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TRAVEL TIPS If you are an Australian traveling to Egypt for the first time, prepare for a culture shock. You will be overwhelmed by the number of people and cars you will encounter. Don’t expect to find anything that is remotely like the way we conduct business, or everyday life, unless you are staying in a major international hotel.
Before going further I must say that the Egyptian people are wonderful, friendly people. Egypt relies on tourism for their economy, so tourists are treated with respect as long you respect their way of life. Outside of tourist areas, you will be stared at.
Traveling in Egypt for the first time is best done with a reputable tour group. I don’t recommend doing it on your own the first time. You will get a good feel for the country and its wonderful people on a guided tour, and pick up some valuable knowledge for your next trip.
In Australia we are very tolerant of other cultures and behaviors, but it is not the same in all countries, particularly in the Middle East. Egypt is a Muslim country, but does have a minority of Christians. Both the Muslims and the Christians have deep religious convictions and values. Many things that we take for granted, such as kissing and hugging your partner in public, wearing revealing or tight fitting clothing etc, are not acceptable in Egypt. Try to be conservative in your dress and behavior to respect the Egyptian people.
DON’T DRINK THE WATER! Bottled water is available everywhere and is usually quite cheap. You may pay more for it if you buy it from your hotel, but even then when you convert the currency it is generally ok. Check the seal on the bottle before you buy it to make sure it hasn't been refilled. Always keep a good supply of bottled water with you as it is very easy to become dehydrated, even in the colder months. It is ok to clean your teeth, shower and wash in the tap water, although some tourists still like to use bottled water for the teeth. Just don’t swallow it! If you are buying tea or coffee, the water has been boiled, and I haven’t had a problem drinking it.
TOILETS In major hotels the toilets are generally what you would expect to find in Australia. Other than that you will find an interesting variety of toilets, from demountables, to squatting pans, to those that don’t even have water connected. There is usually an attendant at the facility who will offer you a piece of toilet paper. Whether you take the paper or not, you will be expected to pay the attendant. I recommend giving them One LE (Egyptian Pound). These people, usually women, rely on your generosity to supplement the meagre wage they receive. In regard to toilet paper or hand towels, I recommend taking a large supply of Wet Wipes, and keep them with you all the time. They come in handy for all sorts of things – at the toilet, cleaning your hands, cleaning the toilet seat etc. If possible I suggest you visit the toilet in your hotel before you head out for the day, as you never know what you will encounter. The public toilets at Rameses Station in Cairo are to be avoided if at all possible. You must pay 25 piastres to use the facility, and I use the word “facility” very loosely. There are 2 western style toilets and 1 squatting pan. If you find that you have to use the toilet’s there, be prepared, and try to make it as hygienic as you can. HYGIENE AND HEALTH It is common for travelers to get sick in Egypt, as it is in any foreign country. Always wash your hands as the money is very old and dirty, and by nature of the country, everything you touch will be dusty or dirty. The local shop keepers will greet you by shaking your hand, and of course it is polite to return the greeting. This is where the Wet Wipes come in handy again. Be cautious when eating raw salad vegetables and fruit. It is best to either wash them yourself in bottled water, or opt to eat cooked veggies. Anything you can peel should be ok. If you get sick in Egypt there is usually medical help close at hand. In large hotels there will be a doctor on call, and most chemists can sell antibiotics and medicines for all the usual complaints. I have had a number of times when the doctor has had to be called, and while the procedures they follow may seem strange, the outcome has been good. On my last trip my friend became very ill and had to spend a day on hospital. The doctors and nurses were fantastic and I couldn't fault the care and attention she got. Always bring your own supply of usual medicines and things you think you might need “just in case”. Here are some suggestions. Paracetamol Immodium Sunscreen Bandaids Antiseptic Cough lozenges Eye drops Antihistamine Vitamins Tissues Wet Wipes You can purchase paracetamol anywhere in Egypt. The brand name is Adol and is no different to what you would purchase in Australia. If you have prescription medicines, make sure you bring enough for your trip. Bringing a copy of your prescription is a good idea, just in case you need to get some more while you are there. A prescription is not necessary to purchase medication in Egypt, but it may help if your medication is not known to the pharmacist or doctor. I have found that you can purchase most medications that are used in Australia over the counter and the price is very, very cheap.
TRAFFIC I can’t describe the traffic in Egypt – Cairo in particular, other than to say it is chaotic. Chaotic will have a new meaning when you have experienced it. Cars drive on the right side of the road, so be very careful if you are crossing the road. Sounding horns is normal in Egypt. Again you will have to experience it to see what I mean. Unless you have a death wish, don't drive a car in Egypt. Taxi's are cheap to hire. Always make sure you agree on a price with the driver before hand, and make sure the price agreed is in Egyptian Pounds not English Pounds or US dollars.
SHOPPING Shopping in Egypt is a wonderful experience. Expect to bargain at most places, it is the normal thing to do. Try to pay about ¼ of the original price at bazaars and tourist shops. There are some shops that have fixed prices, but the seller will usually let you know this when you come in. Do a quick conversion in your head and if the price is about what you would expect to pay in Australia, it is too expensive. If you walk away from the seller, expect to be followed, and the negotiations will continue. Be polite at all times, if you really don’t want to buy the item, let him know by a firm but polite “La Shukran” and keep walking. All the sellers at tourist places speak English, as well as other languages. If you venture into the main shopping area in Cairo, the prices will be fixed, and usually written in Arabic. You may also find that some shop assistants don’t speak English.
GIFTS While you are in Egypt you will usually be asked for a pen by the people you meet. Buy a supply of pens to take with you, any pens are fine, they don’t have to be souvenir type although they are nice to give. One of my friends took a supply of Australian sultana’s (the little packets) and these were very popular with the young children that we met. Some other things you might like to consider taking are souvenir plastic key rings and souvenir koala or kangaroo key rings. You can purchase these in multi packs at any variety store in Australia quite cheaply. A word of caution – don’t throw gifts from your bus window to the children in the street. You don’t want any of the children becoming traffic statistics for the sake of a pen! If you are interested in donating used clothing or toys to the Coptic Orphans organisation in Egypt please contact the organisation for details www.copticorphans.org Every little bit helps improve the lives of orphans and other vulnerable children in Egypt.
SMARTRAVELLER Have a look at the Australian Government Smartraveller website - http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Egypt You can register to receive travel updates before you go so you will be informed of any problems beforehand. Also register your travel details on the site so you can be located in the event of a problem while you are away.
SECURITY Many people who are thinking of traveling to Egypt are concerned about safety. There have been problems in the past which most westerners are aware of. Unfortunately the threat of terrorism is everywhere these days, so caution should be taken wherever you travel in the world. Check the smartraveller website for specific details before you travel.
Egypt has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. If you are careful of your personal effects while you are out and about, you will probably not encounter any problems. Be very careful however, if you are traveling on a train or bus and happen to fall asleep. It is not unheard of to have some items disappear from your handbag which was on the floor at your feet (speaking from personal experience). If you think you might fall asleep make sure your bags are well secured on your lap or at your side. Don’t leave them in the overhead luggage rack for the same reasons. A money belt is a wise thing to utilize while you are traveling on any of these forms of transport.
TOURIST POLICE Everywhere you travel in Egypt you will find the Tourist Police. All of them carry guns which is something we are not used to seeing. They may seem a bit scary on your first visit but there is no need to worry. If you are traveling to Luxor or El Minia on your own by train you will have to register with the Tourist Police at the railway station. This can be an interesting experience as I have come across some tourist police who do not speak English. Make sure you have some cash with you to give to the police officer, baggage carrier and taxi driver – baksheesh for everyone! Remember, the Tourist Police are there for the protection of tourists, no other reason. If you have any problems at all, they are there to help you. Tourism is the life blood of Egypt so the Egyptian government is very protective of its visitors.
WHERE TO STAY Following are some of the hotels I have stayed at in Egypt.
CAIRO
Nile Hilton Hotel 1113 Corniche El Nil, Cairo The Nile Hilton is right next door to the Cairo Museum and central to everything in Cairo. Rooms overlook either the Nile or the city of Cairo. Several restaurants, shopping mall, gym, pool, tennis, bank. Tours and transport can be arranged from the hotel. Expensive – but worth it! ** My favourite hotel.
Sonesta Hotel 4 El Tayaran Street, Nasr City, Cairo Located in the Heliopolis district, 10 minutes from the airport Restaurants, bars, pool, fitness centre, bank.
LUXOR Nile Valley Hotel West Bank, Gesira El Bairat, Luxor 2 minute walk from the ferry pier. A lovely private hotel run by a Dutch/Egyptian couple. Basic but clean rooms with air conditioning, bathroom, pool, transport available. A fantastic roof top restaurant which overlooks the Nile to the Luxor Temple. Very reasonable rates. Amon Hotel West Bank, Gesira El Bairat, Luxor 5 minute walk from the ferry pier. A lovely little private hotel hidden amongst the houses on the West Bank. Basic but clean rooms with air conditioning, restaurant, beautiful tropical garden, transport available, tour advice. You are made to feel like one of the family rather than a tourist. Very reasonable rates.
Old Winter Palace Corniche El Nile Street, Luxor This beautiful Victorian style hotel was built in 1886 and has accommodated many famous people over the years. The hotel overlooks the Nile towards the west bank. A short walk to the Luxor Temple, Mummification Museum, bazaars, shops and ferry. The décor is amazing. Magnificent gardens and swimming pools behind the hotel. Restaurants, bars, pools, shops, bank, transport and tours available. Expensive, but worth it if you love old world charm and luxury.
HURGHADA (Red Sea) Kint Tut ResortAl Wafaa District, Hurghada, Red Sea The façade of this hotel is like an ancient Egyptian temple. Rooms at the back of the hotel overlook the private beach to the Red Sea – magnificent views. Restaurants, bars, pool (with King Tut on the bottom!), private beach, diving, Red Sea cruising tours, shops, tours and transport available. Very reasonable rates.
RECOMMENDED PLACES TO VISIT (OUTSIDE THE NORM)
Coptic Museum The Coptic Museum and its surrounding churches are highly recommended to visit. The architecture, art and artifacts found here are of great religious and historic significance. Address: Mary George St, Old Cairo Open daily from 9am to 5pm
Manial Palace Museum The Manial Palace was built for Prince Mohammad Ali Tawfiq between 1899 & 1929 and is now a magnificent museum. The Islamic art and architecture in the various buildings are truly amazing, as are the palace gardens. The hunting museum is a strange but interesting part to visit. Address: Roda Island, Central Cairo
Mena House Although the Mena House is now a luxury hotel, it is worth visiting for a quiet drink or a stroll around the gardens. The hotel has been operating since 1869 and is in the shadow of the great pyramids of Giza. The architecture and décor is something to be seen. Address: Mena House Oberoi, Pyramids Rd, Giza, Cairo
American University in Cairo Bookshop If you are studying or just into books, the bookshop at the American University in Cairo is a must to visit. There are various locations, but the main one is easy to find. Address: Main Campus, Hill House, First Floor Hours: 9am to 6pm Saturday to Thursday
L’Orientale Another interesting place to visit if you are into books, maps etc. L’Orientale has rare old books, old maps, original David Roberts lithographs, engravings, old postcards etc. Address: Nile Hilton Shopping Mall, 15 Kasr El Nil St, Cairo (Ground Floor near Food Court)
Hot Air Balloon over Valley of the Kings Various companies offer ballooning over the Valley of the Kings. I booked my flight at the Thomas Cook office near the Old Winter Palace at Luxor, but you should be able to book through any reputable tour operator. If you haven’t been ballooning before, this is definitely the place to give it a go! More tips to come soon!
Disclaimer. The material contained in this web site is provided for general use and information purposes only. Information in this site is based on the personal experience and opinion of Brenda Hill and is not intended to be used as advice. Egyptian Dreams and/or Brenda Hill accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or authenticity of any material contained in the site and recommend that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its contents. References to other sites are provided as information only and do not necessarily constitute endorsement. Conversely, omissions should not be construed as non-endorsement.
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