FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is Egypt safe to visit?
A: Yes, Egypt is safe to visit. Police and army presence on the streets is meant to reassure you of your safety.
Q: What's the weather like in Egypt?
A: Generally, Egypt has a desert climate, but the Mediterranean coastal areas enjoy a moderate temperature thanks to the prevailing wind. The climate features a hot season from May to October and a cool season from October to May. In the hot season, it is dry and hot in most parts of the country, and humid in the Nile Delta and Mediterranean coastal areas. So sun protection is the most important consideration for this season, especially for the fair-skinned. Pure cotton clothes and hats are essential. In the cool season, the weather is mild with some rain; it is bright and sunny in most days but usually cold in nights.
Q: When is the best time to travel to Egypt?
A: The best time to visit Egypt would be during the winter months, from October to April. The temperatures are mild and pleasant, although evenings can become quite cool. December through January are the peak tourist months so expect large crowds if travelling at this time. The best time to enjoy the beaches, without having to endure the large crowds of summer tourists, would be from March to May. Temperatures at this time are warm and tourist sites are not too crowded.
Q: What to wear when traveling to Egypt?
A: Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country. The dress code is naturally conservative, especially for women. While most women dress normally, some women wear a hijab (a headscarf covering the head and neck but not the face) and some wear a niqab (a veil covering the face but leaving the eye area clear. Female tourists are not required by law to follow the dress code. But dressing conservatively and modestly is a way to show your respect and may deflect unwanted attention from Egyptian men.
For men, normal trousers, shirts and T-shirts are fine. Sleeveless tops and short shorts are ok in beach areas and resorts.
Q: What's the best currency to take to Egypt?
A: US dollar, pound sterling, and euro are accepted mainly in tourist areas and major cities. Generally, you are expected to pay in Egyptian pounds, especially for trinkets or tipping, or in remote areas. The Egyptian pound is the official currency in Egypt and is commonly abbreviated as EGP, LE or E£..
The cash allowed to be carried in or out of Egypt is limited to EGP 5,000 and USD 10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies. Any cash beyond the amount must be declared.
Q: Are Credit Cards commonly used in Egypt?
A: Yes. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and upscale shops. There are also ATMs available at hotels and outside major banks dispensing local currency.
Q: What languages are spoken in Egypt?
A: Egyptian Arabic is the official and most widely spoken language in Egypt. English is considered a secondary language and is commonly used for tourism purposes. In touristic areas, you will find many who also speak several European languages and some Egyptians speak fluent French.
Q: Is there transportation within Egypt?
A: Planes, trains, buses, and taxis are the most common ways for tourists to travel between cities in Egypt. There are also self-drive cars available that can be organized through Intercontinental Travel. Small or private tours are conducted in vans, sedans, and buses of varying sizes. Within major cities like Cairo and Giza, there is the Metro and trams are available in Alexandria. Uber and several other similar companies also are available.
Q: Is Egypt a family-friendly destination?
A: Egypt is most definitely a good place to visit on a family vacation. It offers a number of museums where you can view ancient Egyptian artifacts and many more pieces representative of Egyptian history. Ancient tombs, temples, and pyramids are generally accessible to all ages. If looking to relax, Egypt also offers a number of beaches, ideal for rounding off your Egypt family vacation.
Q: How welcoming is Egypt to LGBTQ travellers?
A: Egypt is not as accepting of LGBTQ rights as some other nations in Africa. Conservative beliefs still prevail, and homosexual acts and gender diversity, while not technically illegal, are prosecuted under more ambiguous laws. All visitors should maintain an understanding of cultural sensitivity regarding the issue. Regardless of orientation, discretion should be practiced in sites of antiquity as well as during day-to-day touring.
Q: Do I need a visa to come to Egypt?
A: Citizens of just 10 countries can visit Egypt without a visa for up to 3 months.
Travellers from 74 countries can get a visa for Egypt online. The Egyptian eVisa is the most convenient option for visitors, the application process is 100% online.
Anyone not eligible for the eVisa needs to get an Egyptian visa through the embassy or consulate.
Citizens of several countries do not need a visa to visit the Sinai resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba for up to 14 days. A special permission stamp is issued on arrival.
Travellers who wish to leave the Sinai resorts and visit other areas of Egypt require a visa.
Q: What documents are required to apply for a visa?
A: A passport valid for at least six-months after the date you intend to travel. Airport Visa’s must be paid in cash (credit cards and Debit cards are not accepted). A credit card is needed for an online visa application.
If you intend to visit Egypt in 2022 , please check the latest COVID-19 entry restrictions, additional health documents may be required to travel.
Q: Which cities should I visit in Egypt?
A: Depends on your interests. Egypt’s main cities with plenty of culture are Cairo, Giza and Alexandria. If you are more interested in archeological landmarks and Pharaonic sites then Luxor is a must and all along the Nile River banks between Luxor and Aswan is strewn with temples. The beach life is in Sharm El Sheikh and the surrounding towns of Dahab and Nuwaiba as well as Hurghada and Marsa Alam. Both areas are also well-known diving sites with the infamous Ras Mohamed, the world’s 2nd best dive site is in Sharm. For nature and desert beauty head to Siwa, Bahareya and Farafra and the surrounding White Desert Protectorate. Fayyoum is famous for Wadi El Rayyan and the Valley of the Whales.
Q: What about COVID-19 requirements?
A: Regardless of where you are traveling, it is best to have your vaccination card with you (and the QR Code on your phone). Your second choice is to have a negative PCR done in the past 48 hours.
Q: What local foods should I eat while in Egypt?
A: There are delicious dishes throughout Egypt, and you should try them all! No matter if it is from a street stall or at a formal restaurant, you'll find scrumptious food cooked fresh and served with plenty of the renowned Egyptian hospitality. Specifically, you should try:
- Mahshi: stuffed vine leaves, cabbage, aubergine, sweet peppers and zucchini
- Fiteer Baladi: Egyptian filo pastry with sweet and savoury dips
- Hawawshi: baked minced beef sandwich
- Shawerma: shaved meat with garlic sauce
- Koshary: a rice and pasta mix with spicy red sauce (popular with vegans)
- Falafel: Egyptian ones are very green and crunchy (best falafel you'll ever taste!)
- Foule: Fava beans with vegetables, cumin and oil
- Roz bel Laban: Creamy Egyptian rice pudding (try it with ice-cream or fresh cream)
- Om Ali: Egyptian bread pudding with nuts and raisins
Q: If I am in Cairo, which area should I stay in?
A: Try to stay in a central location. Most first time visitors to Cairo usually pick hotels near the Pyramids. That is fine if you don't plan to visit any other sites in Cairo, but the area around the Pyramids is pretty far from everything. Ideally, you should pick a more central location like Down Town or Zamalek for better access to the rest of the city.
Q: Are there any special customs I should observe? ...
A: During the month of Ramadan, most people are fasting dawn to dusk. As a sign of respect, try to refrain from eating publicly on the streets. Having said that, most restaurants are open to customers.
- Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon. Holding hands is acceptable.
- In the Middle East and Egypt, men kiss men on the cheeks as greeting, and women kiss women.
- Pedestrian Crossings of Cairo streets is a sport not a system
- Avoid public transportation (buses) and agree on the price of the taxi ride before you begin (meters usually don’t work)
- Avoid drinking tap water
- Bakshish (tipping) is a must
- Bargain, bargain and then bargain again in souvenir markets. It’s an art form!
- Avoid taking pictures of any military installation
- “Fashionably late” is a way of life
Q: What does the Intercontinental Travel offer price include?
A: Usually, it includes Flights, hotel accommodations, transfers to and from the airport and some sort of a meal offer, either Bed & Breakfast or half-board or full-board. They also include all relevant taxes.
Q: What do the offers NOT include?
A: Visa, tours at your destination (unless specified) and any extras such as extra meals, amenities or entry fees to museums, etc.
Q: Are your offer for fixed dates or flexible?
A: Unless specified dates are announced on the advertised offer, you can pick the dates you need. Certain packages, such as Nile Cruises usually have dates like every Monday and Wednesday for example. Long Nile Cruises are also seasonal depending on the waters of the Nile River. Make sure if dates are specified, they agree with your schedule.
Q: How do I pay?
A: You pay by credit card on our website or you can transfer the payment to our account.
Q: Why should I use Intercontinental Travel instead of booking my trip online?
A: Because we provide stress free travel arrangements. Also, we have access to special offers that are not available to the public in addition to our ability to get you upgrades, extra features such as a romantic dinner or a sea-view room rather than a regular one. All this equates to saving money and leveraging our long experience and extensive network of partners to your advantage.
Q: How much does Intercontinental Travel take for their services?
A: Nothing. We take our fees from the hotels and the airlines, NOT from you.
Q: Can you make me an offer that is within a certain budget?
A: Of Course.
Q: What happens if something goes wrong while I’m traveling?
A: You can call us 24/7. You will be provided with the name and number of a dedicated travel agent before you get on the plane. He/She will be available at any time to help you with whatever problems you might face.
