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Questions

Everything you might be wondering.

If something isn't covered here, just ask — a real person will answer.

Booking & payment

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

All cancellations must be submitted in writing.

The deposit is non-refundable; however, it may be transferred one time to a future tour.

30+ days before departure: full refund minus the deposit. 15–30 days before departure: 50% cancellation fee. 7–14 days before departure: 75% cancellation fee. Less than 7 days, or no-show: no refund.

We strongly encourage travel insurance so you can book with confidence.

Do I need to plan anything myself?

Very little. We handle hotels, transportation, guides, internal flights, and the full itinerary.

Your main responsibility is booking your international flight, and we'll guide you on timing.

Why is the trip priced this way?

This experience is designed as a small-group, fully arranged journey. Rather than paying for each piece separately — hotels, guides, transportation, internal flights — it's all handled for you.

The itinerary also includes four nights aboard a traditional Nile dahabiya. These small sailing boats offer a far more intimate and relaxed experience than the large cruise ships, with fewer travelers and access to quieter places along the river.

Because of their size and exclusivity, dahabiyas are a more premium way to experience the Nile and represent a meaningful part of the overall trip. Most travelers find the value is in how seamless, unique, and stress-free the experience becomes.

Good to know

What should I wear?

Western clothes are completely fine: jeans, shorts, and t-shirts are all good. There isn't a specific dress code for ancient temples and tombs, but comfortable, modest clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended. Egypt's climate is hot and dry, so lightweight, breathable fabrics are ideal.

Egypt is more liberal in tourist areas, but it's respectful to dress more modestly in rural areas and at religious sites. Clothing that covers shoulders and knees is a good guideline in those places.

Consider packing a scarf or shawl in case you visit a mosque that requires a headscarf. A scarf is also welcome protection from the sun.

What is the luggage allowance on internal flights?

EgyptAir allows the following for economy class: one checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs), one carry-on up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), and one small personal item such as a purse or laptop bag.

Please check with EgyptAir directly for the most up-to-date baggage policy before your trip, as policies may change.

Are there restrictions on bringing medications into Egypt?

Luggage does go through scanners at Cairo International Airport, and if customs notices what looks like medication they may ask to inspect it. To show a medication was prescribed by a doctor, always carry it in its original packaging with the pharmacy label, a letter from the prescribing doctor noting the medication, its purpose and dosage, and only enough for the duration of your trip.

Be aware that some medications widely available on prescription in the US contain ingredients classed as illegal in Egypt. Methadone, codeine, and tramadol are banned.

Simple over-the-counter medications such as vitamins, allergy medication, ibuprofen, and anti-diarrheal medication are generally allowed in the quantities you'll need for the trip.

Is Egypt safe?

Yes. Egypt is a well-traveled destination, and this journey is carefully planned with trusted local partners and experienced guides who are with the group throughout the trip.

From the moment you arrive in Cairo, everything is organized in advance — transportation, accommodations, and daily logistics — so you're not navigating things on your own.

Like any destination, awareness is important, but travelers are often pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and welcoming the experience feels. Many people arrive with some uncertainty and leave saying it felt much easier and more relaxed than they expected.

What is the weather like?

October is one of the best months to visit Egypt. The extreme summer heat has subsided and temperatures are warm and comfortable. Expect daytime highs around 86°F (30°C) in Cairo and slightly warmer in Luxor and Aswan, with evenings cooling to around 68°F (20°C). Rain is very rare and skies are typically clear.

April is similarly comfortable, with warm, clear days before the summer heat arrives.

Money & tipping

Can I withdraw Egyptian pounds from an ATM?

Debit and credit cards are accepted in Egypt's bigger towns and cities, but cash is still king in many places, so it's a good idea to carry both. You may want to withdraw cash from an ATM once you arrive.

We recommend exchanging about $50–$100 at a time so you aren't left holding Egyptian pounds when you leave, as they can't be exchanged back. ATM fees vary but typically run about 5 EGP plus your own bank's fees.

Always choose to withdraw in the local currency, Egyptian pounds, without a currency conversion. If you choose to be charged in USD, the ATM applies Dynamic Currency Conversion at an almost certainly unfavorable rate. In short: press 'no' when asked about currency conversion.

USD, EUR, and GBP can be used with street and market vendors, for tips, and at most restaurants. If you bring your home currency to exchange, make sure the notes are damage-free — many merchants and exchange services turn away bills with even small blemishes or tears, and currency less than ten years old is preferred.

What are the tipping guidelines?

Tipping is an essential part of the Egyptian economy and supplements the low wages many service workers receive. USD, EUR, and GBP are preferred. Avoid $1 bills and coins if possible, as Egyptian banks will not exchange currency under $5.

These are guidelines only; tipping is always a personal decision based on the service you receive. Amounts are per person, per day: tour guide $5–$10, driver $2–$5.

For the dahabiya crew, the average recommendation is $10–$15 per person per day. We collect from the group on the last night on board and give it to the captain, who divides it evenly among the crew.

Restaurants 5–10%, hotel cleaning staff $1 per night, luggage porters $1 per person, bathroom attendants 10–20 EGP. For taxis and ride-shares it's common to round the fare up. For smaller tips, Egyptian pounds are best.


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