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PHONE: 1 877 260 3950
Egypt is a truly fascinating and worthwhile destination to travel to. Bursting with fascinating historical and cultural landmarks, and home to some iconic sites, an Egypt tour will not disappoint. However, as with any place in the world, there can be some minor challenges to face when visiting Egypt. That is why it is important to be armed with as much information as possible, in order to ensure a smooth and fully-enjoyable experience.
The art of the haggle - the light-hearted back-and-forth of bargaining - is a very useful skill to have when going on a holiday in Egypt. Negotiate with vendors at markets, sellers in corner shops, and even with taxi drivers - they expect it of tourists and won't be offended. Don't be afraid to say no and walk away!
For more information on how to haggle, this thread on TripAdvisor has some good ideas.
It may seem strange, but most restrooms in Egypt won't have any toilet paper in them. Most will have a bidet built into each stall, but many travellers aren't used to using one. Rather carry your own roll of toilet paper or a pack of tissues on your Egypt tour - you'll be glad you did.
You'll be visiting many ancient monuments and important historical sites in Egypt, such as the Egyptian Museum. Many will have signs indicating that flash photography is not allowed. Kindly follow these rules - bright flashes can damage the monuments, and you may even be asked to leave if you fail to comply.
Since you'll be spending time in a place where the main language is not English, why not learn an Arabic phrase or two to use when communicating with the local people? It's a good ice-breaker and certainly adds a lovely touch to your experience! Some easy words to remember are:
Travellers go on Egypt tours all year-round, but there are certain times of the year when it is easier to go. Egypt is located in the desert, and it can get quite hot during the summer (June-August). However, this would be an ideal time for a seaside trip to a Red Sea resort.
The cooler months in Egypt are from November to March, and you will also find many tourist sites to be much less crowded during these times.
April, May and September, October are also good times to visit - the weather is warm, but not as hot as during the summer.
Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, with conservative values and public dress codes. It's best to keep your attire at a reasonably modest level - keep your knees and shoulders covered as a minimum. This is especially important when visiting mosques and other religious sites during your Egypt tour. Females should bring along a light scarf to cover their hair, and always remove shoes before entering a mosque.
However, it is acceptable to wear bikinis and other similar types of swimwear if you are staying at the beach resorts on the Red Sea.
Tipping is known as "baksheesh" in Egypt, and is quite an important and generous thing to do when receiving a service. Many workers in Egypt receive relatively low salaries, so it's a nice gesture to give a tip to anyone who's provided you with a service. Keep some small change with you when you are out on your adventures.
It's a good idea to purchase a local SIM card when you arrive in Egypt, especially for getting hold of your tour guide. There are no public phones available. WiFi is generally available in restaurants and cafes in the big cities, as well as in 4- and 5-star hotels.
Take a Travel Adapter
The standard voltage in Egypt is 220 volts. Sockets are of the European two-prong type. A travel adapter/voltage converter will be needed for other socket/voltage types.
Need some travel inspiration or looking for some handy travel tips? Our blog provides excellent insight into our travel destinations - from tour updates to country guides, packing lists to little known things to do, you'll find it all in our travel blog.
On a tour with Encounters Travel, you will be swept up on exciting, action-packed travel experiences in some of the world's most awe-inspiring destinations.
Our small group tours are perfect for those looking to experience culture, history, nature, and adventure. Group sizes range from between 12 to 20 travellers, giving you a chance to meet new people and make new friends. You can also engage and connect with your guide well, allowing a more meaningful experience.
These are 5 of our most interesting and exciting small group tours on offer in 2019.
There is nothing quite like travelling solo. Exploring new places and experiencing new things by yourself can be an eye-opening and almost life-changing adventure. However, one thing that often puts people off travelling solo is the single supplement. We have put together a helpful guide with all you need to know about single supplements, so that you can book your solo trip with complete confidence.
Visas are required for most nationalities of travellers to Egypt. Only nationals of certain Arab countries are exempt. Several options are available to travellers when acquiring a visa for Egypt. We have put together a comprehensive guide that will provide you with important information to make the process smooth and easy.
Visas are required for most nationalities of travellers to Cambodia. Only nationals of a few countries are exempt. Several options are available to travellers when acquiring a visa for Cambodia. We have put together a comprehensive guide that will provide you with important information to make the process smooth and easy for you.
Every couple wants a fairy-tale honeymoon that they'll remember forever. Beautiful landscapes, enchanting settings, exciting activities, lots of romance... At Encounters Travel, we know just where to find all of this- and more. We've picked our top 5 destinations for that perfect honeymoon experience.
Cambodia has become a popular tourist destination in recent times. It has emerged from the shadows of a war-torn past to become a sought-after destination for lovers of nature, culture, and history. Cambodia features many of fascinating sites and landmarks to see and experience.
From iconic destinations to lesser-known gems, we have chosen eight amazing destinations to add to your travel bucket list in 2020.
From the Ionian Islands in the west to the pre-Hellenic culture of Crete to the South, and not forgetting the breathtaking scenic views of the mainland, Greece offers a wealth of mesmerizing places to visit.