FAQs
Question
When and where do we need to RSVP?
Answer
Please RSVP for our events by 30 March on our website! Include if you're bringing additional people. Kids are welcome!
Question
Where will the events take place?
Answer
The religious ceremony will be held at the Eisa Family Home, which is mostly indoor. The wedding reception will be held outside at Mena House. Hoping for lovely spring weather!
Question
What time zone is Egypt in?
Answer
Egypt is in the Eastern Europe Time Zone, which is GMT +2. For those living on the East Coast of the US, there is a 7 hour time difference (e.g. 10am (10:00) ET is 5pm (17:00) in Egypt).
Question
What is the weather like in Egypt in May? What should I pack?
Answer
It's usually a lovely time of year with Coptic Orthodox Easter on 5 May and the ancient spring festival Sham el Nessim taking place on 6 May! It may get chilly at night (lows 64 F/18 C), so come prepared with light layers! When touring and shopping, our suggestion is to also cover one's shoulders and knees. Sun protection will be essential during the day with the sun being strong and warm temperatures (highs 90 F/32 C). Bring your bathing suits to relax by the pool! Bring your sunglasses and SPF! The crop tops can probably stay at home (or by the pool)!
Question
What should I wear to the Events and for Touring?
Answer
For the Wedding Events: - Katb el Kitab (Religious Ceremony): Daytime semi-formal (e.g. daytime cocktail dress for ladies, shirt and jacket for gentlemen) - Wedding Reception: Formal (e.g. long dresses for ladies, suits for gentlemen) For Touring: - Light, comfortable, loose clothing from natural fabrics (e.g. cotton, linen) - Comfortable walking shoes - Sun protection - Clothes that cover ones shoulders and knees - When visiting houses of worship (churches and mosques), clothing that covers one's legs and arms and scarves to cover hair for ladies.
Question
Do I need a visa for Egypt? How do I get one?
Answer
Yes, most countries can get a get a visa on arrival at Cairo Airport, which is $25 cash per person. There is also an e-Visa you can get in advance for a standard processing time of 6 days at $104. You can read more here, but let us know if you have any questions: https://www.ivisa.com/egypt/blog/is-egypt-visa-free
Question
What is the currency in Egypt? Where can I change money?
Answer
The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). You can change money at bank branches in the airport, in the hotel, ATMs in the hotel, and foreign exchange offices (which are also in the hotel).
Question
Can I drink the tap water in Egypt?
Answer
No! There is bottled water everywhere - you can even buy some from the local "koshk", which has snacks and drinks on almost every street corner!
Question
Should I use rideshare apps in Egypt?
Answer
The rideshare experience in Egypt is not recommended. Although they are safe, the quality of the experience is inconsistent with drivers often declining credit card payments and prefer to be paid in cash. The best method is to have the hotel arrange for a Taxi.
Question
What kind of food should I try in Egypt?
Answer
Egyptian cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, with similarities to Greek, Italian, and Lebanese food using mild spices with flavorful food. Some must-tries are grilled meats (e.g. kebab, kofta (minced-meat skewers)), with many vegetarian options such as koshary, Egyptian falafel (known locally as "tameyya"), foul (Fava beans), tahini (sesame paste), and delicious sweets (Manaal and Karim's favorite is "basbousa" which is made from semolina).
Question
Where should I go for medical assistance?
Answer
The hotel often has an in-house doctor. In case of a medical need, they will arrange for your transportation (i.e. an ambulance) and medical care at a hospital. Please check with your travel insurance policy as well if there are additional options indicated.
Question
How to get to the Wedding Reception at Mena House?
Answer
If not staying at Mena House, the best way is a Taxi, which can be arranged by your hotel. The rideshare experience in Egypt is not recommended. Let us know if you need assistance with transportation!
Question
Can I take pictures at the Wedding? Can I post them?
Answer
Yes, of course! We will also have fun opportunities for pictures at our Wedding Reception! (We will also have a place you can upload your pictures so everyone can see!)
Question
Any other suggestions for Egypt? Helpful phrases?
Answer
1. Always carry cash, especially for tips! 2. When in a taxi, make sure they turn on the meter. 3. Helpful Phrases: - Shokran - Thank you - Sabah el kheir - Good morning - Masa el kheir - Good afternoon/evening - Salaam alaikum - Peace be upon you - Wa alaikum asalaam - Response to above/may peace be upon you - Law samaht - Please - Naam - Yes - La - No - Yalla! - Let's go! - Helw - Good/delicious - Ezeyyek/ezeyyik - How are you? (To a man vs. to a woman) - Ana kwayis/kwayisa - I'm doing well (As a man vs. as a woman) - Maa salama - Goodbye A great website for Egyptian phrases by subject with audio and transliteration is: https://lingualism.com/egyptian-arabic/
Question
Any Egypt travel blogs we should check out?
Answer
A few helpful ones are: - https://egypttravelblog.com/ - https://annaeverywhere.com/egypt-travel-guide - https://www.saltinourhair.com/egypt/ - https://thehistoriantraveller.com/planning-a-trip-to-egypt-with-itinerary-and-expenses/
Question
Where are some places I should visit in Cairo?
Answer
Please visit the Things To Do section with our suggestions!
Question
What if I want to take additional tours in Egypt?
Answer
Please contact us if you would like to arrange for other tours in Egypt (e.g. Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, etc.) and we can connect you with a reputable tour agency.
Question
Who do I contact for any other questions?
Answer
You can email us at: ManaalandKarim@gmail.com