Frequently Asked Questions

Egypt experiences two seasons: winter, from November to April, with average temperatures ranging from 60 to 80°F, and summer, from May to October, with average temperatures of 80 to 90°F. In March and April, there might be some sand storms. Throughout the year, the temperature variation between day and night is noticeable. In December to February, highs are in the mid to low 60s, dropping as low as 48°F at night. From March to November, highs reach the upper 60s to low 70s, with nighttime lows in the mid 50s. From April to October, highs are in the 70s to 80s, and nighttime lows are in the mid-50s to mid-60s. From May to September, average highs are in the low 90s, and nighttime lows range from high 50s to mid 60s.

When traveling through Egypt, you will be accompanied by dedicated professionals who aim to make your tour a memorable one. They take great pride in showing foreign visitors their country. If you are satisfied with the service provided by your guide, driver, and other associates during your tour, we suggest that you consider leaving a tip as a gesture of appreciation. Tipping: is a personal and optional matter, and if you were not satisfied with the service, please adjust your tip accordingly.

You will have ample opportunity during your visit to Egypt to shop for souvenirs, including artwork, handicrafts and even jewelry. If you purchase such items, do so with the understanding that these items may not have the same high value you were led to believe. A good rule of thumb when shopping abroad is to choose items that you love and that will remind you of the destination. If you want to shop for high value items, better do so from a trusted merchant at home unless the pleasure of the happy memory of your trip will keep you from regretting your purchase. * While we take great care in arranging the components of your tour, we have no relationship with the shopping venues you’ll encounter, and we cannot be liable for any purchases you make. Your guides will no doubt have some favorite shopping places, where the vendors are known, provide good quality merchandise and probably pay some sort of commission from sales to the guide. This should not surprise or offend you, as this is how business is done throughout the Middle East and other regions around the world. Please keep in mind that many, if not most stores outside the U.S., will not allow exchanges or refunds for your purchased items.

Bargaining is a way of life in the Middle East. If you want to purchase something, whether in a shop or a souk (or bazaar) and you think the price you’ve been quoted is too high, thank the vendor and walk away. Generally, he/she will come after you with a lower price. It is usually considered good bargaining policy to offer half the asking price, and negotiate from there. Negotiations should be done in a respectful way.

The fixed deposit amount is 25% of the tours total price Except for Egypt Christmas tours, new years and other peak seasons where the deposit goes up to 50%.

Egyptian banks and money-changers accept U.S. dollars, Euros and Canadian Dollars. Exchange small bills and note that the local currency is the Egyptian Pound.

Your Tour Director can recommend restaurants, with an average cost of $25-35 per person for a hotel dinner (excluding drinks). Restaurants outside the hotel may be cheaper.

You must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after your travel date, with at least one blank page. For U.S. passport holders, a tourist visa is required and may be obtained upon arrival in Cairo for $25 USD. Please be advised that obtaining the necessary travel documents before the trip is your responsibility.

Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10-14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact Expedition Egypt at Info@expeditionegypt.com +16153372658

Each passenger is allowed one checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Check with the airline for weight and size restrictions. Pack wisely, considering climate and comfort.

Generally, check-in at hotels is not before 4:00 PM and check-out is prior to 12:00 PM. If arriving early or departing late, hotels usually allow travelers to store their luggage in the luggage room.

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound. Hotels and some stores accept credit cards Visa or MasterCard only. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency or U.S. Dollars. Hotels, banks and foreign exchange bureaus will be able to exchange cash to local currency. We highly recommend that you bring along crisp, new bills. Old, torn, crumpled bills may not be accepted. Be sure to call your credit card providers to let them know you will be traveling abroad, the places you’ll be visiting and the dates of your trip. This is important for your own protection. For small purchases, we recommend that you use the ATM machines to get cash in local currency so that you can avoid using your credit card in unknown shops where there is a higher risk of having your credit card numbers “borrowed” for unauthorized purchases. Traveler’s checks are no longer widely accepted, so there is no need to bring them with you. * Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling.

Photography is generally allowed, with the exception of certain areas such as airports and military bases. Cameras and video recording equipment are also allowed. Digital memory cards for cameras can be found in major cities.

Currently, immunizations are not required, but we recommend that you consult with your personal physician, local public health authorities, or the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for their suggestions.

The walkways around many Egyptian ruins can be uneven, dusty and rocky, so be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. At large sites such as Valley of the Kings, you can also expect to be walking in the elements for most of the day, so sun adequate sun protection is essential. Some cruise ship on the Nile River, in Egypt may not have lifts. You may need to climb stairs with your luggage to reach your room for the night. Temperatures in the Egypt can be extreme, ranging from very hot to very cold, depending on the season – it can even snow in some places like Sinai around Moses Mountain in Saint Catherine’s monastery! Layers will come in handy for sun protection as well as warmth. Overnight train journeys are a fast way to cross long distances, better for the environment and a great travel experience. You will share two-berth air-conditioned cabins, with all bedding provided and western style toilets.