Egypt travel tips
Egypt travel tips: Cradle of ancient civilization, boasts pyramids, the Nile, and rich history. Vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and archaeological wonders.
Governorates 🌎
Egypt travel tips. Here is a list of all the governorates of the Egypt.
Alexandria
Aswan
Asyut
Beheira
Beni Suef
Cairo
Dakahlia
Damietta
Faiyum
Gharbia
Giza
Ismailia
Kafr El Sheikh
Luxor
Matrouh
Minya
Monufia
New Valley
North Sinai
Port Said
Qalyubia
Qena
Red Sea
Sharqia
Sohag
South Sinai
Suez
Before you go 🛩
Important information you should know before your trip
Info
Capital | Cairo
Flag Codes:
ISO alpha-2 EG,
ISO alpha-3 EGY
Currency
Badge | Egyptian Pound
CODE | EGP
NUMBER | 818
SYMBOL | £, ج.م
FRACTION | piastra
Mobile Coverage
Dialing Code | +20
SIM Card
Coverage | 3G / 4G / 5G |
Mobile Networks | Etisalat Mobile | Orange Mobile | Vodafone Mobile | WE |
Location
Egypt, officially known as the Arab Republic of Egypt, is located in northeastern Africa and has a small part of its territory situated in the Middle East. It is a transcontinental country, meaning it spans two continents: Africa and Asia. Here are some key geographic details:
Continent: Egypt is located primarily in northeastern Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula in the northeastern part of the country connecting it to the Asian continent.
Bordered Countries: Egypt shares its borders with several countries, including Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, and Israel and the Gaza Strip to the northeast.
Coastline: Egypt has a long Mediterranean coastline to the north and a Red Sea coastline to the east. The northern coast borders the Mediterranean Sea, while the eastern coast faces the Red Sea, which is an important maritime route.
Desert Regions: Much of Egypt’s land area consists of arid desert regions, with the Sahara Desert to the west and the Arabian Desert to the east. These deserts make up the vast majority of Egypt’s landmass.
Sinai Peninsula: The Sinai Peninsula is a triangular piece of land located to the northeast of the main part of Egypt. It connects Africa to Asia and is known for its mountainous terrain and resorts along the Red Sea.
Islands: Egypt includes several islands in the Red Sea, including the popular tourist destinations of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada.
Currency
The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound, often represented by the symbol “EGP” and abbreviated as “LE” (short for “livre égyptienne” in French). The Egyptian Pound is further divided into smaller units called piastres (or qirsh). Banknotes and coins are used for everyday transactions in Egypt, with various denominations available for different values. Please note that exchange rates can fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to check the current rates if you plan to travel to or engage in financial transactions involving Egyptian currency.
Languages
The official language of Egypt is Modern Standard Arabic. Arabic is the primary language spoken by the majority of the population and is used in government, education, media, and formal communication. However, Egypt also has several regional dialects of Arabic, with Egyptian Arabic (Masri) being the most widely spoken dialect in everyday conversation.
In addition to Arabic, English is commonly used in business, tourism, and as a second language for many Egyptians. French is also taught in schools and used in some business and diplomatic contexts. These languages, along with other foreign languages, are spoken by a minority of the population, but they are important for international communication in Egypt.
Climate 🌡
Egypt’s climate is primarily desert, characterized by hot and dry conditions with very little rainfall. The climate can be divided into two main seasons: a hot and dry summer and a mild winter. Here’s a breakdown of Egypt’s climate:
Summer (May to September): During the summer months, Egypt experiences extremely hot and arid conditions, especially in the inland areas and deserts. Temperatures in the Nile Valley and Nile Delta can soar, often exceeding 40°C (104°F) or even higher in some parts. The desert regions, including the Western Desert and the Sahara, can be even hotter. Rainfall is virtually non-existent during this season.
Winter (October to April): The winter months offer a more comfortable climate, with milder temperatures. Daytime temperatures in the Nile Valley and Delta range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it a more pleasant time to visit for many travelers. The desert regions are also cooler during this season. While Egypt remains generally dry during the winter, some areas may experience sporadic rainfall, particularly in the northern coastal regions.
Coastal Areas: Egypt’s Mediterranean coast experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Coastal cities like Alexandria and Port Said have more moderate temperature fluctuations throughout the year compared to the interior of the country.
Sinai Peninsula: The Sinai Peninsula, including popular tourist destinations like Sharm El Sheikh, has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Due to its location along the Red Sea, coastal areas of the Sinai Peninsula have warm waters year-round, making it a popular destination for beachgoers.
Egypt travel tips
If you’re planning a trip to Egypt, here are some travel tips to enhance your experience:
Camel Rides:
Enjoy a camel ride for a unique experience, especially in desert areas like the Sinai Peninsula.
Cultural Respect:
Respect local customs, particularly in religious sites. Dress modestly and seek permission before taking photos of people.
Health Precautions:
Drink bottled water, eat at reputable establishments, and consider vaccinations before travel. Carry necessary medications and travel insurance.
Red Sea Resorts:
Explore beach destinations like Sharm El Sheikh for water activities and relaxation.
Transportation:
Use reputable transportation options. Consider guided tours, and negotiate taxi fares in advance. View Guide.
Nile Cruises
Experience a Nile cruise for a unique perspective of ancient landmarks and scenic landscapes.
Festivals:
Check the calendar for local festivals, such as Ramadan. Respect customs and be mindful of any travel restrictions.
Enjoy your time in Egypt!
The best of the best
Egyptian cuisine is rich and diverse, with a long history dating back thousands of years. It has been influenced by various cultures and regions over time, including Arab, Mediterranean, and North African cuisines.
Ful Medames
A popular breakfast dish, ful medames consists of mashed fava beans seasoned with ingredients like olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and various spices.
Koshari
Koshari is a hearty and filling dish made with rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions.
Molokhia
Molokhia is a green, leafy vegetable stew made with jute leaves and flavored with garlic, coriander, and sometimes chicken or rabbit. It’s typically served over rice or with bread.
Here are some typical foods and dishes you can find in Egypt:
Shawarma: Shawarma is a popular street food in Egypt, consisting of seasoned and thinly sliced meat (usually beef or chicken) that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It’s typically served in pita bread with tahini sauce, vegetables, and pickles.
Mahshi: Mahshi refers to stuffed vegetables, which can include items like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplants. The filling is often a mixture of rice, herbs, and ground meat, cooked in a tomato-based sauce.
Ta’ameya (Falafel): Ta’ameya is a deep-fried patty made from ground fava beans or chickpeas, mixed with herbs and spices. It’s typically served in pita bread with tahini sauce and vegetables.
Roz Bel Laban: This is a popular dessert in Egypt, consisting of rice pudding flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, garnished with nuts and sometimes rosewater.
Baklava: Baklava is a sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. It’s a favorite dessert for special occasions.
Aish Baladi: Aish baladi, or Egyptian flatbread, is a staple in Egyptian cuisine. It’s a round, whole wheat flatbread that is often used as an accompaniment to many dishes.
Hawawshi: Hawawshi is a popular street food made by stuffing pita bread with a spiced minced meat mixture and grilling it until crispy.
Egyptian cuisine often combines a variety of flavors, including the use of spices like cumin, coriander, and garlic. It offers a diverse range of dishes that cater to different tastes, whether you prefer meat-based dishes, vegetarian options, or sweet treats.
Transportation 🚥
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Useful Links ✅
