After so much time in Asia, premiering on a new continent is like starting from scratch. Some things will be familiar to us and others will be a complete novelty, so we are better prepared for surprises. When we start preparing a trip to Egypt this is what we should know:

Is Egypt a safe country?

That’s a great question! We cannot deny that Egypt, which was one of the kings of global tourism a decade ago, has gone through turbulent times. Political and social revolutions and terrorism dealt a serious blow to the country. Currently, however, stability is gradually returning to Egypt and serious incidents are very isolated. Statistically, we could consider Egypt a safe country, no more insecure, at least, than any other Western country today.

Obviously, we must take a series of precautions such as not getting out of the tourist routes, avoiding demonstrations or following the limitations imposed by local authorities, in addition to the usual care with our belongings in crowded places to avoid theft.

When NOT to go to Egypt

The desert climate of Egypt is quite bearable throughout most of the year, even cool in the north during December-February, but it intensifies in the central summer months (June-August) to unbearable points. The scorching heat of this era can ballast the trip. It’s not that you “can’t” go, but if you go, get ready to toast.

Dress and behavior standards

Egypt is an Islamic and conservative country in which we must respect a minimum code of dress and social interaction. Men do not have it as complicated as women, who should cover their legs and shoulders but can be guided by the same sensitivity. The less we teach the better.

In the same way, the samples of affection must be reserved for a private environment.

 At the time of buying

Bargaining: In Egypt, bargaining is a natural part of consumption. And the rules are the same as in the rest of the world: imagine what we would pay, offer less, haggle with respect, be patient, show sympathy and hide our interest in the product. If we do not get the price we want, we give thanks and leave (the seller will come after us if our offer was fair).

Language

Arabic is spoken in Egypt, although the vast majority of people we find close to the tourist circuit can attend us in English. Anyway, it wouldn’t be bad to know some words in your language, right?

Money

The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (E £). The change is normally around 21 EGP to the euro. ATMs are common in most of the countries, with the exception of remote areas or villages in the middle of the desert. It is convenient to get non-round figures and change the largest bills in the most expensive businesses to have small changes, which are usually scarce and are useful for taxis or tips.

Electricity

The sockets of Egypt are of type C, existing in most of world. The current is 220 V 50 Hz.

Internet

It is not difficult to find Wi-Fi in exchange for the use of the service in restaurants and hotels. If you want a full-time internet, you can purchase a rechargeable SIM card for your mobile or a USB for your computer.