1. Let me start by addressing the issue of the war in Gaza at the moment, as this was our biggest concern. We had booked and paid for our Egyptian holiday before the war broke out. Our tour company – the fabulous Viking Tours – assured us that it was safe and that if it became unsafe at any stage they would cancel, and we would be offered a refund. To cancel off our own bat, would mean losing all that money (see Viking review post to read more about our experience with Viking). So we went, and they were right, we saw no evidence of the conflict at all.
2. Safety in general was also a concern. Here, I can only speak from our own experience. We felt safe at all times. However, we were with a reputable, high end tour company, with armed guards accompanying us everywhere. Tourism is a very important sector in the Egyptian economy, and the industry is suffering. Tour groups want you to know that it is safe to travel there. Tourist police are employed specifically to keep tourists safe at all major tourist attractions. If you are concerned about safety at all, for peace of mind, book with a good tour company. If you are a woman travelling solo or in a group of women, also think about going with a reputable tour company. I did experience a negative interaction with a young Egyptian male in an elevator at a high-end hotel. He gave me a little shove out of the way to make room for an attractive young local woman to fit into the crowded elevator. I am a blond, so obviously a tourist. Not sure of his motivation for the shove – attitude to women? Attitude to western women? Thinking with the little pea brain between his legs? Not sure, but it made me a little wary. However, no other incidents occurred, and all other interactions with local men were very respectful.
3. Before you enter Egypt, you need to get a tourist Visa. This process can be done online before you travel or at the airport when you land. We chose to apply online. Here’s what I wish I knew…. To be patient! Applying online can be a pain to complete. The application process is not very user friendly. You have to be very precise, or the application is rejected, and you have to start the process again – and pay again! If travelling in a group, everyone has to be in the same application with a fee for each person paid together. Any mistake, the application is rejected, and you have to pay again. If all else fails, you can process and pay for the Visa at the airport.
4. $US are king! The currency in Egypt is confusing. Yes, local vendors accept Egyptian Pound, but what they really want are $US and once you are in Egypt, you can NOT get any for love or money! I wish I had known to stock up on $US in small denominations to pay for food, souvenirs, and toilets ….. which leads me to number 5.
5. You have to pay to use the public toilets or even to be issued with a few squares of toilet paper. Our tour guide advised us to always carry a roll of toilet paper in our backpack, which we did, but you still have to pay to enter the facilities.
6. The street vendors are ever present and exhausting! They are at the entry and exit of all major tourist attractions so you cannot avoid them, and they are in your face! “One dollar! One Dollar!”, “Maybe later?”, “Come in my store”, “You’re breaking my heart!”. Do NOT go in their store/stall – always stay visible. Do NOT handle their goods or you buy it. Do NOT say you will come back later because remember you have to return the same way and they will hold you to it. Little children will follow you and place things in your hand – don’t take it! I even had to use my teacher voice on one persistent little cherub “YOU NEED TO STOP!” They do understand “No” and “take it or leave it” when making them an offer – then walk away!
7. Be wary of locals at the tourist attractions offering to take your photo. They mean you no harm and won’t steal your camera or anything, but will expect you to pay them for taking the pic – $1US – another reason to stock up on those US dollars!
8. Be wary of the water – only drink bottled water and avoid fresh salads etc. washed in local water. We were even advised to avoid fresh fruit for a few days until our stomachs adjusted a little to the local produce.
9. Security is high. Every major tourist attraction, shopping centre and hotel etc. have metal detectors and bag scanners that you need to pass through upon entry.
10. You do need to be respectful when entering Mosques or other religious sites so be conscious of your clothing choices. Packing a light scarf or some other head covering is a good idea.
