Travel Tips:
Geography:
Land boundaries total 2,689 km, Gaza Strip 11 km, Israel 255 km, Libya 1,150 km, Sudan 1,273 km
Location Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip Coastline 2,450 km. Terrain vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and Delta Comparative area Slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico.

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.

Transportation:
Air Domestic air travel is the fastest, as for the 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. Decide the fare before the journey starts. Many taxis traveling from town to town operate under a share system and wait until they are full before departure.

Car Rental:
If you decide to drive by yourself, remember that in Egypt left hand drive is the norm as opposed to the UK for instance. Roads are signposted and fairly easy to follow instructions. Areas like the south of Aswan, near the border with Sudan and much of the Western desert cannot be entered without permission from the concerned authorities. With the exception of those, which interlink major cities.

Telephone Systems:
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 by phones and the service is free except for then cost of the phone calls. The Following numbers provide free internet access [07770777, 07770808, 07774444, 07770123]

Food:
We invite you to trash the flavour of the delicious Egyptian dishs or , such as: koshari (lentil and rice dish), maashi (stuffed vegetables) and ful medammes (broadbean stew). When it comes to fruit. 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.

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.

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. 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.

Credit cards & ATM Machine:
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.

Shopping:
Cairo famous bazaar in Khan ElKhaliliy is really fun. Traditional Egyptian accessories and gifts are easily available. Shopping hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., extended during the summer; and some others have more flexible hours, but  close on Sundays. Best time for shopping times are late morning and early the evening.

Dress:

Try not to wear anything too revealing around most places in Egypt. Make it conservative unless  you welcome  the attention that  skimpy clothing will garner. People in some cities and rural areas are not used to seeing a lot of skin (even with men), so please cover up unless you're on the beach in a coastal resort like Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada where this is more the norm. In areas like Islamic and Coptic Cairo you should respect local custom by wearing more conservative clothing.

 

 

Photographing:

Do  take   lots of  film  or extra memory cards you'll  want  to take pictures  of everything  you see (well, not everything…). Avoid  taking photographs of military areas,  bridges, embassies, or airports. And of course don't  use  flash photography when photographing ancient monuments. Try not to photograph  crowded areas or packed buses or street litter as some people can be offended. Finally don't  take  your  cameras  where you won't be  using  it - entrance  fees for  cameras cost more than for people.

 

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.

 

 

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