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General
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Name Arabic Republic of
Egypt ( Misr )
Area1,001,450 sq km (391,191 sq miles).
Population67,235,960.
CapitalCairo
Language Arabic, and English is widely spoken.
TimeGMT + 2
Electricity220 volts / 50 Hz
PresidentMohamed Hosni Mubarak |
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Entry Visas and Passports Validity
All visitors to Egypt must hold a current passport with
at least 6 months validation. Visas for a stay of one
month may be obtained from all Egyptian Consulates or
upon entry to Egypt. (for most nationalities)
Services & Government Offices
Government offices, including post offices, are open
from 8:00AM - 3:00PM, Saturday through Wednesday, and
are closed Thursdays, Fridays and on national holidays.
Shops are open daily from 9:00AM - 1:00PM, and from
4:00PM - 8:00PM, with some shops closed on Sundays
Food
We invite you to savor the delicious typical dishes
of Egypt, such as: koshari (lentil and rice dish), mahshi
(stuffed vegetables) and full Mesdames (broad bean stew).
When it comes
to fruit, Egypt is a paradise of fragrant and tasty
fruits.
Don't forget to taste the guavas, dates, figs, and large
variety of juicy mangos! .
Most hotels serve local dishes. The typical Egyptian
foods are rice, pita bread (aysh) and fava beans.
Special dishes include roasted ground lamb like kebab,
vegetable casserole, and
stuffed, grilled pigeon. Desserts like Ahwa and Baklava
are local favorites. Italian and French cuisine can
be found in hotels and restaurants. Locally brewed
beer and bottled sodas
may be found throughout the country. Do not miss out
on Egyptian coffee. It is well known delicious taste.
Health
Vaccinations are no longer necessary or required to
enter Egypt. However, we advise you to avoid drinking
tap water, other unbottled beverages, and drinks with
ice. Please consult your physician for more advice.
For all health requirements and recommendations,
travelers should check with a local Department of
Health clinic or U.S Department of Health and Human
Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC).
Money
The unit of currency is the Egyptian Pound (L.E.).
It is divided into 100 Piasters (silver coins). Banknotes
(paper currency) are available in the following denominations:
0.25, 0.50, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Pounds (L.E.).
Coins are available in the following denominations:
5, 10, 20, and 25 Piasters. Exchange rate: 1 US Dollar
= approximately 6.15 (L.E.), depending on the daily
rate. Foreign currency can be exchanged at most banks
and authorized exchange offices where the official
rates of exchange are posted daily. click here to
know the updated exchange rate
Credit cards
Credit cards like American express, Diners Club, MasterCard
and Visa are accepted in most tourist establishments.
Currency restrictions
The importation and exportation of local currency
is limited to 1000 Egyptian pounds for non-residents.
The importation and exportation of foreign currency
is not limited.
Banking hours
8:30am - 2pm Sunday to Thursday, closed Friday, Saturday
and most public holidays.
Tips
the popular "baksheesh." Remember that in
Egypt, you pay "baksheesh" for rendered
services, and the amount is up to you. Your tour guide
will be glad to help you determine appropriate tips
when necessary. (Printed tipping guide will be handed
to you in your tour briefing)
Climate & Clothing
Egyptian summers are hot and dry while the fall and
winter seasons are moderate and the spring season
windy. Some rain falls along the coast..
Light cottons and comfortable shoes are recommended
for the hot summer months. Hats, Sunglasses and sunscreen
are recommended for protection against the harsh rays
of the sun.
Egypt is religious country; therefore, modest dress
is essential. Short dresses should be avoided, particularly
when visiting religious sites such as mosques.
Temperatures
| Month |
Type |
Cairo
Min/Max |
Alexandria
Min/Max |
Luxor
Min/Max |
Aswan
Min/Max |
Hurghada
Min/Max |
Sharm
Min/Max |
| Jan |
C
F |
8.6/19.1
47/66 |
9.3/18.3
49/65 |
5.4/23
42/74 |
8/23.8
46/75 |
18/24
64/75 |
13.4/23.8
56/74 |
| Feb |
C
F |
9.3/21
48/69 |
9.7/19.2
49/67 |
6.8/25.4
44/78 |
9.4/26.1
49/79 |
18/25
64/77 |
13.9/25.7
56/78 |
| March |
C
F |
11.2/23.7
52/75 |
11.3/21
52/70 |
10.7/29
51/84 |
12.6/30.4
54/86 |
20/26
68/79 |
13.7/25
56/78 |
| April |
C
F |
13.9/28.2
56/83 |
14.5/23.6
58/75 |
15.7/35
60/95 |
17.5/36
63/97 |
25/31
77/88 |
17.7/28.9
63/82 |
| May |
C
F |
17.4/32.4
63/90 |
16.7/26.5
62/80 |
20.7/39.3
69/103 |
21.1/38.5
71/101 |
26/35
79/95 |
24.1/32.8
75/89 |
| June |
C
F |
19.9/34.5
68/95 |
20.4/28.2
69/83 |
22.6/41
72/107 |
24.2/42.1
76/108 |
28/37
82/99 |
26.1/37
78/98 |
| July |
C
F |
21.5/35.4
71/96 |
22.7/29.6
73/86 |
23.6/40.8
74/106 |
24.5/42
76/108 |
28/40
82/107 |
26.7/38.3
78/100 |
| Aug |
C
F |
21.6/34.8
71/95 |
22.9/30.4
73/87 |
23.5/41
74/107 |
24.7/41.3
76/107 |
29/42
84/108 |
26.6/38
78/100 |
| Sept |
C
F |
19.9/23.3
68/89 |
21.3/29.4
71/85 |
21.5/38.5
71/101 |
22.2/39.6
72/103 |
27/38
81/100 |
26/34.1
78/93 |
| Oct |
C
F |
17.8/29.8
64/86 |
17.9/27.7
64/82 |
17.8/35.1
64/95 |
19.3/36.6
66/99 |
25/32
77/90 |
22.8/30.1
71/86 |
| Nov |
C
F |
12.1/24.1
54/75 |
14.8/24.4
59/76 |
12.3/29.6
54/85 |
14.5/30.2
58/86 |
23/26
73/79 |
27.6/15.9
81/60 |
| Dec |
C
F |
10.4/20.7
51/69 |
11.2/20.4
52/69 |
7.7/24.8
45/76 |
9.9/20.5
50/69 |
19/26
66/79 |
15.9/22.7
81/72 |
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Transportation
Air Domestic air travel is the fastest.
Public Transportation
There's a very good system of public and private transport
in Egypt. Buses and minibuses are cheaper and operate
throughout the country. The 5000 km of rail connects
just about every
town in the country from Aswan to Alexandria. Taxis
can be found easily in the main towns and cities.
click
here to check the internal flight schedules on Egypt
air
Car Rental
You can easily hire a car with a driver
Communication
Egypt has modernized its telephone systems, all cities
maybe accessed by direct dial. Phone booths are distributed
all over the areas of most cities. Egypt country code
is +20
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones with roaming possibilities "GSM"
operate efficiently in most areas in Egypt. The networks
have been expanded in most cities and beach resorts.
Internet Access
Access to the internet is readily available . The
connection is possible, and most of the hotels has
the service of Internet access in their business center
Shopping
Shopping in bazaars is really fun. Traditional Egyptian
accessories and gifts are easily available. Bargaining
is common practice in all bazaars. Never offer a price
that you
are not willing to pay. Shopping hours are from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., extended
during the summer.
Shops are closed on Sundays. Best shopping times are
late morning and early evening.
Religion
85% from the Egyptian people are Muslims
Enjoy!!
Photography
Egypt is a fascinating and magnificent country to
photograph.
You are allowed to take pictures inside many tombs
and temples. A photography fee is often to be paid
at the ticket office, prior to entering some exhibits.
These fees are not included in the tour package price.
Words from Egypt
Ahlan wa sahlan ( Welcome )
Shokran ( Thank You )
Sabah el kher ( Good Morning )
Baksheesh ( Tip )
Ma`a el salama ( Good Bye )
Bokra ( Tomorrow )
Kolo Tamam ( All OK )
F'los ( Money )
Ana / Enta ( me / you )
Ana Baheb Masr ( I Love Egypt )
Inshalla ( if GOD wills )
Ma'alesh ( Never Mind )
Shay ( Tea )
Kahwa ( Coffee )
Laban ( Milk )
Mazboot ( Medium )
Helw ( Beautiful )
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