Pre-Trip Checklist: Abu Simbel

Chronological Planning Timeline

Detailed steps for a smooth journey.

Milestones

Follow this timeline for optimal readiness.

+ Months Before

Passport Validity

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond departure.

Visa Application

Determine requirements and apply for an e-Visa via Visa2egypt.gov.eg.

Flight & Cruise Bookings

Secure international flights and Nile Cruise if desired for better prices.

Month Before

Health Consultation

Consult doctor for vaccinations and prescriptions. Travel insurance via World Nomads.

Accommodation & Tours

Reserve hotels in Aswan and other cities. Book Abu Simbel day trip.

Domestic Travel

Book domestic flights/trains within Egypt. Begin packing list.

Week Before

Confirmations & Copies

Re-confirm all bookings. Create digital and physical copies of documents.

Bank Notification

Inform your bank of travel dates to avoid card suspensions.

Digital Downloads & Transfers

Download offline maps/translation packs. Arrange airport transfers.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure these items early.

Useful Reservations

Flights: International and domestic flights within Egypt.
Visa: Obtain pre-arranged visa or e-Visa before departure.
Abu Simbel Day Tour: Essential for bus convoys from Aswan.
Nile Cruise: Confirm if part of your itinerary.

Home Preparations & Research

Final steps before you depart.

Pre-Trip Research

Egyptian History: Read about Ramses II and Nubian temples for richer visits.
Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with dress codes and etiquette.
Travel Advisories: Review current government advisories for safety updates.
Home Security: Share itinerary with contacts, arrange mail/pets, secure your home.

Cultural Etiquette

Understand local customs for respectful interactions.

Tipping Baksheesh

Expected for many services.
Have small notes ready.
Part of daily life.
Appreciated for good service.

Personal Space

Generally less defined than in Western cultures.
Do not be surprised if people stand closer.
Common in crowded areas.
Accept with openness.

Hand Gestures

Be mindful, some have different meanings or offense.
"Thumbs up" can be interpreted as rude.
Observe local non-verbal communication.
Learn common greetings.

Important Reminder

Always communicate specific needs clearly with tour operators and hotels regarding accessibility. Consider specialized accessible travel companies.

Arrival Checklist

The first few hours upon arrival make a difference for settling in and starting your trip smoothly.

Initial Steps

1
Obtain Visa on Arrival (if applicable):
Purchase sticker from bank kiosk before immigration.
2
Clear Immigration:
Present passport, visa, and completed arrival card to the officer.
3
Collect Luggage:
Retrieve your checked baggage.

Immediate Needs

Currency Exchange or ATM:
Get Egyptian Pounds for immediate expenses. Better rates often found in city centers.
Purchase Local SIM Card:
If you have an unlocked phone, purchase a local SIM card for mobile data and calls.
Arrange Transport to Accommodation:
Use pre-arranged transfers, licensed airport taxis, or ride-sharing apps (Uber/Careem).

Settling In

Orientation Strategy

Locate nearby services like ATMs, pharmacies, and reputable restaurants.

Familiarize yourself with the immediate surroundings of your hotel.

Initial Purchases

Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport for immediate needs.

Immediately purchase bottled water upon arrival.

Safe Transport

Use reliable transportation. Look for pre-arranged transfers or official airport taxis.

Avoid unofficial touts.

Travel Advice

Always agree on taxi fares beforehand to avoid disputes. Ride-sharing apps offer fixed fares.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for a smooth departure from Egypt with these final steps.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Allow time for last-minute souvenir shopping.
Understand shipping processes and costs for larger items.
Check customs regulations for your home country (e.g., antiquities).
Egypt does not have a formal VAT refund system for tourists.

Timing & Documents

International Flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure.
Domestic Flights/Trains/Buses: Arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before departure.
Documents: All travel documents (passport, boarding pass) should be accessible.
Flight Status: Confirm your flight status before heading to the airport.

Luggage & Baggage

Prepare your belongings and finances.

Packing and Baggage

Pack according to your airline's baggage rules.
Check weight and size limits to avoid extra fees.
Reconfirm airline specific policies.
Organize belongings for efficient security check.

Financial Wrap-up

Spend Local Currency: Use any remaining small denominations of Egyptian Pounds.
Convert Leftovers: Convert remaining currency back to your home currency if desired.
Airport Exchange: Some airports offer currency exchange on departure.
Final Budget Check: Review your expenses for the trip.

Departure Tip

Having digital and physical copies of your travel documents stored separately can speed up processes if originals are lost.

Consider purchasing carbon offsets for international flights.

Pre-Trip Checklist