Egypt travel news and current sitution

[Ahmed abdalfattah]

Egypt tour packages

1. Is Egypt safe to visit especially after the political events that took place after the Egyptian revolution?
- In spite of the size and the population density of the cities, Egypt is generally considered one of the safest destinations in the world for travelers. Having tourists visiting the country as early as the Middle Ages, the Egyptians are historically known for their generosity, kindness, and warmth. Egyptians are friendly towards tourists because they know how important tourism is for the national economy of the country. 
After the presidential elections, especially with the support that the new Egyptian president, Dr. Mohamed Morsi, has showed towards tourism, with the conditions getting more stable in the country, Egypt now is as secure as it has always been for ages. This is why many tourists state that they feel secure in Egypt even more than their homelands. 

2. Is the Egypt considered a safe destination in comparison to other countries in the world?
- Egypt is always proud for having one of the lowest crime rates in the world and travelers are always safe in Egypt if they take sensible precautions that would apply to any destination in the whole globe.

3. Are there are any special advices for women travelers while visiting Egypt? 
- Egypt is considered to be among the most liberal Islamic countries in the Middle East. The country has many touristic locations like hotels, resorts, bars, pubs, and casinos where tourists in general and women in particular may feel free to dress and behave the way they like.
However, on the other hand, when ladies are present in less touristic cities or places, ladies are expected to dress modestly and wear relatively long loose clothes that cover their chests, arms, and legs below the knees
If a lady is to take transportation, like the metro, unaccompanied, it is always a good advice to ride in the ladies wagon. 
If a lady faces in problem in Egypt, many citizens would surly help her. Women are respected and protected everywhere around the country.

HEALTH ISSUE

1. Is Egypt famous for causing any health problems for travelers? 
- Generally speaking, tourists face minimal health problems in Egypt that can be summarized in some gastric disturbance if a traveler drinks from the tap water or eats in some local restaurants that are not recommended by their tour guides or the receptionists in their hotels. Some travelers might get hurt because of the heat and the sunshine. However, taking the proper precautions and drinking bottled water would eliminate any expected health risks.

2. Are there certain vaccinations to be taken before traveling to Egypt?
- There are no obligatory vaccinations that should be taken before being granted with the visa of Egypt. However, it would be recommended for the senior people and for young children to take vaccinations against Hepatitis C, Typhoid, and an oral dosage of Tetanus.

CURRENCY

1. What is the official currency in Egypt? 
- The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound, or “Geneh” in Arabic, and it is commonly written as L.E. One Egyptian Pound is 100 piastres or "irsh". There are banknotes from 1,5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and lately 200 LE, which is usually hard to change. This is why it is always advisable to have some change for taxis or Baksheesh. 

2. Will I be able to exchange dollars in Egypt?
- There are a large number of banks and exchange offices that can change cash and travelers’ cheques in Egypt. Moreover, many touristic shops, restaurants, and bars would actually deal with dollars with rates that are relatively close to the official ones. 

3. How common is the use of credit cards in Egypt?
- Credit cards are widely used in Egypt in hotels, many shops, restaurants, and cafes. Most stores in markets like Khan El Khalili and the Luxor touristic market accept credit cards. The most common types of credit cards used in Egypt are Visa, Master Card, and American Express. 

 

Tipping system

1. Is it a common practice to give tips in Egypt? 
- Due to the low salaries of many professionals in Egypt, many people depend on tips, or Baksheesh as they call it in Egypt, as a major part of their income. Therefore, tipping would be considered a customary practice in Egypt.

2. How much would be the proper amount of money to be given as tips in Egypt?
- The amount of money to be given as tips in Egypt ranges from one place to another and according to the services achieved as well. It would be good if the tourist gives an extra 10% directly to the waiter.
Five Egyptian pounds would be a good tip to be given when someone helps you in some small way qqlike lavatory attendance, parking cars, or carrying luggage.
Tour guides also accept tipping and 50 to 100 Egyptian pounds per day per person would be a sufficient amount of tipping for them. Drivers of the vehicles during your tours in Egypt  will accept about 50 Egypt pound per day per person