Luxor Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication Options

Staying connected in Luxor has no issues. Local SIM cards and internet service are readily available.

Connectivity

Area SIM cards from Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat.
Hotels and some cafes offer Wi-Fi.
eSIMs from Airalo or portable Wi-Fi from Solis Wi-Fi for reliable internet.

Language & Translation

Arabic is the official language. English finds wide usage in tourist areas.

Translation Tools

English is common in tourist areas.
Google Translate is a valuable tool, download Arabic offline pack.
Consider Rosetta Stone for language learning.

Essential Arabic Phrases

Learning a few basic Arabic phrases makes a positive difference and fosters good interactions.

Simple Greetings & Requests

Hello: Ahlan (or Salam alaikum)
Thank you: Shukran / Please: Min fadlak (m), Min fadlik (f)
Yes: Naam (formal) / Aywa (informal) / No: La'a

Practical Transactions

Knowing a few phrases for purchases and general necessities is beneficial.

Shopping & Dining

How much?: Bikam?
Water: Mayya
Delicious: Lazeez / No, thank you: La'a, shukran

Business Hours & Banking

Typical Operating Hours

Banks: Sunday-Thursday, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM.
Shops: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (or later), often with afternoon break.
Restaurants: Lunch from 12/1 PM, dinner until TEN/11 PM.
Tourist Sites: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM (winter), 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (summer).

Financial Access & Holidays

ATMs: Widely available in city center, hotels, airport.
Friday: Main day of rest, some businesses close for prayers.
Ramadan: Reduced business hours, discretion for eating/drinking.
Eid-Fitr & Eid al-Adha: Major Muslim holidays, banks and government offices close.

Airport & Flight Services

For airport lounge access, consider Priority Pass. For flight compensation due to delays or cancellations, Compensair provides assistance.

Etiquette & Accessibility

Guidelines for cultural interactions and information on accessibility for travelers.

Greeting Customs

Handshakes are common between men. Women may offer a hand to other women. Wait for opposite sex to initiate.

Photography Ethics

Always get consent before taking pictures of people, most notably women and children. Avoid military sites.

Taboos & Sensitivities

Avoid public displays of affection. Do not discuss religion or politics unless initiated by locals you have knowledge of well.

Appropriate Attire

Modest dress dressing modestly is suitable for temples, mosques, and general public areas as a sign of respect.

Dress Code

Shoulders and knees covered for both men and women.
Women: Carry a headscarf for mosque visits.
General public areas: Modest dress.

Dining & Tipping

Tipping norms are present. Bargaining in markets is a cultural expectation.

Practices

Bargaining is a norm in markets, approach respectfully.
Carry small denominations of cash and coins for tips and minor purchases.

Accessibility in Luxor

Infrastructure & Challenges

Basic facilities for mobility challenges.
Uneven or non-existent sidewalks.
Ramps and accessible restrooms are rare outside high-high-end accommodations.

Site & Transport Considerations

Valley of the Kings: Uneven terrain, steep steps in tombs.
Temples: Uneven ground, steps, broken pavement.
Transportation: Public transport lacks accessibility; taxis offer flexibility.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Notes

Women you may find more attention; ignoring catcalls often serves best. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples are not tolerated and may result in legal issues, discretion is strongly advised.

Religious & Special Holidays

Be aware of sacred and public holidays that impact services and local customs.

Islamic Observances

Friday is the main day of rest, with many businesses closing for prayers.

Dates & Practices

Friday: Businesses may close for prayers, reopening in the afternoon.
Ramadan: Holy month of fasting; reduced business hours, discretion for eating/drinking.
Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha: Major Islamic holidays; banks and government offices close.

Other Holidays

Coptic Christian holidays have a lesser impact on general tourism. Public vacations might also affect services.

Public & Coptic Dates

Coptic Christian holidays: Minimal impact on tourism.
Public holidays (e.g., Revolution Day): May affect bank and government offices.
Seasonal closures: Smaller tours may have limited availability in low season (summer).

Religious Site Conduct

Visit Guidelines

Remove shoes before entering mosques.
Women: Dress very modestly, covering your head.
Remain quiet and respectful inside.

Photography Guidelines

Specific rules exist for photography at various areas and of individuals.

Photo Restrictions

Ask permission before photographing people.
Flash photography is generally forbidden.
Do not photograph military installations or police.

Accessibility Challenges

Mobility Limitations

Uneven terrain and steep flights of stairs at sites.
Sidewalks are often uneven or absent.
Accessible restrooms are rare outside modern hotels.

Support for Impairments

Limited specialized services for visual impairments.
Limited specialized services for hearing impairments.
Consider travel with a companion or organized tour.

Site Accessibility Notes

Valley of the Kings

Uneven terrain.
Steep steps for tomb descent.
Taf-taf train is somewhat accessible.

Karnak & Luxor Temples

Large, open courtyards navigable.
Many areas showcase uneven ground.
Steps and broken pavement are common.

Local Currency Tips

Have small bills and coins for tips and minor purchases. This avoids issues with vendors claiming no change for larger notes.

Further Considerations for Your Visit

Detailed advice on various practical aspects to enhance your Luxor experience.

Sim Card & Wi-Fi Details

Local SIM cards provide affordable data. Hotel Wi-Fi varies in quality.

Connectivity Facts

Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, Etisalat Misr are main providers.
Passport required for SIM registration.
Mobile data often provides the most trustworthy connection.

Language Aids

English is common in tourist sectors, but a translation app is beneficial.

Communication Tools

English is common in major attractions.
Translation apps help in local districts.
Download Arabic language packs for offline use.

Holidays & Cultural Impact

Religious holidays affect business hours. Respect local customs during these times.

Cultural Awareness

Ramadan means some restaurants open after sundown.
Eating, drinking, and smoking discreetly during fasting hours.
Tourist services generally run during Eid, but may be busier.

Personal Conduct

Observing local social norms makes for a smoother visit.

Social Guidelines

Handshakes are common; wait for female travelers to offer hand.
Asking permission for photos is appreciated.
Avoid public displays of affection.

Consideration and Respect

Learning basic Arabic phrases and observing local customs shows respect and generally leads to positive interactions with residents.

Luxor Travel Tips