Tips Every Visitor to Egypt Must Know

Visiting a new country can often be a hassle, particularly if it’s country as complex and as interesting as Egypt is. Known for its sunny beach side resorts and one-of-a-kind ancient monuments, here are 13 tips for visiting Egypt.

1. THE CURRENCY

In Egypt, one Egyptian pound is called ‘Genēh’ The Egyptian Arabic pronunciation: ɡeˈneː(h). The sign for a Genēh is: E, £ or in Arabic letters: ج.م In Egypt, the most frequently used abbreviation for an Egyptian pound is LE, which stands for livre égyptienne (French for Egyptian pound). ISO 4217 code: EGP

The word Genēh is derived from the British Guinea coin, which was the first English machine-struck gold coin. A Guinea coin had the same value of a Genēh as it was divided into 100 units.

An Egyptian Genēh.

2. ‘DO YOU SPEAK EGYPTIAN?’

How to say ‘No, Thank you’: “La’ shukran.” Egyptian hospitality knows no limits, when walking down the streets or on tourist sites, many locals, especially souvenir shop owners, will try to get tourists’ attention. ‘La shukran’ is a nice way to say I’m not interested. The Egyptian Arabic pronunciation: La’ SHUK-ran.

Meanings and pronunciations of Arabic words:

Good Morning: sa-baH il kheer

Good Bye: maa-el-sa-LAE-ma

Yes: EYE-wa

No: La’

Please to a man: min FAD-lak

Please to a woman: min FAD-lik

3.’TAXI!’

When taking a taxi, it is best if a visitor asks their travel agency or hotel concierge to call a taxi for them. Usually, hotels and travel agencies have certain assigned taxis they know and have worked with. Visitors should try and form a relationship with a certain taxi driver so that they always have a reliable form of transportation available.

4. KISSING ON CAIRO’S STREETS

Like with so many countries, acts of physical intimacy in public vary with respect to the culture and context; in Egypt, displays of intimacy in public are usually frowned upon. While Egypt prides itself on being a top tourist destination, it is still a conservative country. It is advised to keep a conservative attitude when in public.

5. THE TRAVELER’S COMPANION?

Most travelers who travel to Egypt come armed with travel books. Travel books can provide an interesting overview and perspective of destinations; however, they are not always helpful. Travel books can often be inaccurate. It is wiser to ask a friend who has visited or ask a travel agency. If none are available, logging onto travel forums and reading people’s blog posts about their experience while visiting Egypt, would provide a more realistic perspective of the country.

Many visitors rely on travel books when visiting foreign countries, however, travel books are not always helpful.

6. LET PEOPLE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE

When traveling alone or independent of a travel agency, let your hotel know where you are going. In case of an emergency, your hotel representatives will know where to look for you or contact you. Also, getting the exact address and phone number of both the place you are going to and your hotel will save you time and will ensure that you are transported to the exact location you wanted.

A nice dish to eat in Egypt is Kushari. Kushari consists of four different carbohydrates and is considered one of Egypt’s most popular street foods. You can find it everywhere. For a more comprehensive list of Middle Eastern foods you can eat in Egypt check out our 15 Mouth-Watering Middle Eastern Dishes.

7. CAIRO’S BUMPER CAR RIDES

Cairo traffic can be very hazardous at times. Cautiousness is advised when crossing streets and driving. For UK and Japanese travelers, be watchful when on the streets as you are used to drivers driving on the left. In Egypt, people drive on the right.

8. ‘HOW HOT IS IT OUTSIDE?’

Egypt’s weather can be very hot during summer days. Temperatures can rise to 37° C (99° F). Thus, visitors are advised to always keep a cold beverage with them. Dehydration is possible especially for visitors who are not used to hot weathers.

Temperatures in Egypt during the summer can be unbearable at times. Egypt’s coastlines provide ideal getaways for those looking to escape the daunting humid weather. Check out our7 Surreal Beach Getaways in Egypt.

The beautiful Marsa Matrouh.

9. EXCHANGE RATES

Ideally, visitors should carry most of their money in Egyptian pounds as they will use the Egyptian currency the most. Most souvenir shops, grocery stores and day to day expenses will require visitors to pay in Egyptian pounds. Paying in their own currency will be a possibility; however, in this case, the shop owner will be the one to decide the exchange rate. As a result, visitors may end up to paying more than is required of them.

10. DRESS LIKE INDIANA JONES

When visiting tourist sites, visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes. Some of Egypt’s must-see tourist destinations are on sandy surfaces or uneven grounds. In addition, visitors may be required to walk long distances. High heels and open-toe shoes are not ideal for some of these sites.

11. THE RISKS OF FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

As with most tourist sites, various monuments inside ancient sites have a “No Flash Photography” policy. Bright flash can be very damaging to monuments with paintings. Please be respectful of those rules as you may be asked to leave if you do not abide by them.

Egypt is full of ancient monuments and temples. Some of Egypt’s most beautifully decorated monuments is the valley of Kings. The valley of Kings consists of 63 chambers and tombs. The walls of the royal chambers and tombs are decorated with paintings portraying Egyptian mythology and ancient Egyptian funeral Rituals.

Inside the Valley of Kings. Photo: flickr/Jean-Pierre Dalbera

12. YOUR LOCAL COMPANION

In Egypt, there is an abundance of freelance tourist guides. If you are traveling alone or in a couple, a guide may approach you on a tourist site asking to ‘give you a tour’ of the place. Those tourist guides are not employed by the Egyptian government. You will be asked to pay them on their own terms, thus, they may be overpriced. In addition, they may not be as knowledgeable.

13. BEWARE: SCAMMERS

When arriving at the Giza Pyramids complex, you may be told that you cannot walk or drive to the pyramids and that you must take a horse or a camel instead. This is false. There have been cases in which foreigners have been told that they cannot drive or walk to the pyramids complex by local camel and horse operators. This is just a way for them to make profit.

One of the world’s seven wonders, and the oldest of the three Giza pyramids, the Khufu Pyramid, took more than 2 million blocks of stone and 20 years to build. Some of the stones used weigh more than two elephants.

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The Palace of Gold in the Heart of Cairo

The Palace of Prince Muhammad Ali is considered a masterpiece of Art. Inspired by the Moroccan and Islamic architectural design, the Palace is located in Al-Manial area in the heart of Cairo.

Established in 1901 with an estimated area of 61,711 square meters, the Palace is surrounded by walls that are reminiscent of a medieval fortress.

This golden gem had been closed since the 2011 revolution but was finally reopened in March 2015 after years of renovation. While it features a unique garden, a clock tower and a museum filled with the Prince’s private collections, only the Mosque, the Residence Hall and the Throne Hall are currently open to the public.

The Mosque’s ceiling.

Another ceiling inside the Mosque.

The Palace consist of five separate, uniquely styled buildings that reflect the wealth and lifestyle of the Prince in the late 19th Century.

The Residence Hall

Stairway to the second floor of the Residence Hall

A wall painting carrying the insignia of the Egyptian Kingdom.

Inside the Throne Hall

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Working previously as a manager in the banking industry abroad, Muhamad Nour is currently a free lance photographer based in Cairo, Egypt. Focusing on documenting the architectural heritage of Egypt generally, and Cairo specifically, Muhamad founded FORMA 

Photos.

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Top five stops on a Nile cruise

In-the-know travellers are seizing the opportunity to visit Egypt’s famous tombs and temples while there are no crowds – and the best way to do it is by following the mighty River Nile on a cruise.

On the Nile: this could be the view from your cabin window. Image by Peter Adams / The Image Bank / Getty

Taking a cruise on the Nile is a time-honoured way to explore Egypt. For centuries, travellers have sailed stretches of the world’s longest river, finding the unexpected sights of river life every bit as thrilling as the tombs and temples on the schedule.

Nothing is predictable here. One minute you might be admiring a lone fisherman rowing slowly home, oars cutting cleanly into the water. The next a couple of rogue teenagers have pulled their speedboat up against your cruise ship and are tossing bags of scarves – and a bit of cheeky banter – through your window in the hope of making a sale.

Sometimes on deck at dawn, the breeze feels fresh and clean and everything is wet, from the dewy handrails to shining green foliage on the riverbanks. On other mornings, all you can see are dry, yellow hills and the air is hot and heavy with dust.

Then there are the daily glimpses of men sitting on plastic chairs in the blazing sun, enjoying their morning tea and shisha pipes, bougainvillea flowers, sugarcane and wheat fields, family-run farms, mud huts, kids waving as the boats go by, an illuminated minaret in dusk light – this is the Egypt that’s not on the itinerary, but would be worth taking a cruise for alone.

But of course that's just the start of the experience. From the vivid artwork inside Valley of the Kings’ tombs to the perfectly carved hieroglyphics at Luxor Temple, all the key tour stops between Luxor and Aswan are within a short drive of the Nile’s banks.

A few years ago, these sights were constantly surrounded by busloads of tourists, but because of Egypt's political turmoil over the past few years, many are now all but deserted. There is a visible armed security presence, which some travellers may find disconcerting, but the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) considers it safe to travel through this stretch of the Nile (see below for more information).

In fact not only is it a valuable time to visit in terms of helping Egypt get back on its feet, but the lack of crowds at these epic monuments mean it's also incredibly rewarding. Here are just five of the best places to visit on a Nile cruise.

Pin this imageKarnak Temple. Image by Héctor de Pereda Photography / Moments / Getty

Temple of Karnak

Most cruises begin at Luxor, so one of your first ports of call is probably going to be Karnak Temple. And what a place to start. A forest of intricately carved pillars, obelisks, and walls, the sheer scale of this ancient temple complex gives a shivers-down-your-spine sense of timeless power. The main area was thought of as the earthly home of Egyptian sun god Amun-Re and the temple here is the largest religious building ever built.

Look out for: Symbolism

Ancient Egyptian artists were big on natural symbolism, and you’ll see examples of this in almost all the sites you visit. Karnak has some particularly intriguing examples – the 134 columns in the hyperstyle hall represent palm trees, the floor represents the River Nile, pylons symbolize mountains and the ceiling shows Egypt’s skies, full of stars at night.

Pin this imageTemple of Luxor. Image by W.Buss / De Agostini / De Agostini Picture Library / Getty

Temple of Luxor

The other major temple in Luxor is also primarily dedicated to Amun-Re, along with gods Mut and Khonsu (known as the Theban triad). At the entrance sit two enormous seated figures of Ramses II, one of the last pharaohs to have work done on this temple. One of the highlights of a visit to this temple is the chance to take a close look at the beautiful carvings of people clapping, beating drums, dancing and performing acrobatics, while boats are carried to the Nile under the shouted instructions of captains - the energy of these scenes practically bounces off the walls.

Look out for: Religious art

There’s evidence of four religions here, left behind from different eras in the site’s long history. The temple itself was dedicated to Ancient Egyptian gods. In one corner, there are the remains of frescos, belonging to the Roman Imperial cult. Islam is also represented, as Abu El-Haggag mosque sits on top of part of the temple’s ruins. Finally, Coptic Christians once had a church here, and the remains of some pillars can still be seen in the Temple of Montu.

Pin this imagePaintings inside a tomb at the Valley of the Kings. Image by Michele Falzone / AWL Images / Getty

Valley of the Kings

You’ve probably been reading about the tomb of boy pharaoh Tutankhamen and its stash of hidden treasures in the Valley of the Kings since your primary school days. Here’s your chance to see the actual chamber for yourself. You can also visit the recently-opened replica nearby, which was launched to mitigate some of the damage that mass tourism is doing to the original, and has been getting rave reviews for its detail and authentic feel. Move on to the grand chambers where Ramses IX, Ramses II, Merenptah and many more were buried, to admire the hieroglyphics and intriguing scenes carved into the walls.

Look out for: Vivid paintings

Many of the Ancient Egyptian temples in the region have just the smallest flecks of paintwork left, so it’s almost a shock to see how bright the paintings are inside the tombs, where they have been hidden from the sun for so many years. Bright paint was made from chalk, charcoal, ochre and malachite, mixed with eggwhite and gum, then brushed with honey bee wax to varnish and protect it. And protect it did: the birds, snakes, boats and many other symbols here are still in such popping shades of red, yellow, blue and white, they look as if they were daubed just yesterday.

Pin this imageTemple of Edfu. Image by Luis Davilla / photolibrary / Getty

Temple of Edfu

This huge temple in Edfu is dedicated to Horus, the Falcon God, and you’ll see the  image of a man with a falcon’s head representing him throughout the temple. Falcons were worshipped because they don’t eat dead flesh, so were considered noble. It’s one of the best preserved temples in Egypt, with antechambers and halls to explore, as well as the inner sanctuary, which still contains the polished-granite shrine that once housed the gold cult statue of Horus.

Look out for: The courtyard

Don’t be tempted to rush through the courtyard to get to the temple, as there’s so much to see here, particularly the wall carvings. Notice the sails of the boats, which are pictured rolled up if they face in the direction of the Nile's flow, and open in the other direction. Once, this space was the only part of the site members of the public were allowed visit. During the the day it was so bright outside that they couldn't see what was happening inside the temple, which only the privileged few had access to.

Pin this imageTemple of Kom Ombo. Image by Sachin Vijayan Photography / Moment / Getty

Kom Ombo

A Nile cruise just wouldn’t be complete without paying homage to the crocodiles. Do as the Ancient Egyptians did and pay your respects at Kom Ombo, a double temple which is devoted half to Horus, and half to crocodile god Sobek. This stretch of the river used to be infested with vicious crocs, preventing locals from using the water to wash or cook – this temple was a way of placating them.

Look out for: Doubling up

There’s two of everything from courts and halls to sanctuaries rooms in this temple to show one god wasn’t favoured more than the other.

Pin this imageSailing boats and a cruise ship on the Nile. Image by Bruno Morandi / The Image Bank / Getty

Travel safety: There are no FCO warnings against travelling through the stretch of the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, nor any of the stops mentioned in this article. However, it is always advisable to check the latest advice before travelling, at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt

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Best Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt 2016

Cairo is Calling

One of the most loved and fascinating historical periods is the ancient Egyptian era. None of us can get enough of the history behind the pharaohs and the mind-boggling engineering of the world-famous pyramids. Egypt sure was something thousands of years ago, and guess what? It still is! Cairo is the country’s capital, and you’ll find plenty of old and new to explore when visiting the Middle East’s largest city. Can you hear that? That’s right! Cairo is calling!

• Arab Music Festival: Egyptian music is wonderful on the ears. It’s haunting and melodic, and you’ll find yourself swept away as you hear it throughout Cairo. If you’re visiting the city in November, check out the Arab Music Festival at the Cairo Opera House. This festival takes Egyptian music and kicks it up a notch with Western melodies. Trust me: It’s a feast for the ears!
• Belly Dancing: The Egyptians take their belly dancing seriously, and many of the professional belly dancers are celebrities in Cairo. When visiting this amazing city, there are two types of dancing you should see: Sufi, which I’ll discuss further below, and belly dancing. You’ll find belly-dancing clubs in downtown Cairo, so sit back, order a drink, and enjoy the show!
• Cairo Market: Known to the locals as Khan el-Kalili, this open-air market is the biggest in the city, and it is definitely calling your name! Head to Cairo’s heart and spend hours (I’m talking hours) wandering the stalls of goods. You’re going to find everything from foods to jewelry to kitschy souvenirs for everyone on your list. Oh, and haggle! The merchants expect it!
• Camel Ride: Y’know, can everyone say they’ve ridden a camel? Nope, probably not, but you can if you take a camel ride while in Cairo. Sure, these critters are big and extremely stubborn, and no, I really wouldn’t want to make one mad, but they are fun and kind of scary to ride, and you really have to try it. Hang on tight and experience a horseback ride of a very different kind!
• Citadel: Officially called the Saladin Citadel of Cairo, this beautiful medieval complex rests on Mokattam Hill. The Citadel is rich in medieval Islamic history, and you’ll learn all you need to know about Egypt during medieval times by wandering through the historic mosques and museums that make up the Citadel. You’ll also be blown away by the view of Cairo below!
• Egyptian Museum: This is the premiere Egyptian museum in the world. You’ll find all you can digest of ancient Egyptian history and some amazing artifacts to boot! View the pure gold death mask of the most famous pharaoh of all, Tutankhamen, then read the book of the dead (unless you’ve seen The Mummy, of course, and are afraid to), and imagine you lived in ancient Egypt.
• El Sawy Culturewheel: The El Sawy Culturewheel is the place to be in Cairo for entertainment. Shows of all varieties are put on nightly at this venue in the Zamalek district. Whether you want to laugh at a local comedian or bang your head to some serious metal music, there’s something for everyone at Sawy, even educational programs for the kids!
• Fagnoon: Unleash your inner child, and let your kids do the same, by spending the day at Fagnoon Art School. What is Fagnoon? Only the coolest place in Cairo! Kids and adults get to go crazy with face and other painting, playing with clay, and just playing at this wonderful kid-friendly establishment. You can even take a picnic lunch and enjoy it there!
• Giza, the Great Pyramids: Okay, they’re not exactly in Cairo, but they’re pretty darn close and an obvious place to visit. You cannot visit Egypt without seeing the Great Pyramids, and these amazing feats of architecture are not only one of the Seven Wonders of the World but also a quick bus ride away. You can even go inside the Pyramid of Cheops and pretend you’re Indiana Jones!
• Giza, the Sphinx: Yeah, you have to see this, too! The Sphinx is actually further away from the Great Pyramids than it appears. Still, it’s a quick jaunt and worth every minute of the ride. This amazing carving is surrounded by temple ruins, also very much worth the visit. You’ve seen a ton of pictures, but you really do need to the Sphinx for real!
• Hot-Air Balloon: After you’ve seen the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx on foot, an even better way to enjoy them is from the air. One of the most fun things to do in Cairo (well in this case, just outside of Cairo) is to take a hot-air balloon ride over the Great Pyramids. Yes, you can do this, and it’s worth it… unless, of course, you’re terrified of heights!
• Kahwa El Borsa: This place is not for the little ones. You’ve heard of a hookah; well, the Egyptians call it a “shisha,” and many enjoy a nice smoke from one. Inside the water pipe is tobacco covered in molasses, and yes, you smoke it. The best place to kick back and enjoy a shisha? The café Kahwa El Borsa near Cairo’s Stock Exchange. Hey, when in Egypt…!
• Mokattam Hills: Cairo is very crowded and quite polluted, unfortunately, but you can still catch a glimpse of a beautiful Middle Eastern sunset from Mokattam Hill. You’re already up there to see the Citadel, so hang around until sunset time because you won’t believe the glorious colors the sun and smog create.
• Wikala of al-Ghuri: This venue is located near the Khan El Khalili market, and you’ll be blown away by the Sufi dancing performed nightly. You’ve heard of whirling dervishes, correct? Well, they’re the ones who perform Sufi dancing. Sit back and watch these people whirl around and around in their glorious colorful costumes. It’s really something to see!

When you hear Cairo calling, you must answer! This is an amazing city that offers its visitors so much more than just the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. You can shop, dance, eat, drink, and wander around some historic places dating back thousands of years all set within a modern environment that offers you all of the amenities you could possibly need. Cairo is calling, so pack your bags! I’m packing mine!

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The pyramids you never knew existed

While the pyramids of Egypt may be the most famous in the world, they're not the only pyramids in Northern Africa. Sudan happens to be home to its own set of incredibly impressive, ancient structures: the Meroe pyramids.

Meroe was the capital of the Kingdom of Kush, which was ruled by the Nubian kings. Up to 4,600 years old, the pyramids of Meroe were built in the what's known as Nubian style, marked by steep slopes and small bases.

These pyramids are not only striking. They're numerous -- about 200 strong, to be exact.According to Slate, "there are more pyramids in one small section of the northern Sudanese desert than there are in the whole of Egypt."

Like the pyramids of ancient Egypt, the Meroe pyramids were also built as tombs. The pyramids stood the test of time until the the 1880s, when Italian explorer Giussepe Ferlini destroyed the tops of many of the structures in search of treasure. While some of the pyramids have been restored, others remain effectively decapitated. Either way, they're still striking sights to behold.

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HOW THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS 

REALLY BUILT THE PYRAMIDS

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How the Ancient Egyptians Really Built the Pyramids

The ancient Egyptians who built the pyramids may have been able to move massive stone blocks across the desert by wetting the sand in front of a contraption built to pull the heavy objects, according to a new study.  O

Physicists at the University of Amsterdam investigated the forces needed to pull weighty objects on a giant sled over desert sand, and discovered that dampening the sand in front of the primitive device reduces friction on the sled, making it easier to operate. The findings help answer one of the most enduring historical mysteries: how the Egyptians were able to accomplish the seemingly impossible task of constructing the famous pyramids.

PHOTOS: New Pharaoh Found in Egypt

To make their discovery, the researchers picked up on clues from the ancient Egyptians themselves. A wall painting discovered in theancient tomb of Djehutihotep, which dates back to about 1900 B.C., depicts 172 men hauling an immense statue using ropes attached to a sledge. In the drawing, a person can be seen standing on the front of the sledge, pouring water over the sand, said study lead author Daniel Bonn, a physics professor at the University of Amsterdam. [Photos: Amazing Discoveries at Egypt's Giza Pyramids]

"Egyptologists thought it was a purely ceremonial act," Bonn told Live Science. "The question was: Why did they do it?"

Bonn and his colleagues constructed miniature sleds and experimented with pulling heavy objects through trays of sand.

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When the researchers dragged the sleds over dry sand, they noticed clumps would build up in front of the contraptions, requiring more force to pull them across.

Adding water to the sand, however, increased its stiffness, and the sleds were able to glide more easily across the surface. This is because droplets of water create bridges between the grains of sand, which helps them stick together, the scientists said. It is also the same reason why using wet sand to build a sandcastle is easier than using dry sand, Bonn said.

But, there is a delicate balance, the researchers found.

"If you use dry sand, it won't work as well, but if the sand is too wet, it won't work either," Bonn said. "There's an optimum stiffness."

Mummy Mystery: Multiple Tombs Hidden in Valley of Kings

The amount of water necessary depends on the type of sand, he added, but typically the optimal amount falls between 2 percent and 5 percent of the volume of sand.

"It turns out that wetting Egyptian desert sand can reduce the friction by quite a bit, which implies you need only half of the people to pull a sledge on wet sand, compared to dry sand," Bonn said.

The study, published April 29 in the journal Physical Review Letters, may explain how the ancient Egyptians constructed the pyramids, but the research also has modern-day applications, the scientists said. The findings could help researchers understand the behavior of other granular materials, such as asphalt, concrete or coal, which could lead to more efficient ways to transport these resources.

More from LiveScience:

• Image Gallery: Egypt's Valley of the Kings
• In Photos: Amazing Ruins of the Ancient World
• In Photos: Beautiful Pyramids of Sudan