Ready...Set...Go!
What to know before you go to 
Egypt

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.

Passport and Visa Information:
U.S. citizens need a valid U.S. passport with at least three months validity beyond intended stay for entrance to Egypt.  Make three photocopies of your passport.  Leave one copy at home and carry the other separately from your original.  Due to airline regulations, you also need to send a photocopy of your passport to Pilgrim Tours.

U.S. citizens also need a visa to enter Egypt.  It can be purchased upon arrival at the airport in Egypt.  For anyone traveling on one of our Pilgrim Tours to Egypt which begins in Israel, we will purchase your visa for you ahead of time.

Health Certificates:
Check with your doctor about any necessary immunizations he may suggest.

Languages Spoken:
Arabic and English

Currency:
The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGL). Check the travel section of your newspaper or the internet for the most recent exchange rate. If possible, exchange currency at a US bank before you leave. ATM machines are available in the major cities throughout Egypt. However, in smaller towns, ATM cards, travelers checks and credit cards may not be accepted. Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in EGYPTIAN POUNDS ONLY - NOT US DOLLARS.

Voltage:
Electricity is 200 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 to take with you if your medication is lost. All medication must be kept in its original container, including over-the-counter medications.

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). Be sure your luggage is clearly marked (using the baggage tags provided). It is wise to also insert an index card with your name, address and phone number inside of your luggage.

Airlines limit carry-on luggage to ONE piece not to exceed a 45-inch dimension as it must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.

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

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.

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. Women should also pack a lightweight scarf for covering their heads. Both men and women will need to remove their shoes before entering a mosque.

Don't forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off of your face.

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.

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.

Nile Cruise Dress Code:
Appropriate dress at dinner on the Nile Cruise is "dressy casual" although you would not feel out of place if you dressed up a bit.

Tipping:
A service charge is often added to the bill in hotels and restaurants. However, if it is omitted, a tip of 10-15% is customary. A usual tip for tour bus drivers is $1.00 per person, per day and a tour escort usually receives $2.00 per person, per day. Hotel maids receive $1.00 per person, per day. Tip taxi drivers at least 10-15%. Egypt is a poor country with everyone wanting a tip or "baksheesh" for every service they provide. Keep a small supply of change available for tipping. When you are off sightseeing or dining on your own, do not feel obligated to tip everyone. Decide for yourself whether you feel the request for baksheesh is justifiable or not.

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