Egypt remains strong, vibrant and more welcoming than ever, despite its turmoil in the recent past. From sandy desert and beach oases to incomparable, rich history – Egypt offers it all. The best part of it all is the inviting locals. I felt safe, comfortable and genuinely accepted by the Egyptian people. Don’t be frightened, now is the time to visit virtually tourist-free Egypt. Imagine checking out the magnificent pyramids without swarms of tourists in the way – it’s amazing!
Getting There And Around
Most long-haul international flights arrive to Egypt via Cairo’s international airport. Regional international flights can also arrive via Alexandria’s and Luxor’s international airports.
Foreigners are required to obtain a visa for entry into Egypt. Certain nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival (25 USD for single-entry, 35 USD for multiple-entry). Your passport is required to be valid for at least six months after the entry date into this country. Information can be obtained from Egypt’s Visa Website.
Egypt is well connected internally, offering train routes, reliable bus services and flights within major cities. Traffic is almost always congested anywhere in Egypt, so traveling via bus is not recommended if you are traveling with limited time. Flights within the country are often cheap if booked in advance.
Money
The currency used in Egypt is the Egyptian pound. The pound is divided into 100 piastres. Coins belonging to the Egyptian pound are 25-50 pt and one pound. Banknotes vary in color, and range from 5-200.
Language
The official language spoken in Egypt is Egyptian Arabic.
Hello – Merhaba
Thank You – Shu-kran
Housing
Egypt offers it all in terms off accommodations. From lavish five-star beach resorts to hostels to private apartments, there is something for everyone in Egypt. Accommodation prices tend to be lower in cost during the scorching summer months, which makes finding a deal rather easy.
Food
Egyptian cuisine uses legumes and vegetables that are grown around the Nile River valley. Kebabs, schwarma and falafels are favorite dishes, especially when on the go. Other popular Egyptian dishes are kofta (minced meat with vegetables and gravy), mahshi (stuffed peppers and cabbages), macaroni (penne-shaped noodles with a béchamel sauce) and samak mashwi (grilled fish).
Bread is a staple of Egyptian cuisine and is served with nearly every meal.
Locals joke about drinking “Egyptian whiskey” quite frequently in conversations with foreigners. “Egyptian whiskey” is a local blend of herbal mint tea. It’s delicious.
Save Cash
Egypt is already one hell of a deal! Just by traveling to this country you are saving money. Even so, there are still ways to be able to save a little bit extra. Eating the local Egyptian food will not only treat you to the delicacies of the country, and it is the most inexpensive food in the country. Grab lunch at a street stall – the kebabs are to die for! Limit use of taxis and walk instead. You’ll get to see parts of the cities that you wouldn’t while driving on the roads, and you will save some serious cash. Taxis are very overpriced in Egypt. Make sure to shop around for deals. Bargain hard with the shopkeepers – prices are usually highly inflated.
Stay Fit
Egypt’s unique landscape provides active travelers with great hiking, rock climbing, desert safaris and beach bike trails. Egypt is a wonderful destination for anyone who enjoys adventure.
Egypt’s tap water is unsafe. Drink bottled water at all times when visiting this country.
Stay Connected
Wi-Fi availability is still developing in Egypt. Getting connected can be a bit tricky. Often, larger hotels offer the service free of charge for customers – but the Wi-Fi is usually only available in the lobby. Prepaid SIM cards may be purchased at mobile stores in the airports or in larger malls, but rates are high and connections are iffy.
Two-prong, 220V type-C/F (similar to the popular European plugs) electrical outlets are used in Egypt.
