Location
Time Difference – UTC + 2 Eastern European Standard Time
Climate – Sharm El Sheikh, located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, boasts a desert climate characterized by scorching summers with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F) and mild winters around 20°C (68°F). The region is renowned for its year-round sunshine.
Water – In Egypt, drinking water from the tap is not recommended and can be hazardous to your health, please use bottled water.
Currency – The Egyptian Pound is used in Egypt. Most outlets accept Visa or Access but mostly people bring Euros, Dollars or British Pounds to exchange. The Airports and major cities such as Cairo, Luxor and Aswan will have currency exchange facilities available. We recommend visiting a bureau de change before boarding Karma Karnak. Currently, $1 = EGP 18.92 (without exchange fees) but the exchange rate does fluctuate so please check before you exchange and only use a registered exchange booth or bank. Please also note that Egypt has a closed currency, so please exchange all EGP before going home.
Customs and Entry – Valid Passport required and visas for certain nationalities.
Driving – Foreigners with a valid license issued in English and a visa can rent a car and drive in Egypt for short-term visits.
Emergencies – Dial 122 for any life-threatening emergencies.
Photography – Photography for tourism purposes and at major attractions is allowed. However, some locations have ‘no photo’ rules e.g. inside temples. It is also forbidden to take ‘offensive’ photos or of any government buildings, police officers, etc. Officials have permission to delete photographs from your device.
Tipping – Tipping is standard practice in Egypt, but it is not mandatory.
Visa Info – You can get a visa before you travel from the official Visa2Egypt portal or your nearest Egyptian consulate. You can apply for a visa maximum of 3 months before your travel date. Alternatively, some nationalities can choose Visa On Arrival, which you can purchase at approved bank kiosks within airport arrival halls, before reaching immigration counters. The visa fee is approx. US$25 – subject to changes.