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Dahab Travel Tips

Dahab Travel Tips

Dahab Sinai, Egypt Travel Guide

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

Main providers in Egypt are Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, Etisalat Misr, and WE. All have good coverage in Dahab.

Purchase & Usage

  • Purchase at Sharm El Sheikh Airport or official stores in Dahab.
  • Passport is a must for registration.
  • Data packages are affordable (e.g., 15-30 GB for 200-400 EGP).

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Most hotels, guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants in Dahab feature free Wi-Fi.

Availability & Reliability

  • Quality and swiftness may vary in public Wi-Fi.
  • Dive centers typically provide Wi-Fi for their guests.
  • A local SIM card with a data plan usually provides more dependable internet access. Consider an ESIM from Airalo or a transportable device from Solis Wi-Fi.

Postal Services

A local post office is available in Dahab. Services are functional for sending postcards or small packages.

Considerations

  • International mail may be slow.
  • For important documents, a reputable international courier service is available in Sharm El Sheikh.
  • Plan for potential delays in postal delivery.

Language & Translation

The official language is Egyptian Arabic. English is widely spoken in Dahab's tourist areas.

Helpful Tips

  • Hotel staff, dive instructors, waiters, and shopkeepers often speak English.
  • Some locals speak German, Russian, or French.
  • The Google Translate app (with offline Arabic pack) is very helpful. Consider Rosetta Stone for deeper language learning.

Basic Arabic Phrases

Common Greetings & Polite Words

  • Hello: Ahlan (or Salam Alaikum)
  • Thank you: Shukran
  • Please: Min fadlak (male) / Min fadlik (female)
  • I apologize: Asef

Practical Phrases

  • Yes: Aywa
  • No: La'
  • How much?: Bikam?
  • Water: Maiya

Effective Communication

A local SIM card usually gives the best internet experience. Learning a few Arabic phrases goes a long way in local interactions.

Business Hours & Schedules

Dahab's business landscape varies, with certain hours common for different services.

Shops

Generally open from 10 AM or 11 IN the morning to late evening (10 PM or 11 AT night), most importantly on the promenade.

Restaurants/Cafes

Open from early morning for breakfast until late into the night (1 AM or 2 AM), particularly on the main promenade.

Dive Centers

Typically operate from 8 AM to 6 PM, with diving trips starting early in the morning.

Banking & ATMs

Banks typically open Sunday to Thursday.

Access Times

  • Most banks are operating from 8:30 AM to 2 PM.
  • ATMs are widely available in central Dahab and operate 24/7.
  • ATMs for major banks are CIB, National Bank of Egypt, and QNB Alahli.

Religious & Public Holidays

Holidays may alter business hours and transportation availability.

Dates & Effects

  • Friday: Main holy day, reduced hours in some cases businesses.
  • Ramadan: Eateries are open once the sun has set; daytime services may be slower.
  • Eid-Fitr & Eid al-Adha: Businesses may close or have limited hours, crowded transport.

Seasonal Schedules

Low Season

  • Peak summer heat may cause reduced hours for some smaller businesses.
  • Extremely peaceful winter periods may also see reduced schedules.
  • Some guesthouses or cafes may close temporarily.

High Season

  • Expect full operating hours across most businesses.
  • Spring and Autumn are typically busier.
  • All tourist services shall be readily available.

Awareness of Local Hours

Being aware of typical business hours and holiday schedules aids in smooth planning, notably during religious observances.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Dahab is mostly casual, but local customs and traditions are present. A demonstration of honoring local traditions is appreciated.

Greeting Customs & Attire

A handshake is common between men, and between women in business contexts.

Social Norms

  • A nod or hand over the heart is appropriate when unsure.
  • "Salam Alaikum" is an universal Arabic greeting.
  • Modest dress (covering shoulders and knees) is appreciated, especially outside tourist areas or when interacting with locals. See Swimwear options from Amazon.

Dining & Photography

Always use your right hand for eating, passing food, or handling money.

Practices & Permissions

  • The left hand is considered unclean.
  • Always get consent before taking pictures of people, especially women and children.
  • Do not photograph military installations, police, or security checkpoints.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Pdas are generally not accepted.

Avoid These

  • Avoid overt public displays of affection, especially between unmarried or same-sex couples.
  • Avoid discussing politics or religion in a critical manner.
  • Do not consume alcohol openly in public outside licensed areas.

Gender Considerations & LGBTQ+

Egypt is a conservative society.

Important Notes

  • Public displays of affection, specifically between same-sex couples, are not accepted.
  • Women traveling alone may experience more unwelcome notice; dressing modestly may minimize this.
  • Dahab is for the most part more relaxed than major cities.

Religious Site Conduct

When visiting St. Catherine's Monastery:

  • Dress modestly (shoulders, knees covered, and for women, hair covered).
  • Maintain quiet and respectful behavior.
  • Remove your shoes if entering prayer areas.

General observance:

  • Follow all instructions from staff or religious authorities.
  • During The month of ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure & Transport

  • Dahab's unpaved, sandy pathways and sidewalks that are not level present challenges for wheelchair users.
  • Access to retailers and restaurants often involves steps.
  • Collective taxis (pick-up trucks) are not accessible. Private taxis may need assistance.

Attractions & Resources

  • Some newer resorts possibly has accessible rooms; direct inquiry is advised.
  • Many historical and natural sites are not level terrain, making access difficult.
  • Dedicated services for visual or hearing impairments are limited.

Navigating Dahab

For travelers with mobility challenges, planning with tour operators specializing in accessible travel for Egypt may be the best strategy for tailored transport and accommodation.

Next Up: Sustainable Travel in Dahab. Eco-Friendly, Responsible Tourism, Conservation

Dahab Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture - MileHacker