When we start planning our trip there are always certain doubts and concerns that we all as travelers have when thinking of a new destination. From basic things like clothes, the best places to visit, as well as medical or security services.
It is important that before traveling you know the basics about customs and culture and their generalities so that everything during your vacation is perfect and you have excellent experiences.
Surely you have the following questions about Egypt or you start your search for suggestions and recommendations when you have planned your trip to this country.
Here is a list of frequently asked questions we have when planning our Egypt adventure.
1 – Is it Safe to Travel to Egypt?
The direct answer itself. Egypt is a very safe country, especially for tourists. All points and attractions are well guarded, tourist buses are escorted (some) and you will find security on the main streets of the city.
The care and precautions that you have in your country or other destinations is the same that you should have in Egypt, in addition to respecting the recommendations of your tourist advisor or the tourist police.
2 – Is it safe to travel alone to Egypt?
Yes, no problem for women, Egypt is safe. In the country, you will notice that tourists, in general, are insisted and followed a lot, sometimes it is to sell a product or because the person is a foreigner and they are attracted to differences.
Try to fit in with the crowd to avoid undue attention. In Egypt, particularly outside of big cities, men are not used to seeing women show so much skin in public. Remember that you are not there to change the existing culture, but to experience a new one, so dress modestly.
3 – When to travel to Egypt?
Egypt is a country in North Africa, but part of its area is in Asia. With a desert climate, Egypt has high temperatures during spring and summer and is cool/cold in autumn and 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.
4 – Is it difficult to process the Visa for Egypt?
The most practical way to obtain a tourist visa is at Cairo International Airport. You can buy it upon arrival at one of the counters available near the immigration area. The visa for Egypt currently costs 25 dollars, additionally, we recommend visiting the page of the Egyptian consulate of your country so that you can consider the option of processing the visa from your place of origin.
5 – What Vaccines are Needed to Travel to Egypt?
Currently, it is not necessarily a mandatory vaccination but it is recommended for Egypt that we get vaccinated against yellow fever before traveling, (and issue the international vaccination certificate) and it is always advisable to have your complete vaccination schedule.
6 – How to Dress in Egypt?
In tourist areas you can wear casual clothes according to your tastes and preferences, however, when visiting mosques and churches it is necessary to wear clothes that cover arms and legs, and without necklines.
In some mosques, it may be necessary to wear a headscarf. It is advisable to bring a scarf with you, as in many places you will find various mosques and churches with architecture worth seeing and exploring.
7 – Can I wear a Bikini on the Beach in Egypt?
In the most touristy beaches, hotels, and cruise ships, you can wear a bikini without a problem.
8 – What are the Best Places to Visit in Egypt?
- Cairo: Necessarily L as Pyramids of Giza, the historic Citadel of Saladin, the Egyptian Museum, and shopping Moez Street and Bab Zweila and the Khan el Khalili bazaar (old Cairo). Don’t miss the Tannura dance performance at El Ghouri.
- Luxor: The Valley of the Kings, The Temples of Luxor, Karnak, Hatshepsut, and the impressive Colossi of Memnon Don’t miss a hot air balloon ride over the city.
- Aswan: Visit the Temple of Phile, the Town of Nubia, the Unfinished Obelisk, the Aswan Dam, and Elephantine Island.
- Lake Nasser: Visit the temples of Abu Simbel as you cruise the lake.
- Sharm El Sheikh: Enjoy the sea and go snorkeling and diving in Ras Mohamed. Visit Mount Sinai and the Monastery of Saint Catherine.
- Hurghada: Giftun Island.
- Alexandria: The important Library of Alexandria, the Citadel of Qaitbay, finally the Montazah Park and the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa.
- Dahab Dive into the blue hole and its different beaches.
- Siwa and the Bahareya Oasis: Something completely different, complete your view with the white desert.
9 – What should you not do in Egypt?
- You should not eat in restaurants that are not recommended by health guides
- You cannot use cannabis (hashish) or other drugs
- You cannot kiss or show excessive affection in public places
- You cannot drink alcohol in public places
- Do not go out to places not recommended by the guides.
10 – Can I enter the Pyramids of Egypt?
Yes, you can enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the admission ticket is extra and costs around 20 USD (300 EGP)
11 – How much does it cost to visit the Pyramids of Egypt?
Visiting the Giza pyramids complex costs around USD 10 (EGP 120).
12 – Is the tip mandatory?
It is not mandatory, but we have to consider that the tip is part of the Egyptian culture, the tip is a supplement to income due to low wages. We show you some examples where if it is necessary to tip:
- At the entrance of the toilets, there is always someone who gives you toilet paper: 5 EGP
- For drivers: USD 5 per day / per person
- Leader Tour: 5 USD per day / per person
- Guide: 10 USD per day / per person
- Luggage loader: 1 to 3 USD
- Cleaning fee: USD 2
- Photos with Bedouins, locals, or camels: 1 USD
- Cruise staff: USD 30 (best to hand it to the reception at check out)
- Any other service or assistance: 5 to 20 EGP
- Waiter: 10% of the bill
13 – Can I Walk Hand in Hand and Kiss with my Partner?
You can go hand in hand or hug, but kissing in public places is forbidden, you could be arrested.
14 – Can I wash my teeth with running water?
Yes, you can brush your teeth with tap water, no problem.
15 – Can I Drink Tap Water?
It is not recommended to drink tap water, only bottled water.
16 – What to buy in Egypt?
You can buy several very interesting things such as silver, lamps, original papyri, pieces made with Egyptian cotton, perfumes, and natural oils, and of course the must-see purchases that will remind you of your visit to the pyramids !!!
17 – Do I need to know Arabic during my trip?
Well, if you’re traveling with a guide speaking in Spanish, you have nothing to worry about, however, it is fun to learn a few words in Arabic to communicate with local as ell @ s like very much to see you try to speak their language.
In addition to this in Egypt, English is almost a second language, and professionals who work directly with tourism can also speak other languages, so this issue is not a cause for concern.
18 – How much money should I bring for my trip?
This is a very relative question because it depends on what style of travel you want and what you want to do. If you’ve already bought your package, and you just want to bring extra money for groceries, gift purchases, and tips, let’s assume it would be at least $ 50 per day per person.
Another important tip is that little by little, change your money for local currency, there are currency exchange shops in the city and tourist areas.
19 – Can You Drink Alcohol 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 shops that sell alcoholic beverages.
20 – Is It Possible To Have Internet Service In Egypt?
In the hotels you will not have a problem as they have Wi-fi service, however, on 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.
With these tips, you were surely able to clarify some of your doubts and questions about Egypt and your trip there. If you have any questions or concerns not mentioned, write them in the comments and we will help you solve them.