Basics

If you are planning a cruise on the Nile, you should book up to a year in advance to reserve the boat, captain and crew of your choice. For our first trip, Terry and I also booked our guide well in advance. She was exceptional. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for her country and its treasures really added to our trip.

Egypt

The peak time for cruises on the Nile is from December through February. Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-early November) are also ideal times for a cruise, as the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds. Note that in the spring, especially in late March to early April, sand and dust storms called khamsin can blow and reduce visibility. We also experienced dust storms during our recent Christmas trip (late December – early January). The weather was surprisingly chilly and windy, and the monuments close early this time of year, around 4pm, because the days are so short. Something to keep in mind when making your own plans.

Jordan

The best time to visit Jordan is in the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November), when temperatures are mild. Khamsin winds may occur in March and October, just before and after the dry season. Summers can be oppressively hot, and winters can be quite cold, especially in the desert – pack warm clothes and be prepared to bundle up at night.

Egypt

There are basically two seasons in Egypt – a relatively cool season that lasts from November through March and a hot season from April through October. Days are usually warm to hot and nights are cool. These differences are more moderate near the coast, and become more extreme as you travel south down the Nile, or west into the desert.

Jordan

Jordan has a wide range of climates, largely based on elevation. Low areas, such as the Jordan Valley and Gulf of Aquaba, experience the most heat and humidity, while higher central and northern areas can get very cold in winter – snow in Amman or Petra is not unheard of. Rain falls between November and March. The Jordan Valley gets unpleasantly hot and humid in high summer (July–August), with temperatures over 36° C; summer in the desert is also extremely hot, but drier. Evenings in summer are generally cool.

Set your watch 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+2GMT) or 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (+7EST). When it is noon in New York, it is 7pm in Egypt. Egypt practices Daylight Saving Time, usually beginning in the last week of April and ending the last week of September. Jordan’s Daylight Savings Time is from late March to late October.

Egypt

A passport, valid for six months beyond your date of entry into Egypt, is required. A visa is also required for US citizens. A visa can be obtained in advance from Egyptian Consulates abroad, but it usually takes only a few minutes to buy one on arrival in Cairo.

If you need a passport and visa service, we recommend Zierer Visa Service.

Jordan

A valid US or UK passport is required. Visitors from non-Arab countries also require a visa, which can be obtained upon arrival for US $15. If you stay longer than one month, your passport must be registered with the police. Most high-end hotels will handle this formality for their guests.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are not required unless visitors are coming from an infected area. Check with your GP or the World Health Organization website for current bulletins on Egypt and Jordan.

Stomach Upsets

The most common problems are mild stomach upsets and diarrhea caused by bacteria in food and drink that foreigners have not built up a resistance to. Immodium is an effective over-the-counter remedy for diarrhea. Water is generally safe, but heavily chlorinated. You may prefer to drink bottled water.

Sun and Heat Precautions

Intense heat and lack of shade can pose potential health risks. Stay hydrated, apply sunblock, wear a sunhat and loose-fitting clothes of natural fibers, and wear a T-shirt when swimming.

Egypt

Local Currency
Local currency is the Egyptian pound (£E or LE). The Egyptian pound is divided into 100 piastres (pt). Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 25 piatres. Notes are issued in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pounds, as well as 25 and 50 piastres.

Bank and Exchange Offices
Banks are typically open from Sunday to Thursday 8:30am to 2pm. Their ATM transaction fees are higher than at home, but their rates are good. Exchange Offices have extended hours and better exchange rates than banks. It's a good idea to change some money on arrival at the airport – the exchange office is open 24/7.

Credit Cards & Travelers Checks
Most banks and exchange offices will accept traveler's checks. Most widely accepted credit cards are Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Tipping
A 10-12% service charge is often added to hotel and restaurant bills. If not, tip the waiter directly at least 10%.Taxi drivers will expect a 10% tip. Small tips up to £E 1 should be given to anyone who helps you in some way.

Baksheesh or Begging
Calm and good-natured refusals will eventually meet with success.

Jordan

Local Currency
Local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD), divided into 1000 fils, or100 piastres (also known as qirsh). Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 piastres and 1 dinar. Notes are issued in 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 dinars.

Bank and Exchange Offices
ATMs are probably the best and most convenient option, and are available in all but the smallest towns. Banks tend to offer better rates than exchange offices, but exchange offices are open later, often till 9pm. We recommend changing some money upon arrival–small branches of major banks can be found at borders and airports. US dollars are also widely accepted.

Credit Cards & Travelers Checks
Most banks and exchange offices will accept traveler's checks. The most widely accepted credit card is Visa, followed by MasterCard. Ask if a commission is being added before using your credit card – the fee can be up to 5%.

Tipping
A 10% service charge is often added in mid-range to top-end hotel and restaurant bills. If not, tip at least 10%. Tipping is discretionary, but we recommend tipping drivers US$15/trip, guides US$30/day and Bedouin tent hosts US $20/night. For taxi drivers, round up the bill to the nearest 25 piastres. Small tips up to 1 dinar should be given to anyone who helps you in some way.

Egypt

Dialing Codes
When calling from abroad, dial the country code (20) + the area code + phone number.

To dial internationally, dial 00 + country code + phone number.

To dial within Egypt, dial 0 + area code + phone number.
To dial locally, dial 6 or 7 digit phone number. No area code required.

To dial mobile phones, dial 0 + 12 (or 0 + 10) + phone number.

City Codes
Cairo & Giza: 2  

Alexandria: 3
  
Aswan: 97
 
Luxor: 95

Sharm el-Sheikh: 69

Siwa: 46

Information & Emergency Numbers
Fire: 125

Tourist Police: 126

Mobile Phones
Egyptian mobile phone providers use the European GSM 900 standard and have roaming agreements with most major mobile network providers. Check with your provider before leaving home.

Jordan

Dialing Codes
When calling from abroad, dial the country code (962) + the area code + phone number.

To dial internationally, dial 00 + country code + phone number.

To dial within Jordan, dial 0 + area code + phone number.

To dial locally, dial 6 or 7 digit phone number – no area code required.

City Codes
Greater Amman: 6

Jerash: 4

Madaba: 5
Petra: 3
 Wadi
Rum: 3

Information & Emergency Numbers
Police: 191  
Fire and Ambulance: 199

Mobile Phones
Jordanian mobile phone providers use the European GSM 900 standard and have roaming agreements with most international network providers. Check with your provider before leaving home.

Electricity is 220V at 50Hz and sockets usually take European plugs with round pins. Bring an adaptor to use your electronics from home. In Egypt, brief power outages are common, so it’s also a good idea to bring a flashlight.

Egypt

Travelers to Egypt should keep in mind that social norms are very different for women in a Muslim country than in the west. Female tourists should not walk around unattended, and may wish to dress more modestly. Long, loose, opaque clothes in conservative styles are recommended for both men and women. For men this means long pants and long- or short-sleeved shirts (no tank tops). Women generally should not wear shorts or leave their shoulders uncovered, and skirts should be mid-length or longer. And although it is not required, women may feel more comfortable wearing a head scarf when entering mosques.

Be respectful if you are visiting a mosque or other religious site. Take off your shoes when entering a mosque. Do not enter during prayers.

If you are invited to a home, bring a gift – cake or chocolate is always a good choice, and check to see if you should remove your shoes when entering.

Ask people if you can take their photograph before snapping away. Don't be surprised if they ask for money.

Jordan

Jordan is one of the most liberal countries in the region, but it is still a predominantly Muslim nation. Women should avoid miniskirts and low-necked dresses when out in public, and men should wear long pants. Modest dress is particularly important when visiting mosques, churches and cultural sites. Shorts and swimwear should only be worn at the beach or hotel pool.

Always ask people for their permission before taking their photograph. If photographing a woman, be sure to get the approval of a male family member first. Do not take photographs of airports, military installations, police or soldiers.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a strictly observed period of abstinence that requires fasting during daylight hours. Restaurants in Egypt may be open, but serve fewer options, and only to tourists. Many museums and sights also have restricted hours during Ramadan. At sunset, restaurants will be packed, and often stay open throughout the night. A more interesting range of traditional dishes is available during Ramadan, and the communal tables offer an opportunity to meet local Egyptians.

During Ramadan in Jordan, restaurants will be closed during the day, and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking in public. Non-Muslims are requested to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in the presence of Muslims.

Egypt

Due to ongoing political unrest, the U. S. State Department has a travel alert in place for the state of Egypt. The security situation in most tourist centers (including Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea Resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh) continues to be calm; however, travelers are urged to remain alert to local security developments, be vigilant regarding their personal security, and avoid all demonstrations in Egypt. Click here for the latest travel advisory.

US Embassy in Egypt
5 Latin America St
Garden City, Cairo
Tel: +02 2 797 3300 Fax: +02 2 797 3200

Jordan

Though sporadic demonstrations have taken place in Amman, no travel warnings have been issued. Check the State Department website for the latest information.

Jordan is generally very safe, with the exception of the Iraqi border. However, normal precautions should be taken In Jordan as you would when traveling anywhere. Be aware of your surroundings, and don't carry valuables in a conspicuous manner.

US Embassy in Jordan 

P.O. Box 354
Amman
 11118
Tel: +962 6 590 6000  Fax: +962 6 592 0121