Related Egypt Favorites Tips

Favorite thing: Upper Egypt (Arabic: صعيد مصر‎ Sa'id Misr) is the strip of land,on both sides of the Nile valley, that extends from the cataract boundaries of modern-day Aswan north to the area between El-Ayait and Zawyet Dahshur (which is south of modern-day Cairo). The northern section of Upper Egypt, between El-Ayait and Sohag is sometimes known as Middle Egypt. The designation Upper Egypt is most frequently used as adivision for Ancient Egypt. Modern inhabitants of Upper Egypt are known as Sa'idis; they generally speak Sa'idi Arabic. Upper Egypt was known as Ta Shemau . which means "the land of reeds. It was divided into twenty-two districts called nomes. The first nome was roughly where modern Aswan is and the twenty-second was at modern Atfih (Aphroditopolis), just to the south of Cairo.

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Fondest memory: The Sinai Peninsula or Sinai is a triangular peninsula in Egypt about 60,000 km2 in area. It is situated between the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the Red Sea to the south, and it is the only part of Egyptian territory located in Asia as opposed to Africa[citation needed]. The bulk of the peninsula is divided into two governorates (with three more splitting the Suez Canal area), and has a population of approximately 500,000 people.

The region has historically been the center of conflict between various political factions, based largely on its location. In addition to periods of direct rule by Egyptian governments (including the Ayyubids, the Mamluks, the Muhammad Ali Dynasty, and the modern Egyptian republic), it was like the rest of Egypt also occupied and controlled by the Ottoman Empire, and the United Kingdom which occupied Egypt from 1882 onwards. Israel gained control of the Sinai in the Suez Crisis of 1956 and during the Six Day War of 1967. In the October War of 1973, it was the site of fierce fighting between Egyptian and Israeli forces. In 1982, after the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty of 1979, Israel withdrew from the entirety of Sinai. Today, Sinai has become a tourist destination due to its natural setting, rich coral reefs, and biblical history. Mount Sinai is one of the most religiously significant places in Abrahamic faiths.

http://see-egypt.blogspot.com/

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Favorite thing: Do not missing seeing the pyramids up close they are an awesome sight
Make sure that you pay a bit more and if you cruise down the Nile take the SS MISR a steamship, renovated and used by the King. Decorated in 1920s style, but with all the confort of modern day living.

Fondest memory: The SS MISR a VJV/Traveline steamship which cruises between Luxor and Aswan and back.
Top class travel with excellent service, food , good accomodation. Allowing you to watch the general life on the Nile go by as you cruise past in luxury.
Brilliant food catered for on this boat by the chef.
The staff could not do enough to help you and the tour Guide Mohammed was very knowledgeable and brought the temples and sights to life when we went and visited the ancient locations.
The SS MIsr as a steamship provided a relaxing environmental steamship experience, parking mostly on the outside of the other boats when parked up( this allowed for a Nile View)
The VJV brochure does not do this trip justice, as all the staff could not do enough to help make the trip memorable.
the only problem was that Drinks were very very expensive on the boat and this might be a hinderence for some people.
Also you need to like traditional style to fully appreciate the antiquity of this steam vessel.
Huge plus point is that if you are a vegetarian there was so much choice it was fabulous!!
The bird watching along the Nile in December is fabulous and even if you are not a twitcher it is very interesting as they are everywhere9 now I know where all the English sparrows have gone!)

Favorite thing: Egypt is one of the best countries for solo travel. Having said that, for my first time in a country where not only do I not speak the language but can't read it either I would go for the tour option. Once you know how the country operates (as far as tourism is concerned) you can return solo to catch up on the bits you missed. I've been to Egypt 3 times.

Advice on dress and conduct - remember this is a Muslim country and dress and behave with respect for that culture. Cover your shoulders and knees and avoid showing cleavage. Light, loose clothing in natural fibres (cotton, linen) is the best. An ideal outfit is crop pants, a singlet/tank top and an open sleeved shirt. Carry a scarf with you for visiting mosques etc. No shoes allowed in mosques.

Don't drink the water. The water in Cairo is treated but treated so much it is horrible to drink. Bottled water is available everywhere and very cheap. It is hot during the day even in winter/spring so carry water with you always. Always use bottled water to clean your teeth.

Be careful what you eat. The food is really good in Egypt but be aware of how the salads may be washed (even in fine hotels). My rule is unless it is cooked or can be peeled don't eat it. You won't starve.

Always visit a travel doctor before any overseas travel and make sure any vaccinations are up to date. I always carry medications for headache, nausea, diarrhea and a broad spectrum antibiotic and so far have never needed anything. I also include throat lozenges, band-aids, safety pins etc.

Carry toilet paper with you when you are out and about (a few sheets in a small plastic bag). Most of the toilets in the main tourist areas are OK(ish) but often have no paper. Attendants will charge you. Also carry a small bottle/tube of hand sanitiser.

Regarding money - the local currency is the Egyptian Pound - LE. They will take US Dollars, British Pounds and Euro but you will lose on the exchange rate. ATM's are everywhere and will accept most of the card types (VISA and Maestro/Cirrus).

Regarding visas - most nationalities have rights to a visa into Egypt. A single entry tourist visa for 1 month can be issued at the airport on arrival and costs $15 US for the processing fee. For any other type of visa you need to contact the consulate at home.

Bargaining - it is the rule. You must bargain if you want to buy. Except in normal supermarkets/stores. The accepted rule is to cut the stated price by 50% and work from there. If you really want the item and you think the price too high don't let on and walk away - you'll be amazed at what will happen. Regardless, it is all part of the fun and the vendor hardly ever loses!

Egypt is a very honest country and crimes against tourists are rare. Nonetheless it is always wise to be on your guard with your possessions.

Check out the electricity situation and make sure you have the correct adaptors/transformers etc for all your gear (phones, cameras, notebooks etc) and spare batteries/rechargers etc.

It sounds a lot to remember but not really. General info for any trip.

You will have a great time in Egypt.

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Favorite thing: A nightmare for all the European citizens is... change. Our smallest note is 5 euros, too much for some tips, and so, euro coins are used. But, as anywhere else, the banks don't change them forcing, the Egyptians to ask for exchange from tourists. At the first situation everybody gets surprised and mistrustful, but after the first day we get acquainted with the common task of exchanging coins for notes. Funny is when the exchange is made from the quay to the boats. It's already a standard a photographic film case flying up with ten euro coins, and down with the respective note.

The Americans don't have this kind of problem, because they have a one dollar note. That's why I suggest the European authorities to create a one euro note, for instance with that beautiful monument that is the pillory from Turquel.

Favorite thing: There have been tremendous improvements in the airport in the last 10 years, especially since the new terminal has opened.
Depending on how many aircraft have landed- it is quite busy at night- will determine how long it takes to get through Immigration, but it is never as long as at Heathrow or Dubai.
Visas can be bought before Immigration if you haven't already got one. There are also banks where money can be changed.
If you are transit, there is a desk where you get your boarding pass for the next leg of your journey, if you don't have one. Then you proceed to the waiting area where there are seats, cafes, duty free shops and toilets.
The baggage carousel is the fastest I have come across. The luggage is usually waiting when you arrive . But beware, sometimes the staff pull the bags off and leave them at the end of the carousel, so if you don't see your case, have a look there. Trolleys are free but if a porter takes it for you, expect to pay a tip [bakhsheesh].
Touts will be trying to get you to use their services for transportation into Cairo itself, which is about an hour drive, depending on the traffic. The black and white cabs are cheapest but the cars are often pretty old, and the driver is likely to be a chain smoker.
For comfort check with the Limousin service inside the airport. These cars are clean and comfortable, but make sure you have arranged the fare price before setting off, as sometimes the driver asks for more.
There is also a superior service where you pay by the distance, I believe.

Favorite thing: The pyramids of Giza. Their history, size and architect is amazing

Fondest memory: Seeing the pyramids for the first time and being close to them. The unsolved mystery of how they were built. The visit to the perfumery and the history of making the perfumes in Egypt I was amazed to find my favorite pitter-Sweet.

Favorite thing: The phenomenon of non-licensed travel agencies in Egypt is increasing every day just specially on internet they just making websites and start to fill it with some tours and programs and link it to other advertising agency to promote his website.
So, think before you paying any money.
• This person has no license to run this business.
• You have no rights at all to complain when he Ripping you off
• He do not pay any taxes or even insured
• He always handling the guests through proper travel agency that’s because he has no right to issue any official documents for work and traveling even hotel, Nile cruises and all transportations through proper travel agency to get low rate.
So why all of this hassle????
Please make sure whenever you book your holiday to Egypt through the internet
A. Ask them if they licensed travel agency or not
B. If yes!! Ask him to email copy of the company license it authorized by the Egyptian ministry of tourism it issued in to copies Arabic and English, then you will find by your self

Thanks,

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Favorite thing: We have just got back from a fab 2 week stay in Sharm. We have been before and didn't enjoy the all inclusive hotels so booked an apartment on Delta Sharm through holidaylettings.co.uk. Eating our is cheap if you know the right places to go.

Our favourite is the Dananeer - streak and fish
Vinos - Steak
Mexican near little Budda - speaks for itself!!

Underground- good old British snacks- Jacket potatoes, Salads, large cold & hot rolls and best of all Steak pies chips and beans and Full English Breakfast. They open from 9am in the morning. This is a new place to visit in sharm not even been opened a year yet !! Its not busy but is British owned and a great place to start the night as they have Happy hours 5-8pm selling Sakara and Stalla at 12 LE!!!! Where you will meet the owners and they are happy to answer any questions you have

Fondest memory: The Sunshine and Diving we used Dolphin Divers as they were very competative in price. It is a Russain company but they have an excellent English Dive Instructor called Darren. Who was fantastic with my nervous wife on her 1st intro Dive. I've been diving for 5 years and thanks to Darren she loved it so much we are returning in the next couple of months her to start her open water course with him.