Travel Guides: All Countries / Africa / Egypt
 |  | Fact File : Egypt |
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| | | Egypt | | Did you know?
Tipping is known as baksheesh and is appreciated as wages are so low.
Language
Arabic.
Visas
All EU visitors must obtain visas from Egyptian consulates before travelling.
Getting there
The capital's Cairo airport is 22km away from the centre. There are regular flights from London to Cairo and increasing numbers of charter flights to the holiday destinations Luxor and Aswan. Package deals can also take you to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh on the Red Sea.
Flying time from London
Four hours 15 minutes.
Getting around
Overcrowded buses and minibuses can be exhausting so if you favour breathing, the cheap and plentiful taxis are the only option. There are some deluxe buses between major destinations. The trains are comfortable, cheap and reliable (scary lavatories aside). A great way to get up and down the Nile is on a felucca, an ancient sailboat.
Currency
The Egyptian pound (E£) but your best bet is US dollars.
Costs
A three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant is around £5. A bottle of local wine is from £4.40, imported wine from £7, a beer is around £1.30. A short taxi ride (about 3km) is around £1, a litre of petrol about 10p. A pack of cigarettes is around 45p and a 24-exposure film is from £1.30.
Weather
The peak tourist season is November to March, when it can get very crowded with European holidaymakers desperate for some winter sun. Summer temperatures reach a scorching 40C, with winters a more comfortable 20C.
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, mostly 9-10am to 9-10pm; in winter 10am to 6pm. 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-7pm seven days a week. Banks open 8/8.30am to 2pm Sun-Thurs and 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 and take out travel insurance.
Health - When you are there
Stick to mineral water as Cairo's tap water has a high chlorine content which takes a couple of months for the tummy to get used to. Don't swim in the Nile — the nasty disease bilharzia is prevalent in the waters.
Warnings
Since 1992 extremists have conducted a violent campaign against the Egyptian government through sporadic attacks on tourists. Travellers should pay close attention to local security advice and take extra care in the region between Cairo and Luxor. Generally crime is low but pickpockets are rife; carry money in a money belt. Women should dress modestly at all times.
Emergency
Police tel 122. British Embassy 7 Ahmed Ragheb, Garden City, tel 354 0852/59.
Customs
Only E£1,000 can be taken into Egypt so make sure you bring other money in dollars or sterling.
Pets
Would be quarantined on return to the UK.
Tipping
Restaurants and hotels add 12% service charge, but a tip for your waiter will be appreciated. Tip porters and guides and carry plenty of small change.
Tourist office
Egyptian Tourist Office, 170 Piccadilly, London W1V 9DD. Tel: 020 7493 5283.
Did you know?
Tipping is known as baksheesh and is appreciated as wages are so low.
Language
Arabic.
Visas
All EU visitors must obtain visas from Egyptian consulates before travelling.
Getting there
The capital's Cairo airport is 22km away from the centre. There are regular flights from London to Cairo and increasing numbers of charter flights to the holiday destinations Luxor and Aswan. Package deals can also take you to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh on the Red Sea.
Flying time from London
Four hours 15 minutes.
Getting around
Overcrowded buses and minibuses can be exhausting so if you favour breathing, the cheap and plentiful taxis are the only option. There are some deluxe buses between major destinations. The trains are comfortable, cheap and reliable (scary lavatories aside). A great way to get up and down the Nile is on a felucca, an ancient sailboat.
Currency
The Egyptian pound (E£) but your best bet is US dollars.
Costs
Can of beer £1.20, roll of film (36) 40p, moderate restaurant meal £6, litre of petrol 20p, short taxi ride 60p. But costs will vary between locations.
Weather
April to August 35-38C (95-100F), September to March 15-20C (59-68F).
Time difference
Two hours ahead of the UK.
International dialling code from the UK
00 20.
Voltage
220 volts, 50 Hz using two-pin plugs, so bring an adaptor.
Opening hours
Vary according to time of year. In summer, mostly 9-10am to 9-10pm; in winter 10am to 6pm. 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-7pm seven days a week. Banks open 8/8.30am to 2pm Sun-Thurs and 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 and take out travel insurance.
Health - When you are there
Stick to mineral water as Cairo's tap water has a high chlorine content which takes a couple of months for the tummy to get used to. Don't swim in the Nile, the nasty disease bilharzia is prevalent in the waters.
Warnings
Since 1992 extremists have conducted a violent campaign against the Egyptian government through sporadic attacks on tourists. Travellers should pay close attention to local security advice and take extra care in the region between Cairo and Luxor. Generally crime is low but pickpockets are rife; carry money in a money belt. Women should dress modestly at all times.
Emergency
Police tel 122. British Embassy 7 Ahmed Ragheb, Garden City, tel 354 0852/59.
Customs
Only E£1,000 can be taken into Egypt so make sure you bring other money in dollars or sterling.
Pets
Would be quarantined on return to the UK.
Tipping
Restaurants and hotels add 12% service charge, but a tip for your waiter will be appreciated. Tip porters and guides and carry plenty of small change.
Tourist office
Egyptian Tourist Office, 170 Piccadilly, London W1V 9DD. Tel 020 7493 5283.
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| | Available rental properties in Egypt |
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| |  | | HURGHADA, RED SEA RIVIERA
3 Bedroom air conditioned apartment with shared pool. Free Collection from Hurghada Airport. Short stroll to shops restaurants hotels and beaches. Sleeps 6/8.Special discount for single or couple
|  | | Beautiful OCEANFRONT Apartment, Alexandria
Newly renovated OCEANFRONT apartment in an upscale neighborhood of Alexandria, Egypt. Beautiful stretch of beach and Incredible views of the Mediterranean
|  | | 2 Bed Apartment Hurghada Red Sea
2 bedroomed spacious apartment in Hurghada on the Red Sea Riviera. Fully Air Conditioned, Satellite TV.
|  | | Sharm el Sheikh Egypt
A luxurious 2 bedroom apartment with a balcony, ideal for couples and families.
The apartment is fully equipped with everything you need
|  | | Sharm el Sheikh Egypt
A luxurious 1 bedroom apartment with a private terrace, ideal for couples and families.
The apartment is fully equipped with everything you need
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Holiday Rentals in Egypt |
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