The thought of Egypt travel got you waxing on historical Pharaohs and the hieroglyphics. Hasn’t it?
Well, we know the feeling. And we can tell you that Egypt is home to some of the breathtaking grounds in Africa.
But the country is no place to visit without adequate planning. To enjoy the best travel experience in Egypt, you have to prepare yourself with a handful of tips.
Fortunately, we have compiled some of such tips for you in this article. Check them out below.
Visa Requirements
Note: Before anything, you should ensure that your passport still has at least a 6-month validity period.
You can comfortably apply for an e-visa to Egypt online. However, we would advise against that. Why?
The website has several glitches. As such, it’s best you avoid it and shield yourself against issues like null applications and payment.
Instead of an e-visa, you can collect your visa on your arrival in Egypt. For that, you’d pay $30 (at most). Once you receive your permit, you can use it till the expiry date (a duration of 30days).
When To Travel To Egypt
You might have fears visiting Egypt during Ramadan. But you shouldn’t.
Indeed, Egypt is a country where the population observes Ramadan strictly. Nevertheless, the fasting month doesn’t have any effect on you.
However, there might be some restrictions during Ramadan, like eating out in public places and consumption of alcohol. In all, you can visit Egypt even in the thick of fasting.
The only time we’d advise you not to visit Egypt is during the summer. The heat here can be extreme from May through August.
If you insist on coming during those months, pack several sun protection aids.
So, what time is best?
Visit Egypt in spring. Then, the weather won’t harm your skin. Also, the spring months are the cheapest season to travel to the country.
Egypt Travel – Visit People
Egyptians are some of the most friendly and entertaining Africans you’d meet. In particular, they are welcoming to tourists. That’s part because tourism is one of the nation’s crucial revenue sources.
Another thing you should know is that people here would try to sell something to you. Funnily enough, they might be angry if you say no.
You could avoid such scenes if you’d gone via group tours or hire a tour aid.
Lastly, you should budget extra for tipping people. Make such about 20 to 30% of your original plans. Why?
Tipping is almost natural in Egypt. It’s almost like it’s a norm.
That said, you can reduce the spending if you’d discussed it with your tour company.
Note: don’t tip guards of tourist centers to enter prohibited areas.
Safety And Health
Indeed, there are regular reports of unrest in Egypt. But tourists are never the targets of such incidents.
Besides, you will find a heavy military presence around tourist attractions. In essence, you have nothing to fear.
Regarding health concerns, first, stay off tap water. You can use it for brushing your teeth. But don’t drink it. Instead, get bottled water. Why?
Egypt’s water system has high chlorine concentrations. As such, they taste horrible.
Secondly, watch how you eat from street vendors. Their culinary practices aren’t the model hygienic you’d love.
That’s all our tips. All the best for your travels!