Egypt is in the arid desert belt, therefore hot in the day and cool to cold at night. Water temperature is constantly 20-26° C (lowest in February, highest in August). Wetsuits are necessary throughout the year, normally 4 mm in summer and 7 mm in winter. Watch for dehydration due to low humidity. Drink far more water than usual and add extra salt to your meals.
Flying & Dive
When planning your holiday, remember that you should not dive within 24 hours of your return flight.
Certificates and Logbooks
Except for beginners courses, only divers presenting internationally recognized diving certificates e.g. PADI, NAUI, CMAS, BSAC, SSI will be allowed to dive. Diving associations do recognize each others certification. You must present your diving certificate(s) and logbook to dive.
Airlines & Equipment
All scuba diving equipment must be carried within the weight allowance permitted by the airline (usually 20kg). However, most airlines make an extra allowance for diving equipment within reasonable limits providing you show your certification card on check-in. Pack your diving equipment separately. Depth gauges, computers, cameras and video equipment can be affected by low pressure so carry them in hand luggage if possible
Languages
Arabic is the spoken language in Egypt , however tourist will rarely find a problem in communication as most common foreign languages spoken by Egyptian are English with French a close second perhaps also German and Italian and other exotic languages .
Currency
The local currency is the Egyptian pound (LE). 1 LE = 100 Piaster. Banks are opened in major hotels for 24 hrs , credit cards are widely used in major Hotels & restaurants. Charges will be in USD, EURO and Egyptian pound.
Electricity
220 volts, 50 cycles AC in Egypt . Wall plugs are the round two pronged European type- No adapters or transformers are provided bring your own.
Business Hours
Banks are closed on Fridays and Saturdays , and are open during the rest of days from 08.00 A.M till 02.00 P.M , most embassies are closed on Sundays.
Clothing
Winter months: Bring sweaters, a light coat or jacket . Women should bring slacks and one evening dress for nightclub visits
Summer months: light weight clothing
AT ALL TIMES: modesty in clothing should be observed
Bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing and walking on desert sand, Sneakers are needed and no open sandals as it is sandy. Sunglasses as well as hats and scarves are recommended as protection against the strong sun. On the Nile cruise dress is strictly informal, jackets and ties are out of place .
