Egypt

Best time to go to Egypt?

The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April but you can visit anytime of the year. During winter months temperatures are cooler, but still pleasantly warm across the country.  During the height of summer July & August temperature can reach up to 40 degrees. 

Is Egypt safe to visit as a solo traveller?

Egypt is a safe and welcoming country for solo travellers; however, it is recommended not to stroll alone at some places after the sunset. So, in the evenings, it's better to be accompanied by a trusted local guide than moving alone or as a group.

Do I need any vaccinations before going to Egypt?

Currently there is no mandatory vaccine requirement to visit Egypt on holiday.

What if I fall sick in Egypt?

Healthcare facilities in Egypt are of a high standard, with medical staff used to treating foreign nationals. Pharmacies are widely available throughout Egypt. 

How Should I dress?

Egypt is a predominantly Islamic country. There is no compulsory dress code in Egypt, no matter whether they are locals or tourists.  In general, it’s advisable to keep your knees, and shoulders covered. However, you can wear a bathing suit on Egyptian beaches.

Can I use my credit cards for shopping?

As a major tourist destination, Egypt accepts all UK and international credit card.

Can I drive in Egypt with my UK License?

Foreigners with a license issued in the UK can rent a car and drive in Egypt for short-term visits. 

What kind of sockets are used in Egypt?

European two-pin sockets are used in Egypt; therefore, you need to pack an adapter for your holiday. 

Do I have to speak Arabic to interact with local people?

The official language of Egypt is Arabic, although many Egyptians (especially younger people) speak and understand English, as well as many other European languages.

Is roaming charges applies for using my mobile phone in Egypt?

It is advisable to check with your mobile provider before travelling to Egypt.

Can I withdraw money from ATMs?

You can withdraw cash from your credit cards at banks or ATMs, but high fees make credit-card cash advances a pricey way.

Is the tap water drinkable?

In Egypt, drinking water from the tap is not recommended. it is advisable in Egypt to purchase bottled water or drink treated or purified water.

What is the tipping guideline?

Often known as 'backsheesh', tipping is standard practice in Egypt. If you’re happy with services provided by waiters, drivers, and other workers, leaving a small tip is a good way to show your appreciation. While it may not be customary to you, tipping is of great importance to the people who take care of you during your travels.

OVERVIEW

Anyone who appreciates culture, antiquities and a sense of wonder will find themselves in Egypt sooner or later. And of course, millions of people visit Egypt every year and never set eyes on a pyramid or a mummy – Hurghada is the tourism success story of the past twenty years, where sun-lovers go to soak up the relaxed atmosphere and dip their toes in the lapping Red Sea.But if the only thing that’s stopping you is someone to go with, your wait is over – you can go with GoSingles!

Hurghada lies at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, and rivals anything the Mediterranean can offer in terms of entertainment, atmosphere and warm, bright sunlight. The place manages to blend the fine culture of the Egyptians with a real vibrant sense of modernity, a mixture that makes it such a draw.

If you want to see the most of this wondrous nation, why not take a Nile river cruise? That way you’ll see a host of villages and cities (and stop off at a few), plus surprisingly fertile landscapes whilst living in the luxury of the boat, with its own delights to while away the long days.

WEATHER

A country steeped in a rich history dating, Egypt possesses a varied landscape made up of vast expanses of deserts, a coastline which stretches on both the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea and a number of mountain ranges, which all contribute to a complex weather system from dry heat to snow.   

However don’t let this put you off, to the typical traveller expect to enjoy hot and sunny summers with limited if any rainfall during the months of June, July and August. Winters remain mild, so no need to pack thermals or a scarf, temperatures range between 20 to 26 degrees Celsius. This time of year is often heralded as the best time to visit, as it’s the perfect temperature for comfortably taking in the pyramids and ancient wonders of the Pharaohs.

The capital of Cairo enjoys long hot summers with temperatures hovering around the 30 degrees Celsius mark, with winters generally staying around 20 degrees Celsius, but can be known to dip to around 9 degrees Celsius.

On the East coast, the famous resorts of Hurghada and those close to the Red Sea are famed for their long hot, dry summers with endless hours of sunshine and blue skies, coupled with the warm sea. Temperatures are known to reach 40 degrees Celcius, rainful is low and winters are extremely mild making and all round holiday destination loved by travellers who are looking for some sunshine.

As you’d expect from the desert, temperatures sear to highs of 40 degrees Celsius during the summer months, however expect cooler temperatures at night, especially at higher elevation, with even cooler more hospitable temperatures during the winter months. 

ROUGH GUIDE

CULTURE

Egyptians are really helpful, friendly people who would go out of their way to help you out, whilst loving nothing more than engaging in a conversation with visitors.

Whilst visiting, it is important that you adhere to Egyptian conventions, with this in mind, be sure to show as little flesh as possible. Shorts and swimwear are only acceptable at the beach or at your hotel resort, and shirts should be worn to cover your shoulders to prevent showing as little skin as possible. Kissing or embracing in public is a big no-no, as is holding hands, so be sure to withstand from these acts whilst out in the open, keeping for behind closed doors.

It is important to take note of the usage of hands, in Egypt the left hand is used when going to the toilet or for carrying out tasks considered unhygienic, so it is important that you never eat with this hand, always use the right hand to put any food in your mouth.

ETIQUETTE

When greeting people in Egypt, whether it’s someone new or someone they know, a simple handshake will suffice along with eye contact and a smile.

Tipping: In almost all cases in Egypt you should tip after you have received a service. As a rule of thumb, if you’re not sure how much to tip, give 10% of what you paid for the service. In restaurants it is expected that you tip 10% of the total bill, and more if you thought the service was outstanding.

GREETINGS & LANGUAGE

If you’re looking to socialise or greet your fellow Egyptians whilst away on holiday, here are a few handy phrases to help you on your travels. Arabic is the most commonly spoken language.

To say hello, it’s ‘Salaam aleikum’ (pronounced 'salam alaykoom') whilst goodbye is ‘Salam’.

Be sure not to forget your please and thank yous, to say please ‘Min fadlokoum’ and thank you is ‘Shukran’.

To greet people in the morning it’s, ‘Issubh’ and to say good afternoon/evening it’s ‘Ba'd id-duhr’.