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EGYPT Currency
& Money:
Currency = The Egyptian Pound. There are many Exchange Bureaus and
banks where you can change money. Take many small bills (US$1's
and 5's for the many tips - baksheesh - you will have to pay.
Everybody takes foreign currency; American dollars, Euros and UK
Pounds. VISA and
MasterCard credit cards are widely accepted, with Diners and American
Express cards being accepted by some establishments. Visas:
Required by most visitors. Some nationalities can obtain the visa
at the point of entry, but many have to obtain one prior to arrival;
make enquiries before departure from home. Language:
English is widely spoken in the tourist industry. Obtain the
services of a tour guide for visiting the temples and pyramids; they
make your passage much easier and can explain the meaning of the
heiroglyphs, reliefs and symbology. Climate:
Typical desert conditions with hot days cooler nights. It is excessively
hot in summer!! The best time to visit is from October to January,
but that is the height of the tourist season. Accommodation:
Mainly hotels from very basic to very luxurious. One of the
"things to do" is to take a cruise from Luxor to Aswan or vice
versa. There are many ships plying their trade, again from basic
to five-star. Visit some travel sites and Egyptian tourism sites
for options; Egypt is highly geared to tourism and there are many, many
options for every budget. Transport:
There are local buses, taxi's, water taxi's (feluccas), horse-drawn
carriages, "Greyhound-type" inter-city buses, trains and Nile
cruise ships. Everyone is friendly and helpful and also happy to
relieve you of your cash!! So, make sure you establish a fare
before getting into any vehicle and stick to your agreed price; you will
be asked for a tip on top of any agreed price. Tips
- Baksheesh:
Tipping is expected for everything!! From a porter who carries
your bags, to the driver of a bus or even the guy who wraps and bags
your take-away meal! If you ask directions or assistance, expect
to show your appreciation in cash. We found that US$1.00 was
acceptable for most minor services, with US$5.00 per person per day the
minimum expected on a Nile Cruise boat.
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