Egypt pronounced /ˈiːdʒɪpt/; Arabic: مصرMiṣr, pronounced [misˤɾ]; Coptic; kīmi;
Egyptian: Kemet), officially the Arab Republic of Egypt,
Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization and some of the world's most famous monuments, including the Giza pyramid complex and its Great Sphinx. The southern city of Luxor contains numerous ancient artifacts, such as the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Egypt is widely regarded as an important political and cultural nation of the Middle East.
Location:
Egypt is located in the North East tip of the African Continent. Covering an area of about 1,010,000 square kilometres (390,000 sq mi), Egypt is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northeast, the Red Sea to the east, Sudan to the south and Libya to the west.
Time Difference:
Egypt, Cairo is 3.5 hours behind /New Delhi, India
Time zone is GMT: +2 in winter and + 3 during daylight saving time in summer.
Weather:
Average daytime temperature in Cairo during winter is around 18/20 degree Celsius and during summer 30/40 degree Celsius. Winter is mild and has occasional light showers
Food and Beverage:
We recommend that you use bottled water, ensuring that the seal has not been broken on the bottle. Use it for cleaning teeth and remember not to have ice in your drinks. As for food, it is advisable to eat at well established hotels, outlets and restaurants.
Language:
Arabic is the official language of Egypt, but you will find that English and French are widely spoken.
Religion:
Islam is the predominant religion yet all types of Christianity are also represented especially the Coptic Christian Church.
Security:
You should keep all travel documents, cash , passports and other valuables in your hotel’s or cruise boats safety deposit boxes. Although street crime is at minimum, as in any other country, travellers are encouraged to use common sense and not wear ostentatious jewellers. It is also advisable to carry only small amounts of money.
Sightseeing:
When travelling in Egypt, be prepared for early starts designed to avoid travelling during the hotter hours of the day and to enjoy the monuments in the most favorable conditions.
Sightseeing can also mean some strenuous walking across sand or rocks and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Clothing:
Egypt's climate is dry all year round, so you won't require rainwear unless you are going to Alexandria between December and February. In winter you will need light woollen clothes with sweaters, “layers of clothing are recommended.”From December to February travellers to winter clothing is essential. In spring and autumn a combination of both is advisable for the warm days and cool nights, so pack accordingly. From May to November, light cotton clothes are recommended.
People in Egypt are used to tourists visiting their countries. You are welcome to wear walking shorts and a short sleeve shirt for sightseeing excursions.
On board Nile cruises we recommend to dress 'smart casual' to dinner each evening.
Swimsuits are absolutely fine for the swimming pools and beaches.
On days that you visit Holy sites (mosques and churches), you should wear slacks, long skirts and long sleeves.
Electricity:
Egypt electrical current is 220V and sockets take the standard continental European dual round pronged plug. If you do not have the correct adapter with you, your hotel housekeeping department may have one available upon request.
Kindly notice your need for an adapter.
Local Currency & Credit Cards:
The local currency is the Egyptian pound (LE). Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport, most banks and authorized exchange offices, where official daily rates of exchange are posted. You must keep the receipt for the exchange process until your departure day.
Most of the banks are open from Sunday to Thursday; working hours being 0830 to 1400, though banks at the airports and the major entry ports are open 24 hours daily.
Although Most tourist establishments accept credit cards such as Visa, Master Card, American Express or Diners Club. Some Nile cruises do not accept credit cards.
Tipping
In Egypt tipping is a general practice everywhere, even among the Egyptians themselves. It can be irritating, but it is a part of the life style in Egypt. Check with your guide or representative beforehand where tipping is expected. Although tipping is customary and expected it is at your discretion and it is entirely up to you how much you tip and whether to tip or not.
Although it is a personal preference, STI recommend that you pay your tour manager the total tips for your entire trip (USD6.00 per person per day during Hotel Stay and USD 8.00 per person during Cruise stay) upon arrival to your hotel/Cruise.
Egypt Tours
