Enjoyable trip to Egypt

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Sun sets on Cairo's minarets and medieval graves against the outline of modern buildings in the horizon

Laviinia Dhanagunan

For those thinking of going to Egypt to see its many wonders,  LAVIINIA DHANAGUNAN has tips to make your holiday a success

WITH a plethora of fascinating places to visit, like the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo, the Temple of Karnak in Luxor and the Temple of Isis in Philae, Egypt definitely ranks as one of the top 10 places in the world to visit. You can also take a leisure cruise on the River Nile.

Before entering the country, however, you need to apply for a visa. You can actually get one at the airport if your visit is shorter than 15 days. But if you plan to be there longer, apply for a visa from your local Egyptian embassy.

A three-month visa costs about RM70. All visitors in Egypt must register with the country´s immigration or police within seven days of arrival to avoid a fine upon departure.

Hotels and tour operators can help you do this, so make sure it´s the first thing you bring up with either the hotel or tour agent. Evidence of registration is a triangular stamp in the passport.

Friendly People

Egyptians are generally quite welcoming and accommodating. They will go out of their way to make you feel at home but one thing to keep in mind is that most Egyptians don´t understand the concept of “personal space”. So don´t be surprised to find them standing within inches of you when they speak to you.

If you do stop and make small talk with the locals, you will, more often than not, attract a crowd who will often discuss among themselves the correct answer to your query.

For Women Only

There are hardly any restrictions on foreign women though sometimes, you may find that ticket lines are segregated. Women should line up with other women, the bonus being that these lines are usually shorter.

If you get on a bus, the driver may want you to be seated in the front section with other women. On the metro lines, the first car is usually reserved for ladies.

In Egypt, it is generally safe for a woman to travel alone but she may receive unwanted attention in the rural areas. If that happens, she should seek help from the police or the nearest shopkeeper.

Police Help

In Egypt, there are three categories of policemen -- tourist, traffic and central security officers. How can you differentiate one from the other? Look at the uniform.

Tourist police officers wear green armbands and can be found in major tourist sites and hotels. Traffic police officers wear black and white uniforms in winter and white uniforms in summer. They can be found on most major street corners. Central security policemen wear black uniforms and can be found standing guard at embassies, hotels, and public buildings.

Other Things to Note

Although the chances of tourists encountering trouble are low, it´s best to observe simple precautions, just as you would when travelling anywhere in the world.

Don´t walk in deserted areas if you´re alone. Carry only essential items and don´t count your cash in public. Also, don´t accept invitations from strangers even if they seem innocent. Do not tip. This Western practice is not done in Egypt.

Do not offer tips to professionals, businessmen or those who would consider themselves your equals as you may seriously offend them.

When visiting a mosque, mausoleum and madrasa, remove your shoes. You can however, walk around in stockings. Women must cover bare arms and wear a hat (or a shawl).

Pack breathable materials like cotton, especially in the summer months, as you can literally bake in the sun if not properly attired. If you´re there in winter, wear layers that you can remove during the heat of the day and put back on for cool evenings.

Heat strokes are something that can happen if you wear the wrong clothes. In summer, loose, flowing garments are best for Egypt´s hot climate as not only do these keep you cool but they create a natural ventilation system. You should also use a hat to avoid from losing moisture and to prevent sunstroke.

Bring comfortable walking shoes as you will be walking around a lot. Often, the floors of temples are quite uneven so with sturdy shoes, you are unlikely to slip or catch your foot in a crevice.

Lastly, stay away from raw fruit and vegetables, and make sure you drink plenty of liquids. Bottled water is quite cheap and available everywhere.

Source : Travel Times, New Straits Times – 29 September 2009

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