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Plan Your Trip to Egypt: Best of Egypt Tourism

By Альбина О

Explore Egypt

An enigmatic treasure trove of almost unimaginable archaeological and cultural riches, it's hard not to think of Egypt without imagining the Sphinx, the pyramids at Giza, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and the Nile. As well as being the world's largest open-air museum, Egypt also offers a slew of luxurious Red Sea resorts, many within reach of spectacular snorkeling, diving and windsurfing. Whether you see it by riverboat, from camelback or from just above the coral, Egypt's sights are unforgettable.

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Egypt travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Tour Preferences

Some travelers expressed a preference for private or small group tours when visiting Egypt. For instance, a traveler mentioned opting for a private tour through Virtuoso with a guide from Nubia or Abercrombie & Kent, which included personalized experiences such as exclusive meetings and visits to famous archaeological sites.

Tour Companies

According to forum posts, several tour companies were recommended for organizing trips to Egypt. Travelers have discussed experiences with companies like Road Scholars, which offers an extensive itinerary covering major sites along the Nile. Others mentioned using local Egyptian companies to handle their travel arrangements after booking their own flights.

Specialized Tours

For travelers looking for specific experiences, some posts suggested bespoke tours that cater to individual preferences, such as Audley Travel, known for organizing private tours. Additionally, travelers interested in tours geared towards younger age groups mentioned companies like Intrepid Travel, which are popular among travelers in their 20s to 30s.

Accommodation and Transport

In discussions about Nile cruises, the Movenpick Royal Lily was mentioned as a cost-effective option, though it's not categorized as a luxury cruise. This kind of practical advice helps travelers manage expectations regarding accommodations and transportation during their trip.

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Choosing the Right Boat

When selecting a Nile cruise, the specific boat you choose is crucial as it significantly impacts your overall experience. According to forum posts, travelers have emphasized the importance of selecting a boat with a good reputation for maintenance and service. Boats like the Amwaj Livingston have been praised for their quality.

Package Details

It's essential to consider what is included in your cruise package. Some travelers mentioned that while some cruises include most excursions, others might not cover entry fees to temples and additional sites, leading to unexpected extra costs. Ensure you understand what the total cost covers to avoid surprises.

Booking Considerations

Booking flexibility and the reliability of the cruise company are also important. Some users advised against choosing companies that do not disclose the boat names upfront, as this could indicate that they fill spots last-minute, potentially compromising your experience. Opt for companies that are transparent about the details, including the boat name and the amenities offered.

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Travel Options

According to forum posts, transportation options between Cairo and Luxor include buses, trains, and flights. Buses, such as those provided by GoBus, offer seats ranging from 150 LE for a basic seat to 385 LE for an Elite class seat. Trains, particularly the sleeper trains, are recommended for safety and convenience, although they can experience delays.

Flight Considerations

Some travelers have expressed concerns over the reliability of flight services due to cancellations and delays. Despite this, flights remain an option for faster travel, albeit generally more expensive compared to buses and trains.

Travel Recommendations

For many users, the sleeper train is suggested as a good balance between cost and comfort, providing overnight accommodation and including meals, which can offset the higher price relative to standard trains and buses. However, the availability and ease of purchasing tickets can vary, and it is advisable to book in advance.

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Currency Exchange Locations

According to forum posts, currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, and hotels throughout Egypt. Major banks and their affiliated exchange offices, particularly the National Bank of Egypt, are reliable places to exchange foreign currencies like USD, EUR, and AUD into Egyptian pounds (EGP).

Airport Exchange Services

Travelers have called out that currency exchange services are also available at Cairo Airport. This includes desks where visas are purchased, which can also exchange money, generally offering the service of changing money left from paying for visas into EGP.

Using ATMs

For many users, ATMs are a convenient option to withdraw Egyptian pounds directly. They are widely available in tourist areas and are recommended for their ease of use and good exchange rates compared to manual exchanges.

Considerations for Reconversion

Some travelers said that reconverting EGP back to foreign currencies can be challenging due to currency shortages. It's advisable to exchange only as much money as needed to avoid issues when trying to convert large amounts of EGP back to harder currencies at the end of the trip.

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Health and Testing Requirements

According to forum posts, all travelers arriving in Egypt must present a negative PCR test certificate taken no more than 72 hours prior to flight departure. This is mandatory for all passengers including Egyptian nationals, with an exception for children under the age of 6.

Documentation and Insurance

Travelers have mentioned that they are required to complete a health monitoring card with personal details and provide confirmation of a valid health insurance policy to airport authorities upon arrival in Egypt.

Additional Measures

Some travelers noted that tourists arriving at airports in the coastal governorates such as Hurghada, South Sinai, and Marsa Matrouh who cannot present acceptable evidence of a negative PCR test will undergo testing on arrival for a fee and must self-isolate at their hotel until the results are available. Positive cases may lead to further quarantine measures.

Vaccination and Certificate

Travel forum users have discussed that proof of vaccination can be shown via the NHS digital vaccine pass for UK travelers, although a paper certificate may be advisable as per some suggestions due to varying acceptance of digital passes.

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Aswan Airport to City Center

According to forum posts, for transportation from Aswan airport to central Aswan, many travelers recommend using a taxi. The journey typically takes about 45 minutes and costs around $20. This is seen as the most straightforward and cost-effective option for the distance covered.

Alternative Transfer Options

Some travelers have mentioned booking a private car and driver through local travel agents in Aswan as an alternative to taxis. This option might be slightly more expensive but can offer a more personalized service.

Lack of Ride-Sharing Services

Travelers have called out that unlike Cairo, Aswan does not have services like Uber. This limits options to traditional taxis or pre-booked cars for airport transfers.

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Application Process

According to forum posts, you can apply for an Egyptian E-visa through the official website visa2egypt.gov.eg. Several travelers have noted the need to upload a digital image of the first page of your passport, which includes your photo, rather than a separate passport photo.

Common Issues

Some users have reported issues with the photo upload, specifically with the file size exceeding the maximum allowed limit of 500KB. It is recommended to adjust the resolution and dimensions of the image to meet these requirements. Additionally, ensure that the name on the application matches exactly as it appears in your passport.

Alternatives

For many users, obtaining a visa on arrival is suggested as a simpler alternative. This option is available at the airport for $25 USD, and it typically takes only a few minutes to process without the need for pre-submitted photos or forms.

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General Tipping Culture

In Egypt, tipping, known locally as baksheesh, is a customary practice and is expected for most services. According to forum posts, tipping is not only common in hospitality and tourism but extends to smaller services like door opening and bathroom attendance.

Service-Specific Tipping Guidelines

Some travelers have shared specific guidelines: for example, drivers may receive 150-250 EGP for a full day and tour guides around 300-400 EGP per full day. For smaller services, such as using a restroom at tourist sites, a tip of about 5-10 EGP is customary.

Using Local Currency

Travelers strongly recommend using the local currency (Egyptian pounds) for tips, as this is more convenient for the recipient and avoids issues with currency exchange. Tips in USD are discouraged due to the difficulty locals may face in exchanging small denominations.

Adjusting Tip Based on Service

The amount tipped often reflects the quality of service received. Travelers have emphasized that there is no rigid rule for tipping amounts, suggesting that tips should be given based on personal comfort and satisfaction with the service.

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