Frequently Asked Questions
Egypt FAQs
Is Egypt safe?
The locals are friendly and welcoming to all tourists. Despite this, all members of the group should follow and respect the local customs and traditions, including wearing conservative clothing.
We will be also accompanied by a guard and, on occasion, the tourist police to ensure the constant safety of the group.
You will need to take Travel Insurance before departure. We also strongly recommend registering with Smart Traveller before heading overseas.
What should I wear?
Taking light breathable clothing that can be layered is ideal. Winter can be cold at night, so bring along a jacket. Summer is hot so wearing clothes made of natural fabrics, like cotton, will make the weather more bearable. Your clothing should not be revealing, too tight or expose your shoulders and long pants are ideal. It's also a great way to protect you from the sun! It is also advisable for men to wear trousers/ jeans rather than shorts as some of the sites we visit do have us climbing in confined spaces and up some ladders.
It is a good idea for ladies to bring a scarf so you can cover your head if and when needed.
How is the food?
The food is excellent! Egyptians love a good BBQ and have a wide range of sweets. Koshary is a traditional dish that can be found anywhere and is tasty and cheap.
The further away we are from major cities, like Cairo and Luxor, the food will become much more traditional with plenty of chicken, bread and ful on the menu.
As a woman, will I get harassed?
As a general rule, you won't be harassed if you respect the local customs and traditions. This means wearing conservative clothing, such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
If you aren't married consider wearing a cheap ring on your left ring finger as it's a good way to deter unwanted attention (should you receive it).
Stay with the group or at least another member of the group when we are outside of the hotels. Most of the unwanted attention is from locals who want you to buy good from them.
Is the internet reliable?
The internet is more reliable in bigger cities like Cairo and Luxor. For most of the trip though, you will find the internet is intermittent and may be slower than in Australia. So prepare to unplug for a while!
Will I get sick from the food?
You are unlikely to get sick from the meat, so long as it is cooked properly. A good rule of thumb is to avoid the salad! Vegetables and fresh fruit may not be washed as well as it is in Australia, so make sure it's cooked or if a fruit it is peeled. Dishes with tabouli should be passed over.