Things to Know Before Travelling to Egypt
A holiday to Egypt is unique, offering opportunities to deep dive into its ancient past, stare in awe at hieroglyphs, explore historical ruins, glide down the Nile, dive in the Red Sea and immerse yourself within the culture. Before fully delving into the rich tapestry of Egyptian culture, here are some key things to know before travelling to Egypt.
Tourism in Egypt
Despite the instability in recent decades (from terror attacks and political instability), tourism is coming back to Egypt. The country's historical wonders attract and delight visitors while boosting the economy and providing locals with much-needed income. While incidents are rare, staying informed and following travel advice ensures that you and your companions stay safe.
Staying in Cairo
Cairo can be overwhelming and quite the initiation to those first visiting, with its noisy streets and high energy, especially concerning traffic, which at times is pure pandemonium. Crossing streets involves navigating chaos, but relying on locals for guidance or using the subway (which is very cheap and reliable) to Coptic Cairo offers a calmer alternative. There are plenty of taxis for you to hail but be sure to negotiate fares beforehand to avoid disputes. Or you can wait for a metered taxi to come along, which ensures a hassle-free journey.
Egypt money
Bargaining is a common practice, especially in markets. Start negotiations at around 40% below the asking price. Tipping, known as 'baksheesh,' is prevalent, and expected for all services. Carrying around small notes or change can be helpful for these moments.
Tips
Beware of scams, such as unsolicited guides (who will take you on a shoddy tour before charging an extortionate price) and fake merchandise. When in a touristy public place, be sure to only show your ticket to official check points and politely decline the offer of any extra guides from non-officials.
Religion and Culture
Respect the conservative Muslim culture by dressing modestly in public - covering arms, legs and chests. Follow your guide's advice on appropriate attire for different locations. Ramadan may impact local life, with changes in schedules for museums, shows and bazaars. During Ramadan, refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day.
More Information
Be mindful of Ramadan's influence on local life, with changes in schedules and modified operating hours for various establishments. The festival of Eid follows Ramadan, also affecting schedules. Embrace the unique atmosphere of Ramadan evenings, marked by the breaking of the fast.
Culture Hit
Read: The Cairo Trilogy by Naguib Mahfouz, an epic saga of life in early 20th-century Egypt.
Watch: The Land (1970), by celebrated Egyptian director Youssef Chahine and featured at Cannes.
Listen: To anything by Umm Kulthum, the queen of tarab - traditional Arabic folk music.
