Question 1

Why am I being advised to stay in a hotel close to the pyramids rather than in Downtown?

Accepted Answer

If you are only in Cairo for a few days it is a lot easier for you to see the sites starting from a base in Giza. The traffic from downtown to the pyramids can cause the journey to take over an hour, which means an early start if you want a full day’s experience, especially if you require to enter the Great Pyramid, when you have to be at the plateau before 0800. If you are in Cairo for a while, the Hotels at the Pyramids are all on a resort basis, built in acres of land with outdoor swimming pools and relaxing areas, something which Downtown hotels cannot really provide. This is why you tend to find that the Downtown hotels are built like towers; very tall and narrow, while Giza Pyramid hotels are limited in height, but cover more ground.

Cost also comes into the equation as a simple 4-star Hotel in the Downtown area is more than often more expensive than a 5-star resort in the Pyramids area. Cairo is like most major cities in the world in this regard as city center property is a lot more expensive. Though it may appear that Downtown hotels do afford the luxury of being able to wander around the area for shopping and restaurants, etc. most of the Pyramid hotels offer free shuttle buses to allow you to do the same, plus taxis are not expensive and will still work out cheaper in the end.

Question 2

Can I get a cruise from Cairo to Luxor/Aswan?

Accepted Answer

Though movies like “Death on the Nile” show people using this cruise, it has not been possible to cover this route since the late 1990s. Flight or train are the only ways to get from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan nowadays.

Question 3

How do I get my tourist visa?

Accepted Answer

Usually, you need to apply to your local Egyptian Embassy or Consulate-General for a pre-entry tourist visa but if you are from North America, Western Europe, Australia/New Zealand, Brazil/Argentina or Hong Kong/Japan/Macau/Malaysia or Singapore you can get your tourist visa upon arrival in Egypt.

Question 4

I am staying in a resort in Hurghada, can I visit Cairo or Luxor?

Accepted Answer

Though many nationalities are exempt from requiring a visa for staying in Hurghada, once you leave the confines of the town a full tourist visa is required.

Question 5

How should I dress for entering a mosque (male)?

Accepted Answer

The protocol does ask for men to wear long trousers as opposed to shorts, though Egyptians are used to the latter being worn and so say nothing, or little if it occurs.

Question 6

How should I dress for entering a mosque (female)?

Accepted Answer

The protocol does ask for women to cover bare skin as much as possible and so shoulders, especially, should be covered and a simple scarf will suffice. Again, it is advised to wear long trousers, or skirts, as legs should also be covered. Heads do not need to be covered, despite what some tourist books say, though it is a sign of respect if you do this.

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