We offer a complete selection of internet access through :
Wireless Internet connection and USB modem (HSDPA) USB dongle are now available at villa al diwan.
lundi 26 janvier 2009
New Dinning area
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.JPG)
jeudi 22 janvier 2009
Insects
The main insect problem is flies. There are no more than on a hot English summer day, but they can be a nuisance.
There are mosquitoes in Luxor. They do not carry the deadly diseases that are prevalent in some other parts of Africa. Most visitors never see a single one, but they are around, they do bite and they can draw blood. Mosquitoes are usually only a problem at dawn and dusk. If you are out at those times, cover your legs and arms. They can also be a noise nuisance at night in the hotel room. We suggest packing a fly swat.
If the thought of mosquitoes bothers you it is best to take some precautions. Many regular travellers recommend taking vitamin B tablets for a week before the trip and daily whilst you are in Egypt. Apparently it makes the blood taste nasty to the mosquitoes so they leave you alone. In most Luxor supermarkets and pharmacies you can buy cans of ‘OFF’ (in a red can) to spray on your exposed skin before you go out and 'after bite' cream can also be purchased.
For when you are in the room there are products that you spray into the air rather than on yourself which are easily available in Luxor. (If you stay in a hotel then they will spray your room for you if you report a problem). An alternative to sprays are the solid tablets that you place on a heater pad and plug into the mains socket. These give off a chemical gradually through the night to deal with mosquitoes and other flying insects.
There are other flying things. Dragonflies abound in season (they migrate like birds, so they are not around all year). They are normally above or near water, so you are almost bound to see them in the Nile-side hotels. Dragonflies (and damselflies) do not bite people.
Occasionally there will be large hornets. These are the same insect family as 'yellow jacket' wasps, but can be a lot bigger. They only leave the nest in early to mid autumn, so are not a problem most of the year. Hornets do sting. The sting is similar in nature to a wasp sting, although in the species of hornet found in Egypt the sting is actually a little more toxic, and a little more painful, than a wasp sting. This is not a major problem for most people (apart from the pain) but if you are allergic to wasp stings and need to do something when you are stung, then you should be prepared to take similar preventative or remedial action against a hornet sting if you are in Luxor when hornets are around.
LIZARDS
There are small lizards in Egypt. These are not a problem, but be aware that they are around and that they may even climb the wall of the hotel.
There are mosquitoes in Luxor. They do not carry the deadly diseases that are prevalent in some other parts of Africa. Most visitors never see a single one, but they are around, they do bite and they can draw blood. Mosquitoes are usually only a problem at dawn and dusk. If you are out at those times, cover your legs and arms. They can also be a noise nuisance at night in the hotel room. We suggest packing a fly swat.
If the thought of mosquitoes bothers you it is best to take some precautions. Many regular travellers recommend taking vitamin B tablets for a week before the trip and daily whilst you are in Egypt. Apparently it makes the blood taste nasty to the mosquitoes so they leave you alone. In most Luxor supermarkets and pharmacies you can buy cans of ‘OFF’ (in a red can) to spray on your exposed skin before you go out and 'after bite' cream can also be purchased.
For when you are in the room there are products that you spray into the air rather than on yourself which are easily available in Luxor. (If you stay in a hotel then they will spray your room for you if you report a problem). An alternative to sprays are the solid tablets that you place on a heater pad and plug into the mains socket. These give off a chemical gradually through the night to deal with mosquitoes and other flying insects.
There are other flying things. Dragonflies abound in season (they migrate like birds, so they are not around all year). They are normally above or near water, so you are almost bound to see them in the Nile-side hotels. Dragonflies (and damselflies) do not bite people.
Occasionally there will be large hornets. These are the same insect family as 'yellow jacket' wasps, but can be a lot bigger. They only leave the nest in early to mid autumn, so are not a problem most of the year. Hornets do sting. The sting is similar in nature to a wasp sting, although in the species of hornet found in Egypt the sting is actually a little more toxic, and a little more painful, than a wasp sting. This is not a major problem for most people (apart from the pain) but if you are allergic to wasp stings and need to do something when you are stung, then you should be prepared to take similar preventative or remedial action against a hornet sting if you are in Luxor when hornets are around.
LIZARDS
There are small lizards in Egypt. These are not a problem, but be aware that they are around and that they may even climb the wall of the hotel.
Your Children in Luxor
Is Luxor safe for children?
Most Egyptians love children. If you take children of any age to Luxor, you will find that they are welcomed just about everywhere and that they will receive a great deal of attention. Of course, in any country there are people who ignore all local and international standards and behave in a way that is inexplicable to the vast majority of people. Having said that, in Egypt children are at least as safe as they are anywhere and a great deal safer than in many 'developed' countries.
Restaurants
Nearly all restaurants welcome children and some have highchairs. There is a McDonalds (in the area to the rear of Luxor Temple), with Snacktime close by which has a whole floor for children, with excellent, good quality indoor play equipment and Smiley children's menu.
Provisions
It is worth taking with you the things that you know you will need and that you can fit within your luggage allowance. Some things are priced competitively in Luxor, but some things, especially imported things, are more expensive in Luxor than in the UK. However, if you come without something there is no need to worry as you should be able to find all the essentials, such as baby milk, nappies, creams and lotions. Baby things that you might expect to find in a supermarket in 'western' countries are more likely to be found in ‘pharmacies’ in Luxor.
Charges
Most entrance tickets and transport in Luxor are free for children up to the age of six. We are not aware of anyone being charged for entry to any of the sights, including the tombs and the National ferry, for any child who is, or looks 6 or younger. There is no need to mention the younger children. It is taken for granted that they do not pay. Just go to the ticket office, buy tickets for the adults and older children and don't mention the younger ones unless they do. A lot seems to be down to the official when assessing ages.
Children between 7 and 13 (inclusive) usually pay a reduced rate which is around half the adult price but rounded up to the nearest LE5. Children who look 14 or more will need a student card to get the reduced student rate.
Weather
We all know that it is hot in Luxor and that the sun is strong. It is probably best to avoid the very hottest months, June - August, when temperatures can soar to the high fifties in the sun. Obvious, as this seems, it is worth saying that the highest factor sunscreen should be used. Medical advice is that nothing under factor 30 is very effective. There can be fairly strong breezes on and beside the Nile and this can disguise the heat so you don't always realise how strong the sun really is. Protection is important all the time, even when it does not appear to be so hot. Please use the parasol for the pushchair and use huge rimmed hats to keep the sun off the child’s face and neck.
Cruise Boats
Many of the cruise ships have a minimum age limit and will not take children for safety reasons.
Balloon Rides
There does not appear to be a minimum age limit for the balloon rides although they would need to be tall enough to see over the edge of the basket, which is about 1 Metre.
Pavements and Roads
The pavements in Luxor are not all flat and even and a lot of the curbs are very high. Ramps between the pavement and the road are scarce. These problems combine to make taking a pushchair on the pavements in Luxor quite difficult. It can be done, but many people with chair-aged children prefer to push them along the edge of the road, especially between the tourist area at the southern end of Luxor and the Corniche. Using the road may encourage the occasional car horn but it is not uncommon for people to walk at the edge of the roadside and is often preferred to climbing and descending the many high curbs along the way.
Remember! your child under 16 does not need a Visa if on parents/guardians passport. If they have own passport then a Visa is required
Most Egyptians love children. If you take children of any age to Luxor, you will find that they are welcomed just about everywhere and that they will receive a great deal of attention. Of course, in any country there are people who ignore all local and international standards and behave in a way that is inexplicable to the vast majority of people. Having said that, in Egypt children are at least as safe as they are anywhere and a great deal safer than in many 'developed' countries.
Restaurants
Nearly all restaurants welcome children and some have highchairs. There is a McDonalds (in the area to the rear of Luxor Temple), with Snacktime close by which has a whole floor for children, with excellent, good quality indoor play equipment and Smiley children's menu.
Provisions
It is worth taking with you the things that you know you will need and that you can fit within your luggage allowance. Some things are priced competitively in Luxor, but some things, especially imported things, are more expensive in Luxor than in the UK. However, if you come without something there is no need to worry as you should be able to find all the essentials, such as baby milk, nappies, creams and lotions. Baby things that you might expect to find in a supermarket in 'western' countries are more likely to be found in ‘pharmacies’ in Luxor.
Charges
Most entrance tickets and transport in Luxor are free for children up to the age of six. We are not aware of anyone being charged for entry to any of the sights, including the tombs and the National ferry, for any child who is, or looks 6 or younger. There is no need to mention the younger children. It is taken for granted that they do not pay. Just go to the ticket office, buy tickets for the adults and older children and don't mention the younger ones unless they do. A lot seems to be down to the official when assessing ages.
Children between 7 and 13 (inclusive) usually pay a reduced rate which is around half the adult price but rounded up to the nearest LE5. Children who look 14 or more will need a student card to get the reduced student rate.
Weather
We all know that it is hot in Luxor and that the sun is strong. It is probably best to avoid the very hottest months, June - August, when temperatures can soar to the high fifties in the sun. Obvious, as this seems, it is worth saying that the highest factor sunscreen should be used. Medical advice is that nothing under factor 30 is very effective. There can be fairly strong breezes on and beside the Nile and this can disguise the heat so you don't always realise how strong the sun really is. Protection is important all the time, even when it does not appear to be so hot. Please use the parasol for the pushchair and use huge rimmed hats to keep the sun off the child’s face and neck.
Cruise Boats
Many of the cruise ships have a minimum age limit and will not take children for safety reasons.
Balloon Rides
There does not appear to be a minimum age limit for the balloon rides although they would need to be tall enough to see over the edge of the basket, which is about 1 Metre.
Pavements and Roads
The pavements in Luxor are not all flat and even and a lot of the curbs are very high. Ramps between the pavement and the road are scarce. These problems combine to make taking a pushchair on the pavements in Luxor quite difficult. It can be done, but many people with chair-aged children prefer to push them along the edge of the road, especially between the tourist area at the southern end of Luxor and the Corniche. Using the road may encourage the occasional car horn but it is not uncommon for people to walk at the edge of the roadside and is often preferred to climbing and descending the many high curbs along the way.
Remember! your child under 16 does not need a Visa if on parents/guardians passport. If they have own passport then a Visa is required
Do I need Visa?
A visa for entry into Egypt is required for visitors from most countries. Visas are available in advance from the Egyptian Embassy in the visitors home country but visitors from some countries, including the UK, the rest of Europe, the USA and Canada, can arrive without a visa and get one on arrival at the entry airport.
Children need their own visa if they have their own passport. Children do not need a separate visa if they are on a parent's passport. It is one visa per passport, not one visa per person.
Currently, nationals of Iran, Bangladesh, Tunisia, Somalia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Algeria, Lebanon, Iraq and Eritrea need clearance from authorities in Cairo before a visa can be issued.
You can get a visa in advance from your own country or from the country you visit before going to Egypt.
To apply for a visa in advance you need to take the application form (it can be downloaded from the embassy or consulate web site), a passport photo of the applicant and the passport of the applicant, which must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of issue of the visa. You also need the fee in cash or in a form acceptable to your national embassy or consulate. In the UK the acceptable alternative to cash is a postal order payable to 'The Egyptian Consulate'. Cheques and credit cards are not accepted. In some cases you may also need proof of your return from Egypt, such as the return half of an airline ticket. Check with your local embassy whether that applies to you - you do not need proof of return if you have a UK passport.
If applying by post the same documents are required but the fee has to be sent by the alternative method (a postal order in the UK), not in cash. You will also need to add a return envelope, self addressed in block capitals, with sufficient postage for registered or recorded delivery.
For holders of UK, Canadian and most European passports, a single entry tourist visa in advance is £15. A multiple entry tourist visa, which allows any number of visits within a 6 month period, is £18. The multiple entry visa allows a maximum cumulative time in Egypt of 3 months within the 6 months validity.
The cost of a single entry visa in advance for holders of USA, Russian, and some Scandinavian passports is £12 and a multiple entry visa is the same. German passport holders pay £13 for a single or multiple entry visa. South African nationals get one free.
Please check the cost of the visa at time of application in case there have been any changes.
Buying a single entry visa on arrival at Luxor will cost 15 US dollars, which is under £10. For all UK, European and American passport holders this is cheaper than buying a single entry visa in advance. However, if you are returning within 6 months it is cheaper to buy a multiple entry visa in advance than to buy single entry visas on arrival each time.
Please read the ARRIVING AT LUXOR AIRPORT page to avoid paying too much
for your visa in the arrivals terminal
If you are a national of a country other than Canada, Europe, or the USA, check with your local Egyptian embassy whether you are allowed to get a visa on arrival.
Children need their own visa if they have their own passport. Children do not need a separate visa if they are on a parent's passport. It is one visa per passport, not one visa per person.
Currently, nationals of Iran, Bangladesh, Tunisia, Somalia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Algeria, Lebanon, Iraq and Eritrea need clearance from authorities in Cairo before a visa can be issued.
You can get a visa in advance from your own country or from the country you visit before going to Egypt.
To apply for a visa in advance you need to take the application form (it can be downloaded from the embassy or consulate web site), a passport photo of the applicant and the passport of the applicant, which must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of issue of the visa. You also need the fee in cash or in a form acceptable to your national embassy or consulate. In the UK the acceptable alternative to cash is a postal order payable to 'The Egyptian Consulate'. Cheques and credit cards are not accepted. In some cases you may also need proof of your return from Egypt, such as the return half of an airline ticket. Check with your local embassy whether that applies to you - you do not need proof of return if you have a UK passport.
If applying by post the same documents are required but the fee has to be sent by the alternative method (a postal order in the UK), not in cash. You will also need to add a return envelope, self addressed in block capitals, with sufficient postage for registered or recorded delivery.
For holders of UK, Canadian and most European passports, a single entry tourist visa in advance is £15. A multiple entry tourist visa, which allows any number of visits within a 6 month period, is £18. The multiple entry visa allows a maximum cumulative time in Egypt of 3 months within the 6 months validity.
The cost of a single entry visa in advance for holders of USA, Russian, and some Scandinavian passports is £12 and a multiple entry visa is the same. German passport holders pay £13 for a single or multiple entry visa. South African nationals get one free.
Please check the cost of the visa at time of application in case there have been any changes.
Buying a single entry visa on arrival at Luxor will cost 15 US dollars, which is under £10. For all UK, European and American passport holders this is cheaper than buying a single entry visa in advance. However, if you are returning within 6 months it is cheaper to buy a multiple entry visa in advance than to buy single entry visas on arrival each time.
Please read the ARRIVING AT LUXOR AIRPORT page to avoid paying too much
for your visa in the arrivals terminal
If you are a national of a country other than Canada, Europe, or the USA, check with your local Egyptian embassy whether you are allowed to get a visa on arrival.
How do I Dress in Luxor, Egypt
Generally
The local culture, the weather and exactly where you are will influence what you wear.
Egypt is a Muslim country. The culture and dress code are not as strict in Egypt as in some muslim countries but it is still necessary to be modest, especially for ladies. Many disregard the dress code and just because they didn't hear what people were saying about them doesn't mean it is the right thing to do. It is much better to be sensitive to local culture and to dress in a way that will avoid offence.
Luxor is hot. Even in the winter, temperatures are generally high during the day so you will need light cottons at any time of the year. During October to March, it can get cooler in the evening and overnight so include a fleece, jacket, cardigan or jumper in your luggage. You can feel the chill on a cruise boat and on the train because they tend to turn the air conditioning to a low temperature.
Men in Luxor
For men, what to wear is less of an issue than it is for women. Normal trousers and shirt, T-shirt or polo are fine. Make sure they are lightweight and natural fibres - cotton is best. Polyester or any similar artificial fabric will become uncomfortable very quickly. By all means wear shorts in the hotel. Lots of people also wear them along the Corniche but most people would wear full length trousers in town. Certainly wear full-length trousers in mosques.
Women in Luxor
Our advice is to dress modestly but it is up to the individual. Apart from the need to respect local custom and religion there are two other benefits from modest clothing - first, it will protect you from the sun which is fierce most of the time and will soon damage exposed, unprotected skin; second, the more modest you are the less attention you will attract.
A basic wardrobe would be loose cotton or linen trousers and/or a longish skirt and tops with sleeves that are at least half-length. No-one expects you to cover your face nor do you have to cover your head. However, you should not expose cleavage or thighs and preferably also cover knees and elbows. Clothing, such as blouses, should not be transparent.
It is useful to carry a shawl or large scarf to help with covering up when you go to sensitive places, such as temples, or if you find yourself amongst a group of 'admiring' men.
Shoes
You will need 'practical' shoes. The roads and pavements are not very ‘walk friendly’ in a lot of places and most of the sights require trampling over unmade ground. Comfortable shoes or trainers with sturdy soles are best. Sandals are ok in the hotels and on cruises but there is a lot of sand, dust and rubble around which make sandals uncomfortable for walking around the streets.
Holy Places
It is always necessary to dress modestly to enter a mosque or other holy place. Some require extra covering up – please check. Ladies remember your shawl. Some require you to remove your shoes before entering.
Cruise Boats
The dress code is much more relaxed on a cruise boat than it is in town. Dress as though you were in the hotel. Shorts, swimming costumes, bikinis are all fine, but have something handy to cover up for when the ship gets to a town.
On four and five-star ships it is normal to dress up slightly for the evening meal. Few people would go as far as a tie for men or a long dress for women, but smart casual is expected. Long-sleeved shirt and full length trousers for men, dress, trousers or skirt with blouse for women.
Touring
Whereas Luxor is an ancient city with tourists, the Red Sea resorts like Sharm El Sheik and Hurghada are primarily tourist places and the dress code is much more relaxed. Shorts and T-shirts are fine for both genders but any form of nudity is illegal. When travelling from Luxor to other resorts you will go through traditional towns and villages, where the dress is normally more conservative than it is in Luxor, so on the bus or in the car, be ready to cover up. Cairo is a city where dress is modest and business-like. It would not be thought acceptable for men or women to wear shorts or vest-type T-shirts.
The local culture, the weather and exactly where you are will influence what you wear.
Egypt is a Muslim country. The culture and dress code are not as strict in Egypt as in some muslim countries but it is still necessary to be modest, especially for ladies. Many disregard the dress code and just because they didn't hear what people were saying about them doesn't mean it is the right thing to do. It is much better to be sensitive to local culture and to dress in a way that will avoid offence.
Luxor is hot. Even in the winter, temperatures are generally high during the day so you will need light cottons at any time of the year. During October to March, it can get cooler in the evening and overnight so include a fleece, jacket, cardigan or jumper in your luggage. You can feel the chill on a cruise boat and on the train because they tend to turn the air conditioning to a low temperature.
Men in Luxor
For men, what to wear is less of an issue than it is for women. Normal trousers and shirt, T-shirt or polo are fine. Make sure they are lightweight and natural fibres - cotton is best. Polyester or any similar artificial fabric will become uncomfortable very quickly. By all means wear shorts in the hotel. Lots of people also wear them along the Corniche but most people would wear full length trousers in town. Certainly wear full-length trousers in mosques.
Women in Luxor
Our advice is to dress modestly but it is up to the individual. Apart from the need to respect local custom and religion there are two other benefits from modest clothing - first, it will protect you from the sun which is fierce most of the time and will soon damage exposed, unprotected skin; second, the more modest you are the less attention you will attract.
A basic wardrobe would be loose cotton or linen trousers and/or a longish skirt and tops with sleeves that are at least half-length. No-one expects you to cover your face nor do you have to cover your head. However, you should not expose cleavage or thighs and preferably also cover knees and elbows. Clothing, such as blouses, should not be transparent.
It is useful to carry a shawl or large scarf to help with covering up when you go to sensitive places, such as temples, or if you find yourself amongst a group of 'admiring' men.
Shoes
You will need 'practical' shoes. The roads and pavements are not very ‘walk friendly’ in a lot of places and most of the sights require trampling over unmade ground. Comfortable shoes or trainers with sturdy soles are best. Sandals are ok in the hotels and on cruises but there is a lot of sand, dust and rubble around which make sandals uncomfortable for walking around the streets.
Holy Places
It is always necessary to dress modestly to enter a mosque or other holy place. Some require extra covering up – please check. Ladies remember your shawl. Some require you to remove your shoes before entering.
Cruise Boats
The dress code is much more relaxed on a cruise boat than it is in town. Dress as though you were in the hotel. Shorts, swimming costumes, bikinis are all fine, but have something handy to cover up for when the ship gets to a town.
On four and five-star ships it is normal to dress up slightly for the evening meal. Few people would go as far as a tie for men or a long dress for women, but smart casual is expected. Long-sleeved shirt and full length trousers for men, dress, trousers or skirt with blouse for women.
Touring
Whereas Luxor is an ancient city with tourists, the Red Sea resorts like Sharm El Sheik and Hurghada are primarily tourist places and the dress code is much more relaxed. Shorts and T-shirts are fine for both genders but any form of nudity is illegal. When travelling from Luxor to other resorts you will go through traditional towns and villages, where the dress is normally more conservative than it is in Luxor, so on the bus or in the car, be ready to cover up. Cairo is a city where dress is modest and business-like. It would not be thought acceptable for men or women to wear shorts or vest-type T-shirts.
Listed here are Banks found in Luxor
Listed here are Banks found in Luxor, Egypt:-
1-Central Bank of Egypt
http://www.cbe.org.eg/
2-Bank of Alexandria
http://www.alexbank.com/
3-National Bank of Egypt
http://www.nbe.com.eg/en/main.aspx
4-Banque Du Caire
http://www.bdc.com.eg/
5-HSBC Egypt
http://www.egypt.hsbc.com
6-Commerical International Bank
http://www.cibeg.com/en/Pages/default.aspx
7-Crédit Agricole Egypt
http://www.ca-egypt.com/
8-Piraeus Bank
http://www.piraeus.com.eg/
9-ABC Bank
http://www.arabbanking.com.eg/
10-Arab African International Bank
http://www.aaibank.com/
11-Barclays Bank Egypt
http://www.barclays.com/africa/egypt/barclays_in.htm
12-National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD)
http://www.nbad.com/
13-BNP Paribas
http://bank.bnpparibas.com
14-Banque Misr
http://www.banquemisr.com/
15- Opened recently in Luxor: The NSGB "National Société Générale Bank"
http://www.nsgb.com.eg/Pages/default.aspx
1-Central Bank of Egypt
http://www.cbe.org.eg/
2-Bank of Alexandria
http://www.alexbank.com/
3-National Bank of Egypt
http://www.nbe.com.eg/en/main.aspx
4-Banque Du Caire
http://www.bdc.com.eg/
5-HSBC Egypt
http://www.egypt.hsbc.com
6-Commerical International Bank
http://www.cibeg.com/en/Pages/default.aspx
7-Crédit Agricole Egypt
http://www.ca-egypt.com/
8-Piraeus Bank
http://www.piraeus.com.eg/
9-ABC Bank
http://www.arabbanking.com.eg/
10-Arab African International Bank
http://www.aaibank.com/
11-Barclays Bank Egypt
http://www.barclays.com/africa/egypt/barclays_in.htm
12-National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD)
http://www.nbad.com/
13-BNP Paribas
http://bank.bnpparibas.com
14-Banque Misr
http://www.banquemisr.com/
15- Opened recently in Luxor: The NSGB "National Société Générale Bank"
http://www.nsgb.com.eg/Pages/default.aspx
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