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. The exchange rate floats and changes daily. You
can check the current rate on-line at http://money.cnn.com/markets/currencies/
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:
| |
Cairo |
Aswan |
| Jan |
45/67
F
7/19 C |
52/76
F
11/24 C |
| March |
55/79
F
13/26 C |
59/89
F
15/32 C |
| May |
65/95
F
18/35 C |
72/101
F
22/38 C |
| July |
73/99
F
23/37 C |
80/110
F
27/43 C |
| Sept |
70/95
F
21/35 C |
76/105
F
24/41 C |
| Nov |
55/80
F
13/27 C |
60/89
F
16/32 C |
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.