Travel Guides: All Countries / Africa / Egypt / Cairo
 |  | Fact File : Cairo |
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| | | Cairo | | Did you know?
Tipping is known as baksheesh and is welcomed as wages are so low.
Language
Arabic.
Visas
All EU visitors must obtain visas from Egyptian consulates before travelling.
Getting there
Direct flights from the UK. Cairo International Airport is 22km away from the city centre.
Flying time from London
4hrs 15ms
Getting around
Overcrowded buses and minibuses can be exhausting, so for anyone who favours breathing, taxis are the only option. By Western standards they're cheap and there's never one far away.
Currency
The pound (E£), but best bet is American dollars.
Costs
Can of beer £1.20, roll of film (36) 40p, moderate restaurant meal £6, litre of petrol 20p, short taxi ride 60p.
Weather
April to August 35 to 38C (95 to 100F) and September to March 15 to 20C (59 to 68F).
Time difference
Two hours ahead of the UK.
International dialling code from the UK
00 202.
Voltage
220 volts, 50 Hz using two-pin plugs, so bring an adaptor.
Opening hours
Vary according to time of year. In summer most are open from 9 or 10am to 9 or 10pm; winter hours are 10 to 6. During Ramadan, shops shut all afternoon but reopen in the evening. Many of downtown Cairo's shops close on Fridays. Main post office on Midan Ataba opens 7am to 7pm seven days a week. Banks open 8-8.30am to 2pm Sunday-Thursday. Banque Masr at the Nile Hilton hotel is open 24 hours.
Health — before you go
It's a good idea to make sure your tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccinations are up-to-date. Consult your GP. Take out good travel insurance.
Health — when you are there
Stick to mineral water as Cairo's tap water has a high chlorine content. Don't swim in the Nile, the nasty disease bilharzia is prevalent in its waters.
Warnings
Generally crime is low but pickpockets are rife; carry money in a money belt. Many Egyptian banknotes are filthy and held together with tape. Refuse them and ask for clean ones as you may not be able to spend them. Women should dress modestly at all times.
Emergency
Police 122. British Embassy: 7 Ahmed Ragheb, Garden City. Tel 354 0852/59.
Customs
Moslems consider the left hand to be unclean, so always use the right hand when giving or receiving anything.
Pets
Pets would not be allowed back into the UK without going through quarantine.
Tipping
Restaurants and hotels add 12% service charge but a tip for your individual waiter will be appreciated. Tip porters and guides, and carry plenty of small change.
Tourist office
170 Piccadilly, London W1V 9DD. Tel 020 7495 6489.
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