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Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Egypt’s reputation as a travel destination has received lots of negativity over the last several years, making some people wonder: Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
In one word, Yes! It is safe to travel to Egypt.
It is as safe to travel to Egypt as it is to any other holiday destination throughout the world. However, you do need to keep your wits about you and be sensible as you would anywhere.
Egypt is a very welcoming country and its people are some of the most friendliest that you will find.
You will find below some hints and tips for how to make your trip to Egypt the most memorable and safe.
When visiting local attractions or travelling around the country, make sure you do it with someone who knows the country well and speaks good English or any other language you know. Regardless of whether it is a local tourist guide or a friend, it will allow you to see the most interesting places and understand everything you have been told, and at the same time you will get information about the monuments that you visit.
Travelling with a reputable tourist office will give you confidence that there will be an organised tour program, you will be accompanied by a professional guide who knows the English language well, the vehicles you travel will be in good technical condition and have efficient air conditioning, all permits and travel licenses will be organised on time and approved by the tourist police, and trips will be legal with full insurance.
You are safe walking around tourist areas during the day and night, however, there is a little crime in all countries, so be vigilant and make sure that your money is not in sight and that you are not an easy target for a pickpocket. If you are asked on the street by an Egyptian to change money, refuse politely and walk away.
Do not carry your passport with you, leave it at the hotel. Carry with you only a photocopy of the passport photo page with your personal details. When leaving for day trips or a few days outside tourist resorts, you should bring your passport with you. However, it should not be kept in your wallet with your money. It is best to put it in a separate place in a backpack or bag. In the case of theft you do not want to lose everything.
Pharaoh's revenge is an affliction that afflicts some tourists spending their holidays in Egypt. The cause of the disease is variable bacterial flora, change in the diet and water, eating unwashed vegetables and fruits. Gastrointestinal discomfort, which is manifested by abdominal pain, acute diarrhea and vomiting, unfortunately affects some people in Egypt. In order not to spend your holidays in the hotel bathroom, you must follow a few simple rules. We recommend to take foodstuffs rich in natural probiotics one week before you travel, for example, drink buttermilk, eat natural yoghurt with probiotics and various types of silage (sauerkraut, pickled cucumbers). In the pharmacy you can also buy special preparations with probiotics that contain lactic bacteria cultures and block the development of harmful bacteria. Thanks to probiotics, we will strengthen the body's immunity. However, when you arrive in Egypt, we advise against eating ice cream, raw fruit and vegetables, and we recommend eating cooked, grilled, roasted and fried dishes. We drink, of course, only bottled water and avoid drinks with ice, as ice is usually prepared from the so-called. tap water. We also advise you to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with bottled water. If you get sick, do not suffer. Be sure to ask for a medical appointment.
Air conditioning should be used wisely. Do not set the temperature too low to avoid catching a cold.
Scuba diving (scuba) so-called "intro dive" is one of the most important tourist attractions in Egypt. Diving conditions are optimal in this country. Very good visibility under water, hot water and beautiful coral reefs and exotic fish. A person with medium health will probably, without any major problems, be able to dive and enjoy the beauty of the Red Sea.
However, this is not a sport for everyone. There are several health issues that may prevent us from diving. The most important of these are: bronchial asthma, lung diseases, ear problems, sinuses, ear or sinus surgery, acute attacks of hay fever or allergies, heart disease, heart attack, blood vessel surgery, high blood pressure, angina, blood disorders, problems with spine, arms or legs as a result of trauma, fracture or surgery, hernia, ulcer or operations of ulcers, diabetes, pregnancy, fainting, convulsions, epilepsy, mental health problems, etc. In the event of any doubt on this topic, it is necessary to consult a doctor in advance. Children can dive only after they are 10 years old.
It is worth taking with you painkillers (headache, throat, teeth) and small patches for minor cuts or blink sters on the heel. In public toilets, moist handkerchiefs and a hand disinfectant will be useful. It is worth to buy protective shoes for swimming in the Red Sea. Such shoes will effectively prevent contact with the sea urchin and its sharp spikes.
Take also a cream with a high factor for the face and body. SPF 50 factor. In Egypt, toiletries are expensive and there is little choice. Use these toiletries whenever you visit monuments, stay on the beach, swim in the sea or in the hotel pool. You'll also find good sunglasses and a headgear in the form of a cap with a visor or hat.
Plan ahead; prepare for crowds at airports, especially in Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh. Have you deducted $25 on the day of your arrival to purchase an Egyptian visa for tourism. Have a pen with you to complete the visa application. Also make sure that you have a transfer for the time of your arrival. If you must take a local taxi, set the price for the ride before you get in the vehicle.
Egyptian taxi drivers rarely have a meter on (or hidden). When handing money to the taxi driver, raise the banknote and say, I am asking you, for example, 10 USD. You will be sure that both you and the driver know exactly what you pay for. If you are a woman traveling alone, sit in the backseat and do not talk to a taxi driver.
Dress modestly; remember that Egypt is a Muslim country. As such, you should dress modestly, when out and about, especially, when visiting rural areas and the souk or mosques. Women's clothes should cover the legs and upper arms. Men should never walk around bare chested.
Also be aware that public displays of affection are frowned upon. Solo-travelling women should ignore the taunts of men. Do not answer or smile. Because this behaviour encourages the stranger even more. If the man's behaviour becomes too insistent, shout loudly. You can be sure that others will come with help.
Most of the Egyptians in tourist places know English in the tourist version. However, it is good to learn a bit of Arabic. All you need is a few basic words. Egyptians like very much when tourists speak Arabic. At the beginning, it is enough: sabah al-khair (good morning), shokoran (thank you) and min fadlak (please to a man), min fadlik (please to a woman). With these words you bring a smile on face and you will get sympathy from sellers, hotel staff, guides and other people.
Payment cards are accepted in many places, e.g. at the airport, in large stores and shopping centres. However, not every seller provides this payment option. In local stores, cafes, restaurants, you pay only in cash, in Egyptian pounds. Always make sure you have enough cash to avoid unpleasant situations. Have small things that you can use to buy drinks, pay toilets, drive local bus, buy tissues. In souvenir shops, sellers accept US dollars and euros. However, they do not accept old, damaged (pen-tipped, glued-in adhesive) and US banknotes issued until 1990, and euro coins.
Make sure you have travel insurance and check what it covers. Tourist insurance usually does not include treatment which is the result of: extreme sports, events under the influence of drugs, legal highs and all other intoxicating substances and chronic diseases. Make sure at the travel agency, embassy of Egypt in the country where you live, whether you need something before you travel.
If you follow these tips, you will enjoy your vacation in Egypt, you will come back home happy, bringing with you amazing memories that will stay with you forever.
Safe travels!