Discovering Egypt and its treasure troves. Here is a list of things you should know before your visit.
Egypt is located in the northeastern corner of Africa and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It is well-known for its ancient civilisation, which offers tourists exposure to its distinctive culture and history.
The country is famously known today for its monumental attractions, such as The Giza Pyramids. But it is also important to be well-informed about the country’s formalities before your arrival. As a visitor to a new country, being well-prepared will help avoid culture shock and ensure a comfortable and memorable journey.
1. Travelling with a reputable guide
Many Egypt tour packages include a knowledgeable guide allowing you to relax and enjoy the trip without worrying about getting lost or communication issues. It is also beneficial to spend time with a local familiar with the country’s history and culture. Therefore hiring a guide would provide you with an extra level of safety and local expertise.
2. Extremely hot weather conditions
Egypt’s climate is hot, dry and dominated by desert conditions. June will have up to12 hours of sunshine per day, so travellers should expect sweltering weather during this time, particularly in desert towns like Luxor and Aswan. Bring plenty of bottled water to stay hydrated when you go sightseeing. Pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, light-weight clothing, and a pair of sunglasses to prepare for these extreme conditions. A bug repellent is also recommended.
3. Dressing Appropriately
Egypt is predominantly Muslim. Therefore, female travellers should consider having to dress conservatively out of respect. Low-cut tops, shorts, and knee-length skirts are considered inappropriate for women. Ankle-length skirts and pants, as well as long-sleeve cotton and linen blouses (with roll-up sleeves), are ideal. Though headscarves are not required in Egypt, as in some other Muslim countries, it is a good idea to have one on hand just in case.
If your travel itinerary includes beach towns, then bathing suits, tank tops, sundresses, and shorts are more acceptable in these areas.
4. Tipping culture
Even though tipping is common in many parts of the world, locals in Egypt rely on them to make a living and feed their families. Expect to tip any hotel employee who helps you, as well as drivers and guides. Servers staff usually receive 3LE to 10LE in tips, while guides receive 50LE or more per day. In restaurants, a tip is around 10% of the total bill.
5. Learning the language
The Middle Eastern culture is well-known for its hospitality. Locals are accustomed to tourists and may know a few basic English phrases such as “hello,” “Thank you,” and “Goodbye.” But knowing a few Arabic phrases will come in useful even if they speak English. You may encounter locals who may want to take pictures, chat, and ask questions. Learning the language will also help in interacting with the locals in order to gain a better understanding of the location, people, and culture.
6. Public Holidays
In Egypt, there are two major holidays to consider before you travel.
The first is Ramadan, a religious holiday whereby people fast from dawn until sunset. During Ramadan, most tourist attractions, such as restaurants and shops, close early. Tourists should plan ahead because stores and restaurants close as early as 2 p.m. and will reopen after the fast is over.
Eid Al Adha, the second holiday, is a celebration that marks the end of Ramadan. Eid Al Adha can be very festive, but it can also be chaotically crowded, with sites and attractions closing early. Female tourists are often cautioned to avoid crowded public places such as parks, sexual harassment toward women has been reported to be on the rise.
7. Public Transport
To avoid unpredictable situations while hailing a taxi, have the hotel arrange for it as this is the safest method. This option is more reliable as the hotel will not arrange a taxi that would jeopardise their guest in any way, shape or form. It is also recommended to get a hotel card and show it to the taxi driver (if he’s a different one) on your way back.
8. Egypt is safe in terms of violent crimes
While tourists should still use caution when crossing busy streets, they should also feel safe in Egypt. While there are crimes of opportunity, violent crime is reportedly low, even in the busy streets of Cairo. Places such as the Sinai Peninsula and the Libyan border should be avoided, but none of Egypt’s tourist attractions is anywhere near those areas.
9. Traffic in Cairo
Traffic in Cairo can be congested. Driving around town takes longer, so visitors should always allow for extra time when travelling from one location to another. This is another reason to consider an Egypt tour guide, as they should include transit time in the itinerary.
10. Exploring beyond the pyramids
Egypt is famous for its Pyramids of Giza, but it also has an incredible history across the country with its ancient temples and archaeology. Furthermore, Egyptian cuisine is unique and distinctive, definitely a must-try.
There’s the Nile, another well-known tourist attraction and iconic river known throughout the world. The Nile river cruise is known as one of the most popular ways to experience the wealth of archaeological treasures and the cultural attractions in Egypt.
The Capital city of Cairo offers; The Egyptian Museum, which holds over 120 thousand artefacts, and historical sites filled with ancient mosques, churches, hammams (Turkish baths), madrasas (Islamic colleges), and magnificent fountains.