Egypt Travel FAQ - Page 2

Is it possible to stay with the local inhabitants?
For the price of a small hotel, family boarding houses offer the advantage of a relaxed atmosphere and well-kept rooms.

What type of clothes should I wear?
When sightseeing, wear light cotton clothing, a hat, suncream and sunglasses to make the weather conditions bearable. When visiting religious buildings and when in town, dress correctly. Women must cover their heads, shoulders and legs. Take off shoes before going into mosques.

Where can you find real Egyptian cuisine?
- In Alexandria: Mohammed Ahmed, Kadura, Zephyrion
- In Cairo: Felfella, Andréa's, Alfi Bey, Samakmak.
- In Luxor: Muhammad Cafeteria, Peace Abuzeid.
- In Aswan: Al-Masry.
- In Sharm El-Sheikh: Fish Restaurant.

What is the best way to visit the major attractions?
For security reasons, visits to the main attractions are closely guarded (under military protection between Luxor and Aswan). If you are not traveling as part of a group, you can organize your route when you get there with agencies in Cairo or Luxor, or else hire a car with a guide.

Is it possible to book a Nile cruise once in Egypt?
Travel agencies in Cairo and Luxor offer cruises combined with tours of the main attractions (Thomas Cook is the longest-running agency). Possibilities include a trip in a felouk, a trip along the Nile at sunset, or a several-day cruise (minimum 5 people).

Is it a problem if I take photos of people?
In museums, buy a permit to film or take photos. In the streets, always ask for permission, especially before taking photos of women or religious people, as well as in rural areas. If not using digital cameras, make sure you take plenty of film rolls with you, especially highly sensitive ones, because they are very hard to come by in Egypt.

Where are the best places in Cairo to enjoy the genuine Cairo atmosphere?
- The cafés in the small streets of the town centre: Ash-Shams, Fichaoui, Horreyya, etc.
- The old cinemas: the Metro, the Radio, Diana Palace, etc.
- Cairo stadium, during the soccer season
(September to May)

What souvenirs should I bring back home?
Gold and silver jewelry and semi-precious stones, Bedouin embroidery from the Sinai, basketware, cotton linen, papyrus, rugs, blown glass, spices, etc.

Is it safe to swim in the Nile?
Swimming is not recommended, more because of the bilharziosis parasite than because of crocodiles.

Where are the best places to shop?
For craft goods and clothes, go to the souks or to boutiques run by organizations that support traditional craftsmanship.
- In Cairo, go to the town center shopping centers, the Nomad and the Egypt Craft Center, to the fine boutiques and the "Souvenirs" souk in Khan al-Khalili street.
- Luxor souk: spices, fabrics
- Aswan souk: Nubian baskets, shawls embroidered in Aswan.
- In El Arish: Bedouin crafts, jewelry, etc.
- In Alexandria, El-Attarine souk, which specializes in ancient objects and antiques. (ancient Egyptian antiquities are not allowed to leave the country).

Which airlines fly to Egypt?
International airlines - EgyptAir and the main charter airlines fly to Egyptian airports: Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheik, Taba, Saint Catherine, Borg-el-Arab, Assiut, etc.

Can credit cards be used without any difficulty?
Credit cards and travelers checks are accepted in the main hotels and large boutiques. Most tourist stores also accept foreign currencies. Remember to keep a certain amount of small notes and change (25-piaster coins) handy for tips.

And...what if I have a problem?
Complaints should be made to the Tourism Police.

Copyright ©2006 Egyptian Tourist Authority

Back to Egypt Travel FAQ Part 1

Subscribe now and keep updated on this and other popular topics about Egypt