Egypt

The Middle East is a wonderful land of contrasts and history. In Egypt, one can see the magnificent ancient pyramids, overflowing donkey carts and modern high-rises within minutes of each other. We do think more in terms of ‘time’ than ‘miles’ in Egypt, because travel is slow and business is conducted even more slowly! The weather in Egypt is almost always sunny and dry as opposed to humid. Cairo is a busy, crowded, noisy and unfortunately polluted metropolis. Luxor is situated on the Nile River banks, and usually warmer than Cairo. It will be dusty, sandy and ‘buggy’ at times. Nevertheless, the warm and hospitable people will contribute to this being an unforgettable adventure.

Passport and Visa
• Passport (expiration at least 6 months past date of tour)
• Egyptian visa to be obtained at Cairo airport (currently $25 US cash) - It's important to note that visa regulations can change, so it's a good idea to check the latest requirements before your trip.
• Egypt online e-Visa link: https://visa2egypt.gov.eg
An e-Visa is an official document permitting entry into and travel within Egypt. The e-Visa is an alternative to visas issued at the ports of entry. Applicants obtain their visas electronically after entering required information and making payments by a credit or debit card. The link to download your e-Visa will be emailed to you. Passport control officers at ports of entry can verify your e-Visa on their system. As in the case of other visas, respective Egyptian officials at the ports of entry reserve the right to deny entry into Egypt to a holder of an e-Visa without any explanation. You have to create an e-Visa application at least 7 days before your departure.

Insurance
Travel Insurance to cover not only the nonrefundable costs of the airfare and tour but also emergency medical treatment or “missed connections” and cancellations is highly recommended. 

Essentials (Note any current Covid-19 requirements/restrictions)
• Good suitcase (not too large!) to check in, plus a backpack or small carry-on bag for essentials and for use as a daypack
• Sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) & Lip Balm (Egypt is closer to the equator)
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Wide-brimmed Hat or Cap- very important to protect the head, neck & eyes from the sun! Visors alone are NOT enough protection. It can be deceiving how much sun your skin absorbs.
• Comfortable walking shoes- appropriate for sand and rocks
• Your own personal prescriptions and medicines (including Tylenol/acetaminophen, Pepto Bismol tablets) However, if you suffer from a case of ‘pharaoh’s revenge’, there is a very effective over- the-counter medicine which we can purchase in Egypt. (It is produced in France) If you are having “issues” let our Egyptian guide know so that he can buy this for you.
• Immunizations recommended: Tetanus booster probably within the last 5 years; possibly Hepatitis A and B. Depending upon your circumstances, other immunizations may be indicated. Speak to and make arrangements with your health professional or a Travel Clinic. (Note: we will Not be in the Fayum area.) Check for the most recent Covid-19 requirements.
•Don’t bring any electrical devices unless you have a 220 to 110 volt transformer. Laptop computers and smart phones do have built-in transformers, but you will need a European style adapter plug.

Suggestions (note the current regulations regarding liquids in carry-on luggage as well as Covid-19 requirements)
• Fanny pack/daypack for the daily site visits
• Eye Drops (e.g. Refresh brand moisturizing/lubricating)
• Throat lozenges or hard candy
• Packs of tissues
• Travel toilet paper (not for the hotels, but needed at some rest stops)
• Wash n Dri packets and/or antibacterial hand sanitizer
• Moisturizer; body lotion
• Contact lens wearers- have case and cleaner fluids with you at all times as well as eyeglasses
• Flashlight
• Zip-lock plastic bags for packing purchased liquid or fragile items
• Neck pouch or money belt to keep money and passport safe
• Powdered Gatorade to add to bottled water to help electrolyte balance. We’ll be drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated! 

Clothes
• Lightweight, breathable clothing that is comfortable, but not “sloppy”
• You may need to carry your suitcase and backpack at times, so pack accordingly (one sturdy medium sized checked piece and one carry-on).
• While there is laundry service at many hotels it can be expensive, and lightweight items can be easily washed by hand and will dry overnight in the dry climate.
• A sweatshirt/sweater and windbreaker (think layers)
• Modesty is essential- NO tank tops, short shorts, or revealing swimsuits for women or men!
• When visiting churches, monasteries and mosques, men should have slacks and women skirts or pants that cover the knees. Remember to cover the shoulders as well.
• Sandals are fine at times (e.g. at dinner or around the hotel), but wear a comfortable closed walking shoe most days.

Safety
• While theft and pick-pocketing may not be as prevalent as in some countries, we also do not want to put temptation in anyone’s way. Do not leave money, expensive souvenirs, passport, etc. in plain view in your hotel room or shopping. Most hotels do have in-room safes.
• Our group will be accompanied at all times by tourist police in Egypt.

Money
Common international currencies are easier to exchange.
*Please be advised that exchange rates are intended to be guidelines and cannot be considered official
• Most of your expenses are covered on this trip. Please do not tip baggage handlers and the hotel personnel; our Egyptian guide will do this. Note what is included in the tour itinerary. Keep CASH (either in $ or Egyptian pounds) to 'pay back’ our Egyptian guide if/when he pays for our lunches or additional admissions/camera charges, etc. (Often it is quicker to have him pay for the whole group rather than us individually and credit cards are not used in those times). In addition to money for lunches & drinks, you will need money for personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks or soft drinks and extras such as the mummy room in the Cairo Museum, Tut’s tomb, etc. Try to keep some five-pound (L.E.) notes (=$.30) available for bathroom ‘tips’ in Egypt as well as a number of US $1.00 bills.
• DO NOT exchange money in the U.S. before leaving as the rate will be poor and you will likely have to pay a commission. The best exchange rate for Egyptian pounds (L.E.) is in Egypt. The rate is uniform and you can exchange at banks, hotels and at the airport when you arrive.
• Exchange your first money at one of the Banks, kiosk located at the airport (before passport check), when you purchase your Egyptian VISA. Try to get some small denominations.
• ATMs are available in the main cities, and at most hotels, though not always reliable 
• Note: Call your Credit Card company before you leave the country to advise them of your international travel. This can prevent the embarrassment of having your credit card suspended when international charges are made, and the company cannot reach you at home to verify. The company can also provide you with a “collect call” phone number to contact should there be any problems while you are out of the country.

Photography
At most of the sites we visit you will be able to photograph, but in tombs and within museums, often no photography (though often a camera phone is OK) is allowed. Some sites may charge a fee for using either a camera or Video Camera. Our guide will advise us of the rules at different venues. Do not photograph people unless you ask if it is OK. They typically are eager to be photographed, but it is best to ask first.

Accommodations
We will be staying in 5 or 4 Star hotels with air conditioning and private baths in each room. Soap, shampoo, and towels will be provided. Many will Not have face/washcloths. Most will have hair dryers. The tour buses will be air-conditioned and may have an on-board emergency bathroom. Please remember: NEVER drink the tap water in Egypt.

Meals
• Most meals will be buffet style: breakfast around 7am, lunch around 2pm and dinner at 8pm. It may seem like a long time between meals (which typically will be very substantial.) Snacks like candy bars are easily purchased, but you may wish to bring protein, granola bars or other healthy snacks from home.
• Bottled water should be used at all times for drinking. Bottled water will be available for purchase on the tour bus, and at the restaurants along with soft drinks and juices. You are responsible to pay for your own drinks.
• Note in Egypt: the ‘orange’ drink at the self-serve coolers is made with tap water (don’t drink). However, the ‘red’ juice is made from hibiscus tea, so was boiled before cooling and is OK to drink.

Phones and Internet
Some hotels in Egypt provide wi-fi at additional cost. You may check with your mobile phone provider regarding availability and cost for service. Often the most cost effective means of communication is an international text message plan.

Cultural Considerations
Because of recent events in the Middle East, politics can be a “touchy” subject. (However, those dealing in the tourist industry will be friendly and generally helpful. Egyptians are warm & accepting and love to laugh.) In general, it is advisable NOT to discuss politics or religion with Egyptians we meet. Things can be misconstrued and used against us. If you are asked about your view of ISIS or the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, say something like “I want peace for all nations in the region,” or “I am visiting because I am interested in learning about your culture and history.” The exceptions are our tour guides and tour directors with whom you may discuss anything or ask any question.
Baqsheesh (tips) are a part of the way Egypt works. The Tour Director/leader will tip all the hotel and transportation people in the appropriate amounts. Please Do NOT tip in addition to the tour leaders as it can create expectations and unfairness. This occurred on a tour during the arranged camel rides at the pyramids and caused embarrassment to our Egyptian guide. However, tipping (suggested 5 L.E.) the attendants in the washrooms is expected. Feel free to check with one of the leaders more familiar with such matters if you have questions.

Shopping Etiquette
Shopping is Not a focus on this tour, but we will try to provide some opportunities for those interested in the markets and beautiful oriental goods. Our tour guides can accompany those interested to a reputable store. In most tour areas you will be approached by merchants or others imploring you to “buy” or use their services. If you are not interested, you may have to politely but firmly say “no” and move on. However, if you do go into a shop and begin inquiring on items and prices and spend some time with the merchant, it is the polite, expected thing to purchase something. (The exception would be in the large jewelry or souvenir type stores where our larger group may all go together. The gold in Egypt is 18 ct. Do Not feel obligated to purchase something expensive.) Never pay the first price the merchant quotes you! It is a cultural experience to bargain and find ‘treasures’ in the shops!

Egypt is a conservative country, therefore women do not go out alone, smoke in public, nor spend time with men to whom they are not related or engaged. They wear clothing that covers the chest, upper arms and knees without being revealing. Men seldom wear shorts and never bear their chests except at the beach or at the pool at the hotels. They also do not talk to women they do not know, unless, for instance, a woman is a store proprietor. At all times we must be sensitive to the customs and mores of the countries we visit (and these may vary from place to place), and remember that we are guests in a country with a long, proud heritage.

Climate
Average temperature is 25°C - 77°F during February at Cairo
Average temperature is 29°C - 84°F during February at Luxor
Average temperature is 29°C - 84°F during March at Cairo
Average temperature is 34°C - 93°F during March at Luxor