Treasures of Egypt

Time

Egypt is ahead of GMT by two hours and behind Australian Eastern Standard Time(EST) by seven hours.

Weather

In Egypt, the typical weather features warm to hot days and cool nights. The country experiences two distinct seasons: a gentle winter spanning from November to April and scorching summer from May to October. The seasons mainly differ in daytime temperatures and prevailing wind patterns. Along the coastlines, temperatures fluctuate, with winters averaging around 14C and summers reaching up to 30C on average.

Dress Code

Casual attire is generally acceptable, but consider bringing dressier outfits for hotel and cruise dining. Don't forget a jacket for cooler evenings. Closed-toe, flat shoes are recommended for comfort and navigating sandy or stony areas at temples. Respect local customs by dressing conservatively outside hotel, cruise, and pool areas due to Islam being the main religion.

Essentials

• Personal toiletries (such as make up stuff and more)
• Personal medication (diabetic people if they use injection, please bring prescription and a letter from GP)
• Insect repellent
• Swimwear
• Camera
• Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, lip balm)
• A backpack for daytime sightseeing
• Tissues (pocket packs and wet wipes)
• Hand sanitiser
• Money belt or pouch
• Small flashlight for monument interiors and night exploration
• Anti-diarrhoea tablets (available locally)
• Journal or your favourite crystals
• Fan or neck towel

Electricity

Electricity in Egypt operates on a 220V AC, 50Hz system, and utilizing European-style two-pin wall plugs. It's strongly advised to acquire one for your electronic devices during your stay in Egypt.

Vaccination

Prior to traveling to Egypt, it's advisable to consult your GP doctor for the latest vaccination requirements.

Money

Money matters in Egypt can be sorted through Travelex offices in Australia. It's advisable to use a Travelex cash passport ATM card. You can also obtain Egyptian pounds at Sydney airport or via your bank. It's essential to have small Egyptian notes, like 1 pound notes, for tipping upon arrival, which can easily be acquired in Egypt. Major credit cards like American express, visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, with ATMs and banks available in major hotels. While traveller's cheques in US dollars are accepted, they're not necessary due to the widespread acceptance of credit cards. Ideally, a mix of U.S. dollars, Egyptian pounds and a credit or debit card will suffice. Australian dollars are not recommended, but US dollars are welcomed. If loading money onto a cash card, ensure it's in Australian dollars, not U.S.

Food & Drink

Consume only securely sealed bottled water; avoid tap water in Egypt. Refrain from beverages containing ice cubes. The restaurants at our lodging offer a diverse selection of western and local cuisine, including numerous vegetarian options. Generally, meals at these establishments, as well as on our cruise boat, are safe to eat. When dining outside the hotels avoid salads and opt for fruits like bananas that require peeling. The hotel meals outlined in the itinerary typically feature buffet-style service with a wide array of western and middle eastern dishes. Additionally, it is advisable to carry anti-diarrhoea medication as a precaution. Tea, coffee, milk and juices are complimentary with breakfast at hotels. However, other beverages are not included in the tour price. You can purchase water from local outlets as needed.

Telephone & Internet

Telephone services are typically accessible at our accommodations for those wishing to connect with loved ones in Australia or other locations. If you plan to use your mobile phone for calls or text messages, ensure you arrange international roaming with your local service provider before departing Australia. Please verify call charges beforehand. Alternatively, you can purchase a SIM card from local stores in Egypt.

Tipping In Egypt

A tipping charge of $130.00 USD per person will be collected either during visa application processing or for non-locals, at Sydney international airport before departure. This amount is handed over to Shahrazad, who manages all tipping responsibilities during the tour as a gesture of gratitude. Tipping is an integral part of Egyptian culture, where locals routinely express appreciation to service providers. Tips often serve as a crucial supplement to modest incomes for many individuals.

Tipping is not a common practice in Australia and many of us find the expectations in Egypt overwhelming. Locals themselves rely heavily on tips to supplement their modest incomes. With numerous requests for tips, it's easy to become frustrated with the constant pressure. The most crucial individuals to consider tipping are guides, drivers, porters and hotel staff, as they ensure your experience in Egypt is exceptional.

To alleviate this concern, we will collect a tipping amount of $130.00 per person at the beginning of the tour. This pooled amount will be handed to our Egyptian guide, Shahrazad, upon arrival. This way, you can relax and fully immerse yourselves in the magic of Egypt without worrying about tipping. Shahrazad will manage the distribution of tips to ensure they reach the appropriate recipients.

If you feel compelled to offer an additional personal tip to someone who has touched your heart during your journey, you are welcome to do so. It's recommended to carry small amount of local currency for such occasions.

By entrusting Shahrazad with the responsibility of tipping, you can unwind and cherish the unforgettable moments Egypt has to offer. These memories will be the lasting impressions you bring back to Australia.