One of the advantage of traveling with General Tours is that most of the planning and preparing is all taken care of for you. However, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind.  Please review the following information before your departure, and have a great trip.

Weather

Luxor & Aswan Seasonal Averages

Egyptian regulations require that everyone entering Egypt present a valid passport or other official documents upon entry. While it is advisable to obtain a visa prior to arrival, tourist visa valid for one ,month may be obtained at the Cairo Airport.

Travelers from some country such as Iran, South Africa, India & others should check with their Consul before seeking visas.

If you program includes airport arrival transfers, you will be met by our local representative just after you pass through customs or at the baggage claim area. Look for someone holding a Your Name sign. Travelers arriving by train will be met at the platform. If you do not see someone with a Gate 1 Travel sign or your name, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the General Tours representative.

If your program includes departure transfers, instruction will be provided locally.

Check-In time is usually 12.00 afternoon or later. Check-Out time is noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room.

Accommodation

General Tours has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, food, service and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin or double-bed rooms with private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standards.

Currency

The Egyptian Currency (L.E) is divided into 100 piasters (pt). The smallest coin in circulation is the five piasters (Shellen). Besides the Shellen there is the ten piasters, twenty piasters and twenty five. The  paper money includes the ten, twenty five, and fifty piasters notes, as well as the one, five, ten, twenty, fifty and one hundred pound notes.

Meals & Dietary Restrictions

If you have any dietary restrictions, please advise General Tours Travel in advance and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. Please understand, however, that we cannot guarantee the compliance of the hotels and restaurants where you will be dining. Meals are provided in accordance with the particular package you've purchased. In general, beverages are not included with meals (although there are some exceptions). The dinners included in tour packages are based on set menus. An alternate main course may be available, but this is not guaranteed.

Jet Lag

The tired, hazy feeling known as jet lag is caused not only by changing time zones, but also by spending an extended period of time inside an airplane, where the air is very dry and the pressure can cause lethargy and even swelling of the arms, legs, hands and feet. Here are some things that can help reduce the effects of jet lag.

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine before and during the flight

• Get adequate rest before your flight.

• Reset your watch to the time zone of your destination when you board the plane to begin getting used to the new time zone

• Create as dark an environment on the plane as possible (close the window shade and turn off overhead light)

• If you are arriving in the morning, try to sleep on the plane

• Walk around the plane occasionally and do isometric exercises at your seat

• Drink plenty of water and juices

When you arrive, adjust your sleeping habits to the local time - try to stay awake until it is night time

Packing

Pack lightly. Choose clothing that is "wrinkle-resistant" and can be layered as the temperature changes. Medications, eyeglasses and anything that you cannot possibly live without should be packed in a carry-on bag. To avoid problems passing through customs, keep medications in their original labeled containers. Make sure you have luggage tags for each suitcase. Place your name and your destination address in a visible place inside each suitcase. If you have a video camera, you are kindly requested to inform General Tours representative upon arrival to airport to register it on your passport ( no charge ) otherwise you will be prevented to take it out Egypt upon departure.

Suggested Tipping 

Escorted Man: 6$ per person per mission. Local guide: 10$ per person per half day of sightseeing. Coach driver: 5$ per person per half day. Porter: 3$ per person per bag. Additional tipping for other staff may be done at the discretion of the passenger.

Shopping 

Shopping in the land of Pyramids can be a wonderful experience. You may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt and try to pay with credit cards, which are generally accepted in most shopping stores. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
General Tours Travel recommend and guarantee some particular shops or merchants, where you will be provided with a guaranteed certification. This recommendation will be advised by local tour guide.  

Safety 

Every effort has been taken by General Tours Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you no allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room - use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers check numbers in the hotel safe. Your travel documents include telephone numbers of local Egypt Explores Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency.

Guaranteed Share Program

If you are traveling alone and you would like someone to share the cost of a room - and to share the fun - General Tours Travel will find you a roommate of the same gender. Please let us know in advance if you'd like to pair up with a traveling companion. If, once on the trip, you decide that the share program is not for you, General Tours will make every effort to find you a suitable single room. However, you will be responsible for covering the incremental expenses.