Travel advice & practical information for travelogue:

'Tour of Egypt'

Useful addresses

New York

Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt
1110 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Tel.: 212-759-7122
212-759-7121
212-759-7120
Fax: 212-308-7643
E-mail: egyptcg@aol.com

London

Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt
2 Lowndes street
London SW1X 9ET
Tel.: 09065 508 933 (Visa information)
E-mail: info@egyptianconsulate.co.uk
Web site: www.egyptianconsulate.co.uk

Paris

Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt
58, Avenue Foch
75116, 16e Paris
Tel.: 1-4500 7427
1-4500 7710
1-4501 9989
1-4501 6066
Fax: 1-4500 3528

Visa

To visit Egypt, you need a passport that is valid until 6 months after you leave Egypt. On arrival, you can get a visa for a maximum of 4 weeks.

Best time to travel

Egypt has a hot, dry desert climate. 94 per cent of Egypt is desert. Precipitation is scarce, often less than 1 mm per year. In some places it hasn't rained for decades. Only a narrow strip along the Nile in inhabitated.

In the winter, nights can be cold; during the summer (May-September)temperatures can be over 40 degrees centigrade. The best time to travel is February-April and October-December.

Language

Almost everyone speaks at least a few words of English. But it's probably wise to learn at least the Arabic numbers, so you can read prices, etc. Stores sometimes have fixed prices, but street vendors etc. don't, which means you have to negotiate.

Important phrases to learn, are "bakshees" (tip) and "la, shokrun" (no, thanks).

Money

Egypt's currency is the Egyptian Pound, which is 100 pisasters. You'll find ATMs in many places, though they are not always working. To be on the safe side, bring Travellers Cheques.

Euros are accepted in tourist shops. On the streets, children sometimes want to exchange euro coins for Egyptian pounds. This is not a trick to steal your money: banks don't accept coins for exchange.

Tipping (bakshees) is ingrained in Egyptian society. Keep in mind that when you ask someone to do something for you, you're expected to give a tip, usually 1 EP. If someone spontaneously, without being asked, gives you directions, they will also ask for bakshees. You are strictly speaking not obliged to pay them.

Compare car rent

If you know which places you are going to visit, you can find out online if and where there are ATM's that you can use with MasterCard and Cirrus or Visa

Film and photography

At most historical sites one has to buy a separate ticket for a camera. For a photo camera one pays on average 10 EP, for a video camera 100 EP. There seems to be a tendency to consider digital cameras as video cameras.

Not everyone likes to be photographed. If in doubt, ask for permission.

At historical sites, keep in mind that if people offer to take your picture, they will expect a tip.

Health

You shouldn't drink tapwater, but it's okay to brush your teeth with it. Don't eat salads and other raw vegetables in small restaurant, because they are washed with tapwater.

Make sure you drink enough (mineral)water and get enough salt. A dry mouth, listlessness or urinating less often than usual can be signs of dehydration.

Even though you may not be at risk of malaria, it's wise to bring good anti- mosquito medication. Also bring a desinfectant you can use without water to clean your hands.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have up-to-date information about health risks other than mentioned here.

Safety and security

Traveling can bring risks with it in some countries or regions. That shouldn't always keep you from traveling there, but part of good preparations is finding out about possible risks.

The CIA World Factbook has up-to-date information on all aspects of safety and security.

Still, one should always consult one's own country's Foreign Department's web site.

Plan your trip to Egypt online

Through online reservation systems like À la Carte Vacations you can book airline tickets, hotels, rental cars and holiday houses. You can build a fly-drive itinerary with maximum flexibility, book a flight plus a hotel hotel for a night or weekend. Without the limitations of package deals from travel organisations and most times for a much better price.

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