Travel Tips

Useful Phrases

• The best times to visit Luxor and Aswan are winter, as temperatures in summer (July/August) are on average 40 oC.  Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are essentials year round.  Staying hydrated is very important as the heat in Luxor and Aswan is very dry, therefore, you may not notice you are becoming dehydrated.

• Tap water is not advisable to drink in Egypt, although it is safe to clean your teeth with it.  Bottled water is readily available and the local brands are inexpensive (avoid international brands as these are very overpriced).

• Tipping in Egypt is called ‘baksheesh’ and is expected from locals and foreigners alike.  1 or 2 Egyptian Pounds for a small service, such as carrying bags, is fine, 10% in restaurants is acceptable.

• When purchasing souvenirs expect to bargain, maintaining friendliness and being polite ensures the best results.  Always remember to decide in advance what you are actually willing to pay for the item, that way you can avoid feeling taken advantage of.  Most times the final price will be at least 50%-80% less than that of the initial asking price, if in doubt ask a member of staff or your guide for advice.

• Mosquitoes are scarce in Luxor and Aswan and malaria is not present.  However, bite cream is always handy to have.

• The recommended vaccinations for Egypt are diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio and hepatitis B.

• Electrical current is 220V and wall sockets are the round, two-pin European type.  A torch is also handy but not essential.

• For sightseeing comfortable clothes of natural fibers are reccommended.  A lightweight scarf is advisable for women for times they might want to cover up.  Remember that the locals are conservative, and while they are used to tourists, it is more respectful to avoid showing large amounts of bare skin.