Q. What is the best time of year to visit Egypt?

A. The best months to go are Sept - April when it is not so hot.

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Q. What is the currency used?

A. The Egyptian pound.

 

Q. Do you need to tip?

A. The Egyptian term is Baksheesh and you will hear that everywhere. If someone provides you a service, then you                  should give them a tip. Most Egyptians do not earn very much, so giving baksheesh helps them and their families.

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Q. Do I need a visa?

A. Yes. A visa can be purchased at the airport on arrival for US$25 or if you have a local Egyptian Embassy or Consulate          it can be pre-purchased there (and it saves time at the airport).

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Q. Is it better to change money over when I arrive in Egypt?

A. Most of the time you will get a better rate away from the airport. Organise through your bank before you leave.

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Q. Are sites, museums, etc., accessible for people with a disability, e.g. wheelchair, walking stick, etc.?

A. More places are becoming aware of the need to provide ramps etc. When discussing where you want to visit we will              take any special needs you may have into consideration. 

 

Q. Being a Muslim country, is there a suggested dress code?

A. In order not to give offense it is best if ladies dress modestly - cover their shoulders (i.e. no singlet tops) and knees            while in public places. In hotels and on the tours boats it is more relaxed. Men should wear longer length shorts or              pants.

 

Q. Do women need to wear a scarf and cover their hair?

A. Visiting females only need to cover their hair in some mosques. You will find many beautiful scarves in shops around            Egypt so purchase one or two of those as they make lovely souvenirs as well as being practical if the need arises.

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Q. What are the rules regarding public displays of affection?

A. As Egypt is very conservative (some parts more than others), keep kissing for when you are in private. In some areas          holding hands is ok (though not so much for young couples). The best option is to walk arm in arm which is what you          will see the locals doing. 

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Q. Can I take photos everywhere?

A. Outdoors there are normally no restrictions on photos. Insides museums and tombs there is a separate fee as a ticket           must be purchased (these are not included in trip price) and you may be asked to show the guardian your photography         ticket. These tickets allow non-flash photos only. If you take photos of people, you may be asked for baksheesh in                return.   Women generally do not like to be photographed, it is better to ask first than offend them.  

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Q. Do I need vaccinations?

A. It is best to be up-to-date with flu shots, Hep A, Typhoid at a minimum. Depending on where you are traveling from, or       if you have come via countries/areas with a high risk of Yellow Fever you may need to have that vaccination as well. It          is advisable to check with your doctor a couple of months prior to leaving to ensure you are up-to-date with vaccinations.

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Q. Can I take my regular medications with me?

A.  If taking regular medication, it needs to be carried in the original boxes/pack (not loose). Ensure that you have them in        your carry-on bags if you need to take them during your trip to Egypt. It is also a good idea to take a prescription for           your regular medications with you. 

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Q. Is local food safe to eat?

A. Be careful of buying food from street vendors, it may have been sitting out for a while and if in close proximity to where       horses, donkeys, and camels are there may be a lot of flies also. Any raw fruit should be peeled first and be aware of any      vegetables/salads washed under tap water. Do not drink the local water, only consume bottled water and use that as well     when brushing your teeth. 

 

Q. What are the 'must bring' items?

A. We advise our clients to bring the following items with them - sunscreen, hat, camera, notebook, torch, book(s) (for           downtime if you like reading), hand sanitiser and medications for upset stomach/diarrhea as a precaution. 

 

Q. What is meant by Egyptian hospitality?

A. In many shops, you will be offered a drink e.g. coke, mint tea, water, etc. You are not charged for the drinks, it is their        way of welcoming you.

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