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Traveling to Egypt
ZRH - HRG There are flights most days of the week from Zürich to Hurghada. 4h with Edelweiss, Chair Airlines, Air Cairo. A round trip costs between CHF 400 and CHF 1000. ZRH - LXR Some airlines fly directly to Luxor. 4h30 from Zurich. ZRH - CAI There are daily direct flights from Zürich to Cairo 3h30. If you choose to go your own way before/after the cruise, that’s of course also possible. We recommend that you arrange domestic travels with a travel agent in Egypt. Your contact with our travel agency is Fatima: Fatima@memphistours.com +20100 221 5367 (Whatsapp/call) Mention that you're part of the Shahira & Pino Weddingmoon! Distances by car from/to, in hours: 
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Visa upon arrival
European and Swiss nationals need a Visa upon arrival in Egypt. You can get this at Hurghada Airport before going through passport control, just follow the signs or ask airport personnel. The single-entry Visa costs around USD 25, to be paid in Dollars, Euros or British Pounds. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date from Egypt. |
Money
The exchange rate is currently at an all time low - which is good for tourists but not so good for the country:
1 Swiss Franc = 50 Egyptian Pounds. You can exchange or withdraw money at the airport, as well as in El Gouna. At ATMs there is a cash maximal withdrawal per transaction, which varies depending on the bank. You'll need cash to pay smaller amounts, especially transport, tipping, etc. but of course you can pay by card in restaurants, hotels and shops. El Gouna is not as cheap as other parts of Egypt, so you can count with more or less than EGP 1'000 - 4'000 per adult per day, depending on your consumption.
The exchange rate is currently at an all time low - which is good for tourists but not so good for the country:
1 Swiss Franc = 50 Egyptian Pounds. You can exchange or withdraw money at the airport, as well as in El Gouna. At ATMs there is a cash maximal withdrawal per transaction, which varies depending on the bank. You'll need cash to pay smaller amounts, especially transport, tipping, etc. but of course you can pay by card in restaurants, hotels and shops. El Gouna is not as cheap as other parts of Egypt, so you can count with more or less than EGP 1'000 - 4'000 per adult per day, depending on your consumption.
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Alcohol
Yes, alcohol. We all drink it. But alcohol is generally very expensive in Egypt, as the import-taxes are extremely high. Apart from local beers, which are very good, and some local wines, which are not always very good, imported spirits and wines cannot be purchased in shops. One can however order pricey drinks in upscale bars, restaurants and hotels. And that is why we have a plan to stock up the bar on our boat. Each traveler is allowed to import 2 bottles of alcohol. We usually travel with one bottle of alcohol in the check-in luggage, which typically goes unnoticed and undeclared. Once in Egypt, travellers have 48 hours to visit a local duty-free shop (bring your passport!) either at the airport or in Gouna itself, and buy two bottles of spirit or wine, free of import-fees. We kindly ask of you to donate one bottle of spirit for the Nile Cruise bar. The other bottle(s) are up to you. Please check the excel guest-list for your assigned bottle :) |
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Transport from Hurghada Airport
El Gouna is about a 40 minute drive from Hurghada Airport. We recommend that you book your transport in advance through: 1. London Cab Egypt (run by SIXT) - download the App and book a taxi in advance in Switzerland. The driver will be waiting for you with a sign. It is safe, comfortable and the prices are fixed (around EGP 900 / CHF 20. You can tip the driver at least 10% in cash). 2. Our travel agency Memphis Tours, through our contact Fatima: Fatima@memphistours.com +20100 221 5367 (Whatsapp/call) Mention that you're part of the Shahira & Pino Weddingmoon! 3. Through your hotel. |
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Dress code in Egypt
In places like Gouna / Hurghada you can generally wear what you want. In Luxor / Aswan we recommend dressing "modestly", i.e. avoid hot-pants and revealing tang tops. On the boat you can wear whatever you like, and please pack one elegant evening outfit :) |
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