important do's and don'ts of Egypt:
1. When in Egypt, you must respect all the archaeological monuments and sites by not touching, scratching, or sitting on them as they are what remains of the ancient Egyptian heritage.
2. You should dress correctly despite the fact that there is no specific dress code in the cities. It is known that women will feel much more comfortable if they cover their shoulders and do not wear shorts; this becomes very relevant when visiting mosques and churches. You can read more about what to pack for Egypt.
3. Drink a lot of water and apply sun cream to stand the heat and the sun.
4. Despite the fact that hotels and main shops in the tourist areas would accept credit cards and foreign currencies, smaller restaurants, and stores are unlikely to do so, especially when you go further into the tourist areas and the desert.
5. Buying souvenirs in Egypt will be the highlight of your holiday as it will be a great reminder of your stay in Egypt, where the most incredible collection of perfumes, jewelry, and handicrafts is made from alabaster, textiles, and glass.
6. Always carry your camera with you so you won't miss your amazing moment with your loved ones.
7. Always keep your professional tour guide and driver with you when you go on a desert excursion.
8. Always check the time of the ensa time lock during your Nile River cruise booking.
9. Don't miss your chance to attend a sound and light show in Luxor along with the archaeological spots through the Nile River. 10. Keep your mind focused on having a good time, and don't take long to return to Egypt.
In this article, gain valuable insights on navigating the land of Pharaohs seamlessly by understanding the things to avoid in Egypt!
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Egypt could be one of the most beautiful and complete travel destinations on earth where everyone can enjoy the most amazing vacation. Before traveling to Egypt, be aware of all the rules and guidelines, which include checking your country's visa requirements. Ensure your passport's validity extends six months past your planned exit. Understand all the rules and customs restrictions for items like medications and electronics. Note limits on the Egyptian pound movement. Always prioritize health precautions, like vaccinations and water intake, and watch street food. Stay updated on safety alerts and respect historical sites' guidelines.
The rules and customs of being in Egypt exist to make every traveler experience total comfort and tranquility for example, make sure to react correctly to greetings, appropriate dress codes, especially in religious sites, and dining etiquette. Always make sure to ask for permission, especially when taking pictures. Make sure to carry the local currency for tipping and small purchases. Ensure that all your belongings are safe and the surroundings are entirely magical. Learn some Arabic phrases before arriving in Egypt so you can easily communicate with your driver, tour guide, and the public. These rules ensure safety, respect, and a smoother Egyptian journey.
All the visitors need a single-visit visa so they can enter Egypt. The Egyptian visa is valid for 90 days, and obtaining one is very simple by applying for one at the Egyptian consulate in your country or purchasing a visa on arrival from the Egyptian airport if you belong to one of the countries accessible for a visa on arrival.
Find out everything you need regarding Egypt travel visas, their costs, and the application steps. Take a look now.
Read MoreAll travelers must have a passport that is validated on the date of entry. Egypt, like all other countries, applies strict rules when bringing items like alcohol and cigarettes into the country, so it's advisable just to buy them from an airport shop.
The official and primary language in Egypt is Arabic, and the most common foreign language in Egypt is English, which is spoken in most of the tourist areas. Besides English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish are also spoken by those working in the tourism industry and educated individuals. Egypt's rich historical tapestry and cultural legacy are deeply intertwined with its languages, reflecting a blend of African, Arabian, and Mediterranean influences.
The use of modern standard Arabic is widespread in official settings, education, and the media. The Egyptian Arabic dialect, known colloquially as Masri, serves as the lingua franca among the general population. This dialect is distinct from other Arabic dialects and is known for its unique expressions and idioms, making it an integral part of Egypt's cultural identity.
There are no vaccinations needed to visit Egypt, making it accessible for travelers from around the globe. However, visitors should take precautions against common environmental factors such as dehydration and sunburn, which can be mitigated by using plenty of sun cream, wearing a hat, and dressing in light cotton clothing. These precautions are particularly important given Egypt's hot, sunny climate, especially during the summer months when temperatures can soar.
Medical tourism in Egypt is a type of tourism that is widespread. Here is a list of the best 6 places for medical tourism in Egypt. Read More
Read MoreIn addition to these precautions, travelers are strongly advised to have health insurance before coming to Egypt. While Egypt boasts a range of healthcare facilities that provide good services, having health insurance ensures that travelers can access the necessary medical care without facing significant out-of-pocket expenses. This is especially critical in case of emergencies or unforeseen medical needs.
The main currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP), which is a crucial piece of information for travelers planning a visit to this culturally rich country. For convenience, cash can be obtained very easily from ATMs, which are widely available across all towns and cities throughout Egypt. This widespread availability of ATMs ensures that accessing local currency is straightforward for tourists, regardless of their point of entry or their travel destinations within the country.
All the major hotels and stores in Egypt are quite accommodating when it comes to payment methods. They accept a variety of credit cards, including international ones like MasterCard and Visa. This flexibility is beneficial for travelers who prefer the security and convenience of cashless transactions. In addition to credit cards, these establishments also accept cheques and, of course, cash payments in foreign currencies such as US dollars and euros. This wide range of accepted payment methods underscores Egypt's openness to international visitors and its preparedness to cater to their needs, enhancing the overall ease of travel and commerce within the country.
Egypt weather is very vast, and the weather can differ very considerably from the coast of the north in Alexandria to the further south in Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel. The Nile valley stretches to about 1532 km, and the climate across all that distance is very moderate, with sunshine and very rainy days, unlike the desert areas that have higher temperatures.
Average temperatures in Cairo are about 25-35°C (95°F), while in Aswan at 31-42°C (107.6°F) and in Luxor are 30-40°C (107.6°F). The best time to be in Egypt is in May, April, and in the winter months from August to March when the temperatures are much lower, and in June and July, the climate is the hottest.
There are countless ways to travel across the vast city of Cairo, for the people who have a limited amount of time to travel by air. There are also trains & long-distance buses which are the cheapest choices, but not as fast as airplanes. Travel within cities is best done by minibus, taxis, and private cars.
Hiring a car with a private tour guide is always the best option if you have a tight schedule for all the sights inside a certain city. In Cairo, the subway or a private car is the fastest option. If you want to wander in the desert, you must have your tour guide at all times.
The Egyptian time is two hours ahead of GMT, except from the start of May and the end of September, where it shifts to being three hours ahead, aligning with the end and beginning of British summertime. This seasonal time adjustment is important for travelers to note, especially when planning flights, tours, and activities to ensure synchrony with local time and avoid any scheduling conflicts.
Regarding electricity, Egypt utilizes a 220v system, and the sockets are of the two-pin European mainland variety. This is a crucial piece of information for travelers who rely heavily on electronic devices such as smartphones, cameras, laptops, and tablets during their travels. The difference in socket types means that visitors from countries with different plug standards, including the United States, United Kingdom, and others, will need to pack an adaptor to ensure their electronic devices can be charged and used without interruption.
All the government, administrative offices, and banks are open from 9 am to 2 pm each day, except for Fridays, Saturdays, and public holidays. All historical sites and museums are open daily. All the shops are open from 10 am to 10 pm every day except Sunday. In Ramadan, all these times can change. Here are famous festivals and public holidays in Egypt:
Egypt, like any modern country, has embraced Internet services, making it easy for residents and visitors alike to stay connected. WiFi is readily available in most public places, including hotels, cafes, restaurants, and even in some public transportation areas. This widespread availability of internet services ensures that travelers can easily access online maps, information, and social media or stay in touch with friends and family back home.
Egypt's telephone system is efficient and robust, capable of connecting you anywhere in the world. This is particularly reassuring for international travelers who may need to make urgent calls or arrange international communications during their stay. The country's telecommunications infrastructure supports a variety of services, including mobile phone networks that offer extensive coverage across urban and most rural areas, ensuring connectivity even when on the move.
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Not researching the culture & country before you go. Not researching the locations and attractions you visit and which ones you should avoid You don't pack culturally appropriate clothing. Not Preparing for the weather. Not booking your Nile cruise first. Not hiring a guide for certain tourist sites. Traveling without a currency converter app. Avoid discussing politics or religion with the public You forget to tip. Not haggling for shopping and taxis Not Packing the right medicines.
Every traveler must respect all the archaeological monuments and sites by not touching, scratching, or sitting on them as they are what remains of the ancient Egyptian heritage. You should dress conservatively despite the fact that there is no specific dress code in the cities, it is known that women will feel much comfortable if they cover their shoulders and do not wear shorts, plus this becomes very relevant when visiting mosques and churches. Drink a lot of water and apply sun cream to stand the heat and the sun. Despite the fact that hotels and main shops in the tourist areas would accept credit cards and foreign currencies, but smaller restaurants and stores are unlikely to do so especially when you go further into the tourist areas and the desert. Be careful when paying Buying souvenirs. Always keep your camera phone with you at all times. Always keep your professional tour guide and driver with you even when you go on a desert excursion. Always check the time of the ensa time lock during your Nile cruise booking. Attend a sound and light show in Luxor along with the archaeological spots through the Nile. focus on having a good time and don't take long to return to Egypt. Every traveler must respect all the archaeological monuments and sites by not touching, scratching, or sitting on them as they are what remains of the ancient Egyptian heritage.
Before traveling to Egypt, Every travel should conduct critical research about his or her travel destination in relation to the history, the culture, customs, the do & don't, plus check with the travel agency about all the details relating to the accommodations, transportation, and everything else. Most importantly make sure that the Visa is good to go.
Egypt is one of the safest travel destinations in the world right now, due to the low crime level when compared with the crime rates of many Western countries. In Mid 2021 world Health Organization places Egypt at the lowest level of coronavirus spread Risk across the world due to the measures taken by the Egyptian government that helped control the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of each traveler such as the cleansing of all the visited attractions on a daily basis which help record the lowest number of infections and the highest number of recovery cases.
Tipping is always expected in Egypt, it is generally from 5% to 10% as a sign of good etiquette and respect across all the facilities.
The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (LE). Don't change your money before you come to Egypt so you don't miss the change rate. You will get a better rate for your dollars and more currencies in Egypt. the English Pound, Euro, and US Dollar are accepted.
Your spending plan will be around E£636 ($41) per day during a vacation in Egypt, which is considered to be the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
It would be very useful to know some Arabic words and phrases like Salaam Alaykum (hello), Ma’is Salaama (goodbye), min fudlak (please) for male and min fadlik for female, Shukran (thank you), lu samaht (excuse me), Aiwa (yes), laa (no), Yalla (lets go), mashy (okay), Afwan (you’re welcome), Em’shee (go away).
Travel Insurance is the best way to stay safe during your time in Egypt and afford any extra cost such as medical expenses, cancellations, delays, and repatriation, plus Baggage, passport, & personal liability coverage. Note, It must be done in your home country before your arrival.
English is the most widely used language in Egypt, the majority of the road signs in Egypt are written both in Arabic and English.
Egypt is a magical country built on the foundation of humility and respect, where there are a number of behaviors and customs that every traveler should be aware of. It is advised to show respect for the elders in both speech and behavior. Responding to the greeting of "As-salaam alaykum" (peace be upon you) followed by "wa alaykum as-salam" (and upon you be peace) is expected. Avoid showing the soles of your feet, which can be considered disrespectful. Refusing food or drink offered by the host in their house might be considered impolite. Make sure not to discuss any topics related to religion or politics in public, which some opinions could be seen as controversial to some.
Egypt is like any country with a lot of controversial subjects, diverse customs, and individual preferences so it is advised to stay polite and become very aware of each subject that you will welling to discuss with other people in Egypt.
The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.
If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa.
Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.
The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.
You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort to make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the finest atmosphere until you return home.
You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.
Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.
The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.
There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.
Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.
Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.
The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.
The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.
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