All drugs have fixed prices by the government. One only pays what is labeled on the box. There are no custom restrictions for medication. Moreover, on the occasion of unexpected consumption or loss of the drug, a visitor can enjoy one of the pitfalls of the system. Drugs are available in pharmacies without the strict need of a prescription, except in hypnotics and narcotics.
Pharmacies are abundant everywhere.
They are easily spotted by the sign of a red crescent, sometimes with a red cross inside. Visitors are advised to avoid consumption of certain types of food. Though tap water in Egypt is drinkable, foreigners are advised to use bottled water. The amount of minerals and the degree of water hardness vary among different countries, and diarrhea might result. One of the stages of its life cycle may be transmitted to human through direct drinking or swimming in the Nile, particularly near the shore, and causes a serious chronic disease.