Buzz
Embark on the exhilarating experience of camel riding across the desert or delve into the mysteries of ancient Pharaohs with ease.
Unlock the secrets of Egypt as you venture fearlessly into its vibrant landscapes, away from the confines of guided tours.
Egypt is no stranger to the world through literature, films, or art. However, traveling here can be daunting for some due to language barriers and cultural differences. Yet, with thorough research and meticulous planning, uncovering the enigmatic charm of Egypt is well within reach for the intrepid travelers.
Obtaining a visa is a breeze.
Acquiring an Egyptian visa is a simple process involving filling out a form from the official Embassy website, presenting your passport, passport-sized photos, hotel reservation confirmation, round-trip flight tickets, travel itinerary, employment contract, leave approval, financial statements (with at least 60 million VND in savings for those with employment contracts, 150 million VND for those without), and a fee of 28 USD (approximately 650,000 VND). Submit your application at the Egyptian Embassy in Hanoi.
For people from the South, if you want to save time flying to Hanoi for a visa, you can consider specialized Egyptian visa companies with a fee of around 100 USD per person (about 2.3 million VND per person). The required documents include passport, proof of financial capability of at least 100 million VND, and visa processing takes 7 working days.
Flight Tickets
It's advisable to buy as early as possible and also check various websites for cheap airfares to get the best price. The cheapest route from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City involves layovers in Thailand and Bahrain. The round-trip ticket costs around 16 million VND.
Accommodation
Compare prices on most booking apps and websites to choose suitable accommodations. For backpackers, prioritize places that accept payment at the hotel or offer last-minute cancellation. In Cairo, opt for centrally located places for easier access to other attractions. In Giza, choose rooms with beautiful views, overlooking the Pyramids and the Sphinx. The prices are reasonable, around 45 USD per night (about 1 million VND) for three people.
Food and Transportation Costs
Comparing to Ho Chi Minh City, dining in the capital Cairo is more affordable. A complete meal with meat, vegetables, rice, and drinks for three people costs about 100 EGP (around 130,000 VND). A glass of fresh fruit juice is priced at 5 EGP (about 6,500 VND). However, most dishes cater to Muslim tastes, which might not suit many Vietnamese palates. Therefore, it's advisable to prepare dry provisions such as instant noodles, jerky, etc., before the trip.
Traveling by subway costs an average of 3 EGP per person (around 3,800 VND) per journey, with separate compartments for women. However, the subway system in Cairo is not very developed, with only three main lines serving some areas in the city. Hence, the primary modes of transportation are still cars and buses. Be cautious when taking traditional taxis in Egypt as many do not have fare meters or may overcharge passengers.
Other Notes
The weather in Egypt can be quite harsh, with the end of the year being the coolest period. However, the temperature difference is significant, making it easy to experience heat shock, fever, or cold if not in good health. Daytime temperatures range from 27-29 degrees Celsius, dropping to 16-17 degrees Celsius at night. The sunlight is glaring, which can cause eye strain, but it feels cool under the shade or indoors. It's advisable to wear warm trousers, sunglasses, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
Egypt uses Arabic, and service personnel may speak a bit of English, just enough for greetings and bargaining. Travelers can resort to body language, pictures, or it's most convenient to have a dictionary ready on their phone for communication.
There's no haggling culture in Cairo, but tourists visiting Egypt for tourism and wanting to buy items at famous spots should negotiate to lower prices to around 60-80% for a fair deal.
The traffic in the city is quite chaotic, often congested, with dusty air and limited internet access. However, the locals here are hospitable and enthusiastic.
When visiting distant and unfamiliar countries, purchasing travel insurance to guard against unforeseen circumstances is essential.
According to Thiết Nguyễn – Vi Yến/Ngôi sao
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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourNovember 17, 2017
