Travel Tips
These tips are prepared just as a guide to help you enjoy your stay in Egypt, and provided on an "As Is" basis and are in no way legally binding.
General Tips:
PLUGS -
Voltage 220 & 2 pin, round plugs, European adapters.
DRESS -
Egypt is a Muslim country and it's not advisable to Sunbathe topless . (and according the Lonely Planet Guide it is illegal to bath topless in Egypt).
LANGUAGE - Arabic, although most Egyptians speak English, Russian & Italian & are friendly & approachable
INNOCULATIONS -
No Inoculations are compulsory when traveling to Egypt, but the following are advisable:
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A (some people have the hepatitis B jab).
Consult the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for full up to date information
WATER -
Drink bottled mineral water, not tap water, don't even use tap water for cleaning your teeth.
Do check the seal of the water bottles are unbroken before buying.
The weather is hot, you should drink a minimum 3-5 litres of water per day.
TAXIS -
Taxis and minibuses often overcharge tourists for airport transfers. You should always agree with the driver a charge for the ride before you take it.
Airport transfers are usually around 60 Egyptian Pounds (EGP) (£6 GBP) to the apartment complex. As with most things in Egypt - be prepared to haggle for the best price!
Top Tip -
Ladies, do carry a supply of toilet tissue with you, especially at the airport!
sAFETY
It's really a very safe place to be & you'll feel safe too.
There are tourist police around, and they are very approachable.
European women attract plenty of male attention, especially if you're blonde, this can feel intimidating at first, but most of the time it's just a laugh & they don't usually cross the line. The Egyptians like the British and they do seem to have a great sense of humor.
Be firm with them but remain polite, and it shouldn't be too much of a problem. They are very used to tourists in this area of Egypt.
VISAS
For UK passport holders -
If you are not intending to leave
Sinai
during your stay in Sharm el Sheikh, write “Sinai only” on the back of the landing card and go straight to passport control.
You'll only need a visa if you intend to leave Sinai to visit places outside the area such as:
Cairo, Luxor, Petra & Ras Mohamed by boat.
If you are taking an excursion outside Sinai you will need to get your visa when you land at Sharm el Sheikh airport. This is what most people do and it usually costs around £15.
No visa is required for visits to Mount Sinai & St. Catherine's monastery. Some of the dive sites require visa so do check first.
MONEY
Main currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound, international abbreviation 'EGP', local abbreviation 'LE'.
Modern Egyptian currency (specifically paper money) ranges from the 25 Piastres (quarter pound note) up to a 1,000 pound note.
Some of the Egyptian notes are duplicated in coins, there are 25 Piastres and 50 Piastres coins, but, many establishments in Egypt seem to rarely use coins and the value of 25 Piastres is so small that businesses often round up the price of merchandise to the nearest pound.
Exchange
You can exchange money in all banks and hotels, but usually the hotels rate is not as good.
ATM machines are available. Some hotels have holes in the wall in the grounds; there are several cash points around Naama.
Take sterling, or sterling travelers cheques & exchange there - better rate.
Visa, Visa Electron, Plus Card, MasterCard, Maestro, and Cirrus are all acceptable in almost all ATM's in Egypt
TIPPING
Wages are generally very low, and tipping is a way of life in Egypt, and most of the workers rely heavily on them.
Tipping
is expected for almost everything, and on an as you go basis, usually tip around 10% but its up to your discretion really. Service is usually good but they will really look after you even more if you tip them!
A useful hint is to take a handful of US$1 notes wherever you go,
It's ok to tip in pound coins as they save them up and ask a tourist to change them for a note.
MOSQUITOES
Malaria in Egypt only exists in the desert oasis regions, for example Siwa Oasis.
All other areas are very low risk, although it is always sensible to take some bite avoidance measures, as you would in any hot country.
Bite Avoidance Measures
1. Use mosquito nets impregnated with an insecticide that kills mosquitoes. During daytime, tie the net in a knot and leave it hanging from the ceiling. At bedtime untie the net and check carefully for hidden mosquitoes or any tears. Holes or tears must be mended with adhesive tape or thread. Tuck the edge of the net under the mattress and make sure there are no openings.
2. Use insecticides in the bedroom. Either plug in type or spray. Frequent spraying is necessary.
3. Apply insect repellent to all exposed areas of skin, avoiding eyes and mouth. Also apply to clothing, reapplying in accordance with the manufacturers directions. The use of DEET products is advised.
4. From sunset onwards, wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers. Light colour's attract mosquitoes less than dark clothing.
5.
Aftershave and perfumes will tend to attract mosquitoes
Light hearted article here entitled How to Deal with Mosquitoes
Pharaoh's Revenge
It is quite normal with the change in temperature, atmosphere, food and surroundings for some people to have the odd tummy problem for a day or so.
If you do get a touch of the 'Pharaohs Revenge' during your visit go straight to the chemist, they are very helpful and do seem to be knowledgeable. There is a pharmacy on the complex, and there are quite a few in Sharm itself.
The local peppermint tea also helps with the digestion.
Take wipes or antibacterial handwash & carry them with you.
Some bugs are picked up from things / food when others haven't washed their hands. We found some very good products from www.hygieneandworkwear.co.uk
The Purell instant hand sanitizer is very effective and they do supply handy small bottles which are easy to carry around at all times.
Only drink bottled water (check the seal is not broken when you buy it), avoid ice in drinks and Salads/Fruit that may have been washed in the local water. Use bottled water for cleaning your teeth.
One thing always worth taking with you is some re hydration sachets such as Dyoralite.