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Practical information about Egypt
Your trip
The best time to travel to Egypt is from October to April. During these months, the weather is pleasant, warm during the day and cooler at night. It is a great time to explore Cairo’s streets or enjoy the peaceful desert landscapes, all with plenty of sunshine.
Everyone must take out travel and health insurance before leaving for Egypt. Whether Egypt is covered by your policy differs per insurance policy. In some cases this will not be a problem. At CultureRoad we recommend: IATI Travel Insurance, a reliable company that has different insurance options that fits your personal needs. Book now to get a 5% discount!
Most travellers will need a visa to travel to Egypt. Most nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival (around 28 USD) at Cairo International Airport or online via the Egyptian government’s official e-visa portal. If you are not eligible to apply for a visa online, you must do so through you nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate.
Egypt uses the time zone UCT +3.
Egypt has no difference between summer and winter time.
The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, it’s important to have local money on hand, especially for smaller purchases, in rural areas, or at local markets where cards might not be accepted. It’s recommended to bring US dollars or euros for ease of exchange, as they are commonly accepted and easy to exchange at banks or exchange offices. ATMs are also accessible in Egypt, and most ATMs accept international credit and debit cards. For the latest exchange rates, visit www.xchange.com.
The amount of money you will spend depends on your personal spending needs, how much you would like to drink, and how many souvenirs you would like to buy.
Average prices for daily expenses:
– Meals: $3-15
– Bottled water: $1-2
– Beer: $2-3
– Coffee or tea: $1-2
Tipping local guides and drivers is always encouraged. Local wages are very modest, so a small contribution from you will often make a big difference to our local partners and their families. We recommend setting aside €5 to €10 per day for tips, but the amount you tip is, of course, ultimately your decision.
We are always available to advise you when booking a flight. However, most customers prefer to book the flight themselves. Often this is cheaper in terms of price and you can pick your own preferences.
Practical information
In Egypt, the electricity supply is 220 Volt / 50 Hz. Type C is the most common plug socket, the same as the Netherlands plugs. It is a good idea to bring a plug adapter, particularly if you are bringing non-European plugs. Power outages are rare, but it is still advised to bring a power bank with you.
Internet and mobile coverage is widely available throughout Egypt, especially in cities. If you choose to, you may purchase a SIM card at the airport or in Cairo. Your local guide will be happy to assist you in this.
Local culture
Egypt has two predominant religious populations; Muslims and Egyptian Coptic Christians. In general, Egypt is a conservative country, but less so in the major cities. Be mindful of this and show respect for the local customs as you travel through Egypt. Alcohol is legal in Egypt.
Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
– Be aware of drinking alcohol in public, ask your local guide if in doubt.
– Always take off your shoes when entering a mosque or house. Hold the soles of your shoes together.
– Never show the sole of your shoe while you’re sitting down.
– Do not pass in front of someone who is praying.
– Limit public displays of affection.
– Wear modest clothes.
Egypt is a relatively safe country, and the areas we visit are those where we feel confident about bringing travellers. If the situation in any location changes, we will adjust our plans immediately. For this reason, we ask our travellers to remain flexible throughout the trip, as ensuring everyone’s safety is our top priority.
Some of the safety measures to follow on our tours:
– We do not share details of the itinerary or hotel names with anyone. While such questions may be asked simply out of curiosity, we refrain from disclosing this information as a precaution.
– We recommend avoiding wearing expensive jewellery or watches, please leave them at home.
– Always pay attention to and follow the guidance of your local guide. With extensive experience in Egypt, they can sense when something is not right. They notice far more than we do, so it’s essential to listen to them at all times.
– We recommend everyone register with their local embassy. In case of any issues during the trip, it will be much easier to get assistance through the embassy on site.
Generally, you can take photos freely. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
– Always ask permission before taking a photo of a person.
– Do not take pictures of military personnel, military installations, police officers or government buildings.
Egyptian cuisine is flavorful and diverse, with popular dishes like koshari (rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas), falafel, shawarma, and kofta. Meat options include lamb, beef, and chicken, while vegetarians can enjoy dishes like mahshi (stuffed vegetables) and baba ganoush. Meals are often served with rice or bread. Tap water isn’t safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available. Alcohol is also served in most restaurants and hotels, especially in tourist areas.
We recommend dressing modestly. Wearing long pants or a long skirt with a t-shirt. It is not mandatory for women to wear a headscarf, except at religious sites and places of worship. You will be able to do laundry in most hotels in the big cities. We recommend bringing comfortable shoes which you can walk in all day, and slippers for indoor spaces.
Healthcare is relatively accessible, especially in the major cities. The local hygiene standard naturally differs sometimes from that of the western countries. Make sure you have enough hand sanitizer, sunscreen and insect repellent with you. We always recommend staying informed about the latest health risks in the region you plan to visit. For the most up-to-date information about your destination, check with your government.