Optional Addition To Your Authentic
Latter-day Saint Holy Land Experience
General Information
Language
The official language is Arabic. English and French are widely spoken.
Currency
Egyptian Pound. 1 US Dollar = 5 to 6 Egyptian Pounds.
Time
Egypt is generally nine hours ahead of Mountain time and seven hours ahead of Eastern time.
Airport
Cairo International Airport is located 14 miles from the city center.
Customs
Cairo International Airport is located 14 miles from the city center.
Shops
10:00 am – 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Health Regulations
Generally, no shots are required; however, a current tetanus booster is recommended. We recommend you consult with your personal physician for specific information.
Business Hours & Banks Hours
Mon. -Thu. & Sat.: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm.
Sun.: 10:00 am -12:00 noon.
Fri.: Closed.
Foreign banks operating in Cairo have the same hours except they are closed Fridays and Saturdays. Banks are also closed on official holidays.
Sun.: 10:00 am -12:00 noon.
Fri.: Closed.
Foreign banks operating in Cairo have the same hours except they are closed Fridays and Saturdays. Banks are also closed on official holidays.
Photography & Video
Some places visited in Egypt charge a special photography/video fee. At Luxor and Aswan, there is an hourly fee for video filming. There is no video filming allowed in the Valley of the Kings. There is a charge for still photography in the Valley of the Kings and there is absolutely NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY!
Electrical Current
220 AC. 50 cycles. Wall plugs are the 3 pin or 2 pin European type. American appliances: Hair dryers and “American” shaver plugs should be found in the hotel rooms. If you plan to use your own “American” hair dryer or curling iron, bring an adapter plug and current converter (high capacity – approx. 1600 watts).
Passport and Visas
Passport authorities at Cairo International Airport are empowered to grant visas at the airport. Your flight attendant should give your visa forms to fill out before arrival into Cairo.
The approximate cost for an Egyptian visa for US citizens is $30. A valid passport is required when flying into Cairo. For land crossing into Egypt a valid passport and visa are required. For further information, please contact ISRAEL REVEALED.
The approximate cost for an Egyptian visa for US citizens is $30. A valid passport is required when flying into Cairo. For land crossing into Egypt a valid passport and visa are required. For further information, please contact ISRAEL REVEALED.
Average Temperatures
|
Cairo (in Degrees Farenheit) |
Luxor (in Degrees Farenheit) |
||
| Jan. 44-66 Feb. 48-68 Mar. 52-73 Apr. 55-82 May 63-90 Jun. 63-93 |
Jul. 72-95 Aug. 72-93 Sep. 66-90 Oct. 63-84 Nov. 55-75 Dec. 50-68 |
Jan. 41 – 73 Feb. 43 – 77 Mar. 50 – 84 Apr. 59 – 93 May 68-102 Jun. 72-104 |
Jul. 74-104 Aug. 74-106 Sep. 72-100 Oct. 63 – 95 Nov. 54 – 84 Dec. 45 – 75 |
Clothing And Dress Codes
Most people have the impression that the weather in Egypt is always hot. Although it is much warmer than most people are used to, many are surprised to discover how much the temperature varies from one month to the next, or even within a given day. Therefore, guests should plan their wardrobes according to the time of year. In early summer and fall, cotton and cotton blend clothing are most comfortable. In summer, only pure cotton clothing is recommended, especially for those who suffer from heat. From December through March, a lightweight coat is needed for the early morning and late evenings.
General Information
| Electricity |
220 AC. 50 cycles. Wall plugs are the 3 pin or 2 pin European type. American appliances: Hair dryers and “American” shaver plugs should be found in the hotel rooms. If you plan to use your own “American” hair dryer or curling iron, bring an adapter plug and current converter (high capacity – approx. 1600 watts). |
|
| Language |
The official language is Arabic. English and French are widely spoken. |
|
| Currency |
Egyptian Pound. 1 US Dollar = 5 to 6 Egyptian Pounds. |
|
| Time |
Egypt is generally nine hours ahead of Mountain time and seven hours ahead of Eastern time. |
|
| Health Requirements |
Generally, no shots are required; however, a current tetanus booster is recommended. We recommend you consult with your personal physician for specific information. |
|
| Customs |
Personal items are admitted duty free. If your video cameras are recorded in your passport when you enter Egypt, you may be subject to customs fees if you leave Egypt without them. |
|
| Airport |
Cairo International Airport is located 14 miles from the city center. |
|
| Shops |
10:00 am – 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. |
|
| Business Hours & Banks Hours | Mon. -Thu. & Sat.: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm. Sun.: 10:00 am -12:00 noon. Fri.: Closed. |
Foreign banks operating in Cairo have the same hours except they are closed Fridays and Saturdays. Banks are also closed on official holidays |
| Passport and Visas |
Passport authorities at Cairo International Airport are empowered to grant visas at the airport. Your flight attendant should give your visa forms to fill out before arrival into Cairo. The approximate cost for an Egyptian visa for US citizens is $30. A valid passport is required when flying into Cairo. For land crossing into Egypt a valid passport and visa are required. For further information, please contact ISRAEL REVEALED. |
|
| Photography & Video |
Some places visited in Egypt charge a special photography/video fee. At Luxor and Aswan, there is an hourly fee for video filming. There is no video filming allowed in the Valley of the Kings. There is a charge for still photography in the Valley of the Kings and there is absolutely NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY! |
|
Hawkers and Bargaining – The intense hustle and bustle of Cairo, and aggressive salespeople may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but Egyptians are among the friendliest and most helpful people to tourists. If the hawkers are too persistent, saying a firm, loud ‘NO’ is appropriate and is not considered to be rude in Egypt.
Tips and Handouts – Many people (especially the poor) expect small tips, 2 or 3 Egyptian Pounds (approximately 50 cents). This is referred to in Arabic as “baksheesh”, and it’s appreciated when favors are done. This includes favors such as letting their photographs be taken; they will often place themselves in a photograph for this reason! Gratuities for maids, maitre d’, guide, and driver are not included with your tour package. We recommend $1 for maids and maitre d’ per person per day, $3-5 for the driver per person per day, and $5-7 for the guide per person per day.
Directions – Do not get confused by up-and-down river directions on the Nile (such as “up river” being south). The Nile flows north from Upper Egypt to Lower Egypt, where it empties into the Mediterranean.
Shopping – The best bazaar to see in Cairo is the Khan El Khalili bazaar. The tour operator will also take you to other shopping opportunities. You must not feel that you have to buy anything you do not want.
Camel Rides – We suggest that you only take camel rides arranged by your guide. Other camel drivers charge little to get on and then a lot to get off the camel. (A tip for the camel owner is also expected after your ride is through!)
Snacks – We recommend you carry a few snacks and water while you tour to keep your energy up and because eating times may vary. This is especially important for anyone with blood/sugar level sensitivities.
You Can Keep Yourself In Good Health In Egypt!
Two General Rules: Drink Only Bottled Water. Eat Only Hot Cooked Foods and Foods You Peel Yourself.
For your own health, you are responsible to adapt your habits to the culture, country and society of where you are. This table is only intended as a guideline for your convenience.
| Rule | Situation | What to Do |
| Drink Only Bottled Water | Brushing Teeth | Use Only Bottled Water to Brush your Teeth |
| Drinking at Meals | Drink Only Bottled Water or other Bottled Soft Drinks. Make sure the bottles are opened in front of you. | |
| Drinking at Breakfast | Avoid orange juice (any drink) that is not in a bottle that is opened in front of you. | |
| The waiter brought ice in the glass | Ask the waiter to bring a fresh glass with no ice. (The ice is not made from bottled water.) | |
| Hot Cooked Foods | Salad Bar | Avoid any salad that is cold. Eat only hot cooked salads. |
| Dinner Buffet | Choose only hot cooked food. | |
| Served Food | Eat only food that is hot and cooked. If there is a fresh tomato (etc.) as garnish, remove it and only eat the hot food. | |
| Vegetable | No: to fresh vegetables.Yes: to cooked vegetables. | |
| Bread | Is generally the only exception to this rule. If it is kept in a clean and dry place it can be OK. | |
| Foods You Peel Yourself | Fresh Fruit | No: to apples, kiwi, strawberries, fruit salad etc.Yes: to un-peeled bananas, un-peeled oranges. |
| Yogurt | No to opened bowl of yogurt.Yes to un-opened cups of yogurt. | |
| Potato Chips/Crackers | Only if you open the package yourself. | |
| General Foods to Avoid | Vegetables in Hot Cooked Omelette | Usually omelettes are not cooked long enough to cook the vegetables. |
| Complimentary Drinks | No: to any drinks that are not opened in front of you. It is OK to be rude and not accept the drink. | |
| Mayonnaise | Mostly in uncooked food. Avoid it as it tends to spoil. |