Egypt Travel Tips

Banks are open from 8am-2pm from Sundays to Thursdays.

The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP). The Egyptian Pound is divided into 100 piastres. Coins, which are not used often, are available in: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 25 piastres, while banknotes come in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pounds.

Travellers can exchange money on arrival at Cairo International Airport, where there is a bank, several ATMs and a 24-hour bureaux de change. All large towns in Egypt provide bank branches, most with currency exchange services. ATMs are plentiful, especially in the capital of Cairo, and accept a variety of credit cards. Most shopping areas and business districts also provide cash machines. Credit cards are accepted in most large establishments.

The importing and exporting of local money is restricted to 100 Egyptian pounds for non-residents. Foreign currency importation is not limited, while exportation of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount declared upon arrival.

Visitors can import up to 200g of tobacco, up to 1 litre of alcoholic beverages, 1 litre of eau de cologne and goods for consumption not exceeding the value of 100 pounds.

 All cash, jewellery, cameras, travellers' cheques and electronic devices may have to be claimed in the Customs Declaration Form D that is given to some arriving visitors.

Banned and restricted items include: books, movies, and printed material of a pornographic nature; devices that could be used for illegal activities and explosives.

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Visitors travelling to Egypt will need to present a legitimate Yellow Fever inoculation certificate when arriving from an infected area; this does not apply to transit passengers or infants under the age of one.

 It is recommended for visitors to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A, polio, tetanus, typhoid and rabies before entering Egypt as well as taking malaria tablets. 

 Health care in Egypt is limited, though specialised professionals from the west are available in the larger cities. A list of English-speaking physicians and hospitals can be found at international Embassies in Cairo. Alexandria, Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh provide the best medical facilities, while many other areas are lacking. Visitors are suggested to apply for medical insurance before leaving their country.

 Beware of unpeeled fruits, undercooked meats, ice cubes and other possible untreated products. Visitors are encouraged to drink bottled water and to eat at ‘tourist' restaurants, where food is thoroughly cooked. Beaches are mostly unpolluted, though those who decide to take a dip in the Nile or one of Egypt's canals will do so in untreated water and are therefore exposing themselves to the danger of bacterial infections and other parasitic diseases.

 Arab International Hospital Tareek El Nasr, Nasr City: 402-4838 / 261-6089

The official language of Egypt is Arabic. English and French are understood in the larger cities.

Crime rates are low in Egypt, though small crimes such as pick pocketing and purse-snatching are known to happen. There is noticeably less street crime in Cairo than in most cities. You should always watch out for scam artists and hassling from sellers and shopkeepers is common. It is not advisable to walk alone after dark.

Valuables such as jewellery, cash and electronic items should not be left unattended in public, or in hotel rooms that don't provide safety facilities.

 Women who travel alone are at risk of sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Clothing should be modest, with cleavage, arm and leg exposure kept to a minimum. Unwanted attention, such as groping and sexual proposals, can arise from provocative outfits.

There are security concerns regarding western and Israeli travellers, since they have been targeted in the past by terrorist and extremist groups. Foreigners are advised to travel in small groups in order to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. 

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Customs and beliefs are dominated by Islam influence. Egyptians tend to be friendly and hospitable and mutual respect is expected from travellers. Visitors should respect Islam; other religions are accepted but should not be paraded.

Handshakes are the regular way of greeting. It is not unusual for males to hold hands. This behaviour is not associated with homosexual acts and is just seen as a friendly gesture. Personal space is not as important to Egyptians, as they often stand close when conversing. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, regardless of the couple's status. Holding hands is as far as public physical contact should go.

Egyptians are a conservative group of people. Though they are accepting of foreigners dress sense, it would be best to dress like a local and cover up, as more respect will be given. Women especially should dress conservatively, especially when entering religious buildings. Formal dress may be required at some functions and restaurants. 

During the month of Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public should be discreet, since it is forbidden by Muslim culture. Smoking is very common during the rest of the year.

Tipping in Egypt is known as Backshish and is a common reward for services provided. Public restrooms tend to be staffed; therefore the attendants expect a tip. In some places, tissue is exchanged for a small price. Acts of kindness, such as helping people exit vehicles or carry baggage, are often scams that lead to locals hassling till money is paid. Be prepared to hand out a pound or two when using public facilities, as locals can get aggressive with money matters.

Professional services, such as translators and tour guides, should be given a tip of around 20 percent, while 10 to 15 percent is accepted by restaurants and taxis. Service charge is added in most restaurants and hotels, though five percent is normally given as a direct tip to the waiter.

The country code for Egypt is +202. Internet providers, as well as internet cafés, can be found in the capital of Cairo and in Egypt's larger towns and cities. Large hotels and establishments often provide high-speed internet access. Coffee shops, restaurants, hotel lobbies and other various locations offer free wireless internet access. It is common for visitors to enter a coffee shop with their laptop and browse online for free.

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Tourist visas are available to those from Libya or any other country excluding Arab countries. A passport with a validity of six months minimum is required to obtain a tourist visa. Any Egyptian consulate around the world can supply you with a tourist visa. The price of a Visa depends on the holder's country of origin. Details and requirements regarding different nationalities can be found at Egyptian consulates. Multiple entry visas allow up to three visits to Egypt. 

When arriving from certain countries, visas fees can be paid on arrival at the airport.  All visitors entering Egypt are required to register with police authorities within a week of arrival. Hotels and tour operators often take care of this, though it is advised to double-check as there is a fine for not registering.