What kind of wetsuit do I need?
For the summer months, most people use a shortie wetsuit or none at all. However, in the winter months a full wetsuit is a good idea as the water temperatures are cooler.
What medical facilities are available on the Red Sea?
A lot of the larger hotels in the Red Sea have a doctor on call and the bigger cities such as Hurghada, El Gouna and Sharm el Sheikh have private hospitals, of which some offer very reliable medical care, are clean and equipped with latest technology.
Where is the nearest hyper baric chamber?
There are deco chambers in Hurghada, Marsa Alam, El Gouna and Sharm el Sheikh.
Does my insurance cover diving?
At present it is not a legal requirement to have diving insurance in Egypt. However, having adequate diving insurance is highly recommended. Most travel insurance policies do not cover scuba diving. So make sure you read the fine print.
What type of food is available in Egypt?
Most local establishments offer a variety of food including traditional Egyptian, Western and Oriental cuisine. You can also find some international fast food chains such as Pizza Hut and McDonalds. The 5 star hotel chains offer some great international cuisine such as authentic Italian, Chinese, Thai, and Indian food.
Do I need a VISA?
All visitors to Egypt except nationals of Malta, South Africa and Zimbabwe need a visa to enter Egypt.
Where can I get a VISA?
Visas can be obtained prior to departure at any Egyptian Consulate. It is usually cheaper (currently $15 US) and easier to get your visa upon arrival at airports. However, always make sure you check with your embassy prior to departure as things can change. Also ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of travel. The visa is valid for one month and can be easily extended (depending on your nationality) for up to 6 months.
What type of currency can I use in Egypt?
The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (L.E.). Foreign currency such as Euros, American Dollars, and British pounds are also accepted at hotels and larger establishments. The larger hotels will also cash traveler's cheques, but these are difficult to cash elsewhere.
Are there ATM machines available?
ATM machines are widely available in the larger cities such as Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan and Luxor. Make sure that your P.I.N. number is not letters as the Egyptians use the Arabic language and you will not find letters on the keypad. It is best to have a numeric P.I.N. number. The Cirrus system is more widely available than the PLUS system.
What type of credit cards are accepted in Egypt?
Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards. However, American Express and other credit cards are also accepted at larger hotels and establishments. Cash advances can be taken on your credit cards at most banks, make sure to bring your passport for identification.
What is the electrical current?
220V AC, 50 Hz. Sockets are 2 pin European type.
What standard of hotels are available on the Red Sea?
Every type of hotel is available on the Red Sea from basic camping, budget hotels, international chain hotels to all-inclusive resorts. There is something for everyone.
What other activities are available?
You won't be disappointed in the range of activities outside of diving & snorkeling. There are safaris into the desert by camel, quad bikes, and jeep. Most of these safaris include a trip to a Bedouin camp where you have a BBQ and can gaze on a spectacular sea of stars at night. Golfing, hiking, windsurfing, kite surfing, deep-sea fishing, and glass bottomed boats are among the other activities. Wander around the local souks (markets) and bazaars or take a day trip to one of the many monasteries.