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Aswan Travel Resources

Aswan Travel Resources

Aswan Nile Valley, Egypt Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • Maps: Google Maps / Apple Maps

    Download offline maps for Aswan and surrounding areas before your trip. This helps you navigate without an active internet connection. Google Maps / Apple Maps

  • Translation: Google Translate

    Download the Arabic offline language pack. This app aids in translating signs, menus, or for simple conversations. Google Translate

  • Ride-sharing: Uber

    Uber operates in Aswan. It offers transparent pricing and tracking features, a reliable alternative to negotiating taxi fares. Uber

  • Currency Converter: XE Currency Converter

    A useful app to quickly convert Egyptian Pounds (EGP) to your home currency, helping you manage your budget. XE Currency Converter

  • Local SIM Card

    Consider purchasing a local SIM card from mobile providers like Orange, Vodafone, or Etisalat at the airport for easy connectivity.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Egypt e-Visa Portal

    Use the official government website for applying for your e-Visa. Always verify you are on the correct government site to avoid scams.

  • Embassy/Consulate Websites

    Check your country's embassy or consulate website in Egypt for travel advisories, security information, and embassy services. Register your travel.

  • Airline Websites (EgyptAir)

    For domestic flights, check EgyptAir's official website.

  • Buses Between cities: Go Bus & Blue Bus

    Go Bus and Blue Bus websites for booking long-distance bus tickets.

  • Sleeper Trains: Watania Sleeping Trains

    Watania Sleeping Trains is the official site for booking sleeper train tickets between Cairo and Aswan/Luxor.

Social Media & Podcasts

Travel Bloggers

Look for travel writers specializing in Egypt for personal experiences plus visual inspiration.

Podcasts for Insights

Search for podcasts on "Ancient Egypt," "Nile River," "Nubian Culture," or "Travel Egypt" for historical context, cultural insights, and travel stories.

Online Travel Communities

Join relevant Facebook groups or travel forums dedicated to Egypt travel. These platforms enable you to ask questions and share experiences.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

  • Well-known travel guide publishers (e.g., Lp, Rough Guides, Fodor's) produce comprehensive guidebooks for Egypt.
  • These frequently include detailed historical information and practical tips.
  • A good physical map of Aswan (when accessible) helps with orientation.
  • Guidebooks often suggest recommended itineraries for Aswan and beyond.

Books About the Destination History, Culture, Fiction

  • Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie: This classic mystery is famously set aboard a Nile steamer, with many scenes inspired by the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan.
  • Books on Ancient Egyptian History: Reading about the New Kingdom, Ramesses II, and Aswan's role deepens appreciation of sites.
  • Books on Nubian Culture: Offer valuable insights into the history, traditions, and resilience of the Nubian people.
  • Local Publications: Local newspapers (often in Arabic) or tourist magazines (if available in English) offer current events or local listings.

Connectivity Tips

Offline Access

  • Download maps for offline use.
  • Download language packs for translation apps.
  • Save important documents digitally.
  • Consider mobile data plan or local SIM.

Verified Sources

  • Use official government websites for visas.
  • Verify reliable tour providers.
  • Cross-reference travel information.
  • Beware of unofficial sources.

Cultural Content

  • Listen to Nubian music.
  • See documentaries on the Longest river in africa.
  • Explore historical content.
  • Connect with online travel communities.

Emergency & Medical

Critical Contacts

Emergency Services

  • Police: 122
  • Ambulance: 123
  • Fire Department: 180
  • Civil Defense: 180

Tourist Assistance

  • Visitor Police: 126
  • For tourist-specific issues or scams.
  • For emergencies involving tourists.
  • Save these numbers in your phone.

General Advisory

  • Keep critical contacts accessible.
  • In any emergency, remain calm.
  • Seek support from the community immediately.
  • Your safety is a top priority.

Hospital and Clinic Locations

Medical Care

  • Aswan has public hospitals (e.g., Aswan The Main hospital) and private clinics.
  • For serious medical issues, private clinics generally offer better standards of care for tourists.
  • For critical emergencies, medical evacuation to Cairo or your home country may be necessary.

Travel Insurance

  • Comprehensive travel insurance is highly advisable for medical emergencies.
  • Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation in an emergency.
  • Consider World Nomads for coverage.

Diplomatic Support

  • Keep contact details (phone number, address, and emergency hotlines) for your country's embassy or consulate in Cairo readily available.
  • They can assist with lost passports, legal issues, or significant emergencies.
  • Lost Document Procedures: If your passport or other important documents are lost or stolen, report it immediately to the local Tourist Police.

Further Reading & Exploration

Digital Content for Dives

  • Documentaries and Films: Search for documentaries on Ancient Egypt, the Nile River (e.g., "Egypt's Great River," "The Longest river in africa"), or the construction and impact of the Aswan High Dam.
  • Music and Art: Listen to traditional Egyptian music, especially Nubian music. Many Nubian guesthouses offer live music performances.
  • Language Learning: For those interested in immersion, consider using language learning apps like Duolingo or Memrise for basic Egyptian Arabic phrases.

Online Communities and Learning

  • Online Communities: Join relevant Facebook groups or travel forums dedicated to Egypt travel to ask questions, share experiences, and acquire tips from fellow travelers.
  • Online Learning: Explore platforms like Skillshare for courses on Egyptian history, culture, or even travel photography.
  • Digital Content: Explore blogs and websites that offer dives into specific aspects of Aswan, from local cuisine to ancient rituals.

Important Advisories

Natural Disaster Protocols

  1. While major natural disasters are rare in Aswan (beyond very hot weather), be aware of local advice.
  2. In case of severe sandstorms, don't go out.
  3. For any other rare events, follow instructions from local authorities or your hotel staff.
  4. Monitor local news for updates.
  5. Always have an emergency contact plan.

General Safety Practices

  1. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
  2. Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
  3. Trust your instincts; if a situation feels off, remove yourself.
  4. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas at night.
  5. Tell someone your travel plans, especially for longer excursions.

Digital Safety

Secure Your Devices

Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication for each of your online accounts.

Public Wi-Fi Caution

Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi. Look into utilizing a VPN for security. NordVPN

Back Up Data

Regularly back up photos and important documents to a cloud service or external drive.

Critical Reminders

Prioritize your health and safety by preparing a medical kit, understanding emergency contacts, and securing travel insurance before your trip. Being informed makes to be safer journey.

Further Reading & Exploration

Deepen Your Connection

Documentaries and Films

  • Ancient Egypt Documentaries

    Search for documentaries exploring the history and wonders of Ancient Egypt.

  • The Nile River Series

    Watch series like "Egypt's Great River" or "The Nile" to appreciate the river's significance.

  • Aswan Dam Films

    Explore films discussing the construction and impact of the Aswan High Dam.

Music, Art, and Language

  • Traditional Egyptian & Nubian Music

    Listen to local music before or during your trip. Many Nubian guesthouses feature live shows.

  • Basic Arabic Phrases

    For those who like immersion, use language learning apps like Duolingo or Memrise for Egyptian Arabic.

  • Online Communities & Forums

    Join relevant online groups dedicated to Egypt travel to ask questions and share experiences.

Online Resources for Planning

Official Visa Portals

Always utilize official government websites for applying for your e-Visa to Egypt.

Embassy & Consulate Updates

Check your country's embassy or consulate website in Egypt for the latest travel advisories.

Transportation Bookings

Book long-distance bus tickets on Go Bus and Blue Bus, and sleeper trains via Watania Sleeping Trains.

Print Resources for Exploration

Guidebooks and Maps

  • Consider well-known travel guide publishers like Lonely Planet or Rough Guides for comprehensive information.
  • A physical map of Aswan can be handy for orientation, especially where digital access is limited.
  • These resources often include detailed historical context and practical tips.
  • Suggested itineraries in guidebooks can offer structured ways to explore.

Cultural and Fictional Reads

  • Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie: A classic mystery set amidst the region's iconic scenery.
  • Books on Bygone Egyptian history, focusing on the New Kingdom and Aswan, deepen your site appreciation.
  • Reads on Nubian culture offer insights into the traditions and resilience of the local people.
  • Local newspapers or tourist magazines may offer current event insights or cultural listings.

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Contacts

  • Police: 122.
  • Ambulance: 123.
  • Tourist Police: 126 (for tourist-specific issues).
  • Save these important numbers in your phone before you travel.

Medical Information

  • Aswan has public hospitals and private clinics; private clinics generally offer higher standards for tourists.
  • Medical evacuation to Cairo or your home country could be required for critical emergencies.
  • Contact your embassy/consulate for assistance with lost documents or other major issues.
  • Comprehensive travel insurance, covering medical emergencies and evacuation, is highly advisable.

Holistic Preparation

Deepening your cultural, historical, and practical knowledge of Aswan, coupled with meticulous emergency preparation, greatly enriches your travel experience.

Aswan Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts