Visa Requirement
Money
Voltage
Time
Health Requirements
Customs
What to pack
Cost of living
Food, glorious food
Alcohol
Shopping

Visa Requirement:
All visitors to Egypt require visas. Contrary to popular belief, the embassy of Egypt advises all travellers to procure their visa prior to entry into Egypt. It still remains possible for nationals of some countries to procure their tourist visa upon arrival to Cairo International Airport.
In the event of visa refusal at port of entry GEM will not be held responsible for passangers not holding current or correct visas.

Money:
You will need to bring sufficient funds to cover meals that aren't included, entrance fees (if not included in your package), souvenirs and sundry extras. It is difficult to recommend a level of personal spending money, which will suit everyone, as this can differ so widly. As a guideline, we would suggest somewhere in the visinity of $SD15-$USD25.00 per day take more if you plan on doing a spot of shopping!

Voltage:
220 Volts. Sockets are of the European, 2 pronged variety. If taking a hairdryer of camcorder, be sure to pack a power adaptor.

Time:
Daylight savings is from April to September where the clock go forward 1 hour in summer time.

Health Requirements:
Its recomended that you be vaccinated for Tetanus and polio, If you haven't had a booster in the last ten years, food and waterborne diseases are more common, we also recommend vaccinations for typhoid (valid 3 years) and Hepatitis A (validity varies). Additionally, we recommend you be vaccinated for Meningitis due to recent a report that has indicated its presence. Finally, pack some aspirin for digestion prior to your flight. This may help to ward off DVT. please seek up to date medical advise from a health care provider for information on vaccinations.

Customs:
You may bring in the modest amount of anything for personal use, except, obviously, illicit drugs, weopons and items of an abscene or subversive nature. Up to one liter alcohol, 200 cigarettes and a reasonable quantity of perfume is permitted. In addition, you may purchase another three liters of alcohol upon arrival at Cairo International Airport or within the first 24 hours from any of the duty free shops in Cairo. Duty free upon departure offers shoppers a reasonable range of spirits, cigarettes, perfumes, and gifts. Alcohol and cigarettes are cheaper than all European Duty free prices.

What to pack:
Although not exhaustive, Information regarding what to bring is printed in our Egypt A to Z guide supplied on the Web site. There is very little that you might need that you won't be able to find In Egypt, Though the choice may be more limited. participants on tours that include a 2-night Nile felucca cruise require a sleeping bag.

Cost of living:
By international (and certainly British Delete words) standards, Egypt represents good value for money, particulary for travelers carrying Pound Sterling and $US Dollars. (and visiting from the UK.delete words) Eating and drinking is considerably cheaper and you are able to eat well for less than USD$ 15 a day . Bottled mineral water is widely available at around 60 cents a bottle. See 'alcohol' for details regarding alcoholic beverages.

Food, glorious food:
Egyptian cuisine is similar to some of the cuisines found in Turke, Syria and other Middle Eastern countries. The basic stable diet centers on pulses - fuul medames( fava beans) and ta'amiyya (chickpea patties). These tend to be the centerpiece of a meal that will normally include salads, seasoned vegetables and meats. Homous and other yoghurt based dips, coupled with fresh pita, schwarma (similar to a Turkish doner kebab), kofta(a skewered spiced meat dish) and ffteer ???? (What is this)(a kind of pizza) are other popular dishes. The lunchtime bargain has to be koshari, though, a curious mix of noodles, rice, lentils, fried onion and spicy sauce. It's very tasty and exceedingly cheap at less than 50 pencel Exotic-Juices freshly squeezed from the fruits of Mango, Guava and other seasonal varieties are also widely available, as is fresh fruit.

Alcohol:
Brewed and bottled in Cairo for more than 100 years is the local brew. At less than 95 cents a bottle, Its palatable and widely available. Locally produced Red and White wine has improved over the last few years and can be purchased throughout all major cities. Give bootleg hard liquor a wide berth, and stick to your duty free quota. Mixers such as cola, lemonade and juices are available everywhere.

Shopping:
This is a virtual Aladdin's Cave. Khan al-Khalill bazaar in Cairo is cavernous and full of unusual and everyday objects. souks and bazaars abound in other towns,too, Top buys include perfume concentrate, carpets and rugs in innumerable hand-loomed designs, backgammon boards,hand-crafted sheesha pipes, pharonic objects fashioned in marble and alabaster, Egyptian cotton sheets, clothing and ofcourse, authentic papyrus.