Entry formalities
A visa is required which is obtained upon arrival in Egypt. The Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of return.
Baggage allowance
One luggage of 23 kgs per person.
One hand luggage per person of max 8 kgs.
Health
No legal requirements for vaccine in Egypt. You are advised to bring your own medication.
Food and Drinks
Although very different from the Western cuisine, the Egyptian/ Oriental cuisine offers some very tasty dishes (grilled pigeon, meat kebab, stuffed wine leaves, mezzeh..). The sweets are excellent.
Black tea, turkish coffee, karkade (hibiscus tea) and all kind of sodas are available in Egypt, as well as delicious fresh fruit juices (mango, strawberry, guava, lemon, orange..) and the special “assab” (sugarcane juice).
Many restaurants do not sell alcohol. Many restaurants in Cairo apply the « minimum charge policy »: a minimum amount (around 10 us $) is automatically charged to every person sitting at the table (ask before taking a seat).
Do not drink tap water in Egypt. Bottled water is very cheap and available everywhere.
Time Difference
Time in Egypt is GT + 2 hours.
Weather
Temperatures oscillate between 20°c and 40°c depending on the regions and the seasons. In Spring and autumn, they range between 25°c and 30°c.
Electricity
Voltage in Egypt is 220 V. A 2 pin plug is required (3 pin plug will need an adaptor)
Currency
The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is divided into 100 Piasters. The exchange rate is approx. 1 US$ for 30 EGP. Credit cards are usually accepted. Life in Egypt is very inexpensive, except for imported goods and alcohol.
Communication
International cell phones work well in Egypt. To call abroad, dial + followed by the country code and the number (without 0). Wifi is available in most of public areas in Egypt.
Clothing
For visits: light casual clothes (eventually a scarf for the ladies – can be purchased onsite- to cover the head during the visits of holy places and mosques), comfortable shoes, a hat and sun glasses. For the walk up to Mount Sinai (2300m above sea level): warm clothes and a headlamp. At the restaurants in the evening: long trousers for men and free dressing for the ladies, however many places are strongly air conditioned. Beach wear . Although Egyptians are very tolerant, a proper and decent clothing is highly appreciated.
Shopping
Egyptian handicraft is very rich and varied and the bazaars overflow with all kinds of products, jewellery, cotton, alabaster, spices, music, papyrus, carpets, water pipes, etc. all at very reasonable prices; bear in mind that bargaining is part of the life in Egypt.
Safety
Egypt is a safe place and the tourists are well protected. Egyptians are helpful, honest and polite. However, as everywhere, there are some exceptions. Do not provoke the greed and be cautious. Some Egyptians may ask you to exchange euro coins against a banknote which they will be able to use.
Language
The official language is of course Arabic, but English is widely spoken. Egyptians appreciate being greeted in their language.
Some useful words:
Hello. Salam alaïkum
Welcome. Ahlan oua sahlan
How are you ? Ezzayek ?
Very well. Tamaam
Thank you. Chukran
Thanks be to God – very much used, also as answer to Ezzayek ? Al Hamdulillah
God willing. Incha Allah
Enough!/ Leave me alone ! Khalaas (prononcé Ralaas)
No. La’
Yes. Ayyoua
Please. Law Samaht
