Things To Know Before Traveling to Egypt
Things To Know Before Traveling to Egypt Undoubtedly, if you are considering a vacation to Egypt, you probably have a lot of questions. Is hiring a guide warranted? Which locations ought you to go to? What should you pack? And last but not least, is it safe to travel to Egypt?
We traveled to Egypt for 12 days. We traveled to Cairo, Giza, Luxor,
Abydos Dendera, Aswan, and Abu Simbel during this time. We drove from Luxor to Aswan along the Nile River instead of taking a cruise, which I shall discuss in this piece, for a variety of reasons. During our stay, we gained a great deal of knowledge, which we would like to share with you.
We have been inundated with emails concerning safety and what to anticipate from a trip to Egypt since we got home. We believe it would be worthwhile to write an article containing the detailed responses that Tim has been providing to all of your questions.
Where should you go?
Some of the most magnificent and ancient sites on earth may be found in Egypt. Yes, everyone has heard of the magnificent pyramids located on the Giza Plateau, but Egypt is much more than simply the pyramids. Saqqara and Dahshur’s pyramids are worth visiting during a day trip from Cairo because they are less well-known and more enjoyable. You can also take a day or two to explore Old Cairo, see the churches and mosques, and learn about Egyptian history at the Egyptian Museum. Alexandria, with its location on the Mediterranean Sea, makes a nice day trip from Cairo.
In addition to seeing the magnificently ornamented tombs of the former Egyptian kings and queens, Luxor is home to the massive Karnak Temple and the Temple of Luxor. It would take days, indeed days, to see all of the tombs and temples on the West Bank. It’s among the biggest outdoor museums on the planet.
Egyptians are hospitable people
Anticipate warmth, friendliness and curiosity from Egyptians. Middle Eastern culture is widely known for its hospitality and when you visit Egypt, you’ll witness that kindness first hand. Locals may want to snap pictures, chat and ask questions, so learning a few phrases in Arabic will go a long way, even if they speak English. The point of travel is to mix and mingle with the natives, only to develop a better understanding of the place, people and culture. Enjoy Egypt!
Tipping is essential
While tipping or “baksheesh” is customary in many areas of the world, in Egypt, locals rely on gratuities to make a living and feed their families. Expect to tip any hotel staffer who assists you, the maid, waiters and waitresses, drivers and guides. Tips range from 3LE to 10LE for servers and hotel staff and 50LE or more per day for guides. Tip about 10% of the total bill in restaurants. Please note that American coins cannot convert to Egyptian money so be sure to tip in local currency or use dollars. Also, if a driver comments that your tip is too low, do not be offended! This is part of the tipping etiquette of Egypt. Do not feel obligated to increase the tip. Smile, politely say, “No,” and move on.
Shopping for souvenirs?
Haggling is okay
Spending a few hours browsing the souk? You’ll be hard-pressed not to buy. Know that negotiating is acceptable in Egypt, and make sure to carry cash.
A trip to Egypt is exceptionally affordable
The amount of cash that you’ll spend in Egypt will be less than many other destinations. While airfare will be the costliest portion of the trip, attractions, luxury hotels, upscale restaurants, and cocktail bars won’t break the bank. When you begin perusing Egypt travel packages, you’ll notice how major expenses will be included in the package price.
Respect the culture and dress appropriately
Egypt is a mostly Muslim country, so ladies should be prepared to dress modestly out of respect. Women should not wear low-cut tops, shorts, or skimpy skirts. Ankle-length skirts, pants, long-sleeve cotton, and linen blouses (with roll-up sleeves) work best. Though headscarves aren’t required in Egypt like they are in some other Muslim countries, carry a scarf just in case. Bathing suits, tank tops, sundresses, and shorts are more acceptable in beach towns. Khakis and T-shirts or button-down shirts work well for men.
Drink bottled water only
Don’t attempt to drink the tap water in Egypt. While Cairo’s water isn’t unsafe to drink, the taste won’t be pleasant. Bottled water should be readily available, even in small towns. Of course, you’ll want to savor Egyptian cuisine, but pace yourself and don’t overindulge. Your digestive system might not be accustomed to the many spices used in the country’s flavorful dishes.
It’s best to travel with a reputable guide
For an added level of safety as well as expertise, hire a guide. Many Egypt tour packages provide a knowledgeable guide and/or driver, so you can kick back and enjoy the trip and not have to worry about getting lost or communicating. Time is best spent with a local who knows the country as well as the history and culture.
Be prepared for desert conditions
Egypt’s temperatures can soar, especially during July and August when the thermostat can exceed 100ºF. Be sure to pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, lightweight clothing, and several pairs of sunglasses. Bug repellant is also a good idea. August is known to have 13 hours of sunshine each day, so anticipate especially hot, dry conditions in desert towns like Luxor and Aswan, and always carry enough bottled water to stay hydrated (more on water next).
