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Alexandria Travel Hacks

Alexandria Travel Hacks

Alexandria Mediterranean Coast, Egypt Travel Guide

Digital Tools for Your Journey

Essential apps and websites aid your exploration and communication.

Navigation & Mobility

  • Google Maps: Download offline maps.
  • Uber & Careem: Ride-sharing apps.
  • Public transport route planning.
  • Smartphone for quick access.

Communication & Connectivity

  • Google Translate: Arabic offline pack.
  • WhatsApp: Local communication.
  • Local SIM card purchase.
  • NordVPN: Secure public Wi-Fi access.

Official Resources

Packing & Organization

  • Pack climate-appropriate clothing.
  • Eagle Creek: Travel organization products.
  • Charge all electronics and power banks.
  • Digital and physical document copies.

Health & Safety Guidelines

Stay informed and prepared for various situations.

Emergency Contacts

  • Police: 122
  • Ambulance: 123
  • Tourist Police: 126
  • Fire Department: 180

Medical Facilities

  • Alexandria Medical Center (Private).
  • Alexandria General Hospital (Public).
  • Note reliable pharmacies.
  • Research exact locations before your trip.

Document Loss Protocol

  • Report loss to local police immediately.
  • Obtain a police report.
  • Contact your country's embassy in Cairo.
  • Assistance with replacement travel documents.

Natural Disaster Awareness

  • Significant natural disasters are rare.
  • Be aware of seasonal dust/sandstorms.
  • Rare flash floods may occur in winter.
  • Follow local advice and news updates.

Travel Insurance & Health

Protect your journey with comprehensive coverage and health preparations.

Insurance Considerations

  • World Nomads: Comprehensive travel insurance.
  • Coverage for medical emergencies.
  • Emergency evacuation benefits.
  • Trip cancellation or interruption.

Pre-Trip Health Steps

  • Consult a travel health professional.
  • Discuss vaccinations for Egypt.
  • At least 4-6 weeks before departure.
  • Carry any necessary personal medications.

Banking & Financial Readiness

  • Arrange some Egyptian Pounds for arrival.
  • Notify bank and credit card companies.
  • Avoid card suspension due to unusual activity.
  • Consider multiple payment options.

Home & Document Security

  • Arrange mail and pet care.
  • Secure your home before departure.
  • Make digital and physical document copies.
  • Store copies separately from originals.

On-Arrival & Departure Notes

Facilitating a comfortable entry and stress-free exit.

Arrival Essentials

  • Passport and visa readily available.
  • Exchange currency or use an ATM.
  • Purchase a local SIM card (optional).
  • Arrange airport transfer.

Settling In

  • Confirm hotel check-in details.
  • Buy bottled water and immediate needs.
  • Note emergency exits and hotel services.
  • Settle into your accommodation.

Departure Planning

  • Finalize souvenir shipping arrangements.
  • Confirm VAT refund procedures (if any).
  • Reconfirm onward travel details.
  • Allow ample travel time to airport/station.

Last Minute Checks

  • Pack all belongings carefully.
  • Do a final check for forgotten items.
  • Settle any outstanding hotel bills.
  • Anticipate a stress-free exit.

Stay Informed and Prepared

Always be aware of your surroundings and local advisories. Keep emergency contacts readily available.

Resources & References

A curated list of digital and print resources for your Alexandria journey.

Essential Mobile Apps

Navigation, communication, and translation at your fingertips.

Online Portals

Official websites for visas and transport information.

Community Insights

Connect with fellow travelers and local perspectives.

Digital Resources for Your Trip

Navigation & Communication

  • Google Maps: Download offline maps.
  • Uber & Careem: Ride-sharing apps for transparent services.
  • Google Translate: Arabic offline language pack.

Connectivity & Official Sites

Local Publications

Look for local English-language newspapers or cultural magazines upon arrival for current events and reviews.

Print & Emergency Information

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contact Numbers

  • Police: 122
  • Ambulance: 123
  • Tourist Police: 126
  • Fire Department: 180

Hospital Locations

  • Alexandria Medical Center (Private)
  • Alexandria General Hospital (Public)
  • Note reliable pharmacies near accommodation.
  • Research exact locations before your trip.

Lost Document Procedures

  • Report to local police immediately.
  • Obtain a police report.
  • Contact country's embassy or consulate in Cairo.
  • Assistance with replacement travel documents.

Recommended Reading

Fiction & History

  • "The Alexandria Quartet" by Lawrence Durrell.
  • "Alexandria: A History and a Guide" by E.M. Forster.
  • "Egypt: A Short History" by Robert L. Tignor.

Egyptian Society & Culture

  • "Cairo Trilogy" by Naguib Mahfouz.
  • Local English-language publications.
  • Egyptian classical or contemporary Arabic pop music.

Further Exploration

Visual & Auditory Media

  • Documentaries on ancient Alexandria.
  • Films depicting Egypt or Alexandria.
  • Explore historical and cultural content.

Learning & Community

  • Join online travel forums for Egypt.
  • Language learning resources for Arabic.
  • Babbel: Language learning app.

Embassy & Disaster Information

Consular Assistance

  1. Most foreign embassies are in Cairo, not Alexandria.
  2. Note your country's embassy or consulate contact details.
  3. Address, phone number, and emergency hotline.
  4. Register your trip with your embassy or consulate (if offered).
  5. Assistance in case of an emergency.

Natural Disaster Awareness

  1. Significant natural disasters are rare in Alexandria.
  2. Be aware of seasonal dust/sandstorms (especially in spring).
  3. Rare flash floods may occur in winter.
  4. Follow local advice and news updates.
  5. Your hotel can provide guidance on local protocols.

Important Reminders

Embassy Contact

Note embassy details, typically in Cairo.

Trip Registration

Register your trip with your embassy.

Weather Awareness

Stay aware of seasonal weather conditions.

Critical Information

Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone and written down somewhere accessible.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Essential Preparations

Initial Travel Foundations

  • Passport Validity:

    Confirm validity for at least six months beyond departure.

  • Visa Requirements:

    Research requirements for your nationality and apply as needed.

  • Health Consultation:

    Consult a travel health professional for vaccinations.

Booking and Itinerary

  • International Flights:

    Book early for Borg El Arab (HBE) or Cairo (CAI) connections.

  • Accommodation:

    Secure hotels or rentals in Alexandria.

  • Itinerary Planning:

    Plan your detailed itinerary and book major tours.

Mid-Trip Preparations

Currency & Banking

Arrange Egyptian Pounds and notify your bank/credit card companies of travel dates.

Document Copies

Make digital and physical copies of all important documents. Store separately.

Confirmations & Offline Tools

Reconfirm all reservations and download offline maps and language packs.

Arrival Checklist

Initial Arrival Steps

  • Have your passport and e-Visa printout accessible.
  • Exchange currency or withdraw cash at the airport.
  • Purchase a local SIM card from a reputable provider.
  • Arrange your airport transfer to accommodation.

Settling In

  • Confirm your hotel check-in details and settle in.
  • Note emergency exits and hotel services.
  • Buy bottled water and any immediate necessities.
  • Begin your exploration with peace of mind.

Departure Preparation

Finalizing Your Stay

  • Finalize souvenir purchases and shipping arrangements.
  • Confirm any VAT refund procedures (if applicable).
  • Settle any outstanding hotel bills.
  • Perform a final check for forgotten items in your room.

Departure Timing

  • Plan to arrive 2-3 hours before international flights.
  • Arrive 1 hour before domestic flights, trains, or buses.
  • Always allow extra time for travel due to traffic.
  • Reconfirm your onward travel details.

Smooth Transition Tip

Ensuring your exit from Alexandria is as seamless as your arrival. Check everything twice.