What Should I Know Before I Go on a Pilgrimage to Egypt?

INTERNET

Most hotels in Egypt offer WiFi. Ask about the price, as some charge for the privilege. You can also find Internet access in manycafés, restaurants, and some public areas. Beware of accessing sensitive information on “public” WiFi (e.g., banking or health information).

PHONES

If you have a reasonably new cell phone and your service provider uses the world-standard 4G/5G (like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon), you can probably use your phone abroad. Please be sure to speak with your carrier about plans and services available when traveling. Many offer inexpensive international calling plans. IF YOU DO NOT SET UP AN INTERNATIONAL CALLING PLAN WITH YOUR CARRIER PRIOR TO TRAVELING, YOU MAY BE CHARGED EXORBITANTLY, OR YOUR PHONE MAY NOT WORK AT ALL.

For visitors with nothing to declare, clearing customs requires simply following the clearly marked line to the baggage claims hall. There are generally no lines, and customs inspectors rarely examine luggage. 

The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP).  Egypt is a moderately priced country compared to Western Europe, and less expensive than many of its Mediterranean neighbors. Prices tend to be cheaper in smaller towns. Many businesses will also accept US Dollars, and nearly all will accept Major Credit Cards (Visa and Mastercard, not American Express).

U.S. banks never have every foreign currency on hand, and it may take up to a week to order. If planning to exchange funds before leaving home, don’t wait until the last minute. You may also consider contacting AAA or a local currency converter if you like to carry cash.

CURRENCY CONVERSION (USD/EGP)

Google (www.google.com.)
Oanda.com (www.oanda.com/currency/converter.)
XE.com (www.xe.com.)

ATMS AND BANKS

ATMs are everywhere. Look for machines with stickers indicating they accept foreign credit cards, or PLUS, NYCE, or CIRRUS signs. All have instructions in English. Almost all ATMs now have protective shields around the keypad to prevent anyone from seeing your PIN. Your guide can point out the best places for cash if needed.

With a debit card, the ATM gives you the desired amount of EGP, and your home account is debited at the current exchange rate. Note that there may be a limit on how much you can withdraw each day, and that service charges are usually applied. Make sure you have enough cash in rural areas, villages, and small towns where ATMs may be harder to find.

Your own bank probably charges a fee for using ATMs abroad, but some apply no foreign transaction fees. The foreign bank you use may also charge a fee. Nevertheless, you usually get a better rate of exchange at an ATM than in a bank. Extracting funds as you need is a safer option than carrying around a large amount of cash.

PIN codes with more than four digits aren’t recognized at ATMs in Egypt. If yours has five or more, remember to change it before you leave.

CREDIT CARDS

It’s a good idea to inform your credit-card company before you travel, especially if going abroad and not traveling internationally often. Otherwise, the credit-card company might put a hold on your card owing to unusual activity. Keep all your credit-card numbers and phone numbers to call if your cards are lost or stolen in a safe place. Both MasterCard and Visa have general numbers you can call (collect if you’re abroad) if your card is lost.

All hotels, restaurants, and shops accept major credit cards. Plastic is also accepted at banks for cash advances. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. Most credit cards offer additional services, such as emergency assistance and insurance. Call and find out what additional coverage you have.

Egypt offers a one-time entry visa upon arrival for USA and Canadian citizens. To obtain this Visa, our ground partner must meet you at the airport upon arrival. If you arrive apart from the group flight and want us to issue the visa, there will be a “meet and greet/transfer” fee added to your invoice. The visa is a single-entry visa, valid for 30 days or until you depart, whichever happens first. Visa fees must be paid in US dollars when required. Most Select International Tours trips to Egypt include the visa fees for those arriving with the group. See the inclusions and exclusions in the brochure.

EMBASSIES

U.S. Embassy (5 Tawfik Diab St., Garden City, Cairo, Egypt +20-2-2797-3300. eg.usembassy.gov.)

Public restrooms are available in Egypt. Please be aware that you may be required to pay for toilet paper, where available. We suggest keeping some in your bag, along with hand sanitizer and several $1 bills for tipping attendants. Guides will often point out the “temple of relief,” aka the restroom. 🙂

Water

Tipping is prevalent and expected in Egypt. However, $1 goes a long way. Be prepared to tip restroom attendants, taxi drivers, waitstaff, hotel and restaurant staff, etc.. We suggest keeping smaller bills aside for tipping and keeping larger bills safely hidden in a money belt or zippered pocket. Pickpockets frequent tourist destinations and look for tippers. Keep control of your belongings to avoid becoming a target.