Tour Of Egypt
Egypt Tour
Traveling to Egypt can be a fun and exciting experience if you are well
prepared and have your trip carefully planned out, however, if you are not
knowledgeable beforehand you could be in for some nasty shocks! Below are some
things you should know about the country, what to look out for, as well as some
helpful hints to ensure that your trip will be a success.
Egypt is not America
If you come to Egypt expecting that it will be like America with the exception
of a few pyramids and some camels wandering about, you will be in for quite a
shock. Egypt is in Africa and the spoken language is Arabic, not Egyptian (as so
many people are commonly mistaken). However, while Arabic is the main language,
you will find that many Egyptians speak some English, especially those that do
business with tourists. For the most part you will not need a translator or
Arabic dictionary to get around, Egyptians are extremely friendly by nature and
are very accommodating to English speaking tourists.
Egypt is a Muslim Country
Egypt is considered part of the Middle East and like its Arab neighbors, Islam
is the dominant religion. While it is perfectly fine to wear normal western
clothing, indeed many Egyptians do as well, women especially should be
respectful of the culture by wearing clothing that covers their shoulders (no
tank tops) and no shorts or skirts that are higher than the knee. Not following
these guidelines will not result in fines or citations, but a woman might
receive some undesired attention from the locals if she fails to follow these
suggestions. You should also not be surprised by the call to prayer which echoes
throughout the streets five times a day and can startle people who are not aware
of it.
The traffic is insane
The traffic, especially in Cairo, can be extremely frightening to foreigners.
Unlike the US or Europe, pedestrians do NOT have the right of way and should be
VERY careful when crossing the street. You will often see cars going the wrong
way down one way streets or donkey carts blocking lanes. Have faith that your
driver has a lot of experience in these conditions and will get you to your
destination safely.
All prices are negotiable
In Egypt, most prices are negotiable, especially when purchasing souvenirs or
goods. The first price you are given is often five times more than you should
pay. You are expected to bargain with the merchant and come to a good
compromise. Be reasonable but not gullible, remember that in Egypt there is
practically no cost for labor and a craftsman deserves to be paid for his time
and effort. The only places where prices are not negotiable are at the bank and
through your travel company. Consult a local if you want to know what the going
rate for taxi’s are as well as the regular prices for various goods.
It is also commonplace to tip people who help you during your trip, baggage
handlers, people at the airport, etc. How much you choose to give them is up to
your discretion, though usually a few Egyptian pounds is fine.
Health concerns
Contrary to popular belief, the water in Egypt is actually safe to drink,
however it doesn’t taste very good which is why most people drink bottled water.
The water in the taps is heavily chlorinated, killing all harmful bacteria,
though it isn’t uncommon to find sand and grit in your glass or tub. You can
brush your teeth in the tap water but would probably prefer the bottled water to
drink. If you are injured or need medical attention during your trip, many
travel agencies have doctors that can treat minor wounds and infections though
for a medical emergency it is recommended to contact your Embassy, which will
direct you where to go from there.
Armed Guards
Some people are surprised to see many military people on the streets with guns.
This is no cause for concern. Every Egyptian male is required to serve time in
the army which is why there are so many armed guards in the street and sitting
in front of buildings. These men are just doing their duty as Egyptian citizens
and never use their guns, though they are required to carry them. There is very
little violence in Egypt, much less than in the United States or Europe, and the
Egyptians are a very peaceful people mainly devoted to family and religion.
For immediate questions, contact our recommended Egypt travel planner:
Information Request
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