A ‘Basksheesh’ will be requested of you by almost anybody who provides you with a service, and indeed by many people that do not. This includes situations you may be accustomed to, such as after a meal, or by a porter who carries your bags to your room. But it also includes situations that may seem a little unusual such as in a public toilet, or by a security guard or curator at one of the ancient sites.

Getting around in Egypt is pretty easy. Although it may seem very different from what most travellers are used to back home, the Egyptian transportation system is efficient and you shouldn’t face trouble finding your way around and reaching any destination. Taxis are the easiest way for moving around in cities. For travelling between cities, you have the choice between buses, trains, hiring a private vehicle and driver and the domestic air carriers operated by the national airline EgyptAir.

Arabic

The following information is intended as a guide only and in no way should it be used as a substitute for professional medical advice relative to a travellers individual needs and vaccination history. No guarantee is made as to its accuracy or thoroughness. For further information, please contact The Travel Doctor.

Vaccination against Hepatitis A is recommended for travellers to Egypt. Vaccination against Hepatitis B and Rabies (particularly if working with animals) should be considered by frequent or long stay travellers. Vaccination against Typhoid should be considered particularly when travelling to areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. Care with food and beverage selection is recommended. There is a low risk of Malaria in Egypt and Dengue Fever also occurs, as such insect avoidance measures and anti malarial medication may be necessary depending on your itinerary. 

Please consult a medical practitioner or contact The Travel Doctor for your specific risk to these preventable diseases and the appropriate avoidance measures. Australians travelling to Egypt should ensure that they have adequate travel insurance to cover the length of their stay. For further information please visit www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Egypt

Electrical Socket type: European
Voltage: 220-240 volts (same as Australia).
Modem Plug: French & US 

Country Code for Egypt: +20
Visa Global Assistance: 1 303 967 1090. International Operator: 120

Emergency Services: 122 Ambulance: 123 Fire: 180 Police: 122 Tourist Police: 126 These services may not have English speaking staff.

One of Egypt’s best shopping experiences is Cairo’s medieval market, the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. Everything from cheap souvenirs to household goods, reproduction ‘antique’ jewellery, brass plaques and jugs, copper utensils and cotton goods fill the narrow noisy alleyways.

Shopping hours vary widely according to season and location. In most cities, shops are generally open daily 10am to 8pm, taking a lengthy lunch break in summer, and some will close on Fridays. Markets tend to stay open later in the evening. Shops are now required to close by 10pm; those with a tourism licence may open later. During Ramadan, shops may well close at sunset and reopen several hours later, after eating. Some shops may close during Friday midday prayers, for a couple of hours.

The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool.

FIND OUT WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR TRIP

Official travel advice is available by visiting the SmartTraveller Website

Egypt is an Arabic country and has Arabic customs. The Egyptians are deeply religious and religious principles govern their daily lives. Combined with religious belief is commitment to the extended family. Devout Muslims do not drink alcohol though most do not object to others drinking reasonable amounts. If in doubt, ask. In addition, they do not use drugs or eat pork, which is considered unclean. Ticket lines are occasionally segregated. Women should line up with other women. On buses, women are seated in the front with other women. On the metro lines, the first car is usually reserved for women.

You will find that whenever you start talking with an Egyptian, you will inevitably draw a crowd, and often the Egyptians will start discussing among themselves over the correct answer to a question. In Egypt, a woman travelling alone is generally safe, but will be noticed, less in large cities than in the country. However, if problems do occur, seek help from the police or any shop nearby. All visitors to mosques, mausoleums, and madrasas must remove their shoes. Most Muslims walk around in their stockings but those mosques that are major tourist attractions have canvas overshoes available. Women must cover bare arms and should also have a hat.