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.
Terms
and Conditions
