Travel Tips

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Non-Egyptian visitors arriving in Egypt are required to be in possession of a valid passport. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from date of travel. Entry visas can be obtained from the Egyptian Consulate in your country however most visitors obtain an entry visa upon arrival in Egypt. Upon entering the airport in Egypt proceed to the bank tellers (these are clearly sign posted) and ask for an entry visa (approx £10 or $15 USD). Once you have this stamp in your passport you may proceed to passport control. This visa is valid for 30 days. Please check with your nearest Egyptian Consulate for more details concerning visa regulations applying to your citizenship if you are not a holder of a UK passport

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is highly recommend for you to have travel insurance. Please check your policy thoroughly to ensure it will cover all activities you may wish to do during your holiday.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

We suggest you bring the following items with you on your holiday:

  • Hat/head covering for the sun
  • Sun block
  • Sunglasses
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Camera
  • Travel alarm
  • Swimwear
  • Personal toiletries
  • Small bag/pack for daytime sightseeing
  • Power adapters – Egypt uses 220 volts. You may use a two prong European adapter
  • Medications – you should bring adequate medication for your entire trip with a prescription slip or doctor’s letter explaining what you need this medicine for in case you need further medication. Some travellers experience an upset stomach or diarrhoea so you may wish to bring tablets as a precaution. Oral rehydration salts are also recommended
  • Book (for lounging by the pool!)

SAFETY

Egypt is very safe to travel to and tourist safety is a priority for the government. You should take normal safety precautions, the same as you would when travelling to any other country. Be mindful of your bags, your money and your passport and never leave your bags or your belongings unattended. You will see a strong government security presence whilst travelling in Egypt. This does not reflect anything other than the Egyptian governments commitment to the safety and protection of visitors

WEATHER

Sunny, Sunny, Sunny! No umbrella required

CLOTHING

Dress code is mostly casual, but you may bring something more dressy for evenings if you wish. Bring a jacket or two for the cooler evenings, during the winter months. Ensure you have comfortable flat shoes for daytime, preferably with closed-in toes for walking through sand and stones at the temples. As Islam is the main religion in Egypt please dress conservatively outside the hotels, cruise boat and swimming pool areas.

MONEY

Sterling and US dollars are accepted and we advise that you exchange your money on arrival in Egypt as you will normally receive a better exchange rate. Banks and ATMs are situated at airports and throughout all main towns and cities. Please note that many shops in Egypt do not accept credit cards. Make sure you have a supply of small Egyptian notes, such as 50 piastres and 1 pound notes upon arrival in Egypt as you will find these are essential tipping for such things as public toilet use, photos with locals, etc. For up to date currency rates visit: Currency rates

FOOD & WATER

Drink only well-sealed bottles of bought water - never tap water in Egypt. Do not have drinks with ice cubes. Hotels and restaurants serve a variety of Egyptian and Western dishes with plenty of vegetarian options. Food is generally safe to eat, and is usually of a good quality.

HEALTH

Consult your local doctor or health professional for information on the current vaccination requirements for Egypt. For further information regarding vaccinations please visit this website Vaccinations information

ALCOHOL

As Egypt is a Muslim country, alcohol is not widely available. However, to cater to tourists it is available in most hotels and on cruise boats. They offer both local and international brands. It is also permitted for you to bring your duty free allowance into Egypt. From the UK the allowance is 1 litre per person

TIPPING - ‘BAKSHEESH’

Tipping is a part of life in Egypt. Salaries are very low so most workers rely on tips to increase their earnings. Like in the West, tipping should be given for a service that you are happy with. As a guideline you should give small but regular tips of up to 5 LE (Egyptian Pound) to cleaners, bell boys etc. For waiters, drivers etc, about 10%.

SHOPPING

The most popular shopping items in Egypt are papyrus, pharonic statues in marble and alabaster, perfumes, oils, sheesha pipes, gold and silver and of course Egyptian cotton. Remember to bargain and only pay what you are happy to pay

COMMUNICATIONS

If your mobile is equipped with ‘roaming’ then you will have no problem using it in Egypt, however please note that international calls are expensive. If you feel you will need to make a large number of phone calls, either local or international, while you are in Egypt, it is best to purchase a local Egyptian SIM card from a Vodafone, Mobinil or Etisalat shop upon arrival in Egypt. You can then use your phone just as you would a pre-paid phone. To do this you must ensure your mobile is ‘unlocked’ and this must be done from your home country. Recharge cards are easily available. Please remember to bring your phone charger with you and an adapterInternet facilities are also available at local Internet cafes and in many hotels

LANGUAGE

Arabic is the official language in Egypt. Egyptians have an amazing ear for languages and most people who come into contact with tourists will speak English and/or several other languages If you have any specific questions relating to your holiday please feel free to contact us at enquiries@spiritofthenile.com