Travel Insurance
Many seasoned travelers are not aware that their health insurance may not cover them outside of the country.  If you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or serious illness, most of your trip may be non-refundable if you are not insured.  In the event you become ill during your travels, finding and receiving medical care may be very frustrating without insurance.  Travel insurance also covers lost baggage and worldwide emergency assistance.  For a minimal amount of money, travel insurance is a must. Speak with your Pilgrim Tours Representative or your Group Leader for travel Insurance options.

Passport and Visa Information
US citizens need a valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity beyond intended stay, to enter Egypt. Make two photocopies of your passport.  Leave one copy at home and carry the other separately from your original.

Egypt:  U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Egypt.  It can be purchased upon arrival at the airport in Egypt. Non U. S. Citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of destination. Contact your Consulate office for requirements.

Tipping
Tipping in Egypt should not be optional.  For those taking the Nile Cruise, guides should be given tips for the entire cruise in advance.  Your guide will take care of tipping all persons including cruise personnel, bus and buggy drivers during day and night excursions, extra baggage handling, etc.  For the land portion of your tour, guides in Egypt will also handle hotel and driver tipping.  Pilgrim Tours recommends that you put Egypt tips in an envelope prior to departure ($9 per person per day for land portion and $11 per person per day for cruise portion).  Land portion tips can be given at the end of the tour with a thank-you for services rendered.

Egypt is a poor country with everyone expecting a tip or “baksheesh” for every service provided including most bathroom use.  Keep a small supply of change available or U.S. $1.00 bills for tipping in Egypt.  When you are sightseeing or dining on your own, do not feel obligated to tip everyone.  Tip taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare. 

Languages Spoken

Arabic, English, and French

Currency
The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).  You should plan to use either a credit card or U.S. Dollars.  Egypt prohibits the exportation of its currency, so you need to exchange as little money as possible.  When using an ATM machine, please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in EGYPTIAN POUNDS - NOT US DOLLARS.

Please Note:  We suggest you call your bank and/or credit card company before you leave to let them know you will be out of the country and using your ATM card or credit card.

Voltage
Electricity is 220 volts.  You will need to bring along necessary converters and adapters to operate any 120 volts, 60 Hz appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors, etc.

Medication
If you are required to take medications, you should notify the leader of your group in the event of an emergency.  Ask your doctor to write an extra prescription using the generic name to take with you if your medication is lost.  All medication should be kept in its original container, including over-the-counter medications.

Health Information
Modern medical services are readily available in Egypt’s larger cities. Some towns and the bigger hotels may have a doctor on call. Most doctors speak English fluently. Pharmacies can provide medication for minor aliments, but travelers should carry their own prescription medication. Check with your doctor about any necessary immunizations he may suggest. Try to avoid drinking the tap water.

Time Zone
Seven hours ahead of EST and two hours ahead of GMT.

Climate
Egypt is largely a desert, an extension of the great Sahara Desert that bands North Africa. Save for the thin strip of watered land along the river Nile, very little could survive here.   Egypt generally has dry and very hot summers with moderate winters.  November through March is definitely the most comfortable months for travel in Egypt.  There is almost no rain in the Nile Valley, so you will not need wet weather gear.

Cairo                         Average Temperature                   Average Rainfall

Jan-Mar                             48-71F                                             0”

Apr-Jun                              62-90F                                             0”

Jul-Sep                              69-94F                                             0”

Oct-Dec                             56-78F                                             0”

Baggage Allowance
Due to the size of baggage compartments in touring coaches, each passenger is restricted to ONE suitcase and ONE carry-on bag (in addition to your purse, camera case or video camera).  A total dimension of the bag to be checked on the airplane is not to exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 lbs.  Carry-on luggage is not to exceed a 45-inch dimension (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 11 lbs, as it must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.   Please check with your specific air carrier to verify the lbs. allowed.

Be sure your luggage is clearly marked on the inside and outside.  If you are traveling with a tour group, you must use the luggage tags provided along with your own.

Note:  Due to recent changes in baggage allowance in the industry we advise checking with your airlines before you depart to see if there has been a change in their regulations.

Pre-Flight
Leave your travel information with a family member or friend, including a copy of your passport, your flight itinerary, travel itinerary, hotel names and phone numbers.  In the event of an emergency, family members may contact Pilgrim Tours at 800-322-0788.

Dress comfortably for the flight, wearing clothes that allow freedom of movement and shoes that slip on and off easily.

When at the airport, never leave your luggage unattended for any length of time…no matter how short.  Do not accept packages from strangers to carry on to the plane for them.

Check-in time for international flights is normally two hours prior to departure.  When checking in at the airport, a valid passport is needed as proof of identification for all international travelers.

Bring along a moisturizer as the air in the plane cabin is extremely dry.

In order to avoid jet-lag, avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages.  Rather, opt for natural fruit juices and water. 

What to Pack
Plan to dress casually, packing light-weight cotton clothes that can be layered if the weather changes.  Choose comfort over fashion.  Planning your wardrobe around one or two colors is ideal, however opt for lighter colors.  Be sure to include comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight jacket for mornings and evenings.

NILE CRUISE DRESS:  Appropriate dress at dinner is “Smart Casual” although you will not feel out of place with dressier clothes.

A raincoat and rain hat (or poncho) are easier to use when sightseeing than an umbrella.  However, the chances of rain in Egypt are a million to one.

Be sure to keep important items such as documents, money, medications, keys, etc. on your person or in your carry-on luggage.  Never pack these items in your checked luggage.

Women should always dress modestly in Muslim countries.  It is an affront to the Muslims for women to be showing bare shoulders and legs.  Capris and blouses that go down to the elbows are appropriate to wear.   Evenings will be cooler, so a light sweater or jacket should be packed as well.

Swimming attire should only be worn around swimming pools or beaches and not in public places.

Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off of your face.  Also, remember a camera and binoculars for sight-seeing.  Lomotril is also helpful due to the affect of a change of food and water. It may be helpful to take a small supply of toilet paper with you when you leave your hotel each morning.

Do not make yourself a target by wearing expensive jewelry.  A good way to conceal your money and valuables is by purchasing an inexpensive, light-weight pouch that attaches around your waist and is worn under your clothes.

Do not over-pack.  Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs.

If you are traveling with a companion, cross-pack.  Put half of your items in your companion’s luggage and vice-versa.  This will ease the frustration of lost luggage.

Take along a small backpack.  When you are touring, fill it with bottled water, tissues, notebook and pen.  It will also come in handy for carrying souvenirs.  Remember to make sure that bottled water is sealed when purchased. 

Don’t forget these travel sized necessities:  sewing kit, first-aid kit, tissues, travel clock, toiletries, notebook and pen, pre-printed address labels (for sending postcards), plastic “zip-locking” bags (for storing open bottles and containers).

Purchase your film and batteries in the US.  Remember to bring extra for your video camera.

Fluids
To avoid dehydration which is very common in extremely dry climates, drink plenty of water.  Bottled water, not tap is recommended at all meals.  Carry bottled water with you when touring.  When buying bottled water, make sure the seal is not broken when you get the water.  Use caution when brushing your teeth with tap water.

Be wary of drinking fruit juices as some sellers may mix it with tap water.  Hot beverages like tea and coffee should generally be OK since the water has been boiled in preparation.  It is not a good idea to order ice in your drinks, as ice is generally made from tap water.

People with sensitive digestive systems need to be prepared by purchasing diarrhea medication ahead of time to take with you.  Electrolyte supplements maybe needed during the warmer months.  Your doctor might be a helpful source for recommending precautionary medication to take along.

Food and Meals
It is important to be aware that most fruits and vegetables should not be eaten raw in Egypt.  You should not eat fresh fruit that has been peeled before serving and also not eat any fruit with skin.  Food handling in Egypt is not up to Western standards; therefore we suggest avoiding any raw vegetables in salads or meats.  You will be given specific information on foods to avoid by your guide when you arrive in Egypt.

For meals that are not included in your tour, check with your group leader or the front desk at the hotel for suggestions (be sure to mention the price range your interested in). 

Egyptian food has been influenced by the French, British, Turks and Arabs.  The most popular meats served are beef, chicken and mutton.  Cumin and coriander are found in almost every Arab dish.  A shwarma (similar to a gyro) is a good, fast-food choice if it hasn’t been sitting out all day.  Try feteara, an oven-baked pancake filled with jam and coconut or moolokhya, a green soup.  Vegetarians will enjoy kochari, a combination of rice, chick peas, onions, lentils and spices.

Shopping
Egypt’s shopping treasures include wooden pieces inlaid with mother-of-pearl, alabaster and soapstone carvings, perfumes, clothing and antique reproductions.  However, be careful when buying these reproductions from stalls in the bazaars.  The best place for purchasing these reproductions is at the Egyptian Museum.  Be careful about buying anything presented to you as an antique, as it most likely will be a fake.  Also take caution when purchasing something that appears to be of historical importance.  Egyptian authorities have detained tourists for days in determining authenticity of well-made reproductions.  Bargaining is acceptable everywhere.  Try to keep the price low without being insulting or arrogant towards the vendor.

In Egypt
Refrain from discussing any Political or Cultural views.  This is unwelcome in Egypt!

Carry bottled water with you when touring.  Remember, you are in the desert and dehydration can be a serious problem.

Women should never travel alone outside the main tourist areas or at night.  They should also ignore rude remarks directed at them and avoid eye contact with men.

Do not eat, drink or smoke in or around mosques or holy shrines.

Remove your shoes before entering a mosque.  You may be required to cover your head at some shrines.

Be sure to ask permission before taking pictures of people and do not photograph anything with military significance or remotely connected with the government.

Do not pass food (even if it is wrapped or in a container) with your left hand.

If you plan on hiring a taxi, agree on the price before getting in.