Is it safe to drink tap water in Egypt?
Tap water in Egypt is actually safe to drink but as it is heavily chlorinated we do not recommend that you do as it causes stomach upsets. Bottled mineral water is easily available from hotels, restaurants and shops at low cost. The tap water in Egypt is fine for brushing your teeth and showering.
Is bargaining common in Egypt?
Bargaining and haggling over prices is a fundamental part of shopping in the markets and bazaars of Egypt. Vendors will often inflate their prices considerably so that after a back-and-forth exchange of numbers, a final price will be agreed on that suits both parties. The key is to go in low and work your way up but always have a maximum amount in mind. It's a good idea to suss out prices in the fixed price souvenir stores that often accompany many of the popular tourist sites so that you know what you should be paying for goods.
What to shop for in Egypt?
Egypt is a virtual Aladdin’s Cave. While Cairo's Khan al-Khalili bazaar is cavernous and full of unusual and everyday objects, smaller souks and bazaars abound in other towns and cities too. Top buys include cotton shirts, brass wear, leatherwear, mosaic lamps and mirrors, backgammon boards, hand-crafted sheesha pipes, Pharaonic objects fashioned in marble and alabaster, Egyptian cotton sheets, clothing and, of course, authentic papyrus. There are also shopping malls that carry big and popular brands too.
What sort of plugs do I need for Egypt and what is the voltage?
Standard voltage is 220 volts. Primary sockets require the European, 2-pronged variety. We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor. You will need a voltage converter and plug adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances.
Is WiFi widely available in Egypt?
Getting online in Egypt is relatively easy. In the larger cities, most cafes and restaurants offer free wi-fi. All four and five star hotels in Egypt must provide internet access. Often it will be free WiFi access in the hotel lobby, and free or chargeable WiFi, or dial-up access in your hotel room. So don't worry, you'll be able to post that perfect Instagram shot in front of the Pyramids with no trouble whatsoever!
What time zone is Egypt on?
Egypt is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Egypt will not be observing Daylight Saving Time in 2020.
What is the duty free allowance for Egypt?
The following items may be imported into Egypt by travellers over 18 without incurring customs duty:
- 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g of tobacco
- 1L of alcoholic beverages
What is the currency in Egypt?
The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (LE), which is divided into 100 piastres. Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200.
Pound Sterling, US Dollars, Euro and other major currencies can be exchanged in Egypt. Exchange facilities are available at various bureau de changes and all major towns have ATMs. Check OANDA for the latest exchange rates. It's advisable to request bank notes in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases and gratuities. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in the government-run stores, most hotels and Red Sea resorts.
Traveller's Cheques are not recommended as they're often difficult to exchange and incur high fees.
What do things cost in Egypt?
Egypt is a very price-competitive destination, so much so in fact that in 2015 it was ranked the world's second cheapest country for international visitors based on hotel prices, taxes and purchasing power parity. Issued by the World Economic Forum, the annual Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report highlights that Egypt is a bargain travel option, especially for those coming from the West. In terms of eating out, you can expect to pay around $10 per person for an inexpensive restaurant meal, though of course you will pay more depending on how many courses you have! A litre bottle of water will cost around $1.20, whilst a bottle of beer tends to be priced at around $4, though it is likely to be a bit more expensive in the hotels.
When travelling on a group tour, which includes your accommodation, sightseeing, breakfast and transportation, we recommend budgeting between USD $40-50 per person per day to cover additional meals, snacks, drinks, souvenir and odd purchases.
Culled from https://www.onthegotours.com
