I want to go to Egypt. What should I know before I go?

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sistablu...Maat

First I would recommend you get a copy of The Lonely Planet Guide to Egypt. From this you can find all you need to know as well as reviews and recommendations of hotels, tours, restaurants etc.
These reviews are made by "secret travellers" and no business or company can pay for advertising in the LP guide so if a restaurant hotel or service is not included there is a very good reason to avoid it,
The LP Guide also has a wealth of suggestions of what to see, how to get there and opening and closing times for all historical sites and places of interest.
You will find it a great resource as even if you are on a tour there are days that are referred to as "free time" and it would be a pity to waste one hour of your time in Egypt as there is really so much to see and experience.
Tourists have been coming to Egypt for over 2,000 years so tourism is an integral part of Egypts identity.
When you are packing remember if you are coming to Egypt during in the summer cotton is far better and cooler than synthetic clothing. Leave the skimpy bare midriff, plunging neckline tops home along with the short,shorts.
Make sure you have a comportable pair of sandles,flip flops are not very serviceable when walking through sand.
I would suggest you start your days as early as possible especially in the summer months and invest in an insulated water bottle before you leave home. It is very important to drink lots of water but always make sure the bottles are still sealed when you buy it.
Dont try and fit too much into one day or you will just end up not knowing a scarab from a sacophagus!
If you are travelling independently aim to arrive at placves such as the cairo Museum,the Giza pyramid complex and in Luxor at Karnak and the Valley of the Kings before the tour buses get there, which is around 9.30-10 am
Egypt is a predominately Muslim country so even though its people are mostly very moderate in their views and general outlook, it is really just courtesy to respect their "dress code" also avoid displays of affection in public if you are travelling with your partner.
The saying "when in Rome do as the Romans do" applies very much to visiting Egypt.
Egyptians,especially those who live in urban areas are very used to Western culture and you will find they listen to the same music and wear the same clothing brands as in any Western country.
Bargaining is expected when you are buying at bazaars and Khan el Khalili.For most of us Westerners it is a bit daunting at first, but think of it as a game and aim to get whatever you are buying at around 50% less than the first price given.
Bargaining also applies when getting a taxi and you can begin practise as soon as you arrive with not paying more than 100LE for a taxi ride from the airport to your hotel in Cairo.
You will find all these tips and suggestions and loads more information plus maps and an Arabic-English dictionary and phrase section in The Lonely Planet Guide which also has a great section on the Cairo Museum
Egyptians people are basically honest and very friendly and from the moment you get off the plane you will feel welcome.
Ahlan wa salam Misr - welcome to Egypt.
.

â™¥Lovelyâ™¥ â™¥Diamondâ™¥

Well, first pack some comfortable cotton clothes and some comfortable walking shoes and then let the fun begin.
Egypt is a tourist country so you shouldn't be afraid or listen to any defeatists.
It is safe and you'll enjoy it tremendously.
Now when visiting the cities, like Cairo or Alexandria, you should wear clothes that's not transparent. Pants are fine, also skirts and bermudas that cover the knees are fine. Short sleeved t-shirt or blouses that don't show cleavage are also fine. It would be preferable to wear a head scarf when visiting mosques or churches and expect to take off your shoes in a mosque.
If you are taking a Nile cruiser, or visiting any of the Red Sea resorts like Sharm or Hurghada then you can wear whatever you like, including swimwear.
If you are coming before April, then bring with you jackets or sweaters as it could be cool at night.
Drink only bottled water, which is available everywhere, and eat only packed food after consulting the expiry date.
Most people you will deal with in hotels, restaurants & shops know enough English for communication. Some even know more than one language.
All in all, Egyptians are friendly people.
Enjoy your stay.

Wise Heart

Try to know about the culture. Also don't expect to see a modern country, it's like an open museum, so it can't be compared to cities with high technology and modern in everything.
It's better if you drink bottled water always. If you buy papyrus, you should get a certificate that it's true papyrus (it should be me made of a certain plant)
What to wear and when : Just try to be modest in general. You can wear your swim suite on beaches or pools. One piece or bikini, it's fine. Sunbathing is interesting also. Only if you visit mosques or churches, you'll have to cover your head.

* You may know many good friends, just select the cultured people and not the people who offer personal services like (bellmen-waiters-housemen-drivers-seller... .. etc)

Good luck and welcome

Anna Audrey

okay..
first of all YOU DO NOT heave to wear a head scarf, not everyone does there.. and there are non-Muslims there as well.
* you just need to know a little of Arabic if u want to go to some cheap place.
* you should know what are the place u want to visit be4 going there,coz once u go there u'll want to go everywhere
*plan ur trip ahead.
*make sure u don't go in winter..
*make sure you don't get riped off when buying stuff.
*it's a very friendly country, the people of it r friendly.so u won't have any problem going there :)
I've been there, it was soo fun
have fun

Balsam

In Egypt it is sunny and warm during the day, but cool in the evening till April. Bring with you cotton T shirts for the mornings and cotton pants, loose skirts, socks.

At your hotel or the beach you can wear whatever you like, but in the city make sure that you cover your stomach and back.

Do not miss the Egyptian museum in Cairo, the pyramids of Giza, the sound and light show at the pyramids at night, a Nile cruise for 2 hours in Cairo with show, music and dinner, Luxor city and if possible a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan.

If you have 3 days more visit Sharm el Sheikh, you will love it.

Egyptians are friendly and helpful, enjoy your trip.

Nona El Magnoona

all you need to know is that egypt is fun and you will enjoy yourself very much :)

smithers

It would be nice if you learn some arabic, it's useful :)

also know the conversion of pounds and dollars, or whatever you use, because when taxi drivers or something see that you're foreign they'll try to take advantage of that by overcharging you.

don't wear too much revealing clothes because guys are pigs lol. i'm not saying you have to cover every inch of your body, just don't wear extremley short shorts and shirts that show a lot of cleavage you know? just like when you're in new york lol. so walk around with someone, not alone =)

summer= very hot
winter= 50s/60s, very windy

hmmm...yeah, other than that, people are very nice and friendly and fun and you'll probably enjoy yourself :)

Far~Love

I'm 100% Full Egyptian. I speak fluent arabic and English. Add me, I can help you :] I'm teaching someone else arabic and I used to live in Egypt so I know exactly how it is there.

j_bandgirl

Hey if you're wanting to go to visit. Go check out www.efcollegebreak.com! It's an amazing company and they have an awesome trip to Egypt. I travel with them all the time. Basically if you book their tours, you don't have to know anything about the country you're visiting! They take care of everything. I like to do my own research before going, but you learn so much about the culture, history and everything while you're there.

I use the discount code LUMSDEN3267 when I book. It'll save you a little bit more (which is always nice to have when traveling abroad). If you check out their website they also have information all the places they go, cuts out a little bit of research time!

I'm actually signed up for the Egypt trip next May already and am so excited! So seriously look into it! I highly reccommend the company, everything is inclusive and the logistics are taken care of for you, you just get to go have fun!!

shedy.C.enzo

YOU SHOULD BUY

Lonley planet Book
"EGYPT"
and then you shouldnt need anything belive me
i buy it whenever i arrived
and you will find anything you want in it!!!!

Micheal

I advice you if you did not a make a reservation to check www.redseahome.com they are providing Holiday apartment in Hurghada with very good prices and service

Made of Honor

don't show your arms or legs when you wear clothes.
Try to be common w/ them

Moonrise

Egyptians are warm and friendly .
they know English , so you can speak to them and they will understand you.
you dont have to wear a scarf except in a mosque or a church .
dress modestly , ie , in Cairo wear knee length skirts , shorts .
your jeans shouldnt be too tight .
your skirts should reach your knees .
the blouses shouldnt reveal the bossom.

in Cairo , go to the Pyramids and the Sphinx.
you can plan to go to Sakkara Step Pyramid .
the Egyptian Museum is downtown.
you can spend an evening on a Nile cruise with a show and dinner .

plan to visit Luxor and Aswan which have 60 % of the world's monuments .
or
Sharm or Hurghada for a sea vaccation that you will never forget .
have a nice trip.

samy n

it is better to know my cell phone and adress

Sister Silky

be prepared to be harrased by all the men and have them shout marriage proposals at you and dont let them sucker you into their web of lies with all the words of love they wil lspit at you. they are port whores.

yellow_tofu

wear a head scarf, dont let the guys know u can read, don't speak unless speaken to. Throwing a shoe at some one is a bad insult.

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