Egypt, a country situated between North east Africa and the Middle East is an ancient treasure of rich monuments, pyramids, and museums.
There is so much to explore, right from the golden sands, to the mosques, to the most beautiful river Nile.....
And most importantly, the magnificent Pyramids of Giza!
Things to know before traveling to Egypt.
While Egypt is safe to travel, there are definitely some things to keep in mind as a tourist.
We take a look.
Tips at a Glance
Do stay alert on any location you visit.
Avoid local crowds.
Follow Egypt travel advisory updates on their Facebook and Twitter handle.
Avoid the Western desert and Egypt Border areas due to military forces.
Group Tours
It is recommended that you explore Egypt in a group with a local guide.
This way you need not worry about the logistics, language, food or any communication concerns!
Water
Water in Egypt is heavily chlorinated and causes trouble for people with sensitive digestive systems.
You can use this water only for brushing teeth, washing face etc.
For drinking purposes, it is recommended to buy bottled water.
Heat and Protection
You are in the world's most spectacular desert country. So be prepared to face the heat albeit with protective gears!
Wear loose clothing with light colors which will help absorb the heat.
Carry protective sunglasses and caps.
Stock up on some energy drinks in case you are excessively dehydrated from all the traveling around.
There is a very high chance that you will be so lost in admiring the beautiful city-scapes of Egypt that it is very important to keep yourself hydrated.
Avoid eating raw vegetables or fruits.
Also avoid eating from any roadside vendor and prefer having your food in a restaurant or a cafe.
Lemon drinks are your best bet to control the dehydration and feel energized!
Immunization
Traveling to Egypt may require some immunization as your body is not acclimatized to the weather. Follow the WHO recommendation.
Egypt comprises of extreme climates, so it is better to have a check-up with your medical practitioner and carry with you a medical certificate in case of any emergencies.
Currency
The currency used in Egypt is Egyptian pounds.
It is divided into piasters.
Cash is the king in Egypt and they hardly use credit or debit cards.
Online transfer is also preferred.
You can exchange the currency at the airport or any big hotels.
Always keep smaller denominations for tipping, especially in taxis and hotels.
Use ATMs only in reputable areas.
Tipping
Tipping is extremely common in Egypt and you cannot CHOOSE to tip.
You need to tip your driver, waiter, lavatory assistant and any person on tourist places.
Bargaining
Do polish your bargaining skills to the maximum while shopping. To be precise, quote one-third of the price.
Clothing
Do not fancy dress at all. Wear your most comfortable clothing.
Men can wear shirts, shorts or at the best track-pants.
Women need to dress more modestly.
Even though Egypt is the most liberal of all Islamic countries , still woman are prohibited from wearing clothing over their knees and hands should be covered.
It is compulsory to wear a hijab or a scarf, if you are visiting a mosque.
Footwear
While you will be tempted to wear flip-flops or floaters owing to the heat, it is recommended that you wear lightweight shoes to protect yourself from sun burn.
Visa, Exploring Egypt and Transportation
Visa
For an Egyptian visa, you can either apply in advance or queue at the immigration for visa on arrival. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months before your entry in Egypt.
Air Travel
Different airlines have different travel requirements for traveling to Egypt, and you need to check this when you are booking your plane tickets.
City Travel
Taxis are your best bet while traveling around in Egypt.
Uber is the most preferred choice.
Tips to Travel Around in Egypt
Avoid traveling to a mosque on a prayer day as it will be too crowded.
Do not miss the camel rides at the Pyramids of Giza.
In Egypt, a weekend falls on Friday and Saturday. Avoid the famous tourist places on these two days, owing to heavy queues.