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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: |
A visa is required and is being granted at the airport,
current fee is $ 20.00 for US citizen payable upon arrival.
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MEDICALREQUIREMENTS: |
No immunizations are required or needed. |
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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 (Approximately)
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CLIMATE: |
The best season is from October thru May when the
temperature in 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
Cairo is hot and dry, upper Egypt is extremely hot,
sightseeing is done early in the morning.
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WHAT TO WEAR: |
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 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. On the Nile cruise dress
is strictly informal, jackets and ties are out of place. |
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CAPTAIN'S DINNER: |
(on the cruise) This farewell event is an exotic costume
party where everyone has to dress up "the Egyptian way" and
is invited to participate in
games and competitions with
prizes for the best costume. |
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REMEMBER TO PACK: |
Bring all medications with you, there is no place to get
refills while in Egypt. Immodium is suggested in case you
get the "Pharaoh's Curse". Bring extra pair of prescription
glasses or the prescription. A fanny pack around your waist
is recommended to hold your camera, extra film, water and
your money. Instant Sanitizer "Purell" or similar for a
quick freshening up. A flashlight will come in handy for the
dim light of the tombs and museums. |
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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. |
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TELECOMMUNICATIONS: |
You can call the States direct from your Hotel room. MCI, AT
&T and Sprint calling cards are widely used. Local number to
be dialed from Cairo:
MCI: 348- 4806 # 7524
AT&T : 356-0200
Sprint : 356-4777 |
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SHOPPING: |
Cairo is a shopping adventure. Buy brass, copper, and inlaid
wooden articles, silver and gold jewelry. Leather shoes,
bags and belts, cotton goods and oils. Shop at the Khan El
Khalili bazaar for better variety, interesting and artistic
goods. You should be able to bargain up to two thirds off
the price originally quoted to you.
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PHOTOGRAPHY: |
Take plenty of film with you and all the necessary
photographic equipment, as these are very expensive in
Egypt. You will need flash to photograph inside monuments.
The sun is very bright, for outdoor pictures take a light
meter and low ASA film for indoor shots. You have to pay a
charge in some sites to allow you to use your cameras.
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HOLIDAYS: |
The weekly day of rest is Friday. Islam is the principal
religion of Egypt. Islamic Holidays are based on the lunar
calendar and change annually.
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GRATUITIES: |
Total suggested tips: During your trip of 8 nights is $
85.00 per person divided as follows: Egyptologist /guide $
5.00 per person /nt.
Portage in hotels and airports $ 10.00 per person for total
stay. Cruise personnel :
$ 5.00 per person per day for all services on board of
cruise. Restaurants in hotels $
1.50 per person /per meal. Drivers during sightseeing : $
2.00 per person/ per day and during transfers $ 0.75
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HEALTH PRECAUTIONS: |
Drink only bottled water. Eat in the hotel restaurants. Be
sure your food is well cooked. Peel all your fruits and eat
only vegetables that have been cooked or that you can peel.
In the summer months drink plenty of water, carry some with
you while sightseeing. Be careful of fresh fruit juices as
they may be diluted with local water. |
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HELPFUL HINTS: |
if you are planning to ride a camel by the pyramids, wear
slacks or jeans. Optional tours & sights are given during
the trip ex: Sound & Light show in Luxor and Aswan,
Nefertari's tomb visit, allow extra money for this.
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ETIQUETTE: |
Egyptians are friendly, generous and proud of their culture.
They are experienced dedicated traders. "Bakshish" is the
Arabic word for tips that could be solicited from outsiders.
Children do specifically ask for pens, also any candy is
appreciated. |
