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Practical Information

Practical Information

Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Communication

Staying connected and overcoming language barriers contribute to a smooth trip.

Local Connectivity

  • Local SIM cards from Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, Etisalat Misr offer good value.
  • Purchase SIM at Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) or official shops; passport needed for registration.
  • Hotels, major cafes, and restaurants provide free Wi-Fi; local 4G/LTE coverage is strong.
  • Explore global connectivity with an ESIM from Airalo or a portable Wi-Fi device from Solis Wi-Fi.

Language & Translation

Arabic is the official language, with Egyptian Arabic dialect spoken. English is common in tourist areas.

Translation Aids

  • Google Translate with offline Arabic pack is very helpful.
  • A physical Arabic phrasebook shows cultural respect.
  • Consider language learning with Rosetta Stone.

Business Hours & Schedules

Operating hours vary across different businesses and are subject to change during holidays.

Typical Hours

  • Shops: Generally 10 AM - 10 PM, smaller ones may close 2 PM - 5 PM.
  • Restaurants: Lunch from 1 PM/2 PM, dinner after 7 PM into late night.
  • Banks: Weekdays, usually 8:30 AM - 3 PM.

Holidays & Impact

Religious and public holidays can significantly impact service availability.

Holiday Considerations

  • Islamic Holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha): Dates vary, expect closures/reduced hours.
  • Christian Holidays (Coptic Christmas/Easter): Observed.
  • National Holidays (Revolution Day, Labour Day): Check dates for service disruptions.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Respectful Interactions

  • Handshakes common between men; women may shake if hand is extended.
  • Learning basic Arabic phrases earns appreciation.
  • Politeness and patience are valued in interactions.
  • Use your right hand when eating, especially finger foods.

Photography & Sensitive Topics

  • Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women and children.
  • Do not photograph military installations, police, or government buildings.
  • Avoid public displays of affection; discuss politics or religion only with trusted locals.
  • Respect Ramadan fasting hours by avoiding eating/drinking/smoking in public during daylight.

Accessibility Notice

Alexandria's infrastructure presents challenges for travelers with mobility needs. Pavements are often uneven, and ramps are scarce. Public transportation is not wheelchair adapted. Private taxis or pre-arranged accessible vans are options. Modern buildings like the Bibliotheca Alexandrina are more accessible with ramps and elevators.

Cultural Practices & Norms

Gaining familiarity with local customs enriches your travel experience.

Religious Observance

Remove shoes and cover hair (women) before entering mosques; maintain quiet.

Gender Considerations

Modest dress is recommended; public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.

Social Sensitivities

LGBTQ+ rights are not recognized; exercise extreme discretion.

Greeting Customs

Handshakes are common between men. For women, a nod or simple 'Ahlan' (hello) is always suitable.

Common Greetings

  • Handshakes are common between men.
  • Women may shake hands with other women, or with men if extended.
  • A polite nod or "Ahlan" (hello) is always appropriate.

Tipping Practices

Tipping (baksheesh) is customary and appreciated for almost all services.

Tipping Guidelines

  • Tipping is customary and appreciated.
  • Carry small denominations for tips.
  • Service charge may be included, but a small extra tip is still common.

Appropriate Attire

General Settings

  • Modest dress is recommended, shoulders and knees covered.
  • Avoid overly revealing clothing.
  • When in doubt, dress more conservatively.

Religious Sites

  • Women cover hair with a scarf; long pants or skirts for both genders.
  • Shoes must be removed before entering a mosque.
  • Check for photography restrictions inside museums/tombs.

Travelers' Safety & Tips

Navigating Alexandria with insights for a safe and informed journey.

Important Phrases

Learning basic Arabic phrases fosters warmer interactions.

Expressions

  • Hello: Ahlan (ah-lan)
  • Thank you: Shukran (shook-ran)
  • Yes: Na'am (na-am)

Asking Questions

Useful Questions

  • How much?: Bikam? (bee-kam)
  • Excuse me/Sorry: Assef (ass-ef)
  • No: La'a (la-ah)

Privacy Concerns

Be mindful of privacy and local customs when taking photos.

Photography Rules

  • Photography is generally allowed at tourist sites.
  • Some museums prohibit photography entirely.
  • Extra fees or flash prohibitions for cameras inside tombs/museums.

Airport Services

Access to airport lounges and flight compensation services can make travel smoother.

Traveler Benefits

  • Access independent airport lounges globally with Priority Pass.
  • Receive compensation for flight disruptions using Compensair.
  • Services like these provide travel support.

Safety & Discretion

Local Sensitivities

  • Avoid public displays of affection.
  • LGBTQ+ rights are not recognized; exercise extreme discretion.
  • Do not discuss politics or religion unless initiated by a trusted local.

Airport & Transport

  • Be cautious crossing streets; pedestrians may not have right of way.
  • Bargain with traditional taxis; use ride-sharing apps for transparency.
  • Do not drink tap water; stick to bottled water.

Traveler Best Practices

Communication Tips

  • "Inshallah" (God willing) and "Mashallah" (God has willed it) are common phrases.
  • Tipping (baksheesh) is a part of daily life and expected.
  • Egyptian cities can be noisy; horns are used frequently.

Cultural Immersion

  • Hospitality is valued; accept offers of tea or small gestures.
  • Personal space is generally smaller than in Western cultures.
  • Explore local markets like El Mansheya for a sensory experience.

Traveler-Specific Advice

Tailoring your approach based on your travel companions and style.

Solo Traveler Advice

Alexandria is safe for solo travelers, but awareness is wise.

Tips for Solo Travelers

  • Alexandria is relatively safe for solo travelers; trust your instincts.
  • Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.
  • Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention.

Social Opportunities

Connecting with others can enrich your solo journey.

Meeting People

  • Stay in hostels or guesthouses with common areas.
  • Join local walking tours or cooking classes.
  • Engage with locals who are welcoming and hospitable.

Family Travel Adaptations

Kid-Friendly Planning

  • Plan visits during cooler parts of the day due to open-air sites.
  • Balance historical sites with engaging activities for children.
  • Pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and sun protection.

Kid-Friendly Attractions

Certain sites appeal more to younger visitors.

Fun for Families

  • Citadel of Qaitbay (a real fort!)
  • Children's Museum at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
  • Uneven pavements make strollers difficult; a Baby carrier can be a better choice.

Group Travel Logistics

Advance Bookings

Book accommodation and tours well in advance for availability and potential group discounts.

Private Transport

Consider hiring a private van with a driver for efficient and comfortable group transport between attractions.

Dining Reservations

Make dinner reservations for larger groups, especially at popular restaurants.