Egypt Country Dossier

In the fifth century BC Herodotus wrote of Egypt that 'nowhere are there so many marvellous things...nor in the world besides are to be seen so many things of unspeakable greatness' - and not too much has changed. The Sphinx, the Nile, ancient Luxor, the Pyramids - Egypt's scope is glorious.

It's not just the Pharaonic monuments that have drawn travellers to this country since long before the birth of Christ - it's the legacy of the Greeks, Romans and early Christians, and the profusion of art and architecture accumulated from centuries of successive Islamic dynasties.

Factfile

Capital: Cairo
Official Language: Arabic. Others: Nubian, English, Armenian.
Religions: Muslim 85%, other 15% (mainly Coptic Christians).
Voltage: 220 volts. Sockets are of the European, two-pronged variety.

Preparing to go

Visas

Visas are required by most nationalities. A tourist visa is valid for entry within three months of the date of issue and allows a stay of one month from the date of entry. For the latest information on your specific visa requirements you should contact the local Egyptian Embassy or Consulate near your planned date of travel.

Note: It is possible for many nationalities to purchase an Egyptian single entry visa on arrival at Cairo Airport. However, as these regulations may change at any time without prior notice, the Egyptian Authorities recommend you obtain your visa in advance. Visas can be purchased upon arrival at the Rafah border, Taba border, and Nuweiba port.

Multiple Entry Visas
If you plan to leave Egypt and return later, or your tour makes two or more entries into the country, you must clearly request a multiple entry visa when you make your application. If you apply for a multiple entry visa, check your passport when it is returned to you to make sure that you have been issued with the correct visa.

Note: a multiple entry visa cannot be obtained on arrival in Egypt. A single entry visa cannot be changed to a multiple entry visa on arrival in Egypt.

Note:You should carry some form of photographic ID at all times. A copy of your passport is sufficient.

Money

Local Currency

The monetary unit in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (LE), which is divided into 100 piastres.

Approximate exchange rates (as at May 2008) are as follows:
1 Pound Sterling: 10.5 LE
1 US Dollar: 5.34 LE
1 Euro: 8.25 LE

XE.com is a useful site for currency conversion. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that a visitor may bring into Egypt. However very large sums should be declared on arrival.

Imtrav Travel Tip - During your stay in Egypt, you will notice a general lack of small change. We recommend maintaining a small supply of coins and small denomination notes (e.g. 1 & 5 LE notes).

Changing Money, Credit Cards & ATMs

Banks and ATMs can be found almost everywhere in Egypt. Credit cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels (with the exception of American Express cards which are not widely accepted). We recommend that you take either US$ or GB£ currency. Travellers' cheques are not widely used and can be difficult to change. The Pre-Departure Booklet that you will receive once you have booked your tour contains general information about organising your spending money. Your Tour Leader will be able to advise you on local facilities.

Working out your Budget

The Pre Departure Booklet contains general information about the things you will need to consider when budgeting for your holiday. Below are some specific notes relevant to our tours in Egypt.

Entrance Fees

  • Although Traveller trips (as well as Honeymoons, Escapes and most private tours) include entrance fees to all sites specified in your itinerary, there are additional ancient sites that you may like to visit. Adventurer trips do not include any entrance fees. The average entrance fee is approx US$4, with the most expensive being US$27.
  • Cameras are allowed free of charge in most of the open air sites but are not allowed in the Egyptian museum or the tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
  • Those wishing to view the Royal Mummies in the Egyptian Museum will have to purchase an extra ticket at approx. US$18).
  • The Tomb of King Tutankhamun is regularly closed to visitors for restoration work. If it is open and you wish to visit, there is a charge of approx. US$15.
  • There is a supplementary charge for those who wish to actually enter the Great Pyramid at Giza, in addition to the general fee for visiting the Pyramids site. Currently, this fee is approx. US$18 and there is a limit of 150 visitors per day.

Please note: The Tomb of Queen Nefertari, located in the Valley of the Queens, was closed on January 1st 2003 by the Egyptian Department of Antiquities. This is to allow restoration work to take place on paintings on the walls of the tomb. It will not be possible to visit it again until further notice.

Optional Excursions

All of our itineraries include some free time, the amount of which usually depends on the style of tour you are travelling on (Adventurer trips generally have more than Traveller). If you wish to take optional excursions your Tour Leader will be able to advise you of the possibilities in each area.

Please note that some styles of trip, such as Imaginative Escapes or Imaginative Honeymoons, do not have a Tour Leader. However, there will be representatives on hand who will be able to assist you in arranging any excursions that you wish you take.

Approximate costs (per person based on a group of four) for popular excursions are as follows:

Pyramids

  • Guided excursion to Memphis & Saqqara: US$40
  • Horse riding at the Pyramids: US$25 (including trnasport)
  • Camel riding at the Pyramids: US$25 (including transport)

Sound & Light shows

  • Karnak or Philae Temple: US$30 (including transport)

Red Sea Snorkelling

  • Dahab: US$15 (per day for mask, snorkel, fins & transportation )
  • Hurghada:US$22 (full day by boat, including equipment & lunch)
  • Introductory SCUBA Dive: US$50
  • Felucca Island Cruise, Aswan: US$8

Luxor West Bank

  • Deir el Medina: US$5
  • Deir el Bahari: US$5

Abu Simbel

  • By Bus: US$40 (Plus entrance fee approx. US$15)

This is a half-day excursion by private a/c coach. Departing from Aswan at 4.30am, we have a 3 hour drive to Abu Simbel, 2 hours at the site and a 3 hour drive back to Aswan. This should be booked with your Tour Leader at the start of your tour and paid for in cash (US$, GB£ or LE).

  • By Air: US$125 (plus administration fee of US$45 per booking and entrance fee approx. US$15)

Flight time is 45 mins each way and 1 hour is allowed at the site. Transfers are not included but Egypt Air provides a complimentary transfer between Abu Simbel Airport and the site. You should budget approx. US$20 for taxis (US$10 each way) between Aswan and Aswan airport. This can either be booked as part of the initial tour booking, or through your Tour Leader at the start of your tour (subject to availability) and has to be paid for in cash (credit cards will be accepted if total amount is more than US$150).

Imtrav Travel Tip - Remember to bring your student card if you have one or are entitled to one as you can save as much as 50% at many of Egypt's ancient sites and museums.

Meals

You will find the meal plan for your tour clearly indicated in the brochure and on your Trip Dossier. Breakfast is provided each day on most tours, and many tours also include a number of dinners. Lunches are rarely included to give you more freedom. Approximate costs for meals and snacks not included are shown below:

  • Simple snack: US$3
  • Light meal: US$6-12
  • Fancy restaurant: US$25-35

For a guide to the type of food you will find in Egypt see the Local Food & Drink section of this dossier.

Drinks
Tea and Coffee are always provided with breakfast. All other drinks (i.e. bottled water, soft drinks) are at your own expense.

Approximate costs for drinks bought in a shop in the street are shown below. Note: Prices in restaurants, hotels, and cruise boats can be as much as double those specified.

  • 1l of water: US$1
  • 30cl bottle of soft drink: US$1
  • 50cl bottle of beer: US$3-5

It is not recommended that you drink the local tap water in Egypt. Bottled water, carbonated soft drinks and fruit juices are widely available throughout the country.

If you are travelling on the M/S Melodie, bottled water, soft drinks, beer and usually wine can be purchased from the bar on board. If you are travelling on our feluccas, there will be a stock of bottled water, soft drinks and beer on board. Your Tour Leader will arrange for a tab to be set up for each member of the group and payment for the drinks you have consumed will be collected at the end of the cruise. Crews on the feluccas will provide tea at meal times. There is no extra charge for this.

Local Transport

Taxis
Taxis are the most effective method of local transport, and recommended for all journeys within a city. In Egypt taxi meters are for show only and you will find yourself engaging in a bit of haggling with the driver to agree upon the fare you will pay. This can be fun, but it is a good idea to find out, from your Tour Leader or the hotel receptionist, approximately how much the fare should be for the journey you propose. You will probably have to accept that you will pay more than the Egyptians do. You may also have to be prepared to share your taxi with others who are heading in the same direction.

Approximate taxi fares (per taxi) from our hotels in Cairo to:
The Pyramids: US$8-10
Khan El Khalili bazaar: US$6-8
Cairo Airport: US$12

Note: Taxis at hotels tend to charge more than those you can hail in the street but hotel taxi drivers usually speak English.

Cairo Underground
You may be surprised to know that Cairo has a very efficient metro system, which covers most of the main areas of the city. Each train also has one or more carriages reserved exclusively for women - a rule that is strictly enforced. For those wishing to get away from the tourists (and traffic) and experience an aspect of Cairo life that few westerners take the trouble to see, the metro is an excellent way of getting around.

Ticket prices start from less than US$0.5, and there are metro stations close to both our meeting point hotels.

What to Take

The Pre-Departure Booklet that you will receive once you have booked your tour contains a comprehensive list of items that you should consider bringing with you. There are certain items of equipment (e.g. sleeping bags, towels) that you will need on some tours and not on others. Please note that you do not need a mosquito net on any of our tours in Egypt. Check your Trip Dossier for any special requirements.

Clothing

As a general guideline, clothing should be lightweight, loose fitting, hard-wearing and easily washed. In Egypt's hot summer months, cotton clothing is much more comfortable than man-made materials like nylon.

You should bear in mind that Egypt has conservative attitudes towards dress, particularly in remote areas. Women, and also to a certain extent men, will find that the way they dress will often determine the degree of respect they receive from both men and women. The issue is not nearly of such importance in ‘touristy’ areas, such as the Pyramids and the Red Sea coast, where you can be just about as casual as you like.

Imtrav Travel Tip - Make sure you bring lots of clothing that covers shoulders and knees and also more than one outfit which covers your legs to ankles and your arms past the elbows. A sarong is an invaluable item to carry as it can be used to instantly cover any exposed areas (i.e. head, legs). It also doesn’t go amiss to bring along a set of smart/casual clothes for the occasional night out.

In certain areas and religious sites your Tour Leader may ask you to dress conservatively. Out of respect for local values, we ask that you follow your Tour Leader’s advice at all times.

Make sure you allow for climate changes and remember that even in very hot countries, night-time and early morning temperatures can be extremely cold. You will generally find it is better to have several thin layers rather than one thick layer as it gives you more flexibility and warmth. A fleece can be invaluable and double as a pillow.

Prepare Yourself
Whilst few of our tours can be described as physically demanding you will find all activities more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit and active.

Can You Swim?
Many of our tours in Egypt include a cruise of some sort – generally on our cruise boat M/S Melodie or on a traditional felucca. Unless otherwise advised we assume that all participants on such tours are able to swim. If you are unable to swim we recommend that you make this known at the time of booking and you must also inform your Tour Leader. This will enable us to take additional precautions for your safety.

Cultural & Environmental Guidelines

The Environment

Toilet Paper
Some trips have a few days where toilets are not available – such as while trekking or on board a felucca. When you do answer the call of nature please burn your toilet paper – do not bury it. If it is not possible to burn it, take it back to the camp or the felucca where it can be placed in the rubbish bin and disposed of appropriately.

Whenever you use a western- or squat-style toilet please place your toilet paper in the rubbish bin provided – do not flush it down the toilet as this may block the sewerage system. You may also want to carry your own toilet paper as not all toilets will supply it.

Imtrav Travel Tip - You may find it useful to take along a supply of antiseptic wet wipes and plastic bags to put your toilet paper in if it cannot be burnt/placed in a bin.

Red Sea
We use environmentally friendly snorkelling schools but we also ask travellers not to touch or walk on the coral or pick any up as a souvenir. It is also important to not feed the fish or throw cigarette butts into the sea or onto the beach.

Water
If you are going on a tour that will spend time away from facilities (i.e. all overnight felucca trips), take biodegradable shampoo and soap for washing in rivers.

Religion

We encourage travellers to experience religious festivals, such as the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, as a visit to the Middle East during this time will give you a whole different perspective. If you would like to know more about Ramadan or you are travelling at this time please consult our special Ramadan Information Sheet.

Tombs & Temples

When visiting tombs and temples don’t give in to the urge to touch. You may think that your fingers can do no harm but the natural oils present in your skin can do serious damage – particularly when you consider how many visitors there are.

Begging

Begging is a way of life in the Middle East. Ultimately donations are a travellers personal choice, however in line with initiatives and government policy in many of our destinations, our recommendation is NOT to give money, pens, gifts or sweets as this encourages a begging mentality and is largely ineffectual. If you do want to help it is probably better to give to a recognized charity. If you choose not to give simply say no with a smile and keep on walking. If you learn nothing else of the local language, learn to say ‘no thank you’!

Haggling

Haggling is a way of life in the Middle East. In the shops there is no fixed price so the shop keeper will start with a high price which you are then expected to haggle down until you reach a fair price. Haggling should always be relaxed and can be a lot of fun – you will find most shop owners are very friendly and will probably invite you in for a cup of tea to break the ice before the haggling starts.

Arrival

Arrival Transfers

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, please look for our representative who will be holding an Imaginative Traveller sign. He should be waiting for you in the area immediately before you reach Customs and Immigration.

Making Your Own Way

The Meeting Point for your tour should be clearly marked on your travel vouchers.

At Cairo International Airport, you will find a 24 hour taxi and limousine service. The limousines operate on a fixed price and should have their tariff visible in the car. Taxis do have meters, but they are usually just for show, so it is a good idea to know roughly how much the fare should be and agree on a price before you set off. The cost of a taxi or limousine from the airport to our hotels in downtown Cairo should be approx. US$15.

On Tour

Safety

Most people find that Egypt is a very friendly and hospitable country and feel quite comfortable wandering around alone during the day. However, as with any country you are not familiar with (and in particular in large cities such as Cairo), it is recommended that you exercise more caution at night and generally take taxis rather than walk.

Tour Leaders & Guides

Your tour leader's role is to ensure all aspects of the trip run smoothly. He/she will share their local knowledge, advise on how to fill your free time and co-ordinate the day to day running of the tour – although occasionally he/she may need your understanding if things do not go according to plan. If you have any problems on the tour, please let your Tour Leader know so that steps can be taken to put it right. Tour Leaders are supported by our regionally based office staff and, in most cases, a locally based manager.

Please note that some styles of trip, such as Imaginative Escapes or Imaginative Honeymoons, do not have a Tour Leader. However, there will be representatives on hand who will be able to assist you in arranging any excursions that you wish you take.

In Egypt we also use the services of specialist guides at sights of particular historical interest in Cairo, Luxor and Abu Simbel.

Accommodation

Our main criterion for choosing hotels is cleanliness. On Adventurer tours hotels are simple, but comfortable. Bathroom facilities may sometimes be shared and rooms may sometimes be multi share rather than twin. Hotels on Traveller tours almost always have private bathrooms, air conditioning and bar / restaurant facilities. Please bear in mind that hotels can sometimes suffer from minor problems and technical difficulties.

At each hotel your Tour Leader will try to organise the rooming arrangements to suit everyone's requirements. If you are travelling alone you will be allocated a room with another group member of the same sex (unless you have paid a single supplement). If you are travelling as a couple please note that we cannot guarantee the availability of double beds.

Note: Single supplements are only applicable to single travellers who wish to have their own room. Single supplements are also only available on Traveller tours and are not applicable on overnight boats, trains and while camping.

Laundry

A laundry service is available in most of the hotels we are use (especially in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor).

Local Food & Drink

Food
In Egypt the basic diet centres on pulses such as fava beans, chick peas and lentils. Meat dishes will usually be served with rice or pasta and a garnish of green salad. Bread (usually of the flat, Middle Eastern variety) is ideal for the great variety of dips featured in Egyptian cuisine.

Drinks
The Egyptians are great tea drinkers. If you don't normally take sugar, make sure you mention this to your host. Coffee is served Turkish style - very strong and sweet. There is also a wide selection of fruit juices, determined by the season, served in local kiosks.

Although Egypt is a Muslim country, most of the hotels we use do serve alcoholic drinks (although during Ramadan, some hotels will close their bars). In more up-market hotels, imported beers and spirits are available, but can be expensive. Locally produced spirits and wine are not particularly good however the local beer “Stella" (not Artois!) is quite good.

Special Dietary Requirements

Vegetarians
Although meat is often not the main feature of a meal, it can be found in many dishes, even if only as a stock. Therefore, if you are a vegetarian you may experience a distinct lack of variety in the food available at meal times. Your Tour Leader will do their best to offer a vegetarian alternative, but your patience and understanding is requested.

Food Allergies
If you have food allergies or preferences, please make them known to your Tour Leader who will do their best to ensure that your requirements are met.

Please note: Unfortunately we can give no guarantee that special requirements can always be met.

Communications

Email
Internet cafes can now be found everywhere in Egypt (with the exception of the Western Desert Oases). The cost for an hour is approx US$3.

Phone
The Egyptian phone system is fairly good. A 3 minute call (to the UK) will cost approx. US$8 from a hotel and approx. US$5 from a telephone centre or with a pre paid phone card which you can buy from any shop in the market.

Post
The postal service is good and stamps are available everywhere. An overseas stamp will cost approx. US$0.5.

Cameras

Video Cameras
If you are taking a video camera into Egypt you should declare it upon entry to the country. Regulations concerning the use of video cameras in Egypt are much stricter than for the use of still cameras. At almost every historical site you will have to purchase a special permit if you wish to use your video camera. These permits can often be very expensive (US$25-30) and at some sites the use of video cameras is not permitted at all. If the main reason for bringing a video camera is to film historical sites you should budget accordingly for this.

Availability of Film
Camera film can be found in Cairo but it is best to bring your supply from home. If you have a digital camera ensure you have an adequate supply of memory cards.

General Information

Weather

Temperatures in Egypt are generally high, with most of the country enjoying a dry, desert, climate. There are, however, noticeable differences in temperature between the north and the south.

In Upper Egypt (Luxor & Aswan) and on the Red Sea coast, you should be able to count on reasonable daytime temperatures throughout the year. In Cairo and the Nile Delta, however, winter temperatures can be cool, even cold. If you are travelling between November and March on a tour that includes trekking in the Sinai, cruising on the Nile or camping in the desert you should expect temperatures to fall considerably at night. At this time of year temperatures can often fall below freezing near Mt Sinai.

Egyptian Meteorological Authority

Holidays

Egyptian Public Holidays

Suggested Reading

Guidebooks

  • The Egypt Blue Guide (Michelin / Guide Bleu)
  • The Middle East (IC Publications)

Background Reading

  • What Is Islam? A Comprehensive Introduction (Virgin Publishing)
  • Any novels by Naguib Mahfouz - Egypt's Nobel Prize winning author

Contact Details

Local Office
The Imaginative Traveller
C/o Benu Travel,
5th Floor, 6a Lebanon Street,
Mohandeseen, CAIRO
Tel: +20 2 3344 0000
Fax: +20 2 304 4803

UK Office
The Imaginative Traveller
1 Betts Avenue
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP5 3RH
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1473 667337
Fax: +44 (0)1473 614566

24hr Emergency Contact
MOB: +20 1222 11 699