About Egypt (Egypt – An Introduction)

Few places on earth capture the imagination of both young and old the way Egypt does with its parched desert landscape dissected by its one eternal river. The Nile flows from beyond Egypt’s southern border some 1500km through high cliffs and plains before the river valley splits into the many tributaries of the Delta. To either side of the river are baked stretches of desert – the ‘Red Land’ or ‘deshret’ of the ancient Egyptians which formed a natural barrier against invasion for thousands of years. The ‘Black Land’ ‘kemet’ is the river valley itself, a life-giving ribbon of cultivated land which never extends more than a few kilometres from the river and was fertilised by each year’s inundation until the building of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s.

Because the Nile Valley was the most populated area in ancient times, this is where the bulk of remaining Egyptian monuments are situated and where most tourists visit. The popular way to get to Egypt is to fly into one of the main cities – Cairo, Luxor or Aswan, whose airports have recently been modernised and extended. For those who want a more leisurely holiday the Red Sea coast is becoming increasingly popular, a diver’s paradise with its coral reefs and wide sandy beaches in resorts such as Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. There are package tours to suit every taste and every pocket. It has to be said that the Nile Valley is by no means the only monumental area and ‘specialist trips’ are now being organised to the Oases of the Western Desert as well as the Eastern Desert and Sinai.

Many visitors opt for a cruise. These flat-bottomed riverboats, ‘floating palaces’ which may be merely luxurious or blatantly ostentatious, ply the Nile from Luxor to Aswan and back weekly. The long cruise from Cairo to Aswan is no longer available at the present time for security reasons, but on the shorter cruises the visitor has the opportunity to pack about three weeks worth of holiday into a week. Cruises are usually accompanied by Egyptologists who will guide you around the sites in a whirlwind tour of knowledge and wit. While catching your breath between visiting monuments and eating huge meals there is time to just relax and watch the banks of the Nile, hardly changed since ancient times, silently float by. There are now also cruises available on Lake Nasser which take in the Nubian monuments.

For those who prefer to travel alone or with friends, there are many small Egyptian-owned hotels at extremely reasonable prices as well as the large five star tourist hotels. Travel from one city to another is comfortable by either air, train or air-conditioned coach.

Climate

A hot, dry country, the temperature of Egypt varies from North to South. Most tourists visit the country in its ‘high season’ – October to March. Summers are extremely hot, especially in Upper Egypt, where temperatures can easily reach up to 50 C (122 F) in June and July. The average midwinter temperature in Aswan is usually around 25 C (77 F) and 10 C (50 F) in Cairo. In the winter as soon as the sun has set it can feel very cold because of the contrast in temperature. Rainfall is quite rare in Upper Egypt, but you can expect a little rain in the winter months in Cairo and the Delta. A strong dry wind known as the Khamsin (literally ‘fifty’) blows in March or April for around 50 days from the Western desert, spreading fine particles of sand over everything it touches.

For current weather conditions in Egypt see Weather Online

Time Zone and DST

Egypt is two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2) and operates Daylight Saving Time (+1 hour) from the last Friday in April until the last Friday in September.
Language

Arabic is the official language in Egypt and the majority of the population are of Muslim faith. Egyptian Arabic is a separate dialect from the language spoken in other Arab countries with standard Arabic as the written form used for newspapers and literature. This will usually be understood in most places but there is a colloquial dialect or ‘street Arabic’ which varies throughout Egypt. The difference in speech between Cairo and Luxor is very noticeable. It has been said that the three most useful words in Egyptian are:

I : insha’allah (if it is the will of God)
B : bukra (tomorrow)
M : ma’lesh (it doesn’t matter)

These three words illustrate the pace of life in Egypt – where nothing is important enough to need to be done quickly!

But don’t worry. Egyptians have an amazing ear for languages and most people who come into contact with tourists will speak English and/or several other European languages. Even before you speak your nationality will be accurately guessed by the way you dress and walk. In the most denselypopulated tourist areas children from two years old will know how to say ‘welcome to Egypt’, ‘what’s your name’, ‘baksheesh’, ‘pen’, and ‘give me money/sweets/cigarette’ in lots of languages! The government is now encouraging foreign languages to be taught in schools and older children love to practice their skills

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About Egypt - Travel Tips (Money Matters)

Currency In Egypt

The Currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound ( referred by LE - Livre Egyptienne) and it is divided into 100 piaster. In Arabic it is called Genaeh. Here you will find 25 and 50 piaster notes and various sized coins down to the 5 piaster. At present $1 dollar is equivalent to 7.5 Egyptian pounds 

In Egypt, most of the banks are open from Sunday to Thursday; working hours being 0830 to 1400, though banks at the airports and the major entry ports are open 24 hours daily.

Note: Most of the major credit/debit cards, such as American Express, MasterCard, Visa, all Euro cards and JCB, are widely accepted in various hotels and shops. If you want to use an ATM machine, they mostly accept Visa, MasterCard and Cirrus cards. If you can't find an ATM machine in your vicinity, you can still obtain cash if you go to any of the Misr Bank branches. Banks are unwillingly to accept $100 notes issued before 1992. If you wish to convert your currency, you can use $US, £UK or Euros, as they are accepted in many banks and other places. TIP: Don't change your $, £ or Euro until you arrive in Egypt – the conversion rate is much better here!

Please don't bring Scottish pounds, Irish punts, and New Zealand dollars etc. as they are not accepted in Egypt! You will find plenty of banks at the airport and several foreign currency exchange offices. Your duty free goods must be purchased within 48 hours after arrival.

If you at any point during your tour, run out of money, and your credit cards are not accepted, you still can get money wired to you from abroad. In Egypt, there are plenty of Western Union branches; it takes just a few minutes to get any sum of money sent to you from abroad.

Travelling Alone Advice

Egypt as a tourist cannot be compared with other countries. Things are cheaper here. Even entry fees to the sites are cheaper than many other countries. Flying to Egypt is cheaper from many tourist destinations around the world. Nowadays you can even get an organized package trip for $500 with accommodation!

Often I will advice travellers to avoid getting taxis to tour the sites. What do you expect from a local taxi driver, who cares nothing but how much you will pay him at the end of your trip? This is the job of a travel agency, or a local licensed guide to do.

Today there are so many travel agencies in Australia and the UK that offer very cheap trip they are very well organized. You picked up the choice to do it on your own! Then you must be prepared.

You must be aware of the following points:

Hints and Tips

• If you must take a taxi, then it would be best if you asked the reception/ concierge of your hotel to get you one. They have certain assigned taxis that they know very well, and deal with on a daily basis If you want to tour a site on your own, you have to be aware of where you are going, how much you are going to pay for the ticket, and what is included with the ticket! This is the reason I built my information site: 
• To help first time travellers to Egypt. If you want to dine out, then you must know where the recommend restaurants are, and where you will find the clean healthy food. Don't consider the price, even if you dine in a 5 star hotel, it is still cheaper than in your own country!Independent travel, for your 1st experience, is not advised. I have explained elsewhere about how "Lonely Planet" gives the wrong impression. I have spoken to many people who have tried it this way, and wish they had gone as part of a group (I do not mean a package holiday – groups can be arranged when you get there!).
• First and foremost, prepare yourself for a culture shock! Many seasoned travellers are amazed when they first visit Egypt, and find that it is unlike any other country that they have previously visited! 
• Egypt is a Muslim country, so please respect their faith. Many things that you take as the norm, such as kissing and/or fondling your partner in public, wearing revealing clothing etc., are frowned upon here, so try and be more conservative in your attitude. Homosexuality is actually illegal in Muslim countries.
• Do not rely, solely, on travel books such as Lonely Planet and Rough Guide. Though they do give a lot of good information, they do not explain everything, or how to help if you get into problems. Too many people have come to Egypt armed with one of these books, and have left, totally disappointed with their trip, vowing never to return again! 
• If you are travelling alone, or in a couple, and wish to organise everything yourself, please let the hotel know your plans before you leave. If you should get lost, the hotel will be able to act on your behalf! Also, take a note of the hotel's name and telephone number, in case you do get lost, or change your plans.
• If you wish to organise everything yourself, be prepared for the occasional "rip-off". Like many other tourist destinations, Egypt has its "wolves", those who prey on unsuspecting travellers. Often the total cost of an excursion can be a lot more than if you had arranged it through your hotel, or a travel agent, and a lot less enjoyable. 
• Never drink the tap water! It is okay to wash, shower and clean your teeth with it, but not advised to drink. Bottled water is cheap and plentiful; use it instead!
• In Egypt they drive on the right, be careful when crossing roads. Take special care in Cairo, where the traffic is a lot busier than in other Egyptian cities – especially outside the Egyptian museum! UK and Japanese travelers should be extra careful, as you will be used to traffic driving on the left.
• Get your entry visa at your destination airport; it often works out cheaper than getting it at home. Also you can exchange your $, £ or Euro at the same time – the conversion rate is far better in Egypt! 
• If you are going to be using the Abela Sleeper Train service, please try and make your reservation in advance. For help with this, try here.
• Internal flights by Egypt Air must be booked in advance as well. 
• Get to know the other guests in your hotel, many of them will give you advise about what and whatnot to do. They should also be able to tell you where the best restaurants and bargain centers are; no one will knowingly recommend a bad place! 
• Ask your hotel's reception desk for help and/or advise. They will know the best taxis, tour companies etc. and will let you know. Some hotels can also take bookings for excursions.
• Do not be scared of being part of a group for excursions. These groups have leaders (a tour guide and/or Egyptologist) who will help with problems, explain about the site you are visiting, arrange transport (if necessary!) etc., things you would find difficult if you tried it alone. You will also find that you will get less hassle if you are part of a group! Many traders will not approach a group of people, but they will approach a lone traveller or a couple. 
• When you pay for a group excursion, the price includes everything except for tips (sometimes admission prices are not included). This includes transport, a driver, a tour guide, tolls etc. Some longer excursions may even include a stop for lunch (often included in the price too). Many will take you to places where Ancient crafts are still practised, giving you the chance to buy good quality merchandise at low prices.
• Buy (and drink) plenty of water. You will find it a lot cheaper to buy in the various shops, than buying at your hotel or cruise boat. You may not drink a lot of water at home, but make sure you do in Egypt. It is very easy to become dehydrated if you don't.
• Remember that Egypt is a 3rd world country, and has many poor people who think that all tourists are rich, no matter where they come from in the world! Learn the phrase "La Shukran" (No thank you!) and don't be afraid to say it to anyone who tries to sell you anything, or asks for "baksheesh". Believe it or not, it does work. Please do not say "Emshi" (as many tour books advise), this can be taken as an insult.
• If you forget the expression "La Shukran" just politely say "No thank you" and walk away. Don't get abusive to the trader; he is only trying to feed his family.
• If you feel that someone is being too pushy, let a member of the Tourist Police know. You will see them everywhere in Egypt and their job is to protect you.
• Admission to all sites is payable in LE, so make sure that you carry enough with you. Try and plan each day in advance, work out how much you will need for admissions, and keep this money separate from your spending money.
• If you want to go on a felucca trip, be careful! Again, ask for advise from your hotel first, to find out the best captain to approach. Unfortunately there have been reports of some captains demanding extra money for the return leg of a journey, or demanding to take you somewhere else first! While this is not the norm, it does occasionally happen.
• You will find that many tours (especially to the desert sites) are done either early morning or late afternoon. The reason for this is because of the heat in the middle of the day. If you do want to visit sites independently, please try and follow the example of the experienced tour organisers and avoid the midday sun!
• Be prepared for delays when entering some sites. Because of the threat of terrorism, you will have your personal belongings (camera bags, carrier bags etc.) searched before gaining admittance. Though this is annoying, it is for your safety! Also, on some sites, they may find video equipment, which they will take from you. Don't worry you will get it back! It is just that certain sites do not allow video's to be used.
• Take a small, pocket, flashlight with you when visiting the sites. Many tombs, temples etc. use the natural light for illumination (including a local with a large mirror, reflecting the light!) and a small flashlight can be very handy. A small mirror, such as the one in a ladies make-up, can also be used to highlight a relief. Please Note: Do not take one of the really bright halogen torches, you could cause damage to the monuments!
• Once developed for cleaning the parts underneath a babies nappy / diaper, "Wet Wipes" (the small, damp, tissue usually bought in a plastic tub) are becoming more and more popular with adults. They are also very useful when travelling in Egypt. When you have felt the relief's in a Temple, touched the hieroglyphs in a Tomb, caressed the stones on the Pyramids etc., you only have to take one of these wipes out to instantly clean your hands. No more looking for a washroom!
• Make up a small "medical-kit" before you go! Include things like safety pins, plasters (different sizes), antiseptic cream, diarrhoea tablets, headache tablets and sun cream (high factor advised).
• Take a box of cheap ballpoint pens. The children (and many adults) are very happy when you hand them out, handy for baksheesh.
• When shopping for bargains, keep your own currency and credit cards out of sight, and separate from your LE. It is easier to haggle over a price if you can show that you have only a few Egyptian pounds in your possession! Plus, some traders may try and insist that they meant $ or £, instead of LE, if they see that you are carrying them.
• Wear sensible footwear when visiting the various sites. High heels and open toe shoes are not advisable. The floors of most sites are either sand or rough-cut, uneven stone. Inside many tombs, wooden floorboards have been installed, but thin heels could get caught in the gaps between the floorboards.
• Many monuments have signs that say " No Flash Photography", please obey these signs (you can be ejected from the site if you ignore the sign!). The very bright flash can cause serious damage to some of the ancient paintwork!
• Some reliefs have depictions that show male genitalia – this is not pornography, so there is no reason to be offended! If you are part of a group (of any size) the leader/guide will explain the reason for the depiction.
• If you are travelling by road to Abu Simbel, ask your hotel or cruise boat if they supply a "breakfast box". Some hotels do this, as they cannot supply you with a breakfast before you depart. If they do not do this service, take some food with you, as hunger will set in before you reach Abu Simbel (a 3 ½ - 4 hour trip, each way!) Also, make sure you take plenty of water with you; it tends to be hot here and you can dehydrate very quickly
• When visiting the West Bank sites at Luxor, again take plenty of water with you! You will be there for either ½ day or a whole day (with a break for lunch) and it can become very hot, drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration!
• Ladies, if you intend visiting the inside of one of the pyramids, please wear trousers (or jeans). You may have to ascend/descend ladders and/or crawl through narrow passages. For the same reasons, I would advise men to avoid wearing short trousers.
• Public transport (town bus services, and in Cairo, the Metro!) in Egypt is very cheap, but try and avoid it if you can. You will only put yourself into an awkward position having many locals staring and talking about you. Taxis are not expensive so use these for travelling about town. Your hotel will let you know the best companies to use.
• If you on a "multi-centre" holiday, and you will be returning to your first hotel before your departure, arrange to leave some of your luggage, and items you have bought, with the hotel. Most hotels offer this service free of charge (or for a very low cost) and it saves you having to carry too much to your next destinations.
• When you have paid your entry into the Egyptian Museum and received your ticket (s), a "guide", offering his services, will approach you. These "guides" are not employed by the museum, they are freelance. Most of the museums exhibits are not labeled, so the chances are, you will not know one from another. A guidebook is available from the museum, but it is up to you if you want to employ one of these "guides". If you decide to do so, make sure you haggle for a good, low price, so that if he is useless, you have not wasted much money. You could even try and form a group of visitors to share the cost! To avoid this problem in the first place, ask at your hotel for advise on getting a proper guide!
• At most sites, especially if you are alone, or in a couple, a "guide", offering to show you around, may approach you. To these people you should say "La Shukran" or "no thank you"! The Egyptian Government does not employ any guides at any of the sites and monuments! Again, ask at your hotel, for help, before you visit the site.
• Do not buy anything from the traders inside the Giza Plateau! The items they are trying to sell you can be bought a lot cheaper at places like the Khan El-Khalili. Also beware the many people offering you camel rides, as they are not all genuine! Head for the main stables if you want a camel ride, or better still, arrange one at your hotel.
• If you go to the Citadel, try and ignore the traders selling "papyrus" pictures, as the "papyrus" is made from banana leafs, they are not genuine papyrus! Also, if you buy some from one trader, another will approach selling you "pictures that the other man did not have"! To get mementos here, there are some stalls between the bus park and the old bank, where the traders are better to deal with, and not so pushy.
• Many people, to save money, use the express train service, Cairo - Luxor/Aswan - Cairo. This is a long journey, though it is comfortable (and the scenery is breathtaking!). Before boarding the train, make sure you take some food with you, as the supplies "on-board" run out very quickly and are not replenished. A book is often advised, to help pass the time. Make sure you get the 1st Class, air-conditioned express train (normally, tourists have no option – the lower class carriages are for locals only!). They are non-smoking, but you can smoke in the entrance/exit area!
• Do not feel that 5 star hotels are always the best! There are many 3 star hotels, that are Egyptian owned and run, that offer the same facilities as the big multi-national ones, sometimes they offer a better service and in most cases, a lot friendlier!
• We, at Ask Aladdin, advise against the idea of a felucca trip between Aswan and Luxor (Esna), unless you are really intent on sleeping under the stars, and eating food that is not of the best standard. Many of these little felucca tip over due to the strong wind and you will end up losing all your luggage in the bottom of the Nile. We recommend using big Cruise boats, they can do the same trip, with better sleeping accommodation and first class food!
• And finally: Please do not let this list put you off going to Egypt. It has been compiled from questions that people regularly ask, and complaints that travelers have experienced. This list is to help make your visit as enjoyable as possible.

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About Egypt - Travel Tips (Health)

Health

For inoculation requirements contact your own GP. Recommended vaccinations may vary from country to country.

Medical treatment in Egypt can be very expensive so please make sure that you have adequate cover on your travel insurance and be sure to disclose any diagnosed illnesses to your insurer. If you are taking prescribed drugs abroad it may be a good idea to have a covering note from your doctor, although there are no customs restrictions. In case of medical emergencies in Egypt, there are modern well-equipped hospitals in all major cities, especially Cairo. You may however be referred to a private hospital for treatment.

Pharmacies are abundant in every town in Egypt and they can be easily recognised as ‘Pharmacy’ will usually be written in English. If you have any health queries at all the pharmacist can usually be extremely helpful in recommending treatment or remedies if needed. Practically anything is available in Egypt without prescription and non-prescription treatments are generally very inexpensive.

Hopefully you won’t have any medical problems, but many visitors experience ‘gyppy tummy’ or ‘pharaoh’s revenge’, which is a common form of diarrhoea, possibly accompanied by sickness and can last for two or three days. This complaint is most often brought on by overindulgence of rich food as well as dehydration. The food may be wonderful, but take it easy to begin with and you should have no problems. You may wish to take a diarrhoea remedy such as Immodium in your first-aid kit, but some of the Egyptian ones work much better and are much less expensive. The main cause of illness in my experience is that visitors who are not used to the heat simply don’t drink enough fluids to replace those lost. It is suggested that you drink around 6 litres of water a day (you may feel awash, but it could prevent you being ill). Remember, alcohol is dehydrating, and is no replacement for water. The general rule of thumb is that if you don’t need to pee much then you’re not drinking enough!

It is recommended that visitors drink bottled water. The main reason for this is that tap water, at least in Cairo and the main cities is heavily chlorinated and this can cause stomach upsets. In some country areas water may come from tanks or underground wells and should be avoided. Bottled water is available everywhere, but check that the seal on the bottle is unbroken before you buy it. A 2-litre bottle of natural water should cost no more than EGP 3 to EGP 4, except in hotels and restaurants where it will be much more expensive. Ice cubes and fruit drinks (such as lemon juice) are often made with tap water and should be avoided if you are worried about your stomach.

Heat stroke can happen very quickly if you are not used to high temperatures and can make you feel unwell with headaches and nausea. In the warmer months the sun can be fierce by 11.00am, so be sure to keep your head covered when out in the sun.

Mosquitoes can also be a problem, especially in summer and into autumn. Upper Egypt is the home of some very large and hungry bugs, so if you are prone to insect bites it is wise to use a repellent on all exposed areas of skin, especially in the evening. Insect spray is available in Egyptian pharmacies but it may not be the brand you are used to and you may prefer to take your own. I have found that vitamin B12 tablets help to deter biting insects (don’t know why, but it seems to work for me). Since the building of the High Dam at Aswan, Egypt is considered to be a Malaria-free region, but check with your GP for precautionary measures. Malaria tablets can have adverse effects on some people.

Finally, the River Nile is the habitat of a certain snail which carries a parasite called Bilharzia or Shistostoma, especially in shallow water near the banks or in the canals. This can cause serious illness if transmitted to humans, so it is wise to avoid bathing in or drinking from the river. But the good news is that there are no longer any crocodiles in the Nile north of the Aswan Dam!

I hope this review of possible problems doesn’t sound too gloomy. If you are aware of the pitfalls you should have a healthy and trouble-free holiday in Egypt.

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About Egypt - Travel Tips (Dress Code)

Dress Code

Egypt is an Arab country and although much less observant in Muslim traditions of dress than some of the other Arab states, visitors should try to respect their customs. Many Egyptian women no longer abide by the Islamic custom of wearing a veil to cover their hair, especially in the larger cities. In recent years Western dress has become very fashionable for both men and women in most parts of Egypt, although an increasing number of younger women are once again taking to wearing the hijab (headscarf) as a decalration of their faith.

In country areas however, the traditional form of galabeya or long flowing robe, will still be worn by many men who find it cool, comfortable and practical in the heat, together with a thickly wound scarf worn on the head. Women also wear a kind of galabeya with an outer garment over the top when away from the home and a scarf to cover the head. It is considered improper to show bare arms, shoulders and legs, and some people may find this a little shocking. At the very least, women out in the streets wearing skimpy tops and revealing shorts may be leered at. Modest shorts have become more acceptable for men, but many cruise boats and hotels will insist on long trousers in the dining room. Topless sunbathing or swimming is forbidden practacally everywhere in Egypt.

In the hotter months loose cotton clothing is the most comfortable thing to wear for both men and women. If you burn easily it is wise to cover all exposed skin when out in the sun. A hat or scarf to cover your head is essential to protect you from the fierce heat in order to avoid sunstroke. A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from the glare and it is usually a good idea to have a spare pair because these are easily lost. Comfortable shoes are also a must. A robust pair of sandals and a pair of enclosed flat shoes are ideal. Trying to walk in high heels on Egyptian pavements is definitely an art!

In winter, especially in Lower Egypt, the evenings get suddenly very cold in comparison to the warm days. It is advisable to take warm outer clothing to wear in the evening between October and March, and perhaps even light rainwear for Cairo and the north. In summer you should not need these. In the desert areas the nights can become very cold at any time of the year.

In Cairo you can buy anything you may have forgotten to take with you. In Upper Egypt it may be a little more difficult to get exactly what you need, so try to pack a good basic wardrobe which will see you through your holiday. Most hotels and cruises operate an excellent laundry service for guests.

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About Egypt - Travel Tips (Getting Around) A

Luxor

Taxis are the easiest way to get around Luxor. Any journey within the town centre should cost around EGP 5 or EGP 10 from one end of town to the other, that is, from the south of town to Karnak. This is the price for the car, not for each person. As in Cairo, you can hire a car for the day by agreeing a price with the driver, which is worked out by kilometres.

In Luxor, caleches or horse-carriages operate in the same way as taxis for short journeys. This is a more leisurely way to get about and can be cool and pleasant on a warm day or evening. The prices should be the same as taxis, though the caleche drivers seem to argue more. Agree a price for your journey first. The drivers may often try to take you on a roundabout route calling at papyrus shops and bazaars at which they get commission, or they will suggest a visit to the camel market. Be warned, this is only open on a Tuesday! If you don’t want to do this be firm!

There are microbuses or ‘arabayas’ which operate on circuits around the town and this is a very inexpensive way to get around once you know the routes. Any journey in an arabaya should cost 25 piastres (EGP 0.25), but they will often charge tourists EGP 1. You can get on and off anywhere on the route, but they can get very crowded and you may have to share your seat with a basket full of live chickens. It’s good fun if you like adventures.

A passenger ferry operates from the Corniche to the West Bank all day and most of the night. These cross the Nile about every 15 minutes depending on the time of day and cost EGP 1 (for tourists) for each journey. Alternatively the owners of motor boats will constantly tout for your business and usually charge EGP 5 each for a single journey. Look out for Egyptians crossing by motor boats which operate the same way as the ferry and at the same price.

On the West Bank there are taxis to hire. A return trip to the Valley of the Kings should cost around EGP 40-50 per car and the driver will either wait or come back for you at an agreed time. There are arabayas here too in the form of covered Peugeot pick-up trucks which do a circuit of the West Bank but do not go to the King’s Valley. Just wave one down wherever you are and bang on the window to get off. They should cost 25 piastres for any journey, though foreigners may be asked to pay more.

You can also hire bicycles inexpensively in Luxor and on the West Bank. A good way to get around as there are no hills. There is no charge for bicycles on the ferry.

I could go on. There are donkeys, camels, horses, with boys touting for business wherever you go.

Security

Since the mid-1990s there has been a threat to tourists from terrorist activities in Egypt, but except for the Sinai coast, there have been no major incidents since 1997 and security has been stepped up drastically since then. This means that independent travel is not as quite easy as it once was. From 2009 however, the armed police convoy has ended between Aswan and Luxor and down into Middle Egypt and visitors are no longer obliged to travel all together in long lines of vehicles.

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About Egypt - Travel Tips (Getting Around)

Getting Around

The easiest and the quickest, though most expensive way to travel around Egypt is by domestic air travel. Egyptair offer a range of daily flights between the larger cities.

From Cairo you can get an airport bus which makes several stops between the airport and the Pyramids Road in Giza. Alternatively there are always lots of taxis waiting at the airport to take visitors to their hotels and the same applies to Luxor, Aswan and other airports.

The whole of the Nile Valley from Alexandria to Aswan is covered by a rail service run by the Egyptian government, but when trying to book a ticket on these trains visitors are often told that they are only allowed to travel on the ‘tourist train’. This is a sleeper train which runs daily from Cairo to Aswan operated by a private company, Wagon Lits and is superbly comfortable even without a sleeper compartment. It is advisable to book tickets at least a day in advance. Otherwise, if you are prepared for an argument at the ticket office, you can travel on any of the frequent government trains which are less expensive and less comfortable.

Air-conditioned coaches operate throughout Egypt and are generally inexpensive with two coaches a day between Cairo and Aswan, but be prepared for a long journey. There are also local buses without air-conditioning between all Egyptian towns. Check the main bus terminals for details of times and costs. It often costs only a little more to travel in the more comfortable coaches.

Cairo

In Cairo and Alexandria there are metro routes covering many parts of the cities. This is an easy, exceptionally clean and inexpensive way to travel around and the underground trains run at very frequent intervals all day. A single journey on the Cairo metro costs 50 piastres (EGP 0.50). The entrance to underground stations can be recognised by a circular sign with an ‘M’ in the centre. In Cairo the metro system is currently being extended. There are usually separate coaches at the front of the trains for women and I would recommend their use by women travelling alone. They are usually much less crowded than the rest of the train and you will not be hassled or treated as an object of curiosity.

There are two types of buses in Cairo. Large overcrowded buses travel routes throughout the city, often with a dozen children hanging on to the sides and you can get to most places on these routes. Smaller more comfortable buses which do not allow standing also operate the major routes. They are an inexpensive way to travel.

A Guide to Public and Private Transport in Cairo, Egypt

Cairo is one of the greatest tourist attractions in Egypt and is full of historical and cultural 

heritage. It's a huge city, and has a large network of roads and other transport options so that people can move around it easily. Here is our guide to the different ways of getting around in Cairo.

Metro is the fastest way of getting around

Plans had been made to build a metro network in Egypt since the 1930’s, but construction only started in the 1980’s. The first line constructed was from Helwan south of Cairo to El Marg north of the city. Metro lines are still expanding in order to make it easier for citizens to move around the city, which is especially important as the streets of Cairo are so crowded. If you’re looking for a fast and an affordable way to reach your destination, then the metro is a good choice as you’ll save yourself from the hassle of the terrible traffic. But do be aware that sometimes the metro also gets very crowded, especially at peak time, so if you’re not willing to deal with the crowds then you should use another way of getting around.

Private transport

If you’re looking for an easy way to reach your destination 

and save time, then private cars are the right thing for you. You have the option of taking a taxi or other private means such as Uber and Careem that help you book a car with few clicks. For a comfy and safe ride from or to the airport London Cab is a great choice too.

Try out the river bus

That’s a bus in the Nile! Although these Nile buses don’t move as fast as you may want them to, it’s still so much better than the traffic jam. So if your destination is along the 

riverside, you can simply ask if the bus goes there. Another perfect thing about the Nile bus is that it can transport you to the historical Coptic area in Old Cairo. Just ask at the river stop which bus is going to Misr Al-Qadima (Old Cairo).

Take the Nile taxi

This is a new method of transportation to save you time – the Nile taxi. You can now use the boats in the river to move about quickly. There are three types of  Nile taxi; those where you have to wait till it fills up with enough passengers, ones where you can pre-book for the time that suits you and the tourist ones.

Take the carriage

Carriages can be found in Downtown, Zamalek, Giza and mainly along Nile Corniche. And although they’re mainly used now for sightseeing now, they are still popular among Egyptians and tourists, especially during holidays and for special occasions.

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About Egypt - Travel Tips (Food and Drink)

Food and Drink

The range of food in Egypt is very wide and cosmopolitan. Mostly you will find dishes are a cross between Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Food is available in large restaurants or from street corner stalls and snack bars. The smaller snack-bars and cafes usually offer a good range of inexpensive lightly-spiced Egyptian food as well as sandwiches, pizzas and french fries. Falafel, or tamiya, is a delicious deep-fried snack made from beans and is available freshly cooked on every street corner. Check out how clean the stall looks, as some of these places don’t have running water or refrigeration.

The traditional Egyptian breakfast is ‘ful’ which is a kind of bean stew and extremely filling, but larger hotels and cruise ships will offer a buffet breakfast with just about anything you could possibly imagine, including a wide range of breads and cakes. Smaller hotels tend to stick to a continental breakfast of croissants or bread rolls with jam, honey, or cheese and tomatoes and sometimes eggs. Plain yoghurt is also popular.

Egyptian people often eat their main meal at lunchtime and this is usually chicken or beef with rice and vegetables and may be preceded by a soup. Pork is rarely seen in Egypt as it is considered unclean by Muslims. Bread accompanies every meal and there are many types of breads in different regions. The common ‘Aysh’ or Egyptian bread is an unleavened circle of coarse dough (and sand) a little like pitta bread, or larger loaves or rolls of risen white dough. Bakeries are abundant and the choice of pastries and very sweet cakes makes your mouth water.

A similar but smaller meal is eaten at sunset by Egyptians, but tourists tend to have their main meal in the evening, often quite late. A three course meal in a hotel will cost anything from around EGP 40 upwards, whereas you can get a three course meal in a local cafe for around EGP 20 or less. In Cairo there are many Western-style fast food restaurants, including places like McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut and there is even a McDonalds in Luxor now. They are inexpensive compared to their branches in Europe. Seafood is also popular in Cairo, but more of a speciality in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea coast.

Egypt is famous for its coffee shops, the traditional place where men go in the evening for a game of dominoes or backgammon. There will usually be a television blasting out a loud football game in Arabic. In these pavement cafes you can have a cup of coffee (Nescafe or Egyptian coffee), tea or a soft drink and watch the world go by. Western women are just about tolerated now in these places but you will rarely see Egyptian women here except maybe in Cairo.

Tea is a traditional drink in Egypt and you will probably drink gallons of it while there, whether you like it or not. It is made by boiling a powdery form of tea leaves in a kettle of water until it is stewed, and then a large quantity of sugar is added. It is served in small glasses without handles. Coffee, unless you ask for Nescafe, will be similar to Turkish coffee, served in tiny cups with a thick residue of coffee grains in the bottom. This will also be very sweet unless you ask for only a little or no sugar.

The more traditional Muslims do not drink alcohol although they are tolerant of visitors drinking in moderation. Alcoholic drinks are usually confined to the bars of larger hotels and restaurants and can be very expensive, but limited stocks are now available in some supermarkets. A local beer called Stella, a fairly weak lager, is available in many places as is Stella Export which is stronger and more expensive. Several types of reasonable Egyptian wines are also available, but often expensive.

Naturally, bottled water and soft drinks are available everywhere. Try juice stalls on the street where you can get freshly squeezed fruit juices depending on the season for around EGP 6 per glass. Mango, guava, sugarcane, or strawberry are just a few of the many to tempt you on a hot day.

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About Egypt - Travel Tips (Students)

An International Student Identification Card is a must when travelling in Egypt. If you are a student you can get many discounts in Egypt as an ISIC holder, including half-price entrance to most archaeological sites and museums. You can also get good discounts on rail and air travel, accommodation and in many restaurants and shops in major cities. Valid in 85 countries throughout the world, the benefits of an ISIC card are well worth the cost of around GBP 7. If you are enrolled in full-time studies and are at least 12 years old, you are eligible for the ISIC card, whether in secondary school or in post-secondary studies and there is no upper-age limit for the ISIC.

If you are no longer a full-time student, but are under the age of 26, then you can get an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC), which will give similar benefits. Alternately if you are a full-time teacher then the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) may be for you.

For more details see the ISIC website.

In Egypt you can obtain any one of these cards from the Cairo office of the Egyptian Student Travel Services in el-Roda, which can be found above the National Bank of Egypt, two blocks south of el-Roda Square, near the el-Giza bridge. It is within walking distance from el-Malek-el-Saleh metro station. There is another issuing office at the Campus of the AUC just off Tahrir Square.

The main office address is:
Egyptian Student Travel Services – Headquarters
el-Mamalek Square, 23 el-Manial Street, el-Roda, Cairo
Tel: (02) 53 10330

You will need to produce a legitimate Student Identity Card and a letter from your college or university professor as verification of student status. Your passport and two passport-sized photographs will also be required and after filling in a form a card will be made for you. This usually takes around half an hour if the office is not busy. The office is open Saturday to Thursday from 8.00am to 8.00pm and Fridays from 9.00am to 6.00pm. The card currently costs EGP 50. SCA rules have been greatly tightened up lately and as a mature student I have occasionally had my identification queried at the office, but never refused.

There is also an issuing office in Alexandria, in front of el-Raml police station, telephone (03) 58 44324. In Luxor you can now obtain an ISIC card in Ahmed Orabi Street, beside the Hotel Institute, telephone (095) 382163.

For students of archaeology who are serious about seeing many sites, especially those which are not usually open to visitors, it may be useful to apply for an antiquities permit. This can be obtained from the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Abbassiya in Cairo, on production of an introductory letter from your college. It may be wise to contact the SCA before you go there to make an appointment and you will need three copies of a letter from your college. The office is open Saturday to Thursday mornings. With an antiquities permit students may be given free entry to many sites and museums, but you will still need travel permission from the Tourist Police as well for some out of the way areas.

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