Egypt Tourist Information

Personal safety

The Luxor massacre in 1997, the bombings in Sharm El Sheikh in 2005 and several other terrorist attacks in between, along with the continuing middle east conflicts understandably make first-time visitors to Egypt nervous and tourist numbers have suffered as a result. The high security presence in tourist areas which is aimed at reassuring visitors can sometimes make the threat seem worse than it actually is but it is at least reassuring to know that the Egyptian authorities take the problem very seriously and that the vast majority of Egyptian people are revolted by the atrocities which kill both Egyptians and Westerners.
Petty crime occurs in cities and tourist area but no more than in other countries and the usual precautions should be taken.

Insurance

This is a no brainer. You should have insurance. The peace of mind is worth the small outlay. We recommend WORLD NOMADS Insurance. You can buy, extend and claim online even after you've left home. Recommended by Lonely Planet, World Nomads travel insurance is available to people from over 150 countries and is designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

Money

The Egyptian currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP) which is divided into one hundred piastres.
Egypt is a not an expensive country to travel in but unfortunately for divers the tourist hot spots of Sharm and Hurghada are more expensive than the rest of the country.
Cash can be changed at Forex bureaus in all the tourist resorts. Their rates are good and they are open long hours.
The best exchange rate for travelers cheques are at the which can be bureaucratic and slow. The Bank of Alexandria, Banque Misr, Banque du Caire and the National Bank of Egypt will all change travellers cheques. Banks opening hours are Sunday to Thursday 8.30am to 2pm.
It’s best to avoid street money changers if you are approached. They are illegal and will probably rip you off.