LANGUAGE:
Arabic is the spoken language in Egypt , tourists will not find a problem in communication as the most common foreign language spoken by Egyptians are English with French a close second , and also some German and Italian .
CURRENCY:
The Egyptian Pound is divided into 100 Piasters.
Notes of 50 Piasters, 1Pound, 5 Pounds, 10 Pounds, 20 Pounds, 50 Pounds and 100 Pounds are available.
No restrictions are imposed on the movement of currency in or out of the country.
HEALTH:
- Yallow fever vaccination is required if arriving within 6 days after leaving or transiting infected areas.
- Exempted are children under one year ,and transit passengers not leaving the airport.
TIPPING:
The principle is that "baksheesh" must be justified by some help or service rendered . it is advisable to keep a good supply of small change . In restaurant it is usual to give between 10-12 % of the bill which sometimes is included in the bill. Porters , taxi and bus drivers also expect baksheesh .
TIME:
Two hours in advance of Greenwich mean time and three hours for summer time which is from may 1st to October 1st.
ELECTRICITY:
Electrical current throughout Egypt is 220 volts sockets take the standard continental European round pronged plug .
plug adaptors and current converters , as well as dual voltage appliances can be bought at home .
PASSPORT & VISA:
Egyptian Consulates and Immigration authorities at port of entry will grant entry visas. A transit visa is sufficient for a stay of less than 7 days .
Group visas are granted on a group passport sponsored by us , for all members in the group .
For up –to – date information it is essential that enquiries be made prior to travel.
Passports should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Egypt .
Registration with the police must be done within seven days from arrival. Hotels provide this service automatically.
CLIMATE:
The North Coast and part of the Delta area is affected by the Mediterranean climatic zone , while a subtropical climate of Egypt can be summarized as mild temperatures increasing as you travel from north to south . Cairo can be chilly from December to February ,and very hot from June to September , through the traveler s often relieved by a northerly breeze with temperatures dropping during the night. Peak temperatures in Upper Egypt from May to October are usually compensated for by extremely low humidity .
CLOTHING:
In summer, light cotton garments and winter woolens On winter evening , a sweater and an overcoat may be needed .
In all seasons light walking shoes and a hat are essential. Avoid very brief clothing as the norm is conservative attire .
Handy items include: sun-glasses , sun oil , a pocket torch and binoculars .
BUSINESS HOURS:
Banks are closed on Fridays and satudays and are open during the rest of the weak from 8:00am to 2:00p.m. Most Embassies are closed on satdays an Sundays .
Shops are generally open 9.00 a.m. and closed on Sundays .
