1. Book your flight to Cairo International Airport.

2. Ensure that your passport is up-to-date. (Expiration dates cannot be less than six months from date of return.)

3. Ensure that your credit card company (ideally Visa or Mastercard) is aware of your international travel, and bring some cash (at least $20 USD/person/day) with you. Wait until you're in Egypt to convert your money to Egyptian pounds (EGP or L.E.) for a better exchange rate.

4. Install the Uber app on your phone, as this is the back-up method of transport that we recommend to you. Add your payment method to the app.

5. Install the WhatsApp app to your phone, as this is the best way to get ahold of Ahmed and Tia, as well as the most common method of texting/calling locals.

6. You may choose to purchase full travel insurance including medical repatriation. Ensure you have appropriate insurance for the duration of your trip and that it covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Plan to carry a copy of your full policy document with them at all times, together with any certificate showing the policy number and emergency contact details.

7. If you don't want to pay the international service plan that your cell service provider offers, install the app Airalo and explore reloadable eSIM offers. We have successfully bought a data package during our layover, which automatically activated once we landed in Cairo and our phones connected to Egyptian cell towers. The phone settings, however, are the trickiest part to figure out!

8. While it may be easier to obtain your visa at the airport by waiting in a short line at the bank/visa desks and paying $25 USD cash before border control, you may choose to apply for a visa online.

9. Pack (see below).

For the wedding, the dress code is semi-formal or dressy casual attire. Given cultural norms of modesty and average February temperatures (in the 60's Fahrenheit or 10's Celsius), we recommend the following guidelines throughout your trip to Cairo:

• No shorts—stick to pants, long skirts, and long dresses.

• No strapless or low-cut tops—stick to t-shirt length sleeves and longer.

• Long, breathable materials and layers (e.g. cardigans/sweaters) are key to transition from day to night.

• A swimsuit, if your hotel includes a pool.

• A light jacket. You will need this for visiting the pyramids and in the evenings as the temperatures cool. Please also bring a coat to the wedding reception, since the venue is outdoors!

• While head coverings are not required in most public places (including the wedding venue), women should bring a scarf to use as a head covering and a cardigan/shawl to cover their arms in mosques and other religious buildings.

• A small bag to bring these items with you on-the-go. (You will want to drink bottled water, so a separate water bottle isn't necessary.)

• Earplugs and eye mask, for sleeping.

• A voltage converter (like this one) and/or travel adapter for electrical outlets, specific for Egypt (like this one) or a universal adapter (like this one) - the universal adapter may also come in handy during layovers in Europe.

• A pen! It will be handy for completing entry forms at the end of your flights.

1. Complete the entry card given by the flight attendants at the end of the flight.

2. If you haven’t applied for your visa online in advance, go one of the bank/visa desks before border control. You will need to pay $25 USD cash.

3. At border control, present your visa receipt and your entry card. This is usually a quick and straightforward process.

4. Collect your baggage at baggage claim.

5. The airport WiFi can be difficult to use, so you will either have to connect to the eSIM you downloaded earlier, or use data roaming on your home cellphone plan. Otherwise, you can go to the Orange kiosk to buy an Egyptian SIM-card—we've heard good things about the “FREEmax 130.” (But any of the four cell service providers—Orange, Vodafone, We, or Etisalat—can all meet your SIM-card needs.)

6. If you'd like, you can also convert your money (to Egyptian pounds, EGP or L.E.) at a bank in the airport. You will also be able to do this at banks in the city, currency exchange offices, and most hotels. Most restaurants and museums accept credit cards, but cash is still king in Egypt so make sure you keep some (including small change and coins) for buying items from local shops, souvenirs, tips, etc.

7. Once you have your baggage and cell service figured out, go straight past the baggage claim through customs. This is usually a quick process, unless you are claiming to bring in any alcohol (or more than $10,000 USD!).

8. There will be a lot of taxi drivers vying for your business, but you would have to agree with them on a fair before accepting a ride. We recommend that you pre-book a ride with London Cab (private ride) or Cairo Airport Shuttle (a shuttle service to various destinations within the city). Or you can use your Uber or Careem app.

Driving is not for everyone, not even every Egyptian. We recommend avoiding renting a car and instead rely on the Uber or Careem app. The second best option would be to coordinate a ride/taxi with your hotel. Taxis are safe, but they are just a hassle to deal with (won't have exact directions, may not turn the meter on, etc).

TL;DR

• Keep public affection minimal; hand-holding is fine, kissing isn’t.

• Limit physical contact with the opposite sex unless you’re family.

• No alcohol at our venue or in public spaces (available at some hotels/restaurants).

• Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees; women should carry a scarf for mosques.

• Visit mosques outside prayer times; remove shoes before entering.

• Tipping (baksheesh) is common—carry small EGP 10, EGP 20, and EGP 50 bills.

• Ask before photographing people; never photograph police or military.

Details:

• Public behavior & affection
  Public displays of affection are generally discouraged in Egypt, especially outside of tourist areas. Kissing in public—even a kiss on the cheek—may be considered inappropriate in some neighborhoods. Hand-holding between couples is generally fine. You will also notice that men greet men and women greet women with cheek kisses, which is culturally normal.

• Interactions between men and women
  Out of respect for local customs, physical contact between men and women who are not married or close family is usually limited. A handshake is generally acceptable, but if someone does not offer one, a smile and verbal greeting is perfectly appropriate. At the wedding reception, dancing and close physical interaction may be more common among family members and same-gender friends.

• Alcohol
  Alcohol is not culturally accepted everywhere in Egypt and is restricted or forbidden in some areas. Please do not drink alcohol in public spaces. Our wedding venue does not allow alcohol due to its proximity to the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha. That said, alcohol is served at many hotels, restaurants, and licensed bars in Egypt.

• Dress code & modesty
  Egyptians tend to dress more conservatively, especially outside of tourist zones. Long pants or skirts and covered shoulders are recommended, particularly for women, to avoid unwanted attention. When visiting religious sites (mosques and churches), you must cover your knees and shoulders. Women are also required to cover their hair when entering mosques, so carrying a light scarf and cardigan is a good idea.

• Visiting mosques
  Non-Muslims are welcome to visit mosques outside of prayer times. If a prayer is taking place, please wait until it has finished before entering. Shoes must be removed before entering, and modest dress is required. Men and women pray in separate areas.

• Tipping (Baksheesh)
  Tipping—known as baksheesh—is a normal part of daily life in Egypt. Small tips may be requested for services such as carrying bags, opening doors, or offering assistance in restrooms. While not every situation requires a tip, it is customary and appreciated. Carry small bills or coins for convenience.

• Photography
  Please do not photograph people without their permission. This is considered impolite and may result in requests for a tip. Even more importantly, taking photos of military or police personnel, buildings, or vehicles is strictly forbidden in Egypt.

There are no specific vaccinations required for entry, but it's advisable to be up-to-date on routine vaccines. Healthcare facilities are available in Cairo, and some doctors speak English. You might consider travel insurance that covers health and emergencies.

Some other tips:

• Don't drink the tap water. Drink bottled or filtered water instead.

• Avoid pre-cut fresh fruits and vegetables from street food carts.

• Don't follow someone trying to "help" you. Egyptians are kind people and most of them are truly helpful. In some tourist areas, however, some people might tell you that they're going to show you or bring you into select areas of attraction--areas that are off-limits to get tips.

• Cross busy streets carefully, following the steps of locals or even asking them for help. Most Egyptians will be happy to show you the ropes.

If Ahmed or Tia can help, please text/call them directly.

In the case of emergency, dial 112 for the unified national emergency number for ambulance, police, and fire, or use the specific numbers: 

• 123 for ambulance

• 122 for police

• 110 for the fire department

For non-life-threatening issues, call the Tourist Police at 126 or the Tourism Ministry hotline at 19654. 

All other Egyptian phone numbers use the country code +20 before the rest of the number.