Plugs & voltage
Standard voltage is 220 volts. Primary sockets require the European, 2-pronged variety. We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor. You will need a voltage converter and plug adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances.
Internet and WiFi
Getting online in Egypt is relatively easy. In larger cities, most cafes and restaurants offer free wi-fi. All four and five stars hotels in Egypt must provide internet access. Often it will be free WiFi access in the hotel lobby, and free or chargeable WiFi, or dial-up access in your hotel room.
Time zone
Egypt is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Egypt will not be observing Daylight Saving Time in 2017.
Ramadan Time
One of the pillars of Islam requires Muslims to fast during the Holy Month of Ramadan, the month which commemorates the divine gift of the Koran to the Prophet Mohammed. From sunrise to sunset, those who fast must refrain from eating, drinking and smoking. There are good and bad aspects of visiting the country during Ramadan. On the bright side, people hit the streets after the sunset “breakfast” ready to sing, play cards, enjoy some of the special musical and theatrical entertainments and just generally have fun.
Shops re-open until the wee hours, and many hotels create special Ramadan Tents where they offer traditional holiday snacks and drinks, live entertainment, water pipes, backgammon boards, card games and the like.
The other side, many aspects of “business as usual” doesn’t apply during the month. Banks and offices all have shorter working hours, some restaurants close for the entire month, and about an hour before sunset, the roads and streets will be full of people racing to buy last-minute supplies and get home in time for Al Iftar (the evening meal). If you plan to visit during Ramadan, you should understand that the touring day will be shortened. There will still be plenty of restaurants open and serving lunch, especially in the tourist areas, but it would be very bad manners to eat, drink or smoke in the sight of passers-by.
Do remember, if you visit during Ramadan, that your dress should be a bit more circumspect than usual. Some women who do not normally cover their heads do so during Ramadan and often feel that make-up, perfume and other “vanities of the flesh” should be given up during this month.
The precise dates of Ramadan vary from year to year. Ramadan lasts for about a month and is dependent on the lunar cycle and the Islamic lunar calendar. Forthcoming Ramadan dates are 23 April – 22 May 2020.
Trains in Egypt
The sleeper train is the highest class of rail travel available in Egypt, though by western standards it would be considered of a moderate standard. Cabins on board the sleeper train are equipped with two bunk beds and fresh linen is supplied. There is also a washbasin and towel and the cabin door can be locked from the inside. Washrooms including western toilets can be found at the end of each carriage. Dinner and breakfast (of a basic standard) are included within the fare. There is a bar carriage located toward the center of the train where hot and cold beverages can be purchased, and sometimes alcohol.
Vaccinations
We do always recommend that you seek professional medical advice when considering holiday vaccinations but the ones that are normally recommended for travel to Egypt are listed below:
· Diphtheria
· Hepatitis A
· Tetanus
· Typhoid
· Polio
· Yellow (A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required when arriving from an affected area)
Visas
The majority of travelers to Egypt can usually obtain their visas on arrival into the country. This includes British, most European, North American and Australasian passport holders. The cost of the visa for UK, USA, CA, EU, and many other nationalities is US$25 per person (around £20) which must be paid in hard currency, ie UK£, US$, Euros. If you are in any doubt as to whether this includes you then either contact your local consulate or simply arrange your visa in advance. All African nationals are required to obtain visas in advance.
Once issued, the visa is valid for a stay up to 3 months and you may request single, or multiple entry visas. It’s not possible to give exact visa costs for all nationalities as this does vary.
Weather & climate
There is never a shortage of sunshine in Egypt with the country averaging 11 hours a day during the summer and 8 hours a day in the winter. From April to October, the average temperature ranges from 21-28C (70-83F) while between November and March this drops to 13-20C (55-67F). This does vary more along the Mediterranean coast which while still warm, is more prone to periods of cloud and rain in the wintertime. During the spring months, the coast and the Nile Delta regions brace themselves for the strong Khamsin desert winds. Generally, the winters in Egypt are warm enough to allow pleasant and comfortable traveling all year long.
Best time to travel
Egypt is a country that you can visit at any time of the year as it offers plenty of sunshine and minimal rain, however, the ideal months to visit Egypt are from September to November and from March to May as the weather is mild and the temperature is pleasant. The summer months which are from June to August usually mean that the temperature gets very high with the heat being more dry than humid. This is perfect weather for soaking up the sun’s rays and snorkeling however, not so great for busy sites and attractions. From October to February which is Egypt’s winter months, the weather is cooler with the chance of some rain. In comparison to most European countries, the temperature is still warm and activities such as diving can be done year round.