Egypt - Αίγυπτος

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Egypt is an intercontinental country in North Africa and Middle East with its capital located in its largest city, Cairo. Egypt is also expanding into Asia due to the occupation of the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt borders Israel and the Gaza Strip to the northeast, from Sudan to the south, and Libya to the west. The country is bordered by the Mediterranean and the Red Sea (north and east respectively) and was dominated geographically by both the Nile River and its fertile valley, and by the eastern and western deserts.

Egypt is perhaps best known as the home of ancient Egyptian civilization, with its temples, hieroglyphics, mummies and - visible above all - its pyramids. Less well known is Egypt's medieval heritage, courtesy of Coptic Christianity and Islam - ancient churches, monasteries and mosques in the Egyptian landscape. Egypt stimulates the imagination of western tourists like some other countries and is probably one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world

Understanding

History

The regularity and richness of the annual flood of the Nile River, combined with the semi-isolation provided by desertification to the east and west, allowed the development of one of the world's great civilizations. A single kingdom emerged around 3200 BC. and a series of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. The last indigenous dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 BC, who in turn were replaced by the Greeks, Romans and Byzantines. It was the Arabs who introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and ruled for the next six centuries. A local military caste, the Mamluks, took control around 1250 and continued to rule after the conquest of Egypt by the Ottoman Turks in 1517. After the completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt became a major global transport hub. . Apparently to protect its investments, Britain took control of the Egyptian government in 1882, but nominal obedience to the Ottoman Empire continued until 1914. Partially independent of the United Kingdom in 1922, Egypt gained full sovereignty after World War II. World War. The completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1971 and the resulting Nasser Lake have changed the site of the Nile River in Egypt's agriculture and ecology. A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arab world), limited arable land and dependence on the Nile continue to burden resources and stress society. The government has sought to prepare the economy for the new millennium through economic reforms and massive investment in communications and infrastructure.

Climate

Egypt is largely a desert, an extension of the Greater Sahara that make up North Africa. Apart from the thin strip of irrigated land along the Nile River that widens in the Nile Delta, very few could survive here. As the ancient Greek historian Herodotus stated: "Egypt is the gift of the Nile."

Generally, the summers are hot and dry and the winters are moderate. November to March are definitely the most comfortable months to travel to Egypt. There is almost no rain in the Nile Valley, so you will not need wet tools!

The climate, however, varies slightly depending on where you are in the country. On the north coast along the Mediterranean, a thin strip of land stretching from the sea 50 km to the south receives some of the heaviest rainfall in the country during the winter months. Thunderstorms and rain, which often last for several hours, are not uncommon here, as in Alexandria, Marsa Matruh and all other coastal areas, even in the Delta. In a few years the storms can last a whole day, although the rain tends to be less heavy. Hail is also not uncommon, especially outside in the desert, where the weather is usually colder and allows ice to fall and even frost to form on non-rainy days.

In the Sinai Mountains and the Red Sea Mountains, which stretch along the east side of the country along the Red Sea coast, there is generally more rain as rain clouds tend to develop when warm air evaporates and rises as it moves up ground. Floods in these areas are a common weather phenomenon, as so much rain can fall in a very short time (often a day or two), with thunder and lightning as well. Due to the desert and the lack of abundant vegetation, water from the rain falls quickly on the hills and mountains and floods the local areas. In fact, every year there are stories in the local newspapers about floods in the Sinai region and also in Upper Egypt (southern Egypt) such as Assiut, Luxor, Aswan, Sohag, etc. But these floods generally occur in two or three times a year and often do not occur at all in a few years, depending on the weather. But when they do occur, they are often in the early stages of the season, such as September, October, or late winter, such as February or March (often the hottest time in Egypt). So you need to be careful when taking out the desert or camping in some areas as the water can suddenly rush down the nearby mountains and hills. It can sometimes bring a very strong current that is known to collapse the houses of rural people who build their houses from mud, bricks and other weak materials. Unsurprisingly, some people drown in the floods, which is strange for a desert country that does not receive much rainfall.

Also, at higher altitudes, such as at the top of the Sinai Mountains, temperatures can drop much more than the surrounding areas, allowing snow to fall in the winter months, as temperatures can drop below freezing and frost still forming. and low located in desert areas where temperatures are typically several degrees colder than in cities.

December and January are usually the coldest months of the year, although it is normally warmer in the south as you go to the larger cities.

Visitors should be aware that most homes and apartments in Cairo and Egypt do not have central heating like the countries with colder climates, as the main weather in Egypt is hot. Therefore, although the weather may not be so cold for the western traveler, the inside of the apartment could be even colder, as the temperature inside the houses is generally a few or a few degrees colder outside on the street.

Holidays

Banks, shops and businesses closing for the following Egyptian national holidays (political, secular) and public transport can only perform limited services

• January 7 (Orthodox Christmas)
• January 25 (Day of the Egyptian Revolution)
• April 25 (Sinai Liberation Day)
• May 1 (Working Day)
• July 23 (Revolution Day)
• October 6 (Armed Forces Day)
• 1st Shawwal, the 10th month of Hijri (Eid Elfitr)
• 10th Tol-Elhatzia, the 12th month of Hijri (Eid Al-adha)
• 29 Ή 30 days of Ramadan

Ramadan Ramadan is the 9th and holiest month in the Islamic calendar and lasts 29-30 days. Muslims fast every day during it and most restaurants are closed until the fast breaks at dusk. Nothing (including water and cigarettes) should pass through the lips from dawn to sunset. Non-Muslims are exempt from this, but they should avoid eating or drinking in public, as it is considered very rude. Working hours are also reduced. The exact dates of Ramadan depend on local astronomical observations and may vary from country to country. Ramadan concludes with the Eid al-Fitr festival, which can last several days, usually three in most countries. 13 April - 12 May 2021 (1442 AH) April 2 - May 1, 2022 (1443 AH) March 23 - April 20, 2023 (1444 AH) March 11 - April 9, 2024 (1445 AH) March 1 - March 29, 2025 (1446 AH) If you are planning to travel to Egypt during Ramadan, you can read Traveling during Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the most important month in the Islamic Muslim Calendar, the majority religion in Egypt. Celebrating the time when God revealed the Qur'an to Muhammad, during this holy month, Muslims avoid eating, drinking or smoking until after sunset every day. Although strict observance of Ramadan is for Muslims only, some Muslims believe that non-Muslims do not eat or smoke in public places. During Ramadan, many restaurants and cafes will not open until after sunset. Public transport is less frequent, shops close earlier before sunset and the pace of life (especially business) is generally slow.

As expected, just at the moment of sunset, the whole country goes out and busy with the main meal of the day (iftar or break-fast) which almost always takes place as social events in large groups of friends. Many richer people offer (paintings of the kind God Moayed Al-Rahman) on the streets of Cairo providing free meals to passers-by, the poorest or the workers who could not leave their shifts at that time. Prayers are becoming popular "social" events, which some prefer to enrich with special foods before and after. An hour or two later, an amazing life takes place in city life. The streets are sometimes richly decorated for the whole month and have continuous peak hours until very early in the morning. Some shops and cafes make the most of their annual profit this time of year. TV and radio advertising expenses for this period and entertainment shows are at their peak.

Terrain

Egypt consists of a vast desolate plateau cut off by the Nile Valley and the delta, along with the Sinai Peninsula.

Parts of the Nile Valley are bordered by steep cliffs, while the banks are relatively flat in other areas, allowing agricultural production.

Areas

Important cities

•   Cairo. the capital and largest city of Egypt 
•   Alexandria.  
•   Aswan.  
•   Hurghada.  
•   Luxor.  
•   Port Said.  
•   Sharm el Sheikh.  

Additional tourist destinations

•   Holy Monastery of Agia Aikaterini.  
•   Abu Simbel.  
•   Dahab. Seaside resort in the Gulf of Aqaba, within walking distance of Sharm el Sheikh 
•   Karnak. Archaeological site two and a half kilometers north of it Luxor 
•   Memphis. The ancient capital of Lower Egypt which, according to tradition, was founded around 3100 BC by Pharaoh Minis 
•   Sakkara. Necropolis 20 km south of Cairo. THE Sakkara is known for the stepped pyramid of Pharaoh Zoser which dates back to 2,650 BC. 
•   Valley of the Kings. The necropolis of ancient Thebes. Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered in the Valley of the Kings on November 4, 1922 by a British archaeologist. 
•   Siva Oasis. Beautiful oasis on the border with Libya. Shiva became world famous in 1995, when the Greek archaeologist Liana Souvaltzi claimed that she had found the tomb of Alexander the Great in the area. 

Arrival

As a major tourist destination whose economy depends on tourist money, Egypt is relatively easy to enter and / or obtain a visa if necessary. There are three types of Egyptian visas:

• Tourist visa - usually valid for a period not exceeding 3 months and issued with either a single or multiple entry
• Entry Visa - required for any foreigner arriving in Egypt for purposes other than tourism, e.g. work, study, etc. A valid entry visa is required to complete the residency process in Egypt.
• Transit visa - rarely required and only for certain nationalities
• eVisa - Egypt e-Visa is a new electronic travel permit system for citizens of eligible countries wishing to travel to Egypt for tourism.

Entry visas can be obtained from Egyptian diplomatic and consular missions abroad or from the Department of Admission to the Travel, Immigration and Citizenship Service (TDINA). Non-Egyptian travelers are required to have a valid passport, except for nationals of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Portugal, who can use a national identity card (in this case, in addition to Sharm el- Sheik, brought together)

Citizens of many countries can receive a one-month single entry visa upon arrival at important entry points. (Note that you are not eligible for this visa if you have an official or Diplomatic passport, it is only for regular passport holders). A fee of USD25 is required upon arrival. It is recommended that you pay the amount in US dollars and the exact amount, otherwise your currency will be exchanged for Egyptian pounds, which will then be exchanged for US dollars with double conversion fees. The change will be given in Egyptian Pounds (EGP). At airports, you must obtain them from a bank before checking your passports. However, you will have no problem getting one.Consult your nearest Egyptian consulate for more details on visa requirements applicable to your citizenship.

Citizens of the following countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at any of the Egyptian ports of entry: Croatia, Georgia, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Macedonia, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Serbia.

Citizens of Bahrain, Guinea, South Korea, Libya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen receive a 3-month visa upon arrival. Kuwaiti citizens can obtain a 6-month residence permit upon arrival. China and Malaysian citizens receive a 15-day visa upon arrival. Citizens of China (Hong Kong and Macao SAR only) may have a 30-day visa-free visit.

Citizens of the following countries are currently required to have a visa prior to arrival, which must be submitted through an Egyptian consulate or embassy outside Egypt:

Africa, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Malaysia. Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and all African countries (except citizens of Sudan, Guinea and Libya, who do not need a visa).

Visitors entering Egypt on land crossing at Tampa or Sharm El Sheikh Airport may be exempt from the visa and receive a free fourteen-day entry visa to visit the Aqaba Coast of the Sinai Peninsula, including el Sheikh, Dahab and St. Catherine Monastery. Visitors wishing to leave the Sinai Peninsula and visit Cairo and other Egyptian cities must hold full Egyptian visas, although strictly speaking there is a small chance that you will check it if you do not try to leave the country. These are not issued at the Taba border crossing and must be obtained in advance either at the country of residence, at the Egyptian consulate in Eilat or at the airport upon arrival. Guests traveling on organized tours may often be able to issue visas at the border, but you should check with their travel agent or travel agent in advance if this option is available to them. Holders of a residence permit in Egypt are not required to obtain an entry visa if they leave the country and return to it within the validity of their residence permit or within six months, whichever is the shorter.

Tourists visiting Sharm-el-Sheikh and planning to dive outside local areas (eg Ras Mohammed) will need to obtain a tourist visa, as this technically means leaving the Sharm el Sheikh area and visa requirement . Boat officials can check the dives while they are in the water, so we advise you to get the visa in advance: there may be fines for you and the master if you are caught without the proper visa. The most reputable diving centers will ask you to see your visa before they allow you to travel.

Egypt has peaceful relations with Israel and travelers with passport stamps indicating entry into Israel will not encounter problems at the border. Direct flights between Tel Aviv and Cairo are available.

By air

Egypt has several international airports:

• Cairo International Airport - the main point of entry and the center of the national carrier Egyptair.
• Alexandria Nozha
• Luxor International Airport - now receives more and more international scheduled flights, mainly from Europe, except for charter flights.
• Aswan International Airport
• Hurghada International Airport - receives many charter flights
• Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport - receives charter flights.
• Burg Al-Arab International Airport
• Marsa Alam International Airport

By road

By bus

Travelers can easily access Egypt by bus from Israel from bus stations in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. You will take a bus to Eilat where you can cross the border to Taba and take a bus to Cairo or Sinai. The Jordanian state-owned bus company, JETT, also operates a direct bus between Amman and Cairo which departs at 03:00 from the JETT terminal in Amman and takes about 19 hours to reach Cairo. Generally, only two or three buses leave from Tampa to the various destinations each day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon and sometimes one early in the evening. You should plan your arrival by bus at Eilat accordingly and be prepared to spend the night at either Eilat or Taba if you arrive in the evening. All foreigners must pay an EGP 129 tax at a small office after the bus leaves the station. Also be aware that all bus routes must necessarily cross Israel. Keep this in mind if you are planning to travel to Syria, Iran, Libya or other countries that usually deny entry to those who have proof of travel to Israel in their passports.

By car

Gas is rather cheap in Egypt, prices are heavily subsidized and have recently fallen below US $ 1.50 / gallon. If you decide to rent a car, you will not significantly increase the cost through gas. Car rentals require you to be at least 21 years old. Driving in Egypt is very different than in a western country. It is just as easy and probably cheaper to travel by taxi and across the country by air, train and / or bus. As you will see shortly after your arrival, obedience to traffic laws is low and there are very few signs indicating road rules. Drivers often travel at 105 km / h (105 km / h) on city highways and at speeds of 80 km (130 km / h) or more on desert highways. Fridays cause the lowest traffic rates, as most streets in major cities are deserted for Friday prayers.

By boat

Ships run regularly from Aqaba across from Nuebieh in the Sinai Peninsula, bypassing Israel and the sometimes complicated border arrangements. In general, there is no visa fee for entering Jordan through Aqaba, as it is part of the free trade area. The line to Nuweiba is operated by ABMaritime.

There is also a weekly ferry between Wadi Halfa in Sudan and Aswan. Ships also carry between the Red Sea coast and ports in Saudi Arabia and Jorda

How to move

By train

The state-owned Egyptian National Railways runs almost all trains in Egypt. The Cairo-Alexandria route travels extensively by train, with frequent daily service. Overnight trains are available for trips from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan in Upper Egypt. they are run by a separate private company called Abela Egypt. On ENR trains, a First Class ticket costs only a few dollars more than a second class ticket and you will find it much more enjoyable and comfortable.

Train tickets can be purchased at most booking offices of major train stations once you are in Egypt, although patience is often required. It is also advisable to purchase tickets in advance, as during peak travel times, trains may be fully booked. Aside from busy vacation seasons, it is not usually difficult to buy first class tickets on the day of the trip or the day before. To avoid complications, move the book as far forward as possible.

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The travel of foreigners is subject to security restrictions. Some websites report that foreigners are only allowed to buy tickets on selected trains. One can get on the train in the desired category and buy tickets directly from a pipeline. Note: this practice does not guarantee the seat you have pulled in, so even if it was empty when you did, new passengers may force you to leave your seat later.

You can arrange ticket purchases through a travel agency in Egypt, preferably at least the day before you plan to travel, but you will pay a fee to avoid the inevitable hassle of going to the train station. Some travel agencies can arrange pre-booking by e-mail, fax or telephone. If you choose to buy tickets at Ramses Station in Cairo, there are several booking windows (for example, one for each category and destination group), so check with the locals (usually very helpful) that you are entering the right queue. The station sells tickets for Egyptian pounds, except for the deluxe Abela Egypt Sleeper which must be paid in foreign currency (dollars, euros or pounds sterling).

First class tickets are relatively cheap and a good choice, although second class tickets will not be enough for many. The air conditioning tends to be very cold in the first and second category, especially during the summer. Travelers will probably not want to experience anything below second class (the situation and the provision of toilets, for example, falls rapidly after this level). If you have to travel to a lower class due to overbooking, look for the first opportunity to "upgrade" yourself to an empty seat - you can pay a small surcharge when your ticket is checked, but it is worth it. Note that the toilet facilities on Egyptian trains are at best elementary, even in the first class. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare toiletries for long journeys.

By bus

Egypt has an extensive intercity bus network, operated mainly by state-owned companies. Their names are Pullman, Western Delta, Golden Arrow, Super Jet, Eastern Delta, El Gouna, Upper Egypt Bus and Bedouin Bus. The most popular routes are operated by more than one company. Some bus companies allow you to book seats in advance. some sell points based on seat availability.

Be careful not to buy bus tickets on the street or outside your hotel. Smaller companies sometimes do not have a license and can safely cut corners. There have been eight serious bus crashes involving foreigners since January 2006, in which more than 100 people have been killed. If you are a passenger in a vehicle traveling at unsafe speeds, you should constantly guide the driver to slow down.

Road accidents are very common in Egypt, mainly due to poor roads, dangerous driving and non-enforcement of traffic laws. Police estimate that road accidents kill more than 6,000 people in Egypt each year. This is twice as much as in the United Kingdom. Other estimates put the rate at a much higher rate.

By taxi

In cities, taxis are a cheap and convenient way to get around. Although generally safe, taxis drive as non-stop as all other drivers, especially in Cairo, and you should note that sometimes fake taxis travel around. Make sure they have official signals on the instrument panel or elsewhere. taxis are always painted in special colors to identify them. In Cairo taxis are painted white with a dotted block block around the front and rear wings, in Luxor they are blue and white, and in Alexandria yellow and black. In Cairo and Luxor it is often much more interesting to use taxis and a good driver instead of traveling on a bus.

Some taxis have meters, but most have been calibrated using a law since the 1970s before the oil crisis and are never used. It seems that Cairo is only in Egypt with a significant population of modern measured cabins. Since January 2009 at Sharm El Sheikh all airport taxis have been fitted with meters and must be used. Generally the best way is to ask your hotel or someone you know from Egypt for point to point prices. You can also ask an infantry or police officer for the right price. The best way to rent a taxi is to stand on the side of the road and reach out. You will have no problem attracting taxis, especially if you are obviously Western. Price and destination negotiation before getting in the car. At the end of the trip, get out of the car and make sure you have everything with you before giving the driver the payment. If the driver yells, it might be okay, but if he gets out of the car you almost certainly paid very little. Prices can be very variable, but examples are the EGP30 from central Cairo to Giza, the EGP55 for a trip to central Cairo and the EGP25 for a short hop into the city. Note that locals pay a fraction of these prices, but rarely less than EGP15. The trip from Cairo to the airport should not be increased to more than 80 EGP or about $ 5. Do not be tempted to give them more because of the financial situation. otherwise, the deterioration of foreigners will become more common and generally this trend is added to inflation. Note that the prices quoted here are already slightly inflated to the level expected of tourists, not what Egyptians would normally pay. You can also rent taxis for full days, for between EGP 200-300 if you go on longer excursions such as Saqqara and Dashur from Cairo. Inside the city they are also very happy to be waiting for you (often for a small extra charge, but ask the driver), even if you wander for a few hours.

Taxi drivers often speak enough English to negotiate price and destination, but only rarely more. Some speak more or less fluently and will double as guides, announcing important parts when you drive from them, but they are hard to find. Drivers often expect to pay a little extra for this. However, you do not feel the need to pay for services that you have not requested. If you find a good English-speaking guide, you may want to ask for a card or phone number, as it can often be available at any time and you will have a more reliable travel experience.

Most recently, a new line of privately owned taxis was introduced in Cairo as a pilot project. Everything is clean and air conditioned. Drivers are formally dressed and can speak at least one foreign language, usually English. These cabins stand out because of their bright yellow colors. They can be greeted on the street if they are free or hired from one of their stops (including one in Tahrir Square in the center).These new cabins use current meters calculated with the kilometer, which starts at 6.50 pounds. In general, they are marginally more expensive than regular taxis. You can call 16516 in Cairo to get a cabin if you can not find them where you are looking.

With ship

A ferry sailing between the Red Sea resort of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh was available with a 90-minute voyage for the EGP400 (although it can take much longer in rough seas). However, this service is not currently running.

With airplane

The domestic airline network is quite extensive and covers most of the major cities in Egypt. The national carrier, EgyptAir has the most regular services and is the easiest place to start looking before you leave. They provide services from Cairo to several cities and places of interest across the country, the most common being Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Alexandria, Marsa Mitruch and Marsa Alam.

Airlines used to use a double pricing structure, which made fares more than four times more expensive for foreigners than locals. Since the beginning of 2007, they have changed to a system in which everyone pays the same fare regardless of nationality. Fares are relatively relatively cheap - for example, a return trip to Luxor is around USD170. It is prudent to book early, as flights fill up quickly in peak season. Local travel agencies have websites on the Internet and can sometimes put pressure on you at the last minute, but it is safer to book in advance. Travelers can also check prices and book flights on the EgyptAir website, but only with Visa or Mastercard. Online ticket sales close 72 hours in advance. Travel agencies can still make reservations. The National Call Center is not able to sell tickets over the phone, but directs you to a local travel agency. You can also ask your hotel staff about nearby travel agencies. EgyptAir has a large network of offices in strategic parts of the country, which can sell you tickets.

Egypt's largest private airline, Nile Air, also offers scheduled flights from Cairo and the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.

By car

Until recently it was unheard of to rent a car and highway in Egypt. However, you can now rent a car. Although quite expensive, you can rent the Dacia (Renault) Logan in good condition and roam freely from the coast to the Nile Valley. Roads are in fairly good condition, but some sections are bumpy and potholes are frequent.

In some places gas stations are almost non-existent, so fill up before heading into the desert. The eastern desert roads from Luxor to Aswan and from Aswan to Abu Simbel are OK and fast, compared to driving along the Nile with all the traffic.

Major attractions (Karnak, Abu Simbel, Valley of the Kings) have huge parking spaces, however they are not ready for tourists who come independently and may not leave you in the parking lot (although it is almost empty) taxis are not allowed to park there. Elsewhere you will pay a small parking fee (2 to 5 LE). Always ask for a ticket - otherwise you will be charged again when leaving the lot. No ticket, no money - sometimes locals unrelated to parking ask for a parking fee.

What to see

Highlights of any visit to Egypt include famous archeological sites from both Lower (Northern) and Upper (Southern) Egypt. The most famous are:

=== Cairo ===:

• the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
• the Egyptian Museum
• the pyramids and temples of Saqqara and Dahur and the collapse of the Pyramid of Meidum
• Acropolis of Salah El Din
• Mosque of Mohammed Ali

=== Alexandria ===:

Alexandria, with its many historical sights and stunning new Library of Alexandria, is the country's main summer attraction for Egyptians fleeing the summer heat and looking for a place to spend their summer holidays. Tourist attractions include Roman and Greek monuments, the Library of Alexandria, Qa'edbay Castle and Qasr El Montaza (El Montaza Palace).

Ain Sokhna

A number of mountains and tranquil beautiful beaches for miles and a number of hotels to satisfy various budgets 90 minutes drive from Cairo for a relaxing experience with a group of friends or couples to stay there is a must.

=== Port Said ===:

Port Said is one of the main resorts in the country for Egyptians escaping the summer heat and looking for a place to spend their summer holidays and have shopping to take advantage of the free trade zone. Tourist attractions include the city's unique 19th-century buildings and the old Port Said lighthouse, which was the first building in the world to be built of reinforced concrete.

=== Luxor ===:

the temples of Luxor and the West Bank along the Nile

• the Valley of the Kings
• the Temples of Abu Simbel

=== Aswan ===:

In Aswan, you can see even more temples and ancient monuments. You can also see the Geziret El Nabatat (Plant Island). It is an island in the Nile River of Aswan planted with rare species of plants, trees and flowers.

Perhaps the most popular activity in Luxor and Aswan is to do the Nile Cruise on a ship from Aswan to Luxor. It allows you to stop at any location along the Nile where you can see all the famous ancient monuments as well as the experience on the Nile River inside a five star boat hotel.

=== Red Sea ===:

• The Red Sea resorts of the Sinai Peninsula, including Dahab, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. The Red Sea offers some of the best diving sites in the world.

=== Sharm El Sheikh ===:

In Sharm El Sheikh you can make various excursions such as diving, snorkelling and safari. You can also go from Sharm El Sheikh to visit Ras Mohammed, Cairo, Luxor and the Monastery of St. Catherine.

• The sights of the Sinai Peninsula, including the Monastery of St. Catherine and Mount Sinai.
• The western desert and oases there, including Siwa,
• Memphis, with some relics of ancient Egypt - including a huge statue of Ramis II, which evokes the image inspired by Percy Bysshe's poem Shelley Ozymandias
• Dahshur Pyramids, Dahshur, Giza - Cairo, [1]. 08:00 - 17:00. Although the pyramids of Dahshur are much less famous and popular than those of Giza, they are never less charming. Dahshur was a very important burial ground that belonged mainly to King Senfru, the father of King Cheops, and the first builder of a proper pyramid in Egypt. During the reign, in the middle of the 25th century BC, King Senfru thought of building the first real pyramid in Egypt, which does not consist of layers placed on top of each other. His first attempt was at Meidum, an area east of the city of Fayoum. 60.

What to do

There is a lot to do for the foreign traveler in Egypt. Apart from visiting and displaying the ancient temples and artifacts of ancient Egypt, there is much to see in every city. In fact, every city in Egypt has its own charm to see with its own history, culture, activities and people that often differ in nature from people in other parts of Egypt.

Cairo, for example, has a lot to do and see. Apart from the ancient Egyptian history, there is the history of the Romans, the Greeks, the Byzantine Empire, the Islamic Empire, the Ottomans and, finally, the modern Egyptian history.

Jewish and Christian History To learn more about the Christian and Jewish history of Egypt, go to a local tourist office and ask them to give you names of local Churches and Jewish Synagogues. There are at least two Jewish synagogues dating back many years, when Egypt had a population of a few hundred thousand Jews in the country, who eventually left during the formation of Israel.

There are many old and interesting churches to see in various parts of Cairo, including central Cairo, Heliopolis, Korba, Shubra, Abbasiya, Zamalek and Maadi. Some of these churches have been in existence for several hundred years and their architecture resembles that of churches in western countries, which were often built by Europeans who built much of the city's architecture in the 19th century as a resemblance to modern European buildings. the season.

Modern Cairo If you want to see modern Cairo, try walking through the streets of Zamalek, Maadi, Mohandiseen or Heliopolis, where you will see some of the most modern buildings and experience the way of life in Egypt.

The Cairo Tower is the tallest building in Egypt and you can climb the tower and enjoy a nice dinner with a full view of Cairo from above. There are telescopes that allow you to see more detailed parts of the city in more detail and allow the traveler to see a large part of the city in a short time.

Local cafes / cafes and restaurants For social occasions, try sitting in one of the local café restaurants where you can meet and interact with other Egyptians. There are numerous coffeeshops / cafes and restaurants throughout Cairo that cater to different tastes and environments and range from very budget to very expensive.

Local chains include Coffee Roaster, Cilantro, Grand Cafe, Costa Coffee and many more. In general, every area of ​​Cairo has cafes and restaurants.

Sports and leisure clubs: If the heat is too much, you can go to one of the famous sports clubs like Club Gezira located in Zamalek or Seid Club (otherwise known in English as Shooting Club) located in Mohandiseen, where you can enjoy a swim by the pool or otherwise enjoy the shade and comfort of the lush trees and gardens. Admission for foreigners can be earned by purchasing a day ticket for 150 Egyptian pounds that allows the individual to enjoy all the facilities of the club including the sports game. There are naturally changing facilities and restaurants inside the club where you can enjoy a meal or a drink after any activity.

Nightlife: If you like nightlife, there are several nightclubs and discos where you can drink and dance to some of the most modern tunes in the west as well as listen to some Arabic music. The music varies from Dance and Trance to Hip Hop, Rap, Techno, as well as Rock and Pop. These clubs are usually located within five-star hotels or in areas such as Mohandiseen and Zamalek.

Examples include: The Cairo Jazz Club (mohandiseen) Purple (on a boat in Zamalek) Hard Rock Cafe (in the Grand in Grand City Hotel) L'Obergine (bar and bar in Zamalek)

Desert Adventures: For other adventures, try Cairo Haram. There you can walk or rent a vehicle in the desert from the Pyramids and the Sphinx. The best time to do this is at night, when you can see all the stars shining together in the sky and capture the magical feeling of the place.

Nile Boat: Try to rent a Feluca (small boat that can carry up to 20 people) on the Nile in Cairo. There you can get to know the beauty of the Nile and the surrounding landscape, where you can see the city and its buildings and streets through the surrounding water. Depending on the weather, you can do it day or night, but you will have to go to the Giza area and walk along the Nile area and ask the locals to rent this boat.

Islamic Cairo / Fatimin CairoFor those interested in Islamic architecture and history, try visiting Islamic Cairo (el Gamalaya or Khan El Khalili) where you will see numerous buildings and some mosques and see how buildings and houses were built Islamic era of Egypt There is also a souk (or bazaar) where you can buy many different souvenirs and items.

• Alexandria. Since the founding of Alexandria in 332/31 BC. by Alexander the Great "the pearl of the Mediterranean" was one of the most important places in Egyptian history. After the death of the Macedonian king, the city developed under Ptolemy into the spiritual and cultural center of the entire Hellenistic world. Great scholars lived and worked in the elaboration of the Museion

Diving: Diving in Egypt offers a variety of diving opportunities, from shallow reefs, walls, dives, coral gardens and some of the most famous shipwrecks in the world. Here you will find unlimited options to see the tropical marine life in crystal clear waters, many species of sharks and even whale sharks. The variety is huge and depends on where you dive. Some of the most popular diving sites include diving in Sharm El Sheikh and Ras Mohammed, diving in the Gubal Strait, shipwrecks in the Straits of Tirana, reef diving in Hurghada and Marsa Alam, Abu Nuhas shipwreck system and pelagic encounters in Brother Islands.

Languages

The official language of Egypt is Arabic. It is taught in schools and so almost everyone speaks, with the exception of a small minority, mostly unpublished people, the Bedouin and the inhabitants of the desert. The Arabic standard is Arabic used in official forms such as television, newspapers, government speeches, and educational institutions. It is the only common form understood by all the various countries of the Arab world (except Western Sahara, Mauritania and Chad).

However, the mother tongue in most of the country and the national lingua franca is Egyptian Arabic, one of the many (mostly mutually incomprehensible) local dialects of the Arabic language. Although each country in the Arab world has its own dialect, Egyptian Arabic has the largest number of native speakers and is in fact also known as a second language by many Arabs especially in neighboring countries, due to the popularity of Egyptian cinema and the media in Middle East.

Since Egypt was a British colony until 1952, most educated locals learn English at school. Travelers are unlikely to have difficulty finding someone who speaks English, especially in cities and resorts.In fact, English and French are taught as secondary languages ​​in all Egyptian public schools, although people attending these schools could speak the language to varying degrees, depending on their education and socioeconomic skills). .

Among the educated class, seniors over the age of 40 will generally be more flexible in French, as French was the dominant language of education in the past before English became dominant. But this is becoming more and more extraordinary as there are more young people going to French schools than before, so there are many young people who speak French in addition to English. There are also some German schools where students are taught everything in German and follow the German curriculum.

Most other common languages ​​are Italian, Spanish and Russian due to the large number of tourists from Europe who speak these languages.

In the southern parts of the country, such as Luxor and Aswan, the local language is called Sa'idi Arabic, and is different from the standard Egyptian Arabic spoken in the northern part of the country. There are also black Africans in the far south who speak a completely different Nubian language. However, basically all people can speak Egyptian Arabic and in the cities they often often standardize Arabic and English.

The Bedouins of Shiva and the western deserts of Egypt speak a language called Verber, called Siwi, which is an unwritten language unique to those who can only speak it. These people are bilingual in Egyptian Arabic.

The Bedouin tribes of other parts of Egypt have their own dialect of Arabic, which would not normally be understood by the ordinary bourgeois Egyptian, but again these people will be bilingual in the Egyptian dialect.

Contrary to some people's beliefs, no one speaks or understands hieroglyphics (the ancient Egyptian language of the Pharaohs) except those who studied Egyptology or worked in archeology or gave museum guides.

Buy

The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP), which is divided into 100 piastres. (The currency is often written as LE, or using the pound sign £ with or without additional letters: E £ and £ E. In Arabic, the pound is called genē [màSri] / geni [màSri] (جنيه [مصرى]) , in turn comes from the English "guinea", and piastres are known as ersh (قرش).

• Currency: You will not really need to know that the name piastre as the lowest value in circulation since 2013 is 25 piastres, and this is almost called "quadratic pound" (rob` genē ربع جنيه) and the 50 piastres, "half pound" ( noSS genē نص جنيه). The quarter, half and pound, are mostly found only as currencies, since 2013.
• Banknotes: The highest paper value is the EGP200. Other denominations of paper banknotes are EGP5, 10, 20, 50 and 100.
• Credit cards: Debit and credit cards are not accepted. Even stores use card payments technically, staff are generally untrained and therefore unable to accept card payments. Hotels and large supermarkets as well as shopping malls for foreigners may be the exception.

In Egypt, the pound sterling is called genē esterlīni (genius sterling).

The Egyptian pound has been gradually depreciating in recent decades. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Egyptian pound appreciated almost as much as the British pound. Since 2011, the exchange rate has become relatively volatile and inflation has accelerated. As of 2013, the Egyptian pound is about 11 times lower than its peak.

Since the end of 2016, the Central Bank has tried to determine the value of the Egyptian pound against the US dollar at the rate of EGP1: USD17.7. This has led to a shortage of foreign exchange and since December 2014 a black market in foreign currency has emerged. Dollars attract the highest premium. In general, the big foreign exchange bureaus will offer the black market rate - the rates they publish are largely fantastic.

Approximately exchange rates

For	ISO 4217 international currency code	you will get about this number of Egyptian pounds (EGP)
1 Euro	€1	20.33
1 US dollar	USD1	17.71
1 pound sterling	GBP1	22.72	(Bank of England notes - Northern Ireland and Scots notes get less)
1 Canadian dollar	CAD1	13.55
1 Swiss franc	CHF1	17.70
1 Chinese renminbi	CNY1	2.37
100 Japanese yen	JPY100	15.76

• Exchange of money and banks

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at foreign exchange offices or banks, so you do not need to resort to unbridled money resellers. Many top-class hotel prices in dollars or euros and will gladly accept them as payment, often at an interest rate higher than the Egyptian pound. ATMs are ubiquitous in cities and perhaps the best choice overall. They often offer the best rate and many foreign banks have branches in Egypt. These include Barclay Bank, HSBC, CitiBank, NSGB, BNP Paribas, Piraeus Bank, CIB and other local and Arab banks. The opening hours of the Bank are Sunday to Thursday 08: 30-14: 00.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted, but only larger hotels or restaurants in Cairo and restaurants in tourist areas will easily accept credit cards as payment. Traveler's checks can be exchanged at any bank, but may take some time.

Tip

Due to the current economic situation of the country with an ever-increasing population and depletion of resources, this means that many people may be unemployed (a much higher rate than in the more developed countries). Many who work in the services or hospitality industry (restaurants, hotels, bars, etc.) are probably on decent pay.

This means that many people working in the service / hospitality industry are trying to make their main source of income live away from advice.

Keep in mind that these people often live hard, often responsible for feeding large families, and may do so simply because their income from work is not enough to make a living.

So almost everyone in the hotel asks you for advice, even if it was just a small thing. You do not have to pay huge tips, as smaller bills are often appreciated. However, you do not need to consult if you feel that you have not received any service or I was not helping you at all or if you think the service was poor. No one will ever violate or be disrespectful if you do not tip them. Note that the average Egyptian makes about 7500 EGP (US $ 405) / month.

Some general instructions:

• Bath attendants: GBP3
• Cruises: LE 30 / day, to be shared by all staff on board
• Guide: LE 40 / day
• Hotel bellman: LE 10 for all bags
• Hotel Doorman: LE 10 for services provided (as indicated by taxis)
• Restaurants: In the most famous restaurants a service charge (10-12%) is added to the bills, but an edge of 5-10% above that is common. In fast food places, overturning is not necessary.
• Travel guides: 10% on calculated fares, but not required if you agree on the fare in advance
• Website administrators: LE 5 if they do something useful, no other
• Tourist guides: LE 10 / day

If you ask a stranger for instructions, the advice is not necessary and may be considered offensive. Officers in uniform, such as police officers, should not be overthrown. Remember that bribery is technically illegal, but it is likely that nothing will happen to you. Last but not least, know that as a foreign tourist, you see a lot of money and you should not allow yourself to be turned over for useless or unsuccessful "services" such as self-catering guides who close you.

Avoid neutralizing

A common scam that a handful of sellers, ticket sellers, taxi drivers etc. will try is to claim that you only gave him a 10LE note, when he actually gave him a 100LE note - this can lead to a heated argument - better to treat it as an "honest mistake" so that the seller does not lose face, then suggest that the police or the tourist police can help. As a general rule, every time you give large amounts of bills you loudly state their value, both you and the seller know the value of the notes.

Shopping

Egypt is a buyer's paradise, especially if you are interested in souvenirs and kits on Egyptian art. However, there are also some high quality products for sale, often at bargain prices. Some of the most popular markets include:

• Antiques (Note: not antiquities, the trade of which is illegal in Egypt)
• Carpets
• Favors and clothing They can be purchased at Khan El Khalili for around EGP30-40. Best quality Egyptian cotton garments can be purchased at various chain stores, including Mobaco Cottons and Concrete which have many branches across the country. Some shirts reach around 180 EGP
• Inserts goods such as backgammon tables
• JewelryCartoons make a great souvenir. These are metal plates that have an elongated oval shape and have engravings of your name in hieroglyphics.
• Leather items
• MUSIC
• Papyrus
• Perfumes - Perfumes can be purchased at almost any souvenir shop. Make sure you ask the seller to prove to you that there is no alcohol mixed with the perfume. Normal values ​​should be in the range of 1-2 Egyptian pounds / gm
• Water pipes (Sheeshas)
• Spices - can be purchased at colorful counters in most Egyptian markets. Dried herbs and spices are generally of a higher quality than those available in western supermarkets and are up to 4 to 5 times cheaper, although the final price will depend on the negotiations and local conditions.

When shopping or shopping for street vendors, remember to go shopping. Due to the decline of tourism since the 2011 revolution, tourism is very low and you will find shopkeepers very open in the bazaar and lower prices than in the past - even in places like Luxor / Aswan and not only in Cairo.

You will also find many western brands everywhere. There are many shopping malls in Egypt, the most common being Citystars Mall, the largest entertainment mall in the Middle East and Africa. You will find common western fast food restaurants such as Mcdonald's, KFC, Hardees, Pizza Hut, etc. and clothing brands such as Calvin Klein, Levi's, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Armani Exchange etc.

In Egypt, prices often go up for foreigners, so if you see a price in a price, it may be wise to know the local Arabic numerals:

Arabic numerals	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Eastern Arabic numerals	٠	١	٢	٣	٤	٥	٦	٧	٨	٩

Food

Egypt can be a fantastic place to try a unique range of foods: it is not very spicy and well flavored with herbs. For a convenient selection of Egyptian cuisine and staple foods, try the Felfela restaurant chain in Cairo. Some visitors complain, however, that they have become almost tourism-friendly and have abandoned some elements of authenticity.

Surprisingly, watch out for every restaurant included in the popular guides. Even if the restaurant was once large, after its publication, it will probably create a "special" English menu that includes very high prices.

As in many coastal countries, Egypt is full of restaurants and fish markets, so fish and seafood are a must try. Often, fish markets have some food stalls nearby, where you can show specific types of fish to be cooked. The stables usually have a shared table and the locals are as frequent as the tourists.

Hygiene

Be aware that the hygiene may not be of the highest quality, depending on the place. The number of tourists suffering from some kind of parasite or bacterial infection is very high. Despite the assurances to the contrary, practice common sense and bring the appropriate medication to deal with the problems. "Antinal" (Nifuroxazide) is cheap, effective and available at any drugstore. "Immodium" or similar products are only prescription drugs.

Although Antinal is very effective, sometimes when there is nothing else, seniors should check their name with their doctor before invoking, as it contains a high concentration of active ingredient not approved by the US FDA or UK regulator. pharmaceutical body.

Local dishes

Classic Egyptian dishes: Ful Medames dish is one of the most common dishes in Egypt. consists of beans (ful) that are cooked slowly in a copper pot (other types of cans do not produce the right kind of flavor) that have been partially or completely washed. Olive oil is often an ingredient and garlic is sometimes added. Blackberries are served with plenty of olive oil, chopped parsley, onion, garlic and lemon juice and are usually eaten with Egyptian bread (or ballad) or occasionally with toast. It is also sometimes seasoned with chili paste and tumeric.

One must try the classic Falafel (known as Ta'miya in Egypt), which is a deep-fried bean bean ball (but best known worldwide for the ground chickpea version commonly found in other Middle Eastern cuisines) to be invented by Egyptian Bedouins. It is usually served as a fast food or a snack.

Koshary is a famous dish, which is usually a mixture of spaghetti, lentils, rice, chickpeas and tomato sauce. Very popular with locals and should strive for tourists. The variant called Taagin.

Egyptian cuisine is quite similar to the cuisine of the Arab countries in the Eastern Mediterranean. Dishes such as stuffed vegetables and vine leaves, Shawarma sandwiches are common in Egypt and the region.

Vegetarian tourists Options:

Vegetarian tourists have limited options for exploring, but Falafel and Koshary are great options for them.

Exotic fruit

Egypt is one of the most affordable countries to try a European variety of fresh exotic fruits. Guava, mango, watermelon, small melons, tissues are all widely available from fruit stalls, especially in agricultural markets that are not suitable for tourism.

Drink

Water

Bottled water is available everywhere. Local brands (the most common being Baraka, Siwa, Hayat) are just as good as the expensive imported options, which are also available: Nestle Pure Life, Evian, Dasani (bottled by Coca-Cola) and Aquafina (bottled by Pepsi). A note for the local Baraka brand: while it is perfectly safe to drink this branded bottled water, some may notice a very slight aftertaste of soda due to the high mineral content of the deep spring fountain.

Wherever you buy bottled water (even hotels are not completely reliable), before you accept it, make sure there is a clear plastic seal on it and that the neck ring is still attached to the lid by the fragile plastic threads.It is common to collect empty but "new" bottles and fill them with tap water which you drink a bottle will make you sick. Not all brands have the clear plastic cover, but all the good ones do.

Juices

Juices can be found widely in Egypt - kasab (cane); erk soos (licorice); sobiia (white juice); tamr and some fresh fruit juices (almost found in the same store offering all these juices except erk soos can be which you can find elsewhere).

Karkadae is also a famous juice especially in Luxor and it is hibiscus tea that is drunk hot or cold, but in Egypt it is preferred to drink it cold.Should also mention that hibiscus tea is known to lower blood pressure, so be careful.

Alcoholic beverage

Egypt is predominantly a Muslim nation and alcoholic beverages are religiously (haram) banned - though not legally - for strictly observed Muslims. That said, Egyptians tend to adopt a relaxed and realistic view of alcohol for non-Muslims and foreigners. It is tolerated by the vast majority of Egyptians and is consumed by a fairly large number of them. Alcoholic beverages and bottled beverages are readily available throughout the country (especially in larger cities and towns, as well as in tourist centers). Note, however, that public intoxication (especially the intense and annoying variety) is certainly not appreciated - without care, you may end up drying up in a police cell. Try to be a good ambassador: if you have to get "tipsy", limit it to the hotel or very close! (It is really rare to see drunk tourists, even in the most intense tourist areas ...)

Stella (not artois) and Sakkara are common vegetable beers in Egypt (about 4%), both made by Heineken's Egyptian subsidiary, Ahram Beverages Company. Other local brands are available, most with a higher alcohol variation that have demanded levels of 8% or even 10%. Foreign brands licensed in Egypt include Heineken and Meister.

Restrictions on alcohol

Egyptian alcohol laws are officially quite liberal compared to most Islamic countries, except during the month of Ramadan, when alcohol is strictly forbidden. During Ramadan, only foreign passport holders are allowed to buy alcohol, according to Egyptian law. However, enforcing this law is by no means consistent. In tourist areas such as Luxor, alcohol is sold even during Ramadan, and those who look like foreigners will not be asked to present passports or other documents.

During Ramadan, alcohol is often sold only in western hotels and restaurants that cater especially to foreigners. A few days of the year, as the day of the full moon in the month before Ramadan, alcohol is completely forbidden. Also, some hotels and bars that cater to foreigners will stop serving alcohol during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan - phone up front to make sure alcohol is still being served to avoid disappointment.

Sleep

Egypt has a full range of accommodation options, from basic backpacker hostels to five-star resorts. Most major hotel chains are represented at least in Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh and Luxor. You can book most of your stay online or contact a local agent who can arrange both accommodation and travel.

Stay safe

Travelers often complain about their deception in Egypt. While irritating, most of them are harmless attempts to lure you to a papyrus or perfume shop. Usually you will be approached by someone who speaks fluent English who will invite you to join him for a cup of tea at his favorite souvenir shop where he will make you pay. If you have lost, say la shukran (no thanks) or halass (enough). If you allow yourself to be underestimated by all those who try to sell you something, your vacation will not be very happy. You will usually also get the "remember me? I work at your hotel and saw you this morning" scam, and the guy will try to take you to a store or restaurant where he gets supplies. Tell him he's wrong and leave. Touts will tell you to put money in a donation box at a mosque that claims to help a neighborhood that recently had an earthquake. Just ignore him. Most annoying are the taxi drivers who get a commission from the hotels that leave you far away. Just ask to leave on a road or landmark near where you are heading. Egypt generally has a safe country to travel to, people are friendly and willing to help.

Political unrestAfter a long period of political stability in a dictatorial climate under President Mubarak, Egypt is now politically disturbed.

TerrorismTerrorism is a security concern, but the chances of being affected by terrorism are statistically low and any shady areas may have extra security. There are also many AK-47 police officers leading camels to the Giza plateau. They ensure the safety of tourists, as the Pyramids are the crown jewels of all Egyptian antiquities. Some tourists may want to take pictures with these policemen on a camel back, but while on patrol, they may verbally warn you not to place them next to them to take a picture with them.

CrimePickpocketing is a problem in the biggest cities in Egypt, especially in Cairo. You should keep your money in a clip in your pocket like the locals do. Violent crime is rare and extremely unlikely to be stolen or robbed. If you find yourself a victim of crime, you can get support from local pedestrians by shouting "Harami" (Criminal) while chasing the person who robbed you. Overall, fraud is a major concern in Egypt. Egyptians who start a conversation with you in Cairo and Luxor can "make you friends" and guide you, even bring you back to the dining room and then charge you for it. Basically, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Demand prices for everything. One scam in amusement parks is that they pretend to be your friend by treating you, then offer to keep your things when you go for a walk only to disappear afterwards.

The cruelty of animalsA study in Egypt found horrific abuse of horses and camels forcing visitors on their backs or in wheelchairs to the country's top tourist destinations - including the Great Pyramid of Giza, the ancient burial of Saqqara and the royal tombs access to food, water or shade. Many horses used for walks in Giza and Luxor had been seen with painful, bloody wounds, but were forced to continue to deal with tourists. Extinct horses whose ribs peeled from their skins were repeatedly pulled and beaten. Animals in these areas are forced to wait for the next customer to pay in the hot sun with no shelter or water slides. They are not given any breaks and they are beaten and beaten to give endless walks in the heat, even when their knees bend and collapse. Eyewitnesses also noticed that the camels were screaming abused with canes of men and children at the Camel Birqash market before being sold to the tourism industry. When camels are no longer able to roam, they are sold to the meat industry.

Stay healthy

LiquidsMake sure you drink plenty of water: Egypt has an extremely dry climate most of the time - which is exacerbated by high temperatures in late summer - and countless travelers each year experience the difficulties and dangers of dehydration. The feeling of thirst is not enough to show danger - bring a bottle of water and keep drinking! Having to urinate for a long time or passing very small amounts of dark yellow urine are signs of initial dehydration.

Egyptian tap water is generally considered safe by locals, but is not recommended for regular alcohol consumption, especially for very local differences in quality. Bottled mineral water is widely available - see Drink Department: Water. But watch out for the old scam, where sellers resell bottled bottled water, refilled with another (perhaps dubious) source .... Always check that the seal is unbreakable before splitting your money (or drinking it) and inform the police tourists if you catch someone doing this ...

Be a little careful with fruit juice, as some vendors may mix it with water. Milk should also be treated with caution, as it may not be pasteurized ... Just try to buy milk from reputable stores. Hot drinks such as tea and coffee should generally be okay, as the water has boiled in the preparation, although it pays to be wary of ice as well.

SunWear sunscreen, wear a durable hat and wear good sunglasses - it's bright out there!

Schistosomiasis'In order to avoid the shrinkage of the justified schistosome parasite (also known as bilharzia), a flat ladder that overflows into the skin, does not swim in the Nile or enter other Egyptian waterways, even if the locals do. It is also a good idea not to walk barefoot on freshly watered lawns for the same reason.

Although it takes weeks to months for the disease to show on its head, it is wise to seek local medical care if you think you have been exposed, as used to diagnose and treat it, and it will cost you money instead of dollars. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fatigue, making the disease easy to mistake (for example) for the flu or food poisoning, but broadleaf eggs can be identified by a stool test and the disease can usually be treated with a dose of Praziquantel.

Avian flu outbreaks in Egypt have resulted in 23 deaths since 2006. The last death was in December 2008.

Respect

Keep in mind that most Egyptian workers are waiting for advice after performing a service known as Baksheesh. This can be expected for something as small as pressing a button in the elevator. Many employees will ask you to consult them before you take a chance. The standard tip for small services is 50pt to 1 LE. Due to the general lack of small changes, you may have to give 5 LE to do simple things like using the bathroom. Just understand that this is part of the culture.

Do not photograph people without their permission, and in areas frequented by tourists, do not be surprised if you ask for a little baksheesh. If you are a man, do not be surprised if another man holds your hand or forearm or makes some form of physical contact - there is no taboo against men holding hands and unlike in the West, this behavior is not associated with homosexuality. In general, Egyptians are much more comfortable with less personal space than most Westerners. However, Western couples should be careful when engaging in same-sex relationships. Normal contact is perfectly acceptable (handshake, shoulder pads, etc.), but holding hands could be confusing to Westerners as a sign of homosexuality, which is quite taboo in Egypt. Smoking is very common and cigarettes are very cheap in Egypt.

Gamal Abdul Nasser, the second President of the Arab Republic of Egypt and many others are considered national heroes in Egypt. you should not say anything at all that could be considered offensive or derogatory in relation to him. Go through these topics carefully and let others guide the opening of the discussion. Many Egyptians have a different interpretation of ambiguous expressions such as freedom of speech and democracy. Likewise, do not impulsively curse politics and other trivial matters. It is advisable not to discuss Israel, even if they are tempted. Do not talk about it out loud, as it may attract unwanted attention, even if you only talk about it as a travel destination.

Never discuss religion from an atheistic or similar point of view. Even the most educated Egyptians studying abroad will not appreciate it and the doors will close for you. You should also be aware that the Islamic "call to prayer" occurs five times a day and can be heard almost anywhere you go. Just understand that most Egyptians are used to it and enjoy it as part of the cultural experience.

Be very careful if you choose to drink, especially if you are from a country where heavy drinking is acceptable. Even if you are used to it, you can not calculate the effects of the climate, even at night. The impact of drunken people on the Egyptians is quite large and very negative. The best plan is to simply abstain or limit yourself to one drink per meal while in Egypt. it will also be cheaper.

Do not provoke political talk, but do not be afraid to get involved if a local you are talking to (usually a middle-class and well-educated businessman) starts a quarrel over his hatred of the current administration (for whom they accuse, rightly or wrongly). for the decline of tourism and economic losses). This will be a common theme in which you will meet many friendly locals, but you certainly do not want to think that a foreigner is coming to offend his government knowing only what you hear in the media.

DressWomen should cover their arms and legs if traveling alone and covering your hair can help keep unwanted attention away. Although as an alien, you can be very careful, no matter what you wear, especially including people looking at you along with some verbal harassment that you can try to ignore. Egyptian women, even those wearing full hijabs, are often sexually harassed, including cat calls. You may find that full coverage does not make a huge difference in terms of harassment compared to wearing a top with shorter sleeves. When it comes to harassment, how you act is also important. Leaving a group of people is also helpful and the best thing to do is to ignore the men who give you unwanted attention. They want to get some reaction from you. Also, a sign of respect is to use the Arabic greeting, "Asalamualaikum" (meaning "hello, peace be upon you"), and the other person should answer "Walaikumasalam".This allows the person to know that you want respect and nothing else. Egyptians are generally conservative people and many are religious and wear very conservative. Although they welcome foreigners to dress much more comfortably, it is wise not to dress provocatively, if only to prevent people from looking at you. It is best to wear pants or jeans instead of shorts, as only tourists wear them. In modern nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and bars in Cairo, Alexandria and other tourist destinations, the dress code will be much less restrictive. Formal or social functions and smart restaurants usually require more formal wear.

In the Pyramids of Giza and other such places during the hot summer months, short-sleeved tops and even sleeves are acceptable for women (especially when traveling with a tour group). Although you should have a scarf or something to cover more when traveling from / to the tourist destination. It is also perfectly acceptable for women to wear high boots during the summer, and you will even see some women in hijab wearing high beautiful boots.

Contact

Egypt has a reasonably modern telephone service that includes three GSM mobile providers. The three mobile operators are Mobinil, Vodafone and Etisalat. The headquarters are located in Alexandria, Cairo, Al Mansurah, Ismailia, Suez and Tanta. Roaming services are provided, although you should contact your service provider. It is also possible to purchase tourist mobile phone lines for the duration of your stay, which usually costs around 30 LE.

Internet access is easy and cheap. Most cities, such as Cairo and Luxor, and even smaller tourist sites such as Edfu, have plenty of small Internet cafes. The price per hour is usually 2-10 LE depending on the location / speed. In addition, more and more cafes, restaurants, hotel lobbies and other locations now provide free wireless internet access. Free wi-fi (Mobilnil) is also available in modern cafes such as Cilantro and Costa Coffee, where you can access a 2-hour "promotional" card from the waiter and if you go to almost any McDonald's, they will have access to free WiFi connection.

Washing machine

There are some ways to make your clothes in the desert:

The easiest, most practical - and not at all expensive - is to arrange your hotel to have the laundry for you. By prior arrangement, the clothes that remain in the bed or are delivered to the reception will be returned to you from the night they are washed and pressed.

Designated self-employed can insist on hand washing or find one of the many "hole in the wall" washing machines, where staff will wash and step on your clothes manually - an exciting process in itself! Just be aware that your clothes will probably smell of cigarette smoke when returned ...

Cairo has some basic western-style washing machines in areas inhabited by foreigners and tourists - they are almost non-existent in other parts of the country. Some hotels in tourist cities such as Luxor and Dahab offer a laundry service in the back room - the machines are usually primitive and will leave you with the task of turning and ironing your clothes.

Even in Cairo, dryers are extremely rare, but they are not exactly necessary: ​​The combination of Egyptian climate and clothing will do the job. Do not hang white fabrics outside, the dust will make them yellow.

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