What to Expect When Visiting Egypt
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If you’re visiting Egypt, be prepared to encounter a number of different cultural experiences. The country has a rich history dating back to the time of the pharaohs. There are a variety of monuments to see, from the colossal Pyramids at Giza to the hieroglyphic-lined Karnak Temple in Luxor. You can also get a taste of Egyptian culture by visiting the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Avoiding high crime areas
If you are planning to visit Egypt, you will want to know about the areas where you are at risk. Some areas of the country have a high crime rate, and others are safe.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that it is very important to avoid areas of high risk. This will help ensure that you are not subject to violent crimes.
There is a danger of terrorist attacks in certain parts of the country, including North Sinai. These attacks are carried out by extremist groups who target Coptic Christians. However, the odds of being affected are low.
Usually, tourists will be safe when traveling to Egypt. However, the Foreign Office recommends that you should avoid any key political flashpoints. It is advisable to check for travel advisories and read local news about any upcoming conflicts.
Avoiding the areas where terrorism is a concern is very important. There are two main parts of Egypt that are particularly risky for foreign visitors.
These are the Western Desert, which borders the neighboring countries of Libya and Sudan, and the Governorate of North Sinai. Terrorist attacks have taken place in these areas, and they are also a hotbed of criminal activity.
Another place to stay away from is the Red Sea coast resorts. While these are relatively safe, there are always risks. Maritime terrorism is a potential threat, and this poses a particular danger to aviation.
Dressing modestly
Whether you’re travelling to Egypt on business or for pleasure, dressing modestly is a smart choice. It’s a good way to ensure you won’t be embarrassed by the locals and you can have an enjoyable experience.
In terms of dresses, the most important rule of thumb is to wear clothing that is comfortable and fits well. This will mean loose fitting pants and shirts as opposed to slouchy jeans. You should also invest in a pair of good quality shoes. These should have a sturdy tread to prevent slips and bumps.
The best dress for Egypt is a loose-fitting midi dress. It’s also a good idea to pack a scarf. Not only does it act as a stylish neck wrap, it also helps you avoid eye contact with men.
Another rule of thumb is to wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothes, preferably natural fibers. They’re better suited for the sweltering heat of summer and will keep you cooler than heavier garments.
Unlike other countries, Egyptians don’t expect you to wear full coverage. Instead, you’re encouraged to show some skin – but only in the right places. To this end, you may want to consider wearing a niqab or hijab. Neither is mandatory, but they’re often worn by Egyptian women.
There’s more to Egyptian dressing than meets the eye. As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to cover your hair in mosques, churches and other religious sites. While this doesn’t have to be done all the time, it can be a useful way to help prevent unwanted attention.
Avoiding overpriced items
There are many things to do and see when you’re in Egypt. However, not everything is free. To make the most of your visit, be prepared to spend some money. And while you’re at it, avoid overpriced items.
Using currency that’s specific to Egypt is a good idea. It will help you pay less and be safer. You can also use your credit card to make larger purchases, such as a hotel or restaurant reservation.
While there are no guarantees, you can save a lot of money by following some basic rules. One of the best ways to do this is to shop at local shops. These places have a variety of goods, and you won’t be overpaying for your food or drink.
If you plan on buying anything, it’s a good idea to bring a few extra small bills with you. This will make tipping a little easier.
You may be surprised to find out that you can actually get a good deal by haggling. Most vendors in Egypt don’t enjoy it. But it is a worthwhile exercise if you’re curious to try it out.
In order to avoid being taken for a ride, always make sure to ask for a price first. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with a ridiculous amount.
Another trick for avoiding overpriced items is to wear comfortable, light-weight clothes. This is especially true in the heat of the summer. Wearing linen or cotton is a good option, as well.
Expect to be hassled by vendors at all the major tourist sites
If you are planning a trip to Egypt, you should be aware that you may be hassled by vendors at all the major tourist sites. They are often aggressive and relentless in their efforts to extract money from tourists. However, these tactics won’t necessarily lead to physical danger.
The best way to avoid being hassled is to use common sense. This means keeping your wallet closed, bringing warm jackets and sunscreen, and covering your legs and arms. Similarly, make sure you keep a close eye on your passport and travel documents.
Travellers can also contact the tourism police for assistance. A call to 19654 on an Egyptian mobile phone will connect you to an officer.
If you are traveling to Egypt as a woman, make sure you cover your shoulders and chest. In addition, be wary of any public displays of affection. Although this is a common practice in Egypt, it can attract unwanted attention.
Tourists should also avoid giving away expensive items. Keep a list of your travel documents and carry a copy with you. Also, don’t allow anyone to block your exit.
Beware of touts, or “walking ATMs”. These men will follow you for a while until they find a good opportunity to extract your money. Some will even try to sell you items that you don’t want.
When dealing with a tour guide, always ask if they are licensed. There are a lot of scams in Egypt, including a popular scam of stealing your camel.
Expect to be confronted with poverty, garbage, and animal neglect
If you are in the planning stages of a trip to Egypt, you might want to make sure that the hotel room isn’t the last on your list of places to check out. Unless you are staying in a high end hotel, there is no such thing as a hotel room free. Luckily, many hotels are located in close proximity to one another, so you don’t have to spend a fortune for a luxury hotel suite. Some of the nicer hotels will provide a free shuttle to and from the airport, as well as some of the best amenities in the country.
Get the best deals on flights
If you are planning to visit Egypt you will definitely want to get the best deals on flights. This Middle Eastern country is a place of history, myth and fantastical stories. Its climate is dry and warm and you can get a good dose of sunshine here.
There are several things you can do to help ensure that you are getting the cheapest possible flight. Start by checking out some of the budget airline websites. A quick search will reveal that there are some amazing prices to be had.
You can also look at momondo, a site that offers deals from dozens of airlines. To see what’s available, all you have to do is confirm your travel dates and preferences. When you do this, you will get updates on the latest deals as they become available.
Another way to find the cheapest airfare is to fly into a different airport in Egypt. You can save hundreds of dollars this way.
For example, Air Canada is offering a flight from Chicago to Cairo for $575 round-trip. The flight includes free carry-on bags and a free first checked bag.
However, you can get even more savvy by looking at the deals that are offered on alternative dates. Airlines like Ryanair and Air Asia offer regular discounts on these flights. Alternatively, you can try to book directly through the airline. Many of them allow you to select your departure and destination airports.
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