Taba
Taba, in the eastern Sinai peninsula of Egypt, marks the location of the southern border crossing between Egypt and Israel, servicing travellers coming into Egypt and the Sinai via Eilat. The town has grown up around the border crossing and offers basic amenities for travellers - these will no doubt be greatly enhanced when a new Taba Heights development gathers pace. Taba is a relatively minor centre for Red Sea diving.
Travel to Taba, visa requirements
Visitors to Taba arrive either north from Israel, south from Egypt or by air to Taba International Airport. On leaving Israel, a departure tax of 70NIS (Jul 2006) is charged. For entering Egypt, most nationalities can receive a free Sinai permit allowing 14 days within Sinai itself. You must have an advance visa if you wish to proceed out of the Sinai. Whether you have a visa or not, you'll be charged 40LE (Jul 2006) as "Sinai tax".
When crossing the border, there are 150 meters of no-man's-land between the Egyptian and Israeli checkpoints. Touts may offer you the use of carts to carry your bags, but will charge for this service.
On the Egyptian side, long-distance taxis await at the traffic circle. Negotiate fares carefully, at last check rides to Dahab cost around 50 Egyptian pounds.
On the Israeli side, local bus 15 connects to Eilat's Central Bus Station and also the Jordanian border at Arava.
Coming from Cairo there is a bus, usually leaving at 10 PM from the main bus station in Cairo. If you need help finding the bus station there is a tourist information stand in the main Cairo train station, they speak English and are generally helpful. Cost is around 50LE one way. The bus has a colorful crowd of almost all men. The bus is generally a descent new-ish model, not unlike long haul buses in the states, but like everything in Egypt it will likely be in some state of disrepair.(Avoid sitting near the toilet.) It is not advisable to discuss further travel plans, as in going to Israel, aloud or with other travellers as this may elicit unwanted attention.
Taba attractions and sightseeing
City tours
- The primary reason for Taba's existence is the casino at the Hilton.
Shopping, Taba souvenirs
- Castle Zaman, 25 km Nuweiba - Taba Road (10 minutes from Taba Heights). Dramatic mountainous views of four countries. Specializes in food slowly roasted in earthen pots; the process takes 1-3 hours, which you can kill by the pool, exploring the underground treasure room, getting a massage, or sipping fresh cocktails by the bar. Not child friendly.
Taba nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
Budget
Beer Sweer, an area located just some 15 km south of Taba, on your way to Nuweiba, offers lots of small beach camps. All have a restaurant section, and bamboo straw huts, where the Stars shine though at night. The camps are directly on the beach, with possibility to simply sleep on the beach, beside the sea. Figure on US$15/day including food and drinks.
- Al Tarek
- Diana Beach Camp
- 'Sabah Camp
- 'Baraka- A quiet beach camp run by the kindest man in the world, Yousef. The food is deliscious and the staff is delightful.
Splurge
- Taba Hilton - completely unmissable at 11 storeys height, stands out like a sore thumb from the rest of the Taba landscape. Includes a diving centre. Expect Hilton prices.
Cope
Currency
Both the Banque du Caire and Banque Misr have currency exchange booths within the Egyptian checkpoint (sometimes irregular opening hours, go along ASAP if you need to change money). Money and cheques can also be exchanged at the Taba Hilton Hotel.
Get out
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