Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the details of the intinerary?
2. Is the trip just for dancers, or just for women?
3. How much will the trip cost; is the flight included; what's the land-only price; how much for single supplement ?
4. Are dance classes included in the price?
5. What is the currency used in Egypt?
6. How much should I expect to spend on a costume?
7. What sort of clothes should I pack for Egypt?
8. What else do I need to bring?
9. How much luggage are we allowed?
10. What travel documents do I need?
11. Do I need to get vaccinations?
12. How are we getting to the airport?
13. Are there any Arabic words we need to learn before we go?
14. Any other info?
15. What if I have more questions?

 

Answers:

Q: What are the details of the itinerary?

A: Our tours are designed for both those who have never been to Egypt before and want to see all the traditional highlights, as well as those who were on the last Oasis tour to Egypt and want to see some new sights. Click here for sample itineraries

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Q: Is the trip just for dancers, or just for women?

A: Everyone is welcome on this trip, dancers and non-dancers, women, men, husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, moms, dads, kids, neighbours, co-workers, best friends, casual acquaintances, total strangers ...etc....

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Q: How much will the trip cost?

A: Check the itinerary page for the cost of the next trip. The price includes airfare, hotels, most meals, tips and transfers. These prices are for double occupancy; for single supplement, please add $800US. This price for a five-star 15-day holiday is better-priced than most 10-day tours you'll see advertized by other dance tour leaders.

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Q: Are dance classes included in the price?

A: Dance classes and other dance outings are optional and are not included in the price of the tour. Because your hosts are Egyptian, they have been able to negotiate very reasonable prices for the dance classes. The cost of the teachers fees will be split between those who are participating in group classes; for private classes, ask Ahmed in advance to arrange something for you.

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Q: What is the currency used in Egypt?

A: The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is divided into Piastres; 100 Piastres makes up one Pound. One Canadian dollar equals approximately 5 EGP. Check the latest exchange rates at www.xe.com/ucc. The best rate for exchange is usually found at Accurate on Carling Ave in Ottawa. You will be able to use your credit card in Egypt, but ATM service may be inconsistent. You should check with your bank about availability of ATM withdrawal services abroad. It's always a good idea to call your bank/credit card to inform them you will be travelling abroad.

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Q: How much should I expect to spend on a costume?

A: For a real professional dancer's costume (not the cheap touristy garbage that will fall apart even before you wear it!), expect to spend at least $400 to $500, or even more if you want a fancier designer confection (like a Pharonics!) with rhinestones and all the trimmings. You may need to have cash or travellers cheques to pay for your costume, since some costumers don't accept credit cards or personal cheques. Denise is personal friend with Madame Amira of Pharonics, so we will be able to get the best prices possible during our costume-shopping.

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Q: What sort of clothes should I pack for Egypt?

A: Try to pack light so that you have room to bring back lots of souvenirs. Clothes that are comfortable for dry for hot weather are loose fitting, made of breathabke fabric, and provide skin coverage for protection from the sun. It is not recommended to wear very tight or revealing clothing, since Egypt is a conservative society, and travellers will find their journey more enjoyable if they try to respect the local standards. It is OK to wear shorts and a bathing suit in the beach resort areas of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada, since the people there are used to tourists, but you will find you get more respect from people if you dress conservatively (no sleeveless or low-cut shirts, no short shorts or mini skirts, etc). Pack a light sweater for the desert evenings, and some dressy evening wear for our outings to the dinner-dance shows. Comfortable supportive walking shoes are importantt, as is a good hat to protect you from the sun.

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Q: What else do I need to bring?

A: Sunscreen is an absolute must. Good sunglasses and a sun hat are also a good idea. Try to get travel sizes of your shampoo and conditioner to minimize the weight of your suitcase. The hotels will have hairdryers, so there is no need to pack one. If you have any favourite medications (Immodium, Pepto Bismol, headache medicines), it's a good a idea to bring these in their original packaging. If you sometimes suffer from motion sickness, we recommend getting some Sea-Bands from the drugstore, or chewing some candied ginger to help with the nausea you may experience during our cruise and flights. Air Egypt has a good packing list suggestion on their website.

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Q: How much luggage are we allowed?

A: Carry-on allowances have recently changed quite a lot; be sure not to pack anything that is on the current list of restricted items (such as such as scissors, cutters, Swiss army-type knives, any type of imitation or toy firearm, cigarette-lighters, combustible liquids or gasses, etc) - if in doubt, pack it in your checked bag. Air Egypt baggage allowance is clearly listed in their website; it allows passengers from Canada to check-in two suitcases; the total dimension (length + width + height) of both pieces must not exceed 273 cm (107 in) and the outside linear dimensions of each bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 in.). The weight of each piece is limited to 23 kg. You are also entitled to One carry-on bag, weighing under 7 kg.

You will have to pay a fee if your checked baggage exceeds the weight limit; a luggage scale can save you having to pay extra at the airport.

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Q: What travel documents do I need?

A: Your passport must be valid for another 6 months after the travel dates. While it may be possible to get your tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Cairo, we strongly recommend you get your visa from the Egyptian Embassy (or Consulate in your city) ahead of time (we won't be able to refund your payment if you're refused entry to Egypt). You should confirm with Ahmed that your visa is ready well before May 1st. You can download the Visa application here, or get it from the embassy's website here. If you need help getting the visa, please contact Ahmed.

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Q: Do I need to get vaccinations?

A: It is best to check with a doctor who specializes in travel heath about what vaccinations are recommended. PHAC has a list of travel clinics across Canada, available on their website . There is a travel clinic on boul. Taschereau in Hull just across from the Oasis studio.

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Q : How are we getting to the airport?

A: A bus that will take us from the Voyageur bus station on Catherine Street in Ottawa. We will meet at the bus station to catch our bus together, please re-confirm the time with Ahmed before the trip so that you can be sure to be on time.

Q: Are there any Arabic words we need to learn before we go?

A: Ahmed is available to teach some handy Arabic phrases to those who are interested. To get you started: Shukran = Thank you; Aiwa = Yes; La'a = No; Minfadlik = Please; Bikam = How much. We recommend getting an Arabic pocket phrase book to help you in your shopping and touring adventures.

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Q: Any other info?

A: For additional travel tips or answers to other questions, you can download some travel tips in pdf format. There is a good website called Tour Egypt, where you can read about some of the sights we will see.

Please also visit the Canadian Embassy in Egypt's website , Egyptian Embassy in Canada's website , Foreign Affairs Canada's country report .

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Q: What if I have more questions?

A: Call Ahmed at 819-776-5033, and he'll answer any other questions you might have.

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