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| RED SEA :: TRAVEL BOX |
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Clothing
As with any foreign country, is important to respect different customs and cultures and be aware that your behavior may be a little different than the resident's. Considering Egypt is a Muslim country, realize that many of the locals may not be accustomed to the fashion of women outside of their culture.
You'll find in the major tourist cities of the Red Sea that dress is significantly more relaxed. After all, the Red Sea is a major destination for many European travelers.
If you are beach side you should feel free. However, If you have to visit any markets, government buildings, religious sites or hospitals you may want to consider what you are wearing. If you are on your way to Cairo, the more conservatively you dress the more comfortable you will feel.
Duty Free
The Duty Free shops in Egypt, especially in the Red Sea, have a limited amount of goods available. Don't save your shopping until the last minute or you may not find what you are looking for.
Upon your arrival to Egypt, you are allowed to purchase three bottles of alcohol, or two bottles and a case of beer and a carton of cigarettes within 24 hours.
Food Safety
It is not advisable to drink the tap water in Egypt. Fruits, vegetables and ice cubes are safe. However, some travelers may experience some stomach problems or even a cold from the drastic change in temperature. Dehydration is a common complaint; always drink lots of water!
Pharmacists in the major Red Sea cities are very knowledgeable and are usually tri-lingual. In most cases, they are familiar with common ailments.
Photos
In Egypt, it is illegal to take pictures of government buildings, military bases, border controls, bridges, canals, soldiers and police. Refrain and save yourself a hassle.
In general, it is not advisable to take pictures of veiled women. Women are covered to avoid attention. It is offensive to take a picture and it may cause you some trouble. Bedouin women may not want to be photographed as well. Always ask permission first and be sensitive!
Tipping
In many restaurants and bars a service charge is included in your bill. Make sure to check before you leave a tip. Keep in mind, a service charge may be included but may not go directly to your server.
If you are happy with the service, the added peace itself is worth a few extra pounds. Good service should be rewarded!
Bellman and hotel staff should be tipped according to the number of bags carried or the services provided. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers.
Useful Arabic Words
| Greetings |
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| Good morning = Sabaah el Kheir |
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Good evening = Masaa el Kheir |
| Good night = Tesbah ala Kheir |
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How are you? = Izzayyak? |
| I am fine, thanks = Ana kiwayyis, shukran |
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| General |
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| I don't speak Arabic = Ana mesh batkalem araby. |
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Do you speak English? = Enta betetkalem engleesy? |
| What? = Eih? |
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Where? = Fien? |
| Why? = Lieh? |
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When? = Emtah? |
| Who? = Mean? |
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How? = Ezzay? |
| Maybe = Yemkin |
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Possible = Mumkin |
| Not possible = Mesh mumkin |
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Thank you = Shukran |
| My name is .. = Esmy .. |
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What is your name? = Esmak Eih? |
| A bit Shewayah |
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Yesterday = Imbaarih |
| Today = Innaharda |
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Tomorrow = Bokra |
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| Taxi |
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| I want to go to = Awez arouh |
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Right = Yemeen |
| Left = Shemal |
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Straight ahead = Ala tool |
| Here = Hena |
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There = Henak |
| Wait = Estannah |
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| Shoppping |
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| How much = Bekam |
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Money = Felous |
| Expensive = Ghaali |
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Cheap = Rikhiis |
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| Places |
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| Airport = Mataar |
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Down town = West el balad |
| Hospital = Mostashfah |
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Clinic = Eiyadah |
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| At the Restaurant |
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| Water = Mayyah |
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Glass = Kobbayah |
| Knife = Sek-keana |
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Fork = Shokah |
| Napkin = Mandeel |
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Bathroom = Hammam |
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| Important Words & Phrases |
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| HELP = Elhaouny, Elnagda |
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Embassy = Sefara |
| I am from = ana min |
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Police = bolees |
| Boat = markeb |
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Visa
You can obtain a renewable 30-day visa upon arrival at any port of entry, except for Taba. If you come from Taba you will be granted a free 14-day residence permit that only allows you to go as far St Katherine and Sharm el Sheikh, but not to Ras Mohammed National Park.
If you plan to travel further than Sharm el Sheikh you must obtain a visa in Eilat. The Egyptian Consulate office in Eilat will process your visa. If you arrive at the consulate before 11:00 am you can receive your visa the same day. However, Israelis must wait seven days to obtain a visa.
New Egyptian Passport Law for German and Italian Citizens
If you are an Italian or German citizen arriving to Egypt through the airport, you do not need a passport if you bring your I.D. card. You can obtain upon arrival an Egyptian document valid for your entire stay.
Upon arrival to any Egyptian airport, go to the Immigration office with a passport photo and fill out your personal information, buy a visa stamp and you are ready to enter. Make sure to bring a passport photo. If you want to save time in the airport, you can also purchase an Egyptian visa stamp from your travel agent or Thomas Cook before you travel.
What to Bring
Obviously, you must bring your passport. Remember you will need to carry it with you at all times. If you are traveling between Red Sea cities or into a National Park, it is especially important to have your passport or you will not be able to enter.
In the summer months, the sun and the heat can be very intense. Most importantly make sure to bring a bathing suit, sunglasses, sunscreen, body lotion, cotton clothing and a hat. Bring a sarong - you will find a use for it!
Depending on your travel plans and the season, choose your shoes appropriately. If you are going to the desert, bring tennis shoes or hiking boots. If you are planning to be permanently attached to your beach chair-don't bother.
In the winter months, it is cool in the evenings and sometimes chilly during the days, especially if you are coming back from a dive. Bring a warm jacket, long pants, long shirts and closed shoes.
No matter what the season, if you intend to climb Mt. Sinai bring a long shirt, long pants, jacket and hiking boots.
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