TIPS AND ADVICE

Travel requirements:
A visa is required for travel to Egypt. For travel not extending over 30 days a visa can be acquired at the airport for $15 USA. Make sure you have a valid passport, with at least 6 months of validation from the day of departure.

Health and Hygiene:
Ask your doctor or consult your local health department regarding suggested vaccinations. If you plan to spend
a lot of time in Egypt we suggest tetanus and hepatitis vaccinations. We advise you to bring sunscreen and insect spray. Do not drink tap water! Avoid green salads, ice cooled beverages, ice cubes, fruits and vegetables that can not be peeled. Wash you hands frequently!!!

Clothing:
Light cotton clothing is best If traveling after October, remember to bring a light sweater orjacket. lt is in you best interest not to wear provocative clothing exposing bear shoulders and legs. Both men and women are advised not to wear shorts, sleeveless shirts or tops. Mini skirts can lead to misunderstandings and trouble. Especially in Luxor, men wearing shorts are not taken seriously or respected.

Baksheesh:
If someone asks you for "baksheesh" he isn't really begging in the classical sense. Baksheesh has ifs root in Islam which asks that a portion of ones income to be given to those less fortunate. The average Egyptian waiter earns about $150 US, which even for Egyptian standards isnt very much. Most tourist are automatically seen as wealthy and able to give to those less fortunate. In general all services will request baksheesh,2 LE or 3LE is the average.

Shopping:
Haggle!!!! No matter what you do, or buy always haggle. The percent one can haggle varies from region to region. In Cairo and Asswan the rule is about 30% to 40% from theoriginal asking price. In Luxor the percent is drastically higher sometimes over 10 times the original asking price. Painted papyrus scrolls are sought after souvenirs and can be found at most bazars (depending on size between S3.00US to $40 US). Be on the look out for cheap copies made of banana leaves and not papyrus! Your tour guide will be able to advise you and lead you to the best bazars. Leather goods, gold and silver jewelry, brass items, teas and spices can found sometimes at a fraction of what they would cost in Europe.

Another attraction of the "Thebes West" region are the local alabaster workshops. You can watch craftsmen produce works of art out of this beautiful stone.
If you have any questions regarding shopping in Egypt do not hesitate to contact us?!