Country name:
Arab Republic of Egypt; in Arabic “Gumhuriyyat Misr al-Arabiyya”
Size of the country:
1 million sq km, of which approx. 6% can be used for agriculture
Location:
In the northeast of the African continent; between 22 degrees and 32 degrees north latitude and 26 degrees and 33 degrees east longitude. Egypt borders the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Sudan to the south, Libya to the west and the Red Sea, Palestine and Israel to the east.
Capital city:
Cairo (al-Qahira); around 20 million inhabitants
Population:
Around 80 million. The Nile Valley and Delta region are among the most densely populated regions in the world (1,400 inhabitants/sq km; Cairo: 28,500-150,000 inhabitants/sq km)
National language:
The official language is Arabic. French and English are commonly spoken.
German, Russian and Italian are also spoken in the tourist places.
Religions:
Over 90% are Muslims (of which 99% are Sunnis, 1% are Shiites); Approximately 9% are Christians (including 91% Coptic Orthodox, 4.5% Coptic Catholic)
Local time:
There is a one hour time difference between Germany and Egypt. The clock there is set one hour ahead compared to Central European time. Since Egypt also switches to daylight saving time in the summer, the time difference applies all year round.
Weather / Climate:
The climate in Egypt is characterized by the desert. Temperatures throughout the country never fall below 20 degrees during the day and very rarely fall below 10 degrees at night. The temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees from May to September. It should be noted that the climate on the coasts (Mediterranean/Red Sea) is milder than inland and that it gets warmer from north to south. The number of rainy days is correspondingly low throughout the country, so you can expect good weather in Egypt all year round.
Water temperatures:
The water temperatures of the Red Sea range from 20 degrees in winter to 30 degrees in summer all year round. Swimming is possible at any time, even in the coolest month, February. It should be noted, however, that most hotel pools are not heated and can be significantly colder in winter than the Red Sea itself. It is therefore advisable to avoid the pool in winter and use the sea with its pleasant water temperature for swimming.
Entry requirements:
Since February 2002, German citizens have been able to enter Egypt for a tourist stay using their identity card. To do this, however, a special entry card must be filled out upon entry and provided with a passport photo, which must already be brought with you from Germany. However, the visa requirement remains. The visa is issued upon entry for a fee of USD 15. The amount can also be paid in euros at the applicable exchange rate.
Entry with a passport is easier and faster. Children under 16 years of age who do not yet have a passport or ID card can enter the country either with their own child ID card (from 3 years old with photo) or with an entry in their parents’ passport.
All travel documents must be valid for three months beyond the planned period of stay.
You can obtain further information from the responsible representative in Germany.
Health & medical care:
In the larger cities there are hospitals where English-speaking doctors work. You have to pay for medical treatment in cash. Have an easy-to-read receipt issued that you can submit to your private international health insurance company.
The most common complaints are sunburn, sunstroke, diarrhea or stomach problems. Vacationers with a sensitive stomach should avoid ice cream, salads, overly fatty foods or minced meat. Fruit should be peeled before consumption. The tap water is contaminated with bacteria despite the use of chlorine. Therefore, under no circumstances should you drink tap water, but instead drink bottled drinking water.
You should take some medication and sunscreen with you as a precaution against stomach and intestinal problems as well as sunburn and sunstroke.
If you rely on certain medications, your first-aid kit should contain sufficient supplies. However, keep in mind: In many countries there are special regulations for the transport of drugs containing narcotics (e.g. methadone) and substances that are used to treat mental illnesses. If necessary, ask your doctor or the responsible foreign representation directly before departure, where you can find further information on this topic and travel medicine in general.
Vaccinations are not required for traveling to Egypt. Nevertheless, it is recommended to refresh standard vaccinations such as tetanus or polio. You can seek advice from your doctor about additional vaccinations.
Customs
:
Customs regulations:
As a tourist, you are allowed to import any items you bring for your own use into Egypt duty-free. These include computers, laptops, cameras, jewelry, radios, etc. It doesn’t matter what their value is.
However, as is common in all countries, the import of alcohol and tobacco into Egypt is regulated, the maximum that can be imported is:
• 1 liter of alcoholic drinks (spirits, beer, etc.)
• 200 cigarettes (= one stick) or 200g tobacco or 25 cigars
• 1 liter of perfume/eau de toilette
The import of drugs and food is also prohibited. There is a strict export ban for antique objects (more than 100 years old) and all plants and animals that are under nature and species protection (e.g. corals). Gold and silver purchased in markets may only be exported in small quantities for personal use.
Money/currency:
The national currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (£, EGP). One Egyptian pound is 100 piastres. Banknotes are available in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 pound as well as 50 and 25 piastres. Coins are available in denominations of 1 pound, 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5 piastres, but they are almost not in circulation.
Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks, official exchange offices and most hotels. Some credit cards (Visa/MasterCard) can be used to withdraw cash in local currency from ATMs at larger banks.
It is recommended that you bring traveler’s checks in US dollars or euros.
There is usually a better rate at banks than at exchange offices or at the hotel reception. All common international currencies are accepted.
Credit cards (MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa) are accepted for payment in most hotels as well as larger shops and restaurants, but often only for a surcharge of 3 to 5% commission. However, in many smaller shops and at the bazaar only cash is accepted. In some stores you have to be prepared for not having enough change. Therefore, you should always have a few smaller bills with you.
Foreign exchange regulations:
Import and export of foreign currencies up to an equivalent value of US$10,000; The import and export of more than 5,000 L.E. is not allowed.
Mains voltage:
220 V, 50 Hz. In some rural areas 110-380 V. Two-prong sockets are standard.
Road traffic & means of transport:
Although the condition of the roads is relatively good, road traffic in Egypt is relatively dangerous. Fatal accidents often occur, particularly on long overland routes and on motorways, as a result of excessive speed and disregard for traffic rules.
Unlike in Europe, to obtain a driving license in Egypt you only need to show that you can operate a vehicle during the driving test. Therefore, speed limits and other traffic rules are a foreign concept for many drivers. As a tourist you should be particularly careful when crossing streets and when driving you should always look for a large gap in the traffic and pay particular attention to fast cars.
There are intercity buses and some train connections between the individual cities. The prices are very low. However, flight connections are predominantly used for longer domestic trips. Tour operators usually offer bus excursions to the tourist attractions.
Taking a taxi is more expensive than taking a bus, but it is still very cheap compared to Germany. Therefore, taxis are one of the most popular means of transport in cities. Many taxi drivers don’t turn on the meter, so you should negotiate a price with the driver beforehand. Women should not take a taxi alone, simply to avoid harassment.
There are also shared taxis and minibuses. They travel on certain routes and stop whenever someone wants to get on or off. Fixed prices apply here, which are lower than taxi prices. The exact prices vary greatly, so it’s best to check how much the locals pay.
There is also the option of using rental vehicles. You need an international driving license for this. In addition, a certain minimum age is usually required (varies between 21 and 25 years).
Security and crime:
Because of social and economic problems, petty crime is increasing (pick-pocketing, fraud). The risk of violent crimes against foreigners is relatively low. However, women are advised to exercise caution and restraint as reports of sexual offenses are increasing.
Nevertheless, Egypt is no more dangerous than other holiday destinations. Traditionally, theft is punished relatively harshly and therefore does not occur that often. Nevertheless, you should take care of your things. Pickpocketing occurs especially where there are a lot of people together (e.g. at the bazaar). But you also have to take care of your things on the beach. Don’t carry more cash than necessary. You should store valuables in the hotel safe. If your credit card or check is missing, you should have it blocked immediately and then notify the police immediately. Even if you have lost your passport, you must report to the police quickly so that replacement documents can be issued at the diplomatic mission for your return journey.
It often happens that you get ripped off when it comes to prices. Therefore, you should always compare prices first, then act and never believe in assurances about the authenticity of supposedly antique pieces. You also have to make sure that taxi rides are billed properly.
Clothing:
Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country. Out of respect for people’s feelings and in order not to discredit you, the tour group or the tour guide, you should avoid wearing particularly revealing clothing.
Behavior and clothing must be adapted to local customs, especially when leaving hotel facilities. Modest clothing is appropriate in many places; miniskirts, low necklines, etc. should be avoided. However, Western clothing is accepted in all modern nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and bars in Cairo, Alexandria and other resort towns. Official or social events and fine restaurants require more elegant attire.
Make sure you wear covering clothing, especially around mosques, and avoid visiting mosques, especially on Fridays during prayer time.
Eat Drink
Egyptian cuisine combines some of the best flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. Large hotels and small specialty restaurants can be found in all cities. In addition to excellent local cuisine, some restaurants also offer international dishes. Although Egypt is an Islamic country, alcohol is served in good restaurants and cafeteria-like bars.
In Egyptian cuisine, dishes are often spicy, but desserts are very sweet. State specialties include: E.g. bean dishes (foul), kebabs and pita bread. Traditional drink is tea.
nightlife
Sophisticated nightclubs, discos, excellent restaurants and similar entertainment venues can be found in Cairo and Alexandria as well as in almost all tourist locations.
Tip:
Tipping is a common thing in Egypt and is expected for every little thing. 10-15% is added to restaurant bills. Chambermaids, porters and other staff are happy to receive a small tip of the equivalent of €1 or €2, and drivers, tour guides and tour guides of the equivalent of €5
Shopping tips
Shops with price tags for goods are hard to find in Egypt. You should prepare yourself for action and you will find that this promotes communication and can also bring a lot of joy and fun.
Trading at the bazaar is essential before paying. Anyone who doesn’t act will quickly become poor. Dealers usually charge twice the actual value. Think beforehand about the maximum amount you want to pay for something and start trading at a price that is lower than that. The seller will be more than indignant and will start talking about his poor and large family. It can be said that you can sometimes even bargain down more from the original price up to half. Everyone who loves trading is in for a lot of fun!
The dealers are actually nice, but because they just want to sell something, they are very clingy; intrusive, sometimes even annoying. You are constantly being spoken to, especially at the bazaar, and you have no peace and quiet to just look.
Opening hours:
In Egypt, opening times are not regulated and therefore vary. Most shops open in the morning around 9/10 a.m., sometimes a little later. However, most shops stay open until the evening (around 10 p.m.), and in some holiday resorts they even stay open until midnight. Shopping is much more pleasant in the evening temperatures than during the day. Banks are mostly open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday is usually a rest day.
Accommodation
Hotels:
There are inexpensive quality hotels in the big cities; in winter it is advisable to book in advance. Smaller hotels are often very affordable.
Youth hostels:
The total of 15 youth hostels are located in large cities and popular holiday regions. For further information contact the Tourist Office or the Egyptian Youth Hostels Association, 1 El-Ibrahamy Street, Garden City, Cairo. Tel: (02) 796 14 48. Fax: (02) 795 03 29. Internet: www.hihostels.com)
Camping:
There are only a few official campsites, such as: B. in Alexandria, El Alamein, Cairo, Luxor, Assiut, Suez, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Nueba and at St. Catherine’s Monastery. Other options include: in Dahab, Ras Muhammed and Marsa Alam, but the sanitary facilities are not always sufficient. Wild camping is not permitted.
Distances in Egypt
Distance from Cairo to…
• Abu Simbel 1260km
• Alexandria 225km
• Aswan 980 km
• Hurghada 460 km
• Luxor 720km
• Port Said 220km
• Sharm El Sheikh 770 km
Distance from Hurghada to…
• El Gouna 25km
• Cairo 460 km
• Luxor 280km
• Marsa Alam 273 km
• Safaga 60km
• Sharm El-Sheikh 90 km (ferry)
Distance from Luxor to…
• Aswan 210 km
• Hurghada 280 km
• Cairo 720 km
• Safaga 215km
• Sharm El-Sheikh 370 km (partial ferry)
Distance from Sharm El Sheikh to…
• Hurghada 90 km (ferry)
• Cairo 490 km
• Luxor 370 km (partly ferry)
• Suez 370km
Important addresses:
Egyptian Tourist Office
Kaiserstraße 64, D-60329 Frankfurt/M.
Tel: (069) 25 21 53 and 25 23 19. Fax: (069) 23 98 76.
Email: Staat@aegyptisches- Fremdenverkehrsamt.de
Internet: http://www.egypt.travel/
Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Stauffenbergstrasse 6-7, D-10785 Berlin
Tel: (030) 477 54 70 (no visa information). Fax: (030) 477 10 49.
Email: embassy@egyptian-embassy.de
Internet: www.egyptian-embassy.de
Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (by telephone arrangement).
Consular section of the embassy
Stauffenbergstrasse 6-7, D-10785 Berlin
Tel: (030) 47 90 18 80 and 47 75 47 40. Fax: (030) 477 40 00.
Email: consularsection@egyptian-embassy.de
Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (open to the public). Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (telephone information).
Egyptian Tourist Office
Opernring 3/3/301-303, A-1010 Vienna
Tel: (01) 587 66 33. Fax: (01) 587 66 34.
Email: aegypten@chello.at
Internet: www.egypt.travel
Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Hohe Warte 50-54, A-1190 Vienna
Tel: (01) 370 81 04. Fax: (01) 370 81 04 27.
Consular Dept.: Tel: (01) 370 81 08. Fax: (01) 370 81 04 27.
Email: egyptembassyvienna@egyptembassyvienna.at
Internet: www.egyptembassyvienna.at
Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Egypt Tourism Office
Stampfenbachstraße 42, CH-8006 Zurich
Tel: (044) 350 20 40. Fax: (044) 350 20 42.
Email: info.ch@egypt.travel
Internet: www.egypt.travel
Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Elfenauweg 61, CH-3006 Bern
Tel: (031) 352 80 12/13. Fax: (031) 352 06 25. Consular Dept.: Tel: (031) 352 80 55.
Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Consular Dept.: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Consulate General in Geneva (Tel: (022) 347 62 55).
Ministry of Tourism
Misr Travel Tower, Abassia Square, Abassia, EC-Cairo
Tel: (02) 85 45 09 or 84 19 70. Fax: (02) 85 43 63.
Email: contact@touregypt.net
Internet: http://touregypt.net
Ministry of Tourism
Misr Travel Tower, Abassia Square, Abassia, EC-Cairo
Tel: (02) 85 45 09 or 84 19 70. Fax: (02) 85 43 63.
Email: contact@touregypt.net
Internet: http://touregypt.net
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
8B Sharia Hassan Sabri, Zamalek, EG-Cairo
Tel: (02) 739 96 00. Fax: (02) 736 05 30.
Email: germemb@tedata.net.eg
Internet: www.german-embassy.org.eg
Honorary Consulate in Alexandria.