Prep for travel to Egypt and Morocco
PREPARATION AND ADVICE FOR TRAVEL TO EGYPT AND MOROCCO
HEALTH SAFETY:
Visitors to Egypt and/or Morocco should ensure that all their vaccinations are up to date.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Egypt. The government of Egypt requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine
If you are taking regular prescription medicine you are advised to have your scripts filled before departure and ensure that you take enough medication.
In both Egypt and Morocco travellers are advised to take vaccination against Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Your behaviour can make you susceptible to these diseases, so avoid eating and drinking contaminated food and water.
Buy food from local supermarkets and ONLY DRINK PURIFIED WATER. Eating in restaurants should not be a problem, but when you buy food from street vendors be careful. Food that was standing in the sun all day or fruit that was not washed or peeled could lead to stomach upsets or more serious problems.
Diabetics should take their own testing supplies and insulin.
Whether you go to Egypt or Morocco, take your basic medicines and especially Immodium which might be very helpful when you suddenly suffer from an upset stomach.
VISAS:
Visitors to Egypt need to ensure that their passports will be valid for six months after entry into the country, and should have at least one blank page.
Visas are required for entry into Egypt, but some nationals can purchase visas upon arrival in Cairo. Check with your embassy, travel agent or the local Egyptian consulate in your country to find out if you need to apply for a visa before departure.
Nationals from Australia, the UK, Canada, other EU countries or the USA do not need visas to enter Morocco. A passport valid for the duration of your stay is essential, and visitors without visas can stay in the country for up to 90 days.
Nationals from other countries should check with the embassy to find out if they need visas.
CURRENCIES:
The local currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound. US Dollars, Euro and Sterling notes are accepted, but only change your money once you get to Egypt as you will get a better rate of exchange. There are lots of currency exchange shops around, or you can exchange at banks. Do not exchange at the airport, hotels, restaurants or shops because you will be paying a higher exchange rate.
There are lots of ATM’s available, so you can even deposit the money you want to use on your trip into a debit card and withdraw it in the country. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, but you will be charged bank charges when using a credit card.
An important tip if you take US Dollars in cash, is to take large denominations and new notes. The Egyptians are very suspicious of some of the older notes and may refuse to exchange them.
Morocco’s official currency is the Dirham (MAD). It is restricted to the country and cannot be bought outside the country. Morocco is still mostly a cash society. Throughout the country it is difficult to cash traveler’s checks or use credit cards. The currency easiest to exchange is the Euro, and it might even be accepted as payment if you do not have Dirham at hand. US Dollars and British Pounds can be exchanged at currency exchange shops, but like in Egypt they will not accept US notes from 2007 and before.
Scottish Pounds, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand Dollars are not exchangeable in Morocco.
When you exchange money, try and get small denominations as it is difficult to find small change. You will need it for tipping, buying small items like bottled water and the like. Dirham can usually be exchanged back to Euro at the airports,
There are ATM’s in Morocco where you can draw money from, and Visa and Mastercard are accepted. It is however better to have local cash on hand when you shop in souqs and haggle over prices.
CULTURE:
Islam is practised by the majority of Egyptians and it governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives.
Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day – at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday.
The Egyptians are very friendly people and love welcoming foreigners to their country. Honour is an important facet of interpersonal relationships, and it requires from them to demonstrate hospitality towards guests and friends.
It also dictates that people dress as well as they can, and therefore visitors should show respect in the way they dress. Dress conservatively. Ladies should not display too much flesh as it will be disrespectful. Shorts are acceptable, as long as it is not too short.
Arabic has become the language of both the Egyptian Christian and Muslim, but most educated Egyptians understand English.
The Moroccans are extremely hospitable and very tolerant. Most people are religious, but they are easy-going and most women wear headscarves. Like in other Arabian countries dress conservatively. Avoid skimpy clothes, and kissing and cuddling in public. Women who dress inappropriately can expect to be harassed.
The correct clothing is important, and Moroccans may be offended by clothing that shows too much, more so in rural areas. Women should also refrain from smoking in public as some men still think that if they smoke they are available for all kinds of immoral activities.
Moroccans speak a mixture of Arabic, Berber, English, and French. You’ll be fine with English in most of the larger cities, but you’ll probably need a translator in the rural parts of the country.
TIPPING:
Tipping is expected in Egypt and called “Backsheesh”. You can expect to hear calls for “Backsheesh” from anyone who offers you a service and even by some who have not. You are not obliged to tip anyone who did not provide a service, but it is very important to the Egyptians as many of them are paid very little and rely on tips to make their living. Small bills like 1 and 5 LE (Egyptian Pound) notes are useful for tipping.
In Morocco also always have some change for tips. Tipping from 1 DH at local places and 3 – 5 DH at smarter places is a good rule of thumb.
COMMUNICATION:
This tip is going to save you a lot of money, so take note! If your phone does not allow for a dual SIM card, buy a local SIM card in the country you intend visiting for communication and internet use. It is extremely expensive if you do not make use of domestic services.
There are various applications like What’s App, Viper and Facebook Messenger which allow internet calling and texting, and data credits or phone minutes can be bought in most African
In Egypt you can buy an Egypt SIM Card. OneSimCard is an all-in-one Egypt SIM card which will provide you with low-cost prepaid Egypt cell phone service as well as international cell phone roaming in 200+ other countries. You simply pay for the calls, texts and data you use and keep the same international cell phone number no matter which country you are in.
You can find exactly the same card in Morocco.
ACCOMMODATION:
In Egypt you will find accommodation ranging from tents, backpackers and hostels to ultra luxurious hotels wherever you go. Fussy travelers should however not settle for anything less than 4 star hotels.
If you would like to stay on the Nile in Cairo, the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo Nile Plaza is a very safe option. It is a 5 star hotel located on the Nile within walking distance to many of the main attractions.
Contact them on +20 02 2791-7000 or fax to +20 02 2791-6900.
Should you like to stay near the Pyramids, the Safir Hotel Cairo is an impressive 5 star hotel.
The hotel can be contacted on +20 02 3748-2424 or email to ressce@safirhotels.com.eg
In Sharm El Sheikh the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh is a very good option. Contact the hotel on 20 69 360-355 or fax to 20 69 360-355.
Should you like to book accommodation or a cruise through a recognised, accredited tour operator, you can make use of Memphis Tours in Cairo. Contact them on +20 2 357 160 50 or visit their website: www.memphistours.co.uk
Going to Morocco hotels are cheap, good value, and usually pretty easy to find. Should you want to make the booking yourself, there are countless options available on internet ranging from hostels and cheap accommodation, rentals to luxurious hotels.
Once again fussy travelers should go for upmarket hotels, preferably 4 stars or higher. You can also undertake a luxury camel trekking expedition if you are more adventurous. For this option choose Fes Morocco Tours, an accredited tour operator.
Contact them on 212 666 035 505 or e-mail to fesmoroccotours@gmail.com
In Marrakesh consider the Hotel Pullman Marrakech Palmeraie Resort and Spa. A 5 star hotel with 3 restaurants.
Contact the hotel on +212 5243-93800 or send an e-mail to h3000@accor.com
In Fes a good choice would be Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux. The 5 star hotel is set in a traditional riad with intricate Moorish and baroque-style carved interior courtyards.
Call the hotel on +212 5357-41206 or visit their website; www.riadfes.com
HOW TO GET AROUND:
Do not attempt to rent a car and try to drive yourself around Egypt. Although the roads are good the Egyptians are notorious for their chaotic driving. At night many drivers do not switch on their headlights, which makes it extremely dangerous especially when attempting to drive through the desert regions. Driving through the desert is not recommended for visitors at all.
Taxis can be found everywhere and is an inexpensive way of getting around in major cities.
The rail network run by Egypt National Railways is comprehensive and offers a good service. It connects most of the country and it is pleasant to take a short route by rail, to Alexandria from Cairo for instance. However tourists with limited time on hand should rather fly between cities.
Another way of long-distance travel is by coach. The bus routes connects all the country’s major towns and can be fast and inexpensive.
Travelers have many options for crossing Morocco’s varied landscapes. A network of trains, buses and shared taxis will get you between cities and rental cars are also available for the more adventurous who wish to explore the country on their own. However driving around Morocco can be stressful because of aggressive local drivers and high accident rates. It is preferable to use public transportation.
Buses are cheaper and offers a more comprehensive alternative to the train network as smaller cities and towns are not linked to the rail network. Supratours and CTM have the most reliable and comfortable buses, many with air-conditioning.
Grand taxis are shared taxis that take up to six passengers. They serve longer serve longer routes between towns, but they don’t leave until they’re full. These taxis are not metered, so it is advisable to find out from the front desk of your hotel how much you should pay per person for the trip you wish to undertake.
Petit taxis drive people around towns and are not licenced to leave the city limits. They are inexpensive and can either be flagged down on streets or be found near bus or train stations.
CROSSING BORDERS:
The Taba Border Crossing is an international border crossing between Taba in Egypt and Eilat in Israel.
The Israeli terminal can be reached from within Israel via Egged bus number 15 from Eilat’s central bus station. Privately owned Israeli cars and rental cars may cross through the terminal, but rental cars from Israel have to stay at the Egyptian border terminal.
Travelers to Egypt must pay a border-crossing fee before leaving Israel. Travelers to Egypt do not have to pay a border fee if they stay within 1 km from the border at one of the well-known hotels, however they will have to provide proof of reservation.
From Morocco you can cross into Spain from the borders of either Ceuta and Melilla. However be prepared to wait in queues for up to two hours before entering Spain and expect extensive immigration and customs checks.
Many ferry companies operate between Morocco and various ports in Europe with the most popular routes being in Tangier, Ceuta, Tarifa in Spain or from Gibraltar. These trips take anything between 30 – 60 minutes and are served by companies such as FRS and Trasmediterranea.
To find options for ferry crossings from France or Italy, which journeys last a day or two, visit DirectFerries.co.uk for information and options.
FOOD:
Bread forms the backbone of Egyptian cuisine and is consumed at almost all Egyptians meals. A typical rural Egyptian meal might comprise only bread and beans. The local bread is a hearty, thick, glutinous pita bread, or Egyptian flatbread made from ground fenugreek seeds added to maize flour.
The Egyptian cuisine is similar to food of the Eastern Mediterranean region like rice-stuffed vegetables, grape leaves, shawarma, kebab, ta’miya, baba ghanoug and baklava.
Western food is available at most restaurants, especially in the hotels, and also in the malls in big cities.
Whatever you prefer to eat, you will not go hungry in Egypt. It is worth trying local cuisine in any of the numerous restaurants scattered all over the cities and towns.
A great experience in Cairo is to have dinner on one of the many floating restaurants that cruise the Nile in the evenings. Watch the lights of the city of Cairo from the comfort of a seat in a luxurious restaurant while being entertained by belly-dancers and eating mouth-watering Egyptian dishes.
At Khan El-Khalili Bazaar in Cairo a meal in the Khan El Khalili Restaurant in the heart of the winding streets of the medieval bazaar is an experience. It is a time-worn restaurant which shares its doorway with the equally popular Naguib Mahfouz Cafe. Inside you will marvel at the low arched ceilings with its oriental patterns and the authentic feeling which will make you feel as if you entered Aladdin’s cave!
The food in Morocco is influenced by the country’s interactions and exchanges with other cultures over the ages. It is a mix of Mediterranean, Arabic, Andalusian and Berber cuisine.
There is no shortage of fruit and vegetables, and you will find all kinds of meat, chicken and fish as a base for their food. Flavorings like lemon pickle, olive oil and dried fruit are used to spice up the dishes and other spices are used extensively in Moroccan cuisine. These include saffron, mint, olives, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger – the list goes on and on.
Bread and couscous accompany most meals. A typical lunch starts with a series of hot and cold salads, followed by a tagine or Dwaz. For a formal meal the next dish would consist of lamb or chicken with couscous. Pork and alcohol is not common due to religious restrictions.
Treat yourself to an evening out at Gastro MK in Marrakech; not only is the ambience in the restaurant mind-blowing, the chef Omar El Ouahssoussi could make the Michelin list for his culinary skills. Should you wish to make a reservation you can send an email to reception@maisonmk.com.
When the sun sets in this magical city, take a stroll around the food stalls in Jemaa el-Fna. The market comes alive and the the variety of restaurants and food stalls will leave you spoilt for choice.
In Casablanca a visit to Rick’s Cafe will be worth your while. The restaurant is set in an old courtyard-style mansion built among the walls of the Old Medina, and became famous due to the film Casablanca. It has been transformed since the filming and features a piano bar with replicas from the film. The restaurant has various fireplaces, and intimate, private dining areas with a view of the fishing port. They specialities include dishes consisting of fresh seafood and vegetables.
SHOPPING:
Egypt is famous for its cotton, which has earned the reputation of the being the best cotton in the world because of its softness, strength and other superior characteristics. Make sure you have enough space in your luggage to take a set of linen home!
Visit Nillens in Zamalek, a shop that has become well-known for its locally made Egyptian cotton products. The shop is located on the ground floor of the Degla Center on Hassan Sabry Street.
Leather products are also a very good buy in Egypt. If you are interested in buying quality leather products you will be well advised to consult a guide or the concierge at your hotel on the best shops around.
The perfume oils in Egypt are also an extremely good buy, however do not buy these from tourist shops as you will end up paying much more than at the local markets.
All souvenirs, oils, carpets, leather goods and more can be found at the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar in Cairo. If you are going to travel around the country you will be wise to leave all shopping until you get to this bazaar as you are going to end up paying much more for the souvenirs and gifts in touristics towns and cities.
However be aware that you will not find the best quality goods at the market. It is good for souvenirs and gifts and you might also find rare treasures that will be worth buying, but for leather and carpets for instance rather go to reputable shops.
Be prepared to haggle in a friendly manner. It is a tradition to haggle and dealers do not expect you to pay the first asking price.
Morocco is also a shopper’s paradise where you will find the most beautiful brass and stained glass lanterns, leather goods, carpets, clothing and spices.
The creation of etched metal has been a lasting tradition in the country and although much of the work is found on decorative pieces you can also buy practical items like teapots, trays and jewelry with etched metal. You can either buy brass, silver or copper etched items.
A handmade Moroccan lamp or lantern is a very special souvenir of your visit and will be a constant reminder of your visit to the country. They can be found in a variety of sizes, weights and materials so consider how you are going to get it home carefully. Should you buy expensive lamps it might be worth considering having it shipped home instead of trying to pack it into your luggage.
In Marrakech you will find the finest handcrafted and household items like one-of-a-kind pottery, craft guilds, carpets and rugs.
Souqs and markets are part of Moroccan life and also one of the greatest attractions to tourists. Each town has its own souq quarter, while cities like Marrakech and Fez have labyrinths of individual souqs. A visit to a souq is not only a shopping trip but a cultural experience not to be missed. Just find the medina and you will find the souq!
Like in Egypt haggling is also part of the culture in Morocco. Always remember to be pleasant and not aggressive when haggling about a price. If you do not like haggling you are going to pay much more so just accept it as part of their culture and do it.
WHAT CLOTHES DO I PACK FOR MY VISIT TO NORTH AFRICA?
Egypt has a desert climate with the hot season starting in May to October, and the cool season from October to May.
In summer it can get extremely hot so pack lightweight clothes and comfortable shoes.
Winters are mild with some rain, but the days are usually bright and sunny while the nights can get cold.
Western clothing is acceptable everywhere in Egypt, but like in other Arab countries be respectful of their culture. Women should not display too much flesh and though shorts and short skirts are not a problem, preferably do not wear them too short.
At the beach resorts in Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh visitors can dress like they would to any beach in the world.
Valuables should always be kept safe wherever you go. Lock expensive items that you do not need in a safe and keep your money and travel documents safe.
Morroco’s climate is very diverse and varies with the seasons and the regions. In general the climate is tropical with temperatures reaching as high as 35℃ and in the Sahara as low as 5℃. At the coastal areas you can expect warm, Mediterranean weather but inland it is hotter and drier.
Rain falls from November to March in the coastal regions and the country is mostly dry with high temperatures in summer while it is cooler in the mountains. For visitors who want to avoid the heat the best times to visit will be from April to May and September to November.
Once again pack according to the season and the region you intend visiting. Raingear is important when you visit the mountains and during the wet season. Otherwise pack lightweight clothing and once again comfortable shoes.
Respect the Arabian culture and wear modest, conservative clothing if you do not want to attract undue attention.
