VISA’S: Visas are required for
all nationalities. Many country's citizens can
obtain one upon entry however citizens of some countries
are required to obtain their visa from a consulate before
arriving. Although most airlines can tell you
whether one is required for your entry prior to arrival,
it would be best to check with the closest Egyptian
consulate or Embassy to be certain.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Normally no
immunizations are required or needed. If you have recently
been traveling in an area known to be experiencing
problems you should obtain a health certificate before
arrival. While in Egypt drink the filtered bottle
water or the mineral water. Also be sure to
bring any prescriptions you might need. And don’t
forget to prepare for the “Pharaoh’s curse” with a
bottle of Imodium or similar. Be careful of fresh fruit
juices as they may be diluted with local non-filtered
water.
CURRENCY: The local currency is the
Egyptian pound (LE). 1 LE = 100 piasters. Banks are opened
in major hotels for 24 hrs. Credit cards are widely used
in major hotels & restaurants. Charges will be in
Egyptian pounds. Current rate of exchange is $1.00 = LE
3.45 however it floats daily so can change at any time.
You do not need to change money prior
to arrival as most currencies are
accepted, especially US dollars, by all establishments
EXCEPT you must use Egyptian pounds for antiquity site
entry fees.
CLIMATE: The best season is from
October through May when the temperature is Cairo is
comfortable in the daytime, and cool or even cold
at night. Weather in Upper Egypt, Luxor, Aswan and Abu
Simbel is comfortably warm. During the summer months in
Cairo is hot and dry, upper Egypt is extremely hot,
sightseeing is done early in the morning. Average
temperatures can be: (In F)
|
Jan |
Mch |
May |
July |
Sept |
Nov |
| Cairo |
45/67 |
55/79 |
65/95 |
73/99 |
70/95 |
55/80 |
| Aswan |
52/76 |
59/89 |
72/101 |
80/110 |
76/105 |
60/89 |
CLOTHING: Winter months: Bring sweaters,
a light coat or jacket for the cool Cairo evenings. Women
should bring slacks and one evening dress for nightclub
visits. Men should bring at least one warm jacket. Pack a
bathing suit if visiting Luxor and Aswan if taking a Nile
cruise. Summer months: light weight cotton clothing. A
sweater for cool Cairo evenings.
AT ALL TIMES: modesty in clothing
should be observed. Women should cover their arms
when visiting mosques. Bring comfortable walking shoes
for sightseeing and walking on desert sand. Sneakers
are needed and no open sandals as it is sandy. Sunglasses
as well as hats and scarves are recommended as protection
against the strong sun. No shorts in the cities and women
should never wear sleeveless blouses or shorts at any
time. Beaches are like beaches all over the world,
much more casual and laid back so shorts can be worn.
While at hotels wear a cover wrap to/from the pool if you
have to go through the hotel to reach it.
ELECTRICITY: 220 volts, 50 cycles AC
in Cairo. Wall plugs are the round two pronged European
type. No adapters or transformers are provided bring
your own.
HOLIDAYS: The weekly day of rest is
Friday. Islam is the principal religion of Egypt. So the
“weekend” is generally Friday and Saturday. Sunday is
a normal business day although a good percentage of the
population is Eastern Orthodox Christian. Islamic
Holidays are based on the lunar calendar and change
annually. The Eastern Christian holidays are
generally different than the western Christian ones.
For instance Christmas is on January 06. Tourist
attractions (antiquity sites) are open every day except
New Years day. Some sites that are of an active religious
type (monasteries, mosques, etc.) close for their
appropriate sabbath.
Terms
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