Private Tour FAQ

We have assembled answers to frequently asked questions. If your questions still remain unanswered after browsing this page, please contact one of our friendly tour design representatives. We are always happy to assist with your travel to Egypt.

1) Questions about our company

Where are you located?

Our office is located in Egypt for coordinating all the hotels, guides and other service reservations for our clients.

How long have you been in business and are you a licensed travel company?

We are proud to say that we have been in business since 1979. I would like to attract your kind attention that GAT Tours Egypt is reputable & well known travel agent in Egypt; we are a member Of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association – AETBI & ASTA – GAT Tours Egyptian Tourism License No. 265 – IATA No. 90 – 212113

2) Questions about our programs

What is the difference between your private suggested tours and a group motor coach tour?

Though both “private tours” and “motor coach tours” include pre-arranged accommodation and services, there are some major differences.

The private tours are fully customized travel for those people that do not want to be governed by motor coach schedules and tours that cater to large group of people, sometimes upward of 45 people per bus. We will organize and design your trip around your wishes, schedules, flights, and time framework. We will also take into consideration your interests and budget. Private tours offer the most flexibility and free time.

Escorted tours are for those who want to travel without any of the hassles of planning the trip on their own, while taking advantage of traveling with a group, which also allows them to save on costs. There are several packages each tour company offers for select destinations, departing on specific dates, and pre-set durations of time.

Can I change an option on one of your suggested private tours?

Yes you can! These tours are suggestions that can be altered and customized to your wishes. We will work with you on a variety of options until such time that the tours are fine tuned to your satisfaction.

What is Custom Trip Planning?

Custom trip planning is what we specialize in. Our tour designers will work with you to create the ideal trip for you based on your interests and budget. We have the knowledge and impressive well informed representatives in Egypt ready to plan a well customized trip. We handle all details, from the basic to the most personalized request, making your trip a great experience that will live with you for years to come..

How does the booking process work?

Once you contact us, your tour designer will listen carefully and be attentive to your demands, and will work with you to create an itinerary that suits your needs and budget. If there are any modifications to be implemented, our tour designers will implement such changes, and once you approve the program and confirm your dates, we will book the accommodations. At this point we require a 50% non-refundable deposit to hold the accommodation and services required. The balance of the total amount will be upon your arrival to Egypt via Cash. Fully detailed final travel documents and vouchers will forward to you upon your arrival. All the necessary contact information will be clearly identified in your booklet.

Are your private guides and drivers licensed and do they speak English?

Our guides are well informed and licensed English speaking Egyptologists. The drivers are licensed and are very familiar with the roads and routes on your tour. Both guides and drivers are very accommodating and will try their utmost to make your visit a memorable experience.

What kinds of vehicles are used for Private tours?

The vehicles we use for our tours in Egypt vary in accordance with the number in your party and level of services requested; the transportation range is from mid-size sedans to luxury stretch limousines. All the vehicles are air conditioned and licensed by the tourism authority.

For groups over 8 people minibuses or buses are used depending on the size of the group.

3) Questions about Egypt

Is it safe to travel in Egypt?

Egypt is a very safe country, known for its warm hospitality and friendly people. Having said that, you must use caution in large cities around tourist areas where tourists can become magnets for pick pockets. Common sense precautions will help you to avoid unpleasant situations.

Do I need a VISA to visit Egypt?

If you are a Canadian or US citizen you need a valid passport and entry visa. The passport should be valid for at least six months after the date of entry into Egypt. As for the visa, you can either obtain it from your nearest consular office in North America, or we can obtain it upon arrival at an airport or port authority.

Other nationalities should check with the Egyptian Embassy or consular office for Visa requirements from their countries.

When is the best time to visit Egypt?

Although Egypt is year round destination, the best time to visit will be from October to March. There are still plenty of visitors in the summer, but one must be careful to be well prepared with comfortable light weight clothing and sun block.

What are the must see cities and sights in Egypt?

Whatever you choose to see in Egypt will be worth while and a wonderful experience. Each city provides its own charm, history and archaeological wonders; The Pyramids of Giza near Cairo, the temples along the Nile and Lake Nasser, the library in Alexandria, the beautiful beaches along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea, just to mention a few of the many possibilities.

Can I use my hairdryer, curling iron, etc in Egypt?

In Egypt the voltage is 220 and in North America it is 110. The electrical sockets are round not flat. So in order to use your personal appliance you need a conversion plug and if the appliance is not dual voltage, a converter. You can purchase a kit with everything you need from your local travel shop or in the luggage section of your local department store or at most airports.
You should note that most of our hotels have hair dryers in the bathrooms.

Can I use my ATM card in Egypt?

Yes you can. Our suggestion would be to try and change your money at a bank, and there are plenty of them, often located in hotel lobbies and on ships.

What is the dress code in Egypt?

Egypt is a Muslim country; it is advisable to dress conservatively when visiting churches and mosques. For men do not wear shorts and as for woman do not wear any thing short or sleeveless unless on the beach or by the pool. This will save you unwanted attention. If you are traveling in the summer loose, light cotton clothing is absolutely essential. Don’t forget to bring with you your sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and a hat.

What is the official currency of Egypt?

The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound £ which is divided into 100 piaster. There are coins for 25 and 50 piaster and 1 pound in addition to notes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Egyptian pounds. We recommend that you take sufficient local currency for buying gifts, souvenirs etc. on your shore visits as there maybe little opportunity to visit a bank or exchange office. However, no more than 5,000 Egyptian pounds per person can be taken either into or out of Egypt. Please exercise normal precautionary measures when carrying cash.[br] Actually most of things you will pay in Egyptian pounds like meals, souvenirs any local expenses etc… tips can be either in pounds or dollars, it is fine to bring not much cash with you and if you need more money you can use your credit cards but just make sure to contact your bank before your arrival in order to reconfirm that you are traveling to Egypt as sometimes the banks make security issues with credit cards against some countries so you need to make sure that your cards will work in Egypt.

4) Questions about Accommodation

What should I expect from your hotels and cruise ships?

Egypt Tours offers a varied selection of hotels and cruise ships. We only use first class and luxury hotels, often exceeding North American standards. Many of the selected hotels and cruise ships belong to International chains; Hilton International, Hyatt, Oberoi and Movenpick. They are picked based on location, cleanliness, friendliness, helpfulness of the staff, location, and best value for the dollar.

We have points with a hotel chain; can we use your services if we book hotels with our points?

We will be happy to work with clients who secure their own accommodation directly with the hotels on frequent traveler points or vouchers. However, we will not be responsible for any problems or issues that may arise with the hotels or venues that were not booked directly by us.