Egypt
Egypt is a country of perpetual summer, abundant with historical ancient monuments. It is bordered to the north by the Mediterranean Sea and to the east by the Red Sea. The official language is Arabic. The official currency is the Egyptian pound. Dollars and euros are accepted for payment. You will need Egyptian currency for transactions in cafes, bars, and markets. Locals dislike large bills, so try to exchange for smaller denominations.
Seasonality of Recreation:
The beach season in Egypt lasts all year round. However, the optimal months are considered to be April-May and September-November. In spring, it is slightly cool; the air warms up to +28 degrees, but it gets cooler in the evenings and especially at night. The hottest period falls in July-August. The daytime temperature averages +35 degrees, but in some places, it can reach up to +60 degrees.
Visa Regime:
Visas are issued upon arrival in the country. Before going through passport control, you need to approach the window labeled “VISA” and purchase a visa for $25. The duration of stay is up to 30 days. Required documents include a passport (valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip), flight ticket, voucher, and insurance policy.
Etiquette and Country Specifics:
Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing to avoid making the locals uncomfortable. It is not recommended to swim or sunbathe topless, and drinking tap water is also not advisable. It is strictly prohibited to touch, break, or take corals and turtles out of the country. When swimming in the sea, try not to touch anything with your hands, as there are poisonous fish.
National Cuisine:
One of Egypt’s national dishes is Kushari, which combines pasta and rice, onions, garlic, lentils, and chickpeas. Another popular dish made from beans is Ful Medames. Kunafa is an Egyptian dessert made from thin pastry similar to vermicelli. It is recommended to try the soft white buffalo milk cheese called Gynemo Dumyat.
Interesting Places to Visit:
First and foremost, visit the Great Pyramids and Cairo. If you want to see the lifestyle of desert dwellers – Bedouins, ride camels and quad bikes or go on a desert safari. For underwater enthusiasts, a yacht excursion to Utopia Island, where you can snorkel and see the beauty of the underwater world, is a must. One of the popular excursions in Egypt is the ascent of Mount Sinai.
What to Bring Back:
A great gift would be a hookah and hookah tobacco. Purchase coffee with cardamom, and for tea lovers, hibiscus tea (karkade). When choosing papyrus, it’s advisable to buy it from a papyrus museum or factory. Good papyrus shops issue a special certificate confirming the authenticity of the product.
