FAQ,S

 Egypt is a country in North Africa, but part of its area is in Asia. With a desert climate, it has high daytime temperatures during spring and summer and is cool in winter.

–  The country’s high season is between October and April, when temperatures are the best, which will allow you to enjoy everything the country has to offer. In March-April the season is high also for Holy Week, an ideal time for pilgrimages.

– Yes. Egypt is a very safe country, especially for tourists. All points and attractions are well guarded, tourist buses are escorted and you will find permanent security on the main streets of the city,
– Tourist police and army are in prominence wherever you go, giving you a feel of being in secure surroundings.
– Egypt prides itself on its high safety record for touristsThe care and precautions that you have in your country or in other destinations are the same that you should have in Egypt, in addition to respecting the recommendations of your tourist guide or the tourist police.

¿IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL ALONE?

– Yes, no problem for women, Many women travel alone and have found that they have been safe. The police, tourist police and army are always close by and the Egyptians themselves are generally safe and will try to protect solo travellers.
– On the whole, it is generally less safer for a solo female traveller in Egypt than places like Greece, Italy or Spain.
– Although the chances of being confronted are almost negligible, please ensure that you take the same precautions that you would anywhere else and do not be tempted to walk in deserted areas alone: get a taxi back to your abode! You may receive some invitations, which on the whole are innocent, do not accept any of these from strangers

IS INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE INCLUDED IN THE COST ON THE WEBSITE?

International airfare is not included in the cost on the website, but we do have an Aviation Department should you like assistance booking international airfare.

¿HOW DO I GET MY TOURIST VISA?

Usually you need to apply to your local Egyptian Embassy or Consulate General for a pre-entry tourist visa but if you are from North America, south america  Europe, Australia/New Zealand,  or Singapore you can get your tourist visa upon arrival in Egypt, at Cairo International Airport, currently visa costs USD 25,

¿SHOULD I HAVE ANY CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING MY PASSPORT?

– Yes, to enter Egypt, the passport is mandatory and must be in order; It must be valid for at least 6 months from the start date of the trip.

¿CAN MY TOURIST VISA BE EXTENDED TO MORE THAN ONE MONTH?

A tourist visa can be extended if required. To do this you have to apply to Mogamma, in Tahrir Square, or to the equivalent offices in Alexandria, Luxor or Sharm El-Sheikh

¿I AM GOING TO VISIT JORDAN AND/OR ISRAEL; WILL I REQUIRE A VISA WHEN COMING BACK TO EGYPT?

Yes, as soon as you leave Egypt your visa will be stamped and so you will require another one. If you are from a country that can get their visa upon arrival in Egypt, you can get the new one when you re-enter the country, but if you require a pre-entry visa you should apply for 2 of these, using the second one when you re-enter Egypt

¿CAN I USE MY CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS EASILY?

Yes. Most places accept these nowadays, including all decent hotels and cruises. You are advised to carry cash when shopping in the many street markets

¿ARE THERE PLENTY OF ATM’S?

Almost every bank has an ATM outside it, or just inside the front doors, and you will normally find that they are guarded by a policeman. Many shopping malls have stand alone ATM’s and you can also find them located along a busy pavement (sidewalk), or where two busy pavements meet. Airports and railway stations also have ATM’s as do the larger tour company offices.

¿HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING FOR MY TRIP?

– This is a very relative question because it depends on the economic capabilities of each one, the style of travel that you want and what you want to do. Keep in mind that if you have already purchased your package, you should only bring extra money for food, drinks, gift purchases and tips that are adjusted to your financial capacity.

– Another important tip is that, little by little, change your money for local currency, since there are currency exchange shops in the city and in tourist areas everywhere.

¿WHAT IS THE CURRENCY OF EGYPT?

– The currency is the Egyptian pound.

¿WHAT CONSIDERATIONS SHOULD I HAVE IN THIS REGARD?

– In some places they receive Euro or Dollar, it is advisable to change to Egyptian pound every day, a small amount according to your needs. There are places where you can pay with debit or credit cards (keep in mind to activate them for use abroad before traveling and the taxes and commissions that your bank applies)

– Remember that both Euro and Dollar bills must be in very good condition.

¿I HAVE SOME EXPENSIVE ITEMS WHICH I DO NOT WANT TO LEAVE LYING IN MY ROOM/CABIN, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

All hotels and cruises have safety deposit boxes, sometimes even in your room/cabin. All you need do is ask at reception and they will give you instructions on how to use them, or will safely put away your valuables until you need them.

¿DO WOMEN HAVE TO COVER ARMS/SHOULDERS/LEGS WHEN WALKING AROUND THE CITIES/TOWNS?

This is a tourist book fallacy. Women walking around these towns can do so as if they were walking around their home towns in the summer. You will be amazed at how many of the local women dress like this as well, looking more like tourists than Egyptian.

¿HOW SHOULD I DRESS FOR ENTERING A MOSQUE (FEMALE)?

Protocol does ask for women to cover bare skin as much as possible and so shoulders, especially, should be covered and a simple scarf will suffice. Again, it is advised to wear long trousers, or skirts, as legs should also be covered. Heads do not need to be covered, despite what some tourist books say, though it is a sign of respect if you do this

¿CAN I USE BIKINI IN HOTELS, CRUISES, BEACHES?

Yes, you can wear a bikini without problem.

¿IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE INTERNET SERVICE IN EGYPT?

– In the hotels you will not have a problem since they have Wi-fi service, however in the cruises the cost can be a bit expensive.

–  To keep your social networks updated and in contact with family and friends, you can buy a local SIM card to use the internet with very accessible packages from 2GB to 20GB that will allow you to always stay in touch.

¿WHAT VOLTAGE DOES EGYPT HAVE, AND WHAT KIND OF PLUGS?

Egypt has a voltage supply of 220V,  frequency is 50Hz, and the plugs are the 2 round pin type that are common throughout Europe (except the UK).

Types of electrical outlets “C” or “F”

–  Is a customary attitude for expressing one’s satisfaction of good services rendered to him by staff on duty with him. We advise if you are willing to offer it, this would be great – if not, you are not obliged to do it..

¿WHAT SHOULD I NOT DO IN EGYPT?

– You should not eat in restaurants not recommended by the guides for health issues.

– You cannot kiss or show excessive affection in public places

– You cannot drink alcohol in some places. Alcoholic beverages are served in accredited restaurants and hotels, drinking in public places is prohibited. Egypt also has many nightclubs where you can easily find drinks and there are a few stores that sell alcoholic beverages.

– Do not go out on your own to places not recommended by the guides.

¿IS IT SAFE TO DRINK THE WATER IN EGYPT?

Yes, but not advised! Egyptian water has a high chlorine level in it which can upset the microbes in your stomach, causing diarrhoea. For drinking purposes it is far safer to stick with bottled water, ensuring the seal is intact before drinking it

¿CAN YOU DRINK ALCHOL IN EGYPT?
Alcoholic beverages are served in accredited restaurants and hotels, drinking in public places is prohibited. Egypt also has many nightclubs where you can easily find drinks and there are a few stores that sell alcoholic beverages.

¿CAN YOU PURCHASE ALCOHOL IN EGYPT?

Yes, alcohol is available in Egypt, either in the better hotels, higher class restaurants and cafes, pubs, and beer gardens. You will also find off licences as well. Please note though, it is illegal to drink alcohol in the streets in Egypt, so do not walk around with a can of your favourite tipple.

¿ARE THERE RESTRICTIONS ABOUT BRINGING ALCOHOL INTO THE COUNTRY?

Yes, you are only allowed to bring in 2 litres with you.

¿WHAT IS THE LEGAL DRINKING AGE IN EGYPT?

The legal drinking age is 21.

¿CAN I BRING PRESCRIBED MEDICATION WITH ME?

Yes, but please ensure that you only bring enough for your stay, with just a few day’s extra supply as a back up. It would also help if you could bring the prescription as well, as proof, or for topping up (there are many pharmacies in Egypt that can do this for you). If you happen to be travelling onwards from Egypt, and so have a lot more of your prescribed medicine with you, please ensure that you do have the prescription as proof

¿DO I NEED TO TAKE ANTI-MALARIA TABLETS/INJECTIONS?

NO!! Malaria has not been in Egypt for well over 85 years and there is no need for any type of anti-malaria medication. To be honest, it is quite the obverse as any types of anti-malaria medication can actually cause side effects that will simply ruin your holiday. Just because Egypt is in Africa does not mean malaria is here as well.

¿WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN EGYPT?

–  Cairo: Pyramids of Giza, Step Pyramid of Saqqara and Memphis,  pyramids of Dashur.   Citadel of of Salah El Din, Mosque of Mohamed Ali (Alabaster Mosque)  Egyptian Museum, Treasures of Tutankhamun, old Cairo (Coptic Cairo)   Coptic Church, Hanging Church,  Church of St. Sergius,Synagogue of Ben Ezra ,Don’t miss the Tannura dance, or a dinner show on a Nile cruise or a magnificent dinner in the desert, sound light show at the pyramids, and for shopping Moez and Bab Zweila streets, e Khan el Khalili bazaar

–  Luxor: Valley of the Kings,  Temples of Luxor, Karnak, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon. Don’t miss a hot air balloon over the city.

–  Aswan: Temples of Abu Simbel,  Temple of Phile,  Unfinished Obelisk,  high Dam, Elephantine Island.

–  Sharm el Sheikh: Enjoy the sea and practice snorkeling or diving. Go on a quad bike safari through the desert enjoying a Bedouin dinner. At night, enjoy walking along the pedestrianized streets with bars, cafes, discos, a variety of shops, an old market, etc. Visit Mount Sinai and the Sant Catrin Monastery.

–  Hurghada: Enjoy the sea and practice snorkeling or diving. Go on a quad bike safari through the desert enjoying a Bedouin dinner. At night, enjoy walking along the pedestrianized streets with bars, cafes, discos, a variety of shops, an old market, etc.

– Alexandria:The important Modern Library of Alexandria,  Citadel of Qaitbay, Montazah Palace ,Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa.

–  Dahab: Enjoy the sea and practice snorkeling or diving. Go on a quad bike safari through the desert enjoying a Bedouin dinner. Walk along the oceanfront ledge and enjoy a local shopping trip.

– Oasis: and the Bahariya Oasis: Something completely different two oases in the middle of the desert, with springs to enjoy relaxing baths, complete your view with the white desert and the black desert and the wonderful quartz mountain

¿CAN I GO INSIDE THE PYRAMIDS ?

Yes, but ticket sales for this are restricted to 300 people per day; 150 at 0800 and the other 150 at 0300. Tickets for this can only be bought at the main entrance, not the entrance close to the Sphinx. As tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis it is advised to get to the office as soon as possible as buses will arrive at opening times and they tend to get the majority of the tickets. If you can spare the time, try for the tickets in the morning, and if you are not successful you can be first in line for the afternoon tickets.