Volunteer FAQ's

The ACE Centre is approximately 3 km east of Luxor town, amongst agricultural land.  (On Google Earth it is 25 degrees 40' 44N - 32 degrees 39' 13E - You might just see a field, as the building was only completed in January 2008)

Yes, it is a politically stable country that values its visitors greatly.  Personally we find it a very safe place and as a single woman, I feel much safer walking alone at night in Luxor than I ever would in the UK.  The local people are generally genuinely kind-hearted and concerned for your safety.

No, it is very easy, you get a normal tourists visa at the airport on arrival that lasts five weeks.  If you plan to stay longer you can extend your visa for a further year, this can be done at the local passport office.  We at ACE will help you with doing this.  (You do NOT require a working visa as your work is unpaid).  For further information please download our Volunteer Guidance Document.

I wouldn't say that it is difficult, just different.  The culture in Egypt is more male dominant so you will find you will interact alot more with men than women on a day-to-day basis.  Due to Egypt being a predominantly Muslim country it is respectful to cover the shoulders, stomach, and the tops of your legs, but you will not be expected to cover your head.  At ACE we will provide you with t-shirts and ask that you wear 3/4 length or full length trousers.

The local healthcare is good, although basic, you have to pay for any treatment you have (they do not have an NHS as such, it is more like the USA system) but it is very reasonably priced and this would normally be covered by your travel insurance.  However, we advise having the facilities for sufficient funds until your health insurance has come through.

Not as such, you'll just need to make sure that you have explained clearly to the insurance company how long you are staying for and that you will be working with animals at a veterinary hospital.  You would be covered under ACE's insurance which is similar to public liability insurance, but this is only applicable within the walls of the hospital.

Yes, there are plenty of places to eat and drink.  There are several small supermarkets (more like a large corner shop), and now also 'Arkwrights' - which is open nearly all hours!  Plus a pharmacy on almost every corner.  It is very easy to get around Luxor either by bus or taxi (both are very cheap) and not being a very big place, we find it easy to walk most places.

No, the cost of living is very cheap, buses cost about 10p per journey and taxis are about £3 for a 5km journey.  you can get a meal from as little as £2 but even in a nice restaurant you would only pay £8 - £15 for a three course meal.

Most of the laws are common sense, although it is good to be aware of things such as the fact that gambling is illegal even on the internet.  It is not allowed for a man to be alone in a house or flat, with a woman that he is not married or related to.

Plus additional things to take into account if your visit is during Ramadan. 

No, not at all.  It is very easy to be vegetarian or vegan.  A lot of the locals, fast from meat or cannot afford meat regularly so you will always be able to find something.  The poor people live on rice veg and pasta.  (However, being vegetarian myself, I tend to always pack some mixed nuts, and a jar of Marmite to add to cooking!)

Ask your GP to ensure you get all the vaccinations that you need to be working with animals in Luxor, (you will not usually require Maleria for this area).

The Egyptian Government and WHO do not recommend it, however if you are able, (it can be costly) then please do.  We have recently had 2 donkeys and a dog with suspected rabies so we think it would be better to be safe than sorry.

The temperatures can get high in the middle of the summer, up to and sometimes over 50 degrees centigrade.  Alll our large animal treatment is done outside, and even though we are always in the shade, it is still vey hot to work in throughout the summer, but it is dry and not humid, so most English find it bearable in the shade.  It is never really cold in Luxor, even in the winter months the day temperature is still 25 degree plus, so much more comfortable to work in if you are not good with the heat.  It does get cooler in the winter and in the evenings; so we would suggest a light jacket or cardigan to keep the chill off.

No, it is very easy as they are lots of local tour operators.  Most can be arranged one or two days before you wish to go.

Yes, it is very easy and quite inexpensive.  You can travel to Cairo and Aswan, by plane, train, or bus.  To the Red Sea, you can either fly or go by bus (there is not a train).

No, unfortunately, you are not able to hire cars to travel from city to city, but as previously said, getting around is very easy and quite cheap.  Unless you are used to the traffic and ways of driving in Egypt it is probably safer to stick to public transpirt anyhow.

Egyptian Arabic, (which is different to Classical Arabic) however, most people speak fairly good English also.  You may like to purchase a small Egyptian Arabic phrasebook, although it is not necessary you will soon pick up a few key words!

The exchange rate for the Egyptian pound or LE, is nearly always better in Egypt than in England, therefore, you do not need to bring any really, but if you do, change up very little (like £10) as it is very easy to change up in any hotel or bank.

Yes, there are plenty in the town.

All sorts!  It is best to look around on this website to get a better idea and examples of previous cases.

Yes, as long as they are prepared to muck in and help!  They can apply in the same way that you did, and if they mention that they are your friend then we can do our best to coordinate arrangements and dates.

The official opening times of the hospital are:

8am - 12pm and 1pm - 5pm Saturday to Thursday & closed Friday.  But as you can imagine, we are never really closed as such, as there are always in-patients and residents to take care of.

Most are open 10am to 10pm, they normally close for a short while for lunch and praying. 

During Ramadan, and festivals, everything changes!

It depends on what you like to do!  Luxor is a very busy place at night as this is when most of the locals do their shopping and business.  However, Luxor doesn't have what I would describe as 'night-life' in the western sense.  A few of the hotels have discos and there are a few places besides hotels where you can have a drink, but that is about it.

There is just so much to see, and different people like different things so it is very hard to recommend, but for me personally the 'must sees' of Egypt are definitely Abu Simbel, Valley of the Kings (Luxor), Cairo Museum, Great Pyramids and Sphinx (Giza, Cairo).  The best thing to do is to look at websites or buy a guide book such as the Lonely Planet guide, to get a good overview of what people generally think are the best things to see in accordance with your personal tastes.