Food
We invite you to savor the delicious typical dishes of Egypt, such as: koshari (lentil and rice dish), mahshi (stuffed vegetables) and full Mesdames (broad bean stew). When it comes to fruit, Egypt is a paradise of fragrant and tasty fruits. Don't forget to taste the guavas, dates, figs, and large variety of juicy mangos! .
If fast food is your style, don't worry as you will find KFC, Burger King, Sbarro Italian and of course McDonalds and Pizza Hut. Hardees is also found in many cities as is Domino's pizza.
However, we advise you to avoid drinking tap water, other unbottled beverages, and drinks with ice. The reason is that most water is from trucks and has not been processed to be approved as drinking water.
Local dishes. The typical Egyptian foods are rice, pita bread (aysh) and fava beans. Special dishes include roasted ground lamb like kebab, vegetable casserole, and stuffed, grilled pigeon. Desserts like Om Ali and Baklava are local favorites. Italian and French cuisine can be found in hotels and restaurants. Locally brewed beer and bottled sodas may be found throughout the country. Do not miss out on Egyptian coffee. It is well known for it's delicious taste and is similar to expresso. Cappuccino is found in nearly every cafe as well.
Health:
Vaccinations are no longer necessary or required to enter Egypt. Please consult your physician for more advice. For all health requirements and recommendations, travelers should check with a local Department of Health clinic or U.S Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Egypt has a number of private and public hospitals which are well equipped to take care of medical emergencies should they occur while in the country.
Money:
The unit of currency is the Egyptian Pound (L.E.). It is divided into 100 Piasters (silver coins). Banknotes (paper currency) are available in the following denominations: 0.25, 0.50, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Pounds (L.E.). Coins are available in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, and 25 Piasters. Exchange rate: 1 US Dollar = approximately 5.6 (L.E.), depending on the daily rate. Foreign currency can be exchanged at most banks and authorized exchange offices where the official rates of exchange are posted daily.
Credit cards:
Credit cards like American express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in most tourist establishments. Most street shops are not set up to accept credit cards but they will take payment in Euros or American dollars. It is best to change sufficient money desired for purchases from the shops and to pay in the local currency when possible.
Currency restrictions:
The importation and exportation of local currency is limited to 1000 Egyptian pounds for non-residents. The importation and exportation of foreign currency is not limited.
Banking hours:
8:30am - 2pm Sunday to Thursday, closed Friday, Saturday and most public holidays.
Tips:
The popular "baksheesh." Remember that in Egypt, you pay "baksheesh" for rendered services, and the amount is up to you. Your tour guide will be glad to help you determine appropriate tips when necessary. As is the case everywhere in the world, tips are appreciated by all and should be based on the quality of service received and the amount of your bill in restaurants.
Climate & Clothing:
Egyptian summers are hot and dry while the fall and winter seasons are moderate and the spring season windy. Some rain falls along the coast..
Light cottons and comfortable shoes are recommended for the hot summer months while warm weather attire during winter nights will keep you from getting cold while you stroll the streets and bazaars. Hats, Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended for protection against the harsh rays of the sun. Egypt is religious country; therefore, modest dress is encouraged in certain areas of tourist interests and mosques, however, along the Red Sea coast, swimwear and short dresses are common attire. Proper cover ups for swimwear should be worn on the streets, in restaurants, shops and the like and beachwear should be reserved for the beach.
Transportation:
Air Domestic air travel is the fastest and you will find many flights available between the airports serving the Egyptian cities of Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, Marsa Alam and Aswan.
Buses also serve as a low cost alternative to air travel.
Private cars are available for hire and shared mini buses are also commonly used between cities.
There's a very good system of public and private transport in Egypt. Buses and minibuses are cheaper and operate throughout the country. The 5000 km of rail connects just about every town in the country from Aswan to Alexandria. Taxis can be found easily in the main towns and cities.
Car Rental
You can easily hire a car with a driver. Car rentals are available for self driving also however, we recommend such driving to be left to the professionals in the big cities such as Cairo and Alexandria. It is quite easy to drive oneself around in the smaller coastal areas along the Red Sea coast cities of Hurghada, Safaga, El Quesir and Marsa Alam.
Communication:
Telephone Systems
Egypt has modernized its telephone systems, all cities maybe accessed by direct dial. Phone booths are distributed all over the areas of most cities. Egypt country code is +20 While it is relatively easy to find a pay telephone, you may find it difficult if not impossible to use if you are not familiar with the currency and sometimes language can be a barrier. If you experience any trouble just ask anyone around as there is sure to be someone around that will be happy to assist you in placing your call. Egyptians are very friendly and like to be helpful.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones with roaming possibilities "GSM" operate efficiently in most areas in Egypt. The networks have been expanded in most cities and beach resorts.
Internet Access
Access to the internet is readily available . The connection is possible, and most of the hotels has the service of Internet access in their business center Internet cafes exist on nearly every block and they are quite inexpensive to use. Most internet cafes have computers set up with headphones and microphones which will allow easy international calling and it is very inexpensive when using Yahoo phone out service or Skype. Almost every internet cafe already has these servers ready to use, just sign into the service desired and you can be phoning anywhere in the world you might desire.
Shopping:
Shopping in bazaars is really fun. Traditional Egyptian accessories and gifts are easily available. Bargaining is common practice in all bazaars. Never offer a price that you are not willing to pay. Shopping hours are from 9-10 a.m. to the late night hours, depending upon the business. Most shops are open very late and they are usually open every day of the week, with some closing on major holidays.
Religion:
Islam is predominant in Egypt and estimated at 85% to be Moslem.
Christianity is also a major religious influence in the area.
Enjoy!
Egypt is a fascinating and magnificent country to photograph. You are allowed to take pictures inside many tombs and temples.
A photography fee may be required at the ticket office, prior to entering some exhibits. These fees are not included in the tour package price.
