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Transportation in Cairo: How to get around in the capital of Egypt

This post is full of tips about transportation in Cairo. The chaotic vibe of the city is very present also in the traffic. So, if you’re traveling to Egypt and still don’t know how to get around the city, don’t miss any of these tips. Especially how to leave and arrive at Cairo’s airport.

How to get to and from the airport in Cairo:

Cairo International Airport is the main international airport of Cairo. As well as the largest airport in Egypt. Most of the flights coming from other countries will arrive at this airport. With the exception of some European and Middle Eastern flights that arrive directly at the seaside in Egypt, such as Sharm El Sheik and Hurghada’s airport.

Located 22 km from the city center, it can take from 30 minutes to more than an hour to reach it by car. This is because the traffic in the city is very intense. That’s why we recommend always leaving early to catch your flight, especially if it’s during the day.

The terminals are all connected but can be quite a walk to move from one to another. So make sure you warn your driver which terminal you will depart from. The best way to get there, as well as to leave the airport, is to get a private car.

Taking a taxi can be quite tricky as they will try to negotiate a fixed price for the trip. And be aware, because Egyptians can negotiate for hours, and most probably you will still pay more than calling a car by an App. In Egypt Uber works well, but there is also Careem. This local App can have cheaper rates most of the time.

Ways of Transport in Cairo:

Buses

Regular line buses are extremely precarious. Poorly signposted, dirty, and without air conditioning. However, they are extremely cheap. I recommend using it only if you speak Arabic or are in the company of an Egyptian. However, more recently some lines called Smart Bus were implemented.

Smart Bus lines cost around 15 EGP a trip and the ticket can be purchased directly from the driver. The buses are new and air-conditioned. Identifying them is quite easy compared to other buses that circulate. In addition, they have a sign indicating the destination. I recommend downloading Google Maps to check the routes in real time.

Check out the best travel apps you need on your phone here!

Subway

Cairo’s metro connects some of the city’s main points. It’s very efficient and easy to use. I recommend it for the low cost, in addition to avoiding traffic. However, some very tourist spots do not have lines nearby. For example, in Giza, the stations are very far from the pyramids complex.

To walk around the center and the historic part of the city, some of the main metro stations are Sadat, which connects two lines and has an exit to Tahrir Square. The Mubarak station is close to Cairo’s train station and the Mar Girgis, which leads to the Coptic area of Cairo, close to several churches.

Microbus

A very common transport on the streets of Cairo is the minibusses. These vans are privately operated by the drivers, but the price is almost standard across all of them. Despite being heavily used by Egyptians, I don’t recommend using them unless you’re accompanied by a local.

A safer option, but also economical, is to use the vans operated by Uber and Swvl. Both companies have applications in which they sell tickets according to the distance to be traveled. In the app, you can follow the route, check the address where the van will pick you up, and the closest stop to your destination. Payment is made directly in the app.

Taxi

Taxis are available in any city in Egypt. However, be careful as many drivers don’t turn on the meter and charge what they want for the ride (especially if you look like a foreigner). In places like the airport, many taxi drivers charge a fixed price as we mentioned.

I recommend using apps like Uber instead of taxis. The price is nearly always lower than the taxi, and you can follow the route. There is also the local version of Uber, the Careem app. Sometimes with cheaper prices than the competitor.

Car rental

Although renting a car is considered useful for those who are going to travel to several distant areas in a city, I do not recommend it in Cairo. That’s because traffic is intense throughout the day and drivers don’t usually respect rules. Most don’t give a signal and dangerously cut the roads.

For pedestrians in Cairo, traffic can also be challenging. Look for crossings with traffic lights and always be on the watch for all sides of the road. Another tip is to always cross the streets with groups. Guards often end up helping tourists stuck on roads.

Got other questions? Check our FAQ below for more information.

FAQ Transportation in Cairo

Car rental in Cairo

There are several companies that rent cars in Cairo. Companies like Sixt and Enterprise are some of the ones that operate there. However, be prepared to face the chaotic traffic of the city. Never rent without insurance.

How to get around Cairo on a budget

Despite the lack of a quality public transport system, Cairo has a metro that covers several points in the city center. Some apps like Swvl offer shared transport in vans. They are a good option while moving to distant locations.

Is there a subway in Cairo?

Yes. Metro lines in Cairo cover most of the older areas of the city. However, some tourist attractions such as the pyramids do not have a metro station nearby.

How to use the metro in Cairo

To use the metro in Cairo, just go to the nearest station. They are signposted and, when you go down to the basement, you will find the ticket office. It’s necessary to inform your destination as the price is calculated according to the number of stations you will ride.

Transport apps in Cairo

Some apps can make getting around Cairo easier. For example Uber and Careem (the Egyptian version of the former). For more economical trips, it’s possible to schedule shared rides through the Swvl and Uber bus applications.

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Africa

Hurghada budget travel itinerary

Hurghada in Egypt is known for its luxury resorts. However, it’s still possible to travel cheaply around the city. I’ve tried both itineraries there, from the most luxurious to the cheapest. And I can say that you can enjoy the sea and the city in both. In this post, you can find tips on how to travel in an affordable way in Hurghada.

Want to know more about resorts in Hurghada? Check out more about my experience here.

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Africa

Accommodation in Ras Sudr: Paradise Weekend in Egypt

For those looking for accommodation in Ras Sudr ( راس سدر‎ in Arabic), know that the area has great value-for-money hotels. Although it’s not a popular destination, Ras Sudr is only a 3-hour drive from downtown Cairo. The beach with blue and calm water attracts many young people to practice Kitesurfing.

We took advantage of our free weekend to take a dip in the city’s sea. One of our Egyptian friends has a travel agency and booked the hotel and van to take our group on Friday morning, with the return scheduled for Saturday at the end of the day. For those who don’t know, these are the days of the weekend here. Muslims have Friday as their holy day.

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Egypt

Getting around in Egypt: Tips to make your trip easier

Getting around Egypt, for those visiting the country without guides or agency, can be a little challenging. However, nothing that technology can’t solve. In this post, you will find application tips that help you to walk around Egypt in the safest and most economical way.

Ways to get around in Egypt

Like most countries, you will find buses, taxis, and planes for longer distances. However, public transport in Egypt is not well signposted and you will rarely find tourists using it. I don’t recommend taking the regular buses or microvans without a local to help you.

In Cairo, the metro covers a good part of the city. The transportation is great and cheap, in addition to being simple to use. But there are specific areas that you will only have access to with private transport or some apps. So, read the entire post to find the best ways to get around in Egypt.

Looking for more Cairo transportation tips? Then check out this post on how to get around the city.

Getting around in Egypt with Buses

For traveling between cities, there are some companies that have a service above the standard. Among them are Go Bus and Blue Bus. Both have a website and an app where you can buy tickets in advance. I went to Hurghada with Go Bus and the ticket costed 225 EGP at that time. Less than 900 EGP round trip for two people.

Check out more about our Hurghada trip here.

You can also buy tickets directly at the bus station. On El-Galaa Street, next to the Ramses Hilton Hotel, Go Bus has a point of sale. Buses also depart from there. There is another ticket office in Nasr City where buses also leave from. The office is on El-Nasr Highway.

Getting around in Egypt with Train

The train journeys from Cairo to Luxor are quite popular among tourists. However, this isn’t the only destination you can make using this transport. Other cities that also have train stations are Aswan, Suez, Port Saide, and Alexandria. Before buying your ticket, be aware of the chosen category, as there are 3 different options that differ in price and comfort.

Types of Train in Egypt:

There are 3 types of train, which differ both in price and comfort. The Ordinary Train (ORD) is the cheapest. Most don’t have air conditioning, in addition to being in poor shape. Also, they are quite crowded and slow, as they make several stops on the way. This train isn’t very touristic and you will find only locals inside.

The Express Train (EXP), or express train, is faster and has air conditioning. You can travel at night or during the day. However, don’t expect quality service. The trips are still long, around 10 hours. And the seats are similar to those on an airplane.

The Sleeping Train (Sleeper) is the most common among tourists. The ticket entitles you to a single or double cabin, with a bed, air conditioning, and two meals included (dinner and breakfast). Each car has two bathrooms and about 10 to 12 cabins. Despite being considered first class, there is nothing too luxurious about the trip.

How to buy a train ticket in Egypt:

You can buy your ticket in two ways: directly at the Ramses train station or online. If you book the tour with an agency, they will purchase the ticket for you. The easy way for foreigners is to make the purchase online on the Egyptian National Railways website.

The website has an English translation. However, be careful when selecting the times and type of train. You will need to register with your name, date of birth, and passport. Select AC 1 or AC 2 (first or second class). Payment is made by card through the website.

Directly on the website of the Watania Sleeping Trains agency, you can also purchase a sleeper ticket. The company also has a ticket office inside the station. It’s on the right side, one of the first doors before reaching the common ticket office of Ramses Train Station. The ticket costs 80 USD for the “sleeper train” (price in 2022).

Two blue-colored vans travel on the street while the photographer takes a picture from inside the car, showing the reflection in the rearview mirror. In the background you can see a mosque.
Vans operated by locals in Sharm El Sheik city. Want to know more about transport within the city? Check this post.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.

Microbus

A practical and economical option to travel to other cities is to use the vans operated by the Swvl app. This company operates short-haul trips, with destinations between Cairo, Alexandria, and the Sahel. In addition to several points in the city of Cairo and the region.

In the app, you can follow the route, check the address where the van will pick you up, and the stop closest to your destination. Payment is made directly in the app. A trip between Cairo and Alexandria costs around 120 EGP (price in 2022).

Uber and Careem apps

Yes, short-distance trips can be booked through Uber or the local private ride app, Careem. In the Egyptian version, some destinations even have a fixed price. Some of the destination options are Sahel and Alexandria. In my opinion, it’s only worth it if you’re sharing the trip with other friends.

Planes

All major touristic cities in Egypt have their own airport. This is the fastest way to get around. But the most expensive too. For small distances, it’s not recommended. For example from Cairo to Alexandria. You’ll likely spend more time going to the airport and waiting for your flight than you will be driving into the town.

Now, if you want agility and comfort, I recommend using air transportation. Mainly to Luxor, Aswan, and cities on the Sinai Peninsula such as Sharm El Sheik. These trips can take about 10 hours by car or train.

Car rental

In my post about transportation in the city of Cairo, I commented that I wouldn’t recommend renting a vehicle. However, there are some exceptions. Renting a car in Egypt is great in two situations: if you are traveling to the North Coast or if you are heading to the Sinai Peninsula.

In both cases the roads are good. On North Coast, most of the area is made up of private compounds and resorts. So it’s good to have a car as you’ll need to travel long distances to access restaurants, nightclubs, and other places. Same thing to those who are going to Sharm El Sheik, for example.

Got any questions? Check out our FAQ below for other tips on getting around Egypt.

FAQ How to get around in Egypt

How to travel in Egypt

To travel between cities in Egypt, you can go by bus or plane. Also, there are some train routes. Check out more about each means of transport here in this post.

Rent a car in Egypt

To rent a car in Egypt you need an international driving permit. However, I don’t recommend driving in Cairo. The traffic is intense and several drivers don’t respect the rules.

Best bus companies in Egypt

The Go Bus and Blue Bus companies present a service above the standard. Both have a website and an app where you can buy tickets in advance.

How to travel by train in Egypt

There are 3 types of trains in Egypt that depart to different cities. Among the most popular destinations are Luxor and Alexandria. To buy your ticket, check the timetables and prices on the Egyptian National Railways website. More information here.

Where to buy train tickets in Egypt

You can buy your ticket directly at the Ramses train station or online. You can check timetables and purchase your ticket online on the Egyptian National Railways website.

What is the best train in Egypt?

The best category of the train is the Sleeping Train (Sleeper). The ticket entitles you to a single or double cabin, with a bed, air conditioning, and two meals included (dinner and breakfast).

How much does a ticket from Cairo to Luxor cost?

A ticket costs 80 USD for Sleeping Train (price in 2022). The ticket entitles you to a single or double cabin.

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Africa

How to Renew The VISA in Egypt

In this post, you will find a step-by-step on how to renew your visa in Egypt. Although the process takes place in the same building, if your visa is a student one or a work permit, you will need other documents.

However, we will focus here only on the tourist visa. Although it doesn’t allow foreigners to work in Egypt, many of them end up working informally with only a tourist visa in the country.

Visa to enter Egypt

Travelers from most countries need to purchase an Entry VISA at the airport in Egypt. The process is very simple. When you arrive at the airport, you go to a counter where you “buy” your visa. The price of a tourist visa is $25 USD for a single entry into the country. Payment is made in dollars by cash only.

The visa is affixed to a page of the passport and gets a stamp when passing through immigration. This visa is valid for 30 days, with the condition that you leave the country within 45 days of entry, without paying any extra fees. If you plan on staying longer than offered, you should follow the steps below to get your temporary residency card.

For whom this visa renewal applies:

Any foreigner who wants to stay longer in the country can renew their visa. There is no exact number of times you can renew it. Despite that, I’ve met people who were forced to leave the country after about three years of renewing. They just went out for a few days and came back, no problem.

Normally, with each visa renewal, you receive another 3 months until expiration. However, there are also exceptions. For example, I have already received about 5 months in one of my renewals.

For foreigners married to Egyptians, no visa is required. You can apply for another type of residence card, which guarantees you more time until expiration. However, if you are leaving or entering the country with your spouse, you can use the marriage document to avoid paying the tourist visa fee.

How to renew a visa in Egypt:

Previously, all the processes for Visa applications were made inside the Mogamma building, in Tahrir square. But since the middle of 2019, they transferred operations to the Egypt Passport and Immigration Administration building.

Documents to renew the visa in Egypt

For renewing the VISA, you will need the following documents:

  • 3×4 picture of you;
  • Passport;
  • Letter/ receive of your hotel or rental contract to prove your stay. Both documents should be in your name.

Employees at the place may not ask for proof of residency when reviewing. However, if they ask and you don’t have, that will be a reason to not approve your renewal.

Always carry copies of your documents. On the first floor (one above the ground) there is a place that makes photocopies. They also do 3X4 photos in case you haven’t done them before.

The day of the renewal:

There is no need for scheduling times. You just need to go to the building of the Passports, Emigration & Nationality Administration. The area is also known as Abbassia. In Arabic it’s called “مصلحة الجوازات والهجرة والجنسية”. Going in the morning early increases the chances of spending less time in lines.

Upon arrival, go through security and take the escalator to the second floor (two above the ground floor). The right part of the floor is dedicated to visa extensions. First, go to window 20 and get a number. Then, walk to Window 37 to get the form that must be filled out before your number is called.

Once your number is called, you can go to the window and present the documents. If everything is correct, the employees will give you a receipt. On the same floor, in front of the escalator, there is a window for making payments. The visa extension costs around 1200 EGP (2021 values).

Take your receipt and go back to the same window you were in. They will take your fingerprints. Soon after, you can pick up your passport and proof. You will need this voucher to come back the next day and pick up your residency card.

Second day: taking the VISA card

This time you will head to the third floor, also on the right side. You should wait again for your number to be called. There are screens with numbers, and there is no specific order for them to call. Once they call your number, you will take another receipt. Head back to the cashier to pay the second fee of 775 EGP for the card emission.

Once you’ve paid, head back to the counter you came from. They’ll tell you to either wait a short time (as little as a few minutes) or come back the afternoon of the same day (after 1 pm). This will be the time your card is ready. Previously, you would get a visa. But now it’s a plastic ID card with your address, photo, and date of birth.

Front of the turist resident ID
Back of the turist resident ID

Other questions regarding the Visa process:

Can I renew my Egyptian Visa online?

No, you can’t renew your Egypt Tourist Visa online. You have to follow all procedures described in this post to renew your visa.

How much is the fine for Visa expiration in Egypt

The fine for overstaying in Egypt after the tourist visa expires can reach more than 1,500 EGP. You pay directly for a police officer at the airport. Usually, they give 2 weeks extra than the visa duration without extra fees.

Where I can renew my Visa in Egypt?

You can renew the Visa at the building of the Passports, Emigration & Nationality Administration. The area is known as Abbassia. The office is open from 8 AM to 2 PM, every day except Friday.

How much does it cost to renew my Visa in Egypt?

The renewal of the Egyptian visa costs 1175 EGP per person, plus an extra fee of 775 LE on the collection of the Visa ID. The price doesn’t depend on how long the Visa will be valid.

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Gastronomy

SACHI: sushi and steakhouse in Heliopolis

When we talk about the luxury scene in Cairo, we have to talk about SACHI Restaurant. Their first breach in Heliopolis offers a party-pub vibe. The space is always full on weekend nights, where guests can enjoy the culinary plates inspired by Mediterranean-Asian cuisine.

Sachi has received many prizes for their quality as Travel & Hospitality Award and TripAdvisor “Certificate of Excellence”. On Sachi’s second house in Hacienda bay, North Coast, parties are celebrated on summer weekends with DJs from Egypt and the Middle East.

SACHI bar provides a menu full of cocktails (something hard to get in Cairo). We got catch about having a truly foawerner restaurant experience inside the city and we went to check it out.

Chateaubriand Beef from Sachi was one of the best steaks we ate in Egypt so far.

Sachi serves as entrance plate bread and butter from the best quality. We ordered Chateaubriand beef, that consist of South African Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Vegetables with Green Peppercorn and Shallot Vinaigrette Sauces. The plate has 600 GR beef meat and serves two persons. The meat is soft and it taste like a real roasted beef. The amount could serve a third person. We were so full that we had to take home half of the plate.

The total of the plate was EGP 1,240. We also ordered two bears, that are the perfect combination for this plate.

Chateaubriand Beef: EGP 1,240

Heineken Bottle: 115 EGP

The total of our order was 1,470 EGP plus charges. And we can say it worth every cent. The quality is amazing and is a restaurant worth trying.

SACHI Restaurant

Location: 3, Cleopatra St., Heliopolis – Cairo

Hours: Sunday to Saturday, from 2 PM to 12 AM

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Africa

Marriage in Egypt: step by step of legal procedures

In this post, you will find all the legal steps for pursuing marriage in Egypt. The procedure is a little different from other countries abroad, so always look for your embassy inside the country where you are going to get married to understand all the procedures.

Marriage IN EGYPT:

Several doubts appear regarding marriage in Egypt, especially related to Muslim laws. As Egypt isn’t part of the Hague Convention, the procedure becomes more bureaucratic. If you are marrying a foreigner from another signatory country of the convention, you can be sure that half of the procedures described here won’t be necessary.

Before starting to talk about documents to get married in Egypt, it’s important to make some reminders:

  1. First, you should remember that a marriage is a serious thing, meant to last (theoretically) throughout all your life. Don’t make impulsive decisions. You need to live with the person long enough to believe that their values are compatible and it will be possible to have a lasting union.
  2. Don’t marry by proxy or sign any other document that doesn’t follow the procedures below. Its value won’t be legal. In case of any doubts, check with the embassy or lawyers who can translate and explain to you all the legal steps.
  3. Guarantee your rights and get informed. In Egypt, there is no distribution of assets established in the marriage contract. So always keep your assets in your name. Open bank accounts and put real estate and cars in both names. If your fiancé refuses, this is a red sign for the relationship.
  4. Don’t sign documents without knowing what is written on them. Don’t transfer your money to other people. This is permanently valid for any situation, anywhere in the world.

With that done, let’s go through the legal steps to sign the marriage contract in Egypt:

FIRST STEP: CONSULAR DECLARATION OF CIVIL STATE

The first step is to issue a Consular Declaration of Civil Status in your Embassy. In my case, in the Embassy of Brazil in Cairo (more information here). The document is issued in Arabic and English and contains an embassy stamp.

To obtain the document it’s necessary to make an appointment with the embassy and provide the following documents (always bring a copy too):

  • Updated birth certificate. If you are divorced or widowed you must present also the certificate;
  • A document that proves you are Christian, Jewish, or Muslim*;
  • Valid passport;

* It’s possible to convert to Islam in mosques in Cairo if this is the wish of the bride or groom. According to Islamic laws, a Muslim’s bride must be Christian, Jewish, or Muslim. In the case of a man marrying a Muslim woman, it’s necessary for the groom to convert to Islam before marriage.

My embassy also asked me to go to the appointment with two Brazilian witnesses. They must be present with you on the day to sign the form in the presence of the embassy official. To know exactly what you need on this step, I recommend you check the website of your consular section office in Cairo. Each country may differ in its requirements.

SECOND STAGE: VALID Residence VISA

Starting from this point, all steps are the same for foreigners marrying Egyptians. A valid visa is required to complete the marriage process. Remember that the visa issued at the airport is temporary (about 45 days to leave the country) and isn’t considered valid in this case.

The visa renewal process is the same for any residents classified as tourists. Here we have a post talking just about how to renew the Egyptian visa in the country.

THIRD STEP: BLOOD TEST

For weddings in Egypt, it’s also necessary to have a blood test. This exam is specific for weddings and includes routine checkup data, as well as identifies sexually transmitted diseases. This must be done in a public hospital. Egyptian couples or those who hire lawyers to represent them in all legal steps of the wedding process usually skip this step (paying a little extra, of course).

However, if you are doing everything without help, the document will be needed on the day of the court. We went to two hospitals that didn’t even know what the exam was about. Our third attempt was at El Tahrir General Hospital and there, at the entrance, the staff knew all the procedures. We paid 40 EGP for the couple for the exams.

Stay tuned for the necessary documents at the hospital:

  • 3 photos 3×4 of the groom and bride
  • Copy of Egyptian ID

*It’s possible to make all copies inside the hospital on the cafeteria side.

Everything should be ready on the same day. You can take home the government-stamped document after a few hours.

FOURTH STEP: STAMP OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to stamp the embassy document. The building is in the center of Cairo. Get there early to avoid queues.

FIFTH STEP: DAY OF SIGNING THE CONTRACT

With all the documents ready, the most awaited time arrived. Finally, you will be able to schedule the signing of the marriage contract. Everything happens in the justice building. If you want to save time, I recommend going a day before to schedule an appointment.

At the appointed date and time, the couple must go to the fourth floor with two male and Egyptian witnesses. Both must carry Egyptian ID. Be prepared: bring two copies of all documents, including IDs. The bureaucracy takes around two hours. The floor has a translator who is also in charge of writing extra clauses in the marriage contract.

CLAUSES OF THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT IN EGYPT:

The marriage contract in Egypt has no established clauses, so you can add whatever you want inside it. Remember that, unlike in other countries where the contract already establishes a division of assets regime, nothing is written here in Egypt regarding it. So you should take other measures to protect yourself. More traditional families already leave a stipulated dowry amount, in addition to an indemnity amount in case of divorce.*

*The couple is obliged to specify the value of the dowry when signing the documents. A tax of 2% is charged on this amount by the government.

Division of assets in case of separation:

In my case, I wanted to establish a partial community property regime, with a division of 50% for each in the event of divorce. But the translator informed me that he couldn’t write it in that way, as it would contradict the Islamic Laws. So I had two options: either total division of assets or not specify anything in the contract.

Remember that if you don’t specify the division of assets in the contract, it’s best to carry out a second contract as an addendum between you and your fiancé. Or even better, guarantee your assets by having part of them in your name. Have your own bank account and sign in both names when purchasing assets such as houses and cars.

In the event of divorce without an established regime:

If the couple divorce without the division of the assets established in the marriage contract, the laws of the country will prevail. In Egypt’s case, the Islamic Laws for division of assets. This can cause a headache in the future because you will need a lawyer to deal with the Egyptian justice system.

Other clauses in the marriage contract

Also, by the recommendation of other websites, I decided to make an extra clause. I specified that, if my husband marries a second wife (which is possible in Egypt under Islamic Law), I have the capacity to divorce without his consent. This avoids legal problems in countries that don’t accept polygamy.

Validation of the foreign marriage in your country of origin

With the signatures done, you are now legally married in Egypt. But for the marriage to have international value, you must take the papers back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You will pay a fee to receive the stamp on each paper. Also, you will need to validate the documents taken from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at your embassy.

Having completed all the bureaucratic processes for validating the marriage, you are now married in the eyes of both countries. Husband and wife are now entitled to be residents of both countries for the duration of their marriage.

FAQ regarding marriage in Egypt

Can a man marry two wives legally in Egypt?

Yes, polygamy is legal in Egypt. Mans can marry until 4 wives legally. Women otherwise can only have one husband. The marriage will be legal in Egypt, but still illegal in other countries that don’t accept polygamy.

How can I divorce in Egypt?

Men have the right to divorce without their wife’s consent. However, if the divorce is obtained without cause or the wife’s consent, she receives an indemnity agreed by the time of the marriage. Women should go to court to obtain a divorce.

Should I convert to Islam to make my marriage in Egypt?

A man marrying a Muslim woman should convert to Islam. A woman marrying a Muslim man should be Christian, Jewish, or Muslim.

Is ORFI marriage legal in Egypt?

ORFI contracts are NOT legal or recognized by the Egyptian government or any other country. They are an agreement between the couple, made in front of two witnesses and a lawyer. Mostly, they are accepted by hotels. But they don’t provide legal rights such as asset division, family reunion Visa…

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Europe

Transportation Between Cities in Italy

In this post, we will talk a little more about transportation between cities in Italy with the best cost benefit.

Italy is full of incredible places to visit. Milan, Naples, Venice, Rome, each city has their own unique attractions. Those who follow the blog already know that we spent the new year in Rome. After, we decided to go on a trip to Venice. We bought the tickets at the last minute, but researching well we could find a good price to go by bus.

Wondering how to get to Venice? Check out this post for tips.

Types of Transportation between cities in Italy:

To move between cities in Italy, tourists find mainly three options: train, bus, and plane. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each one, among other tips:

Picture of a Flixbus bus in green.

Getting around by Bus:

The bus trip, although not very comfortable for far destinations, is a great option for those who will buy tickets at the last minute. Because ticket prices don`t have big variations. Usually, the prices are quite stable between seasons. Also, bus tickets are usually much more affordable than train and plane tickets.

We took the bus from Rome to Venice, leaving at night on the second day of 2020. The ticket cost around 44 euros, traveling with Flixbus company. Yes, there are cheaper options than that, but I always recommend choosing a good company when traveling. A few euros more will guarantee more comfort, good service, and safety.

We bought our ticket on the day of the trip directly at the bus station. However, Flixbus has an application for buying tickets online. You can also follow the bus route and schedule by the App. The trip took about 7 hours with the stops. We chose to travel at night because like this we would be able to save a day on the hotel rate as well.

Getting around by Train:

Getting around by train is one of the fastest ways, and I dare say one of the most beautiful too, to travel around Italy. The same route we took to Venice would take less than 4 hours. Plus, you don’t have to go through airport bureaucracy, which would cost more time. Being at the station half an hour before boarding is enough to check where the train is stopped and get on board.

However, be prepared to pay very expensive fares for the trip. Tickets can cost around 200 euros, depending on the stops and the distance between cities. On the Trenitalia website, you can find all the train itineraries and prices.

Two Trenitalia wagons parked at the station. The train has the colors of the Italian flag, red, green and white.
Trenitalia wagon at the station.

To our surprise, we found tickets from Venice to Bologna, from where our flight to Greece would depart, for only 25 euros. The station is right at the entrance to the city and access is easy. We made a very quick trip on the train to Bologna station, and then a few more minutes by bus to the airport.

Airplane Locomotion:

Getting around by plane is ideal for those who are planning their travel itinerary in advance. There are several low-cost companies operating in Europe, such as Ryanair. It’s possible to find promotional flights for 10 euros! However, these tickets don’t include checked baggage. If you are carrying a lot of bags, the price may be more expensive than other tickets.

If you have time to plan, stay tuned to the prices of air tickets until two to three months before your flight date. This time is when prices use to be at their lowest. Also, be flexible with dates and times. If you must travel by plane, checking the price of the tickets should be the first step before planning the rest of the itinerary. I use the Skyscanner ticket comparator to guarantee the best price for the route.

Best travel apps you need on your phone.

Although flights have a short time until de destination, take into consideration when purchasing the tickets the time it takes you to go through all the bureaucracy at the airport. From baggage check to boarding. In addition, airports are usually far from the city and the time to get to them also needs to be taken into account.

Did you like the tips? Tell us your favorite way to travel.

FAQ Transportation between cities in Italy

How to get around in Italy

Traveling inside Italy is easy. Tourists can use buses, trains, planes, or rental cars. Check this post for more information on transport in Italy.

Means of transport in Italy

Italy has good public transportation, as well as many types of private transport to go from city to city. Traveling by bus would be the cheapest way. But you can also go by train, plane, or rental car. Check this post for more information on transport in Italy.

How to travel cheaply in Italy?

The best way to travel cheaply between cities in Italy is to go by bus. But, if you are planning your trip in advance, is possible to find good promotions on flights, especially on low-cost companies.

How to travel by bus between cities?

To travel by bus, you can purchase your ticket directly at the bus station of every city. Some companies also have apps where you can buy tickets online, follow the bus route, and schedule.

How to travel by train in Italy?

Italy’s train company, Trenitalia, has routes to almost every city in the country. The tickets are not very cheap but the travel is very fast and comfortable.

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Gastronomy

Paul restaurant in Cairo: A taste of French cuisine

We went for brunch this time at PAUL restaurant in Cairo. They have many branches around the city. We went for the one in Downtown Katamey Mall (New Cairo), so we could also enjoy the open area.

There is no doubt that French cuisine is one of the best ones in the world. Especially when we talk about bakeries. That’s why for me a French breakfast is always a good choice. So check out how was our experience at PAUL restaurant in Cairo.

PAUL French cuisine

PAUL was created in 1889 and everything there has a French signature. From the decoration to the selection of bread, pâtisserie, sandwiches, soups, and salads.

Picture of breads in a basket on top of a wood table. Besides there is portions of butter and olive paste.

The smell of the bread inside the restaurant is irresistible. That’s why we choose a sandwich for sharing (saving some space for the desert). For the entrance, the place serves some fresh and homemade bread, butter, and olive paste. It was really amazing and we probably enjoyed it more than the dish we choose.

Picture of a white plate with two sandwiches. Lettuce and French fries garnishee the dish.
Image of a cup of coffee with milk. On the saucer is a small Madeleine.
Our order of Club Chicken Sandwich (with cucumber, avocado, tomato, mustard, and chicken) and Cappuccino, served with Madeline.

Our sandwich came right after, and we got a little disappointed with the bread they served. It was common white sandwich bread, a little toasted. The bread served as an entrance was ten times better. The filling was made with avocado and chicken and was actually tasty, but not spectacular.

They also served french fries and green salad with the sandwich. After the first meal, we also ordered two coffees and a special french toast. And I believe these were the highest from our visit.

Picture of an iron plate over wood. Inside, French toast with berries, banana, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
French toast with fruits and ice cream.

The French Toast came out to be so big that we almost thought we won’t be able to finish it. The bread was baked in pieces with cream and served with honey, red fruits, bananas, and ice cream. It arrived on the table still hot from the oven. The cappuccino was also big and creamy, served with Madeline.

PAUL, like most of the international restaurants in Cairo, is more expensive than a daily restaurant. But the quality of their bakery products is really good. The plates were nicely done and we will deftly go back to try the other items on the menu.

PAUL Restaurant in cairo

Location: Building 5, Downtown Katameya mall, Area A-City Center, 5th District, Road 90, New Cairo, Egypt

Hours: From 8 AM until 1 AM

Environment: 5/5
Location: 5/5
Flavor: 5/5
Price: 3/5
Cost-benefit:  4/5

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