· You needn't worry at all. During the day, things run as normal. The only time there is a problem is at sundown (5pm), when everybody goes to break their fast - which was for many waiters 'a cigarette and some coffee' (how like home). It was the same in the hotel where I stayed, the souk and on guided tours. An equivalent of 'everything stops for tea'. As they have not been drinking or eating (but often serving us food and drink) all day, you can't really blame them, so just be considerate for that half-hour. Lots of Brits seem to manage to complain about it, but it really should be no big deal. Quick tip: as well as small change for baksheesh, ballpoint points (especially with logos, etc) were appreciated and asked for. Don't know if they are still popular, but worth a go.
Bren McGowan

· We travelled around the whole of Egypt during Ramadan a couple of years ago, and had absolutely no problems with transport, service, etc. The sites at Luxor often have different opening times during Ramadan, but there are no problems eating in restaurants or obtaining alcohol if you are staying in larger hotels. The street cafes often don't open until breakfast, so go later if you prefer it less busy. In Luxor, food is often laid out on the streets so everyone can breakfast together, a sight not to be missed!
Liz Mottram

· You won't find any problems if your stay coincides with Ramadan. Some local restaurants will be closed during the day but you will easily find somewhere that will serve food. At the moment, with Ramadan falling in winter, most people find it easy to fast, so people's working patterns for tourist services and travel will be relatively normal. Ramadan can be a wonderful time to visit Egypt. Come dusk, and the meal breaking the fast, people will come out in family groups and eat on the street. It is not uncommon to be invited to share a meal with a family, which can be a real pleasure. You may want to fall into the pattern of things and skip lunch yourselves, and enjoy your evening meal all the more with everyone else. It is worth noting that drinking water, eating or smoking in the street during the day can be considered impolite. Egyptians are very tolerant; however, you may feel more comfortable taking opportunities to have a drink or a snack, etc. if you find somewhere out of the way.
William Glance

· Don't be alarmed if you hear an explosion at sunset or sunrise. This marks the beginning and end of the fast. When you get used to it, it's wonderfully atmospheric. It is followed by a mad rush of people going home to eat, and soon the streets are practically empty. This makes it an excellent time to go for a peaceful walk along the Nile watching the last of the sunset, as normally tourists cannot walk more than a few paces without being offered something to buy. If you do find yourself hungry or thirsty during the hour after sunset, you will find it easy to find something, as plenty of hotels and other tourist establishments stay open throughout the day.
Felix Power

· One tip - stay off the roads shortly before sundown. Everyone is dashing home or to a restaurant for Iftar (fast breaking), and as they haven't eaten, drunk water, or smoked since before dawn, but have nevertheless put in a day's work (oh, and they're short of sleep too), driving can be more than usually erratic. But as soon as Iftar arrives an eery and rather enjoyable peace descends (broken only by the distant sound of chomping) as the entire nation eats at last. It's a wonderful time - this will be my third Ramadan in the Middle East and I'm looking forward to it.
Sarah Walker