A:

	Click here to discuss a Reservation with a Discover Egypt representative during UK office hours

A: In Cairo the outdoor swimming pools at some of the hotels maybe closed during the winter months for maintenance please check when making a booking

A: Some museums and historical sites in Egypt may not allow photography while others may charge a fee, usually around E£5-E£10. While you may usually take pictures as you like from the outside of most monuments, many demand that you do not use a flash when taking pictures inside. The use of video cameras is restricted, and a larger, additional fee is payable. Photography is strictly prohibited at military installations, public works and government buildings. Always ask permission before taking photographs of local people, and expect to be asked for a tip in return.

A: It gets very hot in summer throughout the Middle East, so loose, light cotton clothing is the most comfortable. Take sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes and a good sunhat. You should dress conservatively – women should not have bare shoulders or wear revealing tops or shorts – in town, especially when visiting mosques and churches or you will risk causing offence.

A:

All of the countries we feature follow the Muslim tradition and it is important that local customs and etiquette are respected. Whilst these countries are more used to seeing Western holidaymakers in little clothing, shorts and swimwear is acceptable around the pool or sundeck but not in public places.

Women should cover their upper arms and should not wear revealing tops or shorts in public  especially when visiting religious sites. It is also advisable for mean to wear short/long sleeved shirts and long trousers.

You will see Egyptian male friends greeting each other with a hug and kiss on both cheeks, but not friends of the opposite sex. As foreigners, it is best to stick to a hand shake.

Ramadan: The holy month of fasting provides the opportunity to gain an insight into Islamic culture, the date date of which varies according to the Islamic lunar calendar. During Ramadan it is important to note that you should refrain from smoking, eating or drinking in public during the hours of daylight. Hotels will make provisions for guests during this time.

A:

Egypt - Egyptian pounds (E£), around 8 to £1 sterling. The Egyptian pound is made up of 100 piastres, and notes range from 25 piastres upwards. You are most likely to be dealing with E£1, E£5, E£10, E£20, E£50 and E£100 notes. Some of the notes look very similar on first glance, so when buying souvenirs, be absolutely sure which note you’re handing over – 50 piastres or 50 Egyptian pounds.

Jordan - The currency is the Dinar and is divided into 1000 fils. 1.00 Dinar = approx £1. US Dollars and Sterling are widely accepted throughout Egypt & Jordan.

Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted in all resorts that we feature.  They are now generally accepted on Nile cruises - but with a service charge of approximately 2%. An official receipt will be given when exchanging money, which should be kept for inspection. There are a number of cash machines in some of the resorts and hotels but you should not plan to rely on their use as the service can be limited. Check with the hotel for locations.

Please note: that many shops at Luxor airport do not accept Egyptian currency, though the café does.
Tip: Hold on to small notes - E£1 and E£5 particularly, for tipping and to buy cheaper items, as change seems to be in short supply in Egypt.

A: 220/240 AC volts. An adaptor is necessary (usually two-pin).

A: Arabic is the official language although English is widely spoken.

A:

In hotels and on the cruise boats, you will find international and European-style cuisine widely available. Arabic dishes in all its variations is well catered for and visitors can try such dishes as

Egypt

Tahini: Sesame seed paste, mixed with garlic, spices and some olive oil, and served as a dip with bread..
Baba ghannough: A dip made from tahini and mashed aubergines...
Falafel: A type of fried pate made from broad beans, chick peas, parsley and spices.
Stuffed vine leaves: Rice and minced meat wrapped in vine leaves.
Karkade: A local drink made from hibiscus petals. It is burgundy in colour and very thirst- quenching. It can be served hot or cold and sweetened to taste. Sweetened with 7-up, it makes a long, cool drink.
Fruit juices: Freshly squeezed juices such as orange, mango are widely available. The local speciality is sugar cane juice.

Jordan

Mansaf: Jordan's national dish made of lamb, rice and pine nuts
Farooj: Spit roasted chicken 
Baklawa: Filo pastry with nuts and honey

A:

Wine: As Muslim countries, the production of alcohol has naturally been of restricted interest. However, spirits and wines are readily available, though they tend to be expensive. The quality of local wines has improved but may not be up to standards with which you are familiar in the UK.

Beer: The choice is somewhat limited, but local beer is good and of better value than that designated as export, which is generally in smaller bottles and more expensive. Imported beers, such as Heineken, are available in cans in hotel bars but can be expensive.

Coffee & Tea: Unless you want Turkish style coffee, ask for a Nescafe. More hotels now have coffee machines so it is possible to order cappuccino, expressos, etc, but such machines are far from universal.
Tip: Egyptian hot beverages are usually enjoyed without milk and with loads of sugar and tea especially is quite often flavoured with mint.  Remember to ask for milk if you want it, as it often does not come automatically.

A: Most hotels and cruise boats have safety deposit boxes or -in room safes available for clients use, often at no extra charge.

A:

Banks are usually open from 8.30am to 2pm daily, closed Fridays, Saturdays and most public holidays.

Shops are open generally from 10am to 9pm in the winter and 9am to 10pm in the summer. Many shops are closed on Sunday. In tourist areas and shopping malls, you will find shops open outside these hours.

N.B. The timings may differ from country to country and are intended for guidance only

In Egypt it is customary to be offered tea or a soft drink in larger shops. Bargaining is a common practice in all bazaars and can be fun. Your guide will be able to give you information on the best way to haggle and also guidance on what you should pay for common souvenirs such as papyrus, galabeyas, gold jewellery, perfume, spices etc.

A: In Egypt local taxis are readily available and inexpensive, but agree the fare before embarking on your journey, and don’t pay until the end of your journey. The same goes for caleches, or horse and carriage rides.

A: It is expensive to telephone home from hotels. In Egypt Phonecards cost E£20 or E£30 for a approx. 3-4 minute call to the UK. Ask your representative for further advice.
Tip: When calling in Egypt, do not allow the number of rings to exceed 11 as you will be charged anyway, even if the call has not been answered.

A: Tipping, or baksheesh as it is called in Egypt, is a way of life, and porters, waiters, temple guardians etc expect a small tip, around E£1 for a porter, E£2 coach driver, E£50 cleaner if staying in a hotel. Tip around 15 per cent on a restaurant bill.
However, on a Nile cruise, you will be asked to pay a sum of money at the start of your cruise from which your guide will pay all tipping outside the boat for you throughout your holiday usually about UK£1 per person per day. Then it is customary on a Nile Cruise to trip the crew collectively at the end of your holiday so all staff get something – about UK£3 per person per day is the norm.

A: All British and EU citizens require a full 10 year passport with at least six months validity with the name on the passport  matching that on the ticket(newly-weds must bring proof of name change). All British and EU passport holders require a tourist visa to enter Egypt and Jordan which may be obtained on arrival approx £12 sterling.