Passport and Visa
For all Europeans, a passport has to be valid at least for another 6 months in order to enter Egypt. Also in most parts of Egypt you need a tourist visa to enter.
Language
The local language is Arabic, but you will find that English, Italian, French and German is widely spoken among the locals working within tourism. But as everywhere they do appreciate a few words spoken in Arabic. Have a go with the list below:
Hello: salam alekum
Goodbye: ma salama
Please: min fadlak/ik(f)
Thank you: shukran
How are you?: izzayak/ik(f)
Perhaps: mumkin
Yes: aiwa
No: laa
Never mind: maalish
Boat: markeb
Fish: sameka
Water: miya
Where?: feyn
When?: emta
Medical
No vaccinations are required for going to Egypt, however, it is recommended that you have vaccinations for Hepatitis-A and Tetanus.
Time
Local time is GMT+ 2 hours. Summer time changes in Egypt at odds with most of Europe.
Food, Beverage and Water
General rule – do not drink the tap water and if you want to be on the safe side, use bottled water for teeth brushing as well. And some times may be temporarily unavailable... go local, go dirty.
Egyptian meals are normally spiced or very sweet and often served with rice and bread. Most hotels offer international dishes and in general the food is quite safe to eat with the same precautions as you would take at home. The same goes for beverages – mind the ice cubes though.
Very often stomach issues do not occur on account of the food, but due to the high temperature, shifts going from Europe to Egypt or too many cold drinks on a hot day. Always remember to wash your hands whenever you get a chance.
Post and Telephone Services
The telephone country code for Egypt: 0020 Postcards can be bought all over Egypt, but make sure you get stamps as well. There are no mailboxes, but your hotel can take care of mailing your postcard... You should expect everything to get home after you as delivery takes 2-4 weeks...
Electricity
Egypt uses 220 volts AC, 50 Hz, and wall sockets are the round two pin European type.
Tips and Taxes
Tip - Baksheesh - is expected in all hotels, restaurants and service areas, since tips are a substantial part of the income. In some restaurants 12% tips and 10% sales tax may be included in the price, check the menu. The 10% sales tax is not applicable everywhere, but within most restaurants and diving centers it is standard to pay sales tax – normally it is listed in the price list whether tax is included or not.
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