Suggested Length of Stay
Allow 7-12 Days to get a good overall experience of Egypt. 21 Days if you want to include the Western Desert region.
Modes of transport
Road
Proceed with caution. Driving in Cairo is a crazy affair, and although it’s slightly less nerve-racking in other parts of the country, it is more dangerous. Night driving should be completely avoided.
Public transport
Trains
Egyptās British-founded rail system comprises more than 5000km of track connecting almost every major city and town (but not Sinai). The system is antiquated, cars are often grubby and battered, and there have been some major accidents recently, including a crash near Alexandria in August 2017. Aside from on two main routes (CairoāAlexandria, and CairoāAswan, both of which have modern rolling stock), you have to be fond of trains to prefer them to a deluxe bus. But for destinations near Cairo, trains win because they donāt get stuck in traffic.
For specific schedules, consult the Egyptian Railways (https://enr.gov.eg) website, where you can also purchase tickets.
Taxis
Even the smallest cities in Egypt have taxis. Theyāre inexpensive and efficient, even if in some cities the cars themselves have seen better days.
Fares In Cairo metered taxis are taking over, but everywhere else, locals know the accepted price and pay it without (much) negotiation. Check with locals for taxi rates, as fares change as petrol prices rise.
Flying
EgyptAir is the main domestic carrier. Nile Air also flies between Cairo and the main centres, though it has fewer services.
Climate
Summer; Scorching summer sun means only the hardiest sightseers visit Upper Egypt. Avoid the Western Desert.
Spring/Autumn; Spring brings occasional dust storms disrupting flights. Heat can extend into October when crowds are lighter. Warm seas and no crowds at Mediterranean spots in autumn.
Winter; Egyptās āwinterā is largely sunny and warm, with very occasional rain
Health Precautions
No vaccines are required for Egypt but check the status of standard injections (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella)
Food and Drink
Egyptian food is more like fresh, honest peasant fare. Pulses are served stewed (for breakfast, lunch or dinner), as a soup or fried in patties as ta’amiyya (Egyptian falafel). Egyptians love lamb kebabs, grilled chicken, pigeon and kofta (spiced mincemeat patties grilled on a skewer), while fish comes from the Mediterranean, Red Seas, and the Nile.
Money
The currency is the Egyptian pound (LE), guinay in Arabic, divided into 100 piastres (pt). Coins of 5pt, 10pt and 25pt are basically extinct; 50pt notes and coins are also on their way out. ATMs are widely available. Credit cards are increasingly widely accepted. There is a major shortage of small change; large bills can be difficult to break.
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Time Zone
Egypt Standard Time is UTC+2, which is exactly the same as Eastern European Time. There is no Daylight Saving.
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Visas
Australians can get a tourist visa online atĀ www.visa2egypt.gov.egĀ or on arrival. Visas can only be purchased with US Dollars or Euros. Egyptian Pounds aren’t accepted as payment for tourist visas.
Australian Embassy & Consulate contacts in Egypt
Australian Embassy in Cairo
Level 11, World Trade Centre, 1191 Corniche El Nil, Boulac, Cairo.
Phone: +2 02 2770 6600
Email:Ā consular.cairo@dfat.gov.au
Egypt Embassy & Consulate contacts in Australia
Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt
1 Darwin Avenue, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
Email Address:Ā embassy.canberra@mfa.gov.eg
Web Site:Ā www.egypt.org.au
Phone: 02 6273 4437 & 02 6273 4438
Electricity
In Egypt, the power plugs and sockets are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Getting there (stopovers)
Both Emirates and Etihad have daily flights from most Australian capital cities to Cairo via Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Tipping
Generally tipping around 10% is good etiquette at a restaurant in Egypt. However, you will more than likely see a āservice chargeā on your bill. This service charge goes to the restaurant, not the waiter so be sure to tip the waiter or waitress in addition. They will rely on this money for their income.
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