About Egypt

Useful tips

Egypt is a country of contrasts, old and new blending together, this can be seen everywhere on a daily basis. Truly a country rich in history and culture, the people are friendly and hospitable, and the crime is rare. To help you better understand what to expect and to ensure you get the most out of your trip we provide you with some hints that we hope will assist you in your journey.

Weather

Cairo's weather is mild in winter, hot in summer. Summers and winters are dry. Rain is rare even in winter and sand storms are common in spring.

Average temperature:

Months	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Celsius	18	21	24	34	33	35	37	35	32	30	26	20
Fahrenheit	65	69	75	93	91	95	98	95	90	86	78	68

Banking Services

Egypt is a cash community. ATM machines, cashing money on credit card, or changing traveller's checks are accessible at major hotels as well as any bank in the streets. The US Dollar is well received almost everywhere.

Crime

Crime is low, it is safe to walk the streets at any time of day, like all cities you should be cautious and attentive to your whereabouts.

Telephone, calling cards and Internet Cafes

4/5 star hotels will have direct line dialling and international services. Some hotels have data ports and even their own Internet cafes. Egypt has calling cards available for sale everywhere to be used in the local call boxes. There are Internet cafes in all major cities; they usually range from $3 to $6 an hour with a minimum 15 minutes charge.

Guide Services

If travelling independently using a Guide Services will save you a great deal of time and money. The guide will smooth your trip/mission. Guides aren't necessary for resort stays in Hurgada or Sharm El Sheik. If travelling with an escorted tour be sure to ask your guide for advice on sightseeing, shopping, museums, cinemas, theatres, Opera, etc.,.

Drinks

Please note that hard drinks are not included with any meals in Egypt. Coffee or teas are served with breakfast but all other drinks must be paid for. It is important to check the prices of drinks before you order.

Water

Although water is treated, please be cautious and use bottled water which is available everywhere.

Food

Large hotels serve a wide variety of European and North American style food as well, and there are numerous choices of restaurants particularly in Cairo.

Taxis

Make sure they know were you wanted to go. If you have a guide or a representative from the travel agency in Egypt ask him first about any trip you want to make by a taxi.

Shopping

Shopping can be great fun in Cairo, whether for an everyday souvenir or for something a little more valuable. Egypt has many malls with boutique style stores but no department stores that could be compared to Europe and North America. Street markets, food carts and small stores are everywhere and they are the normal way of shopping in Egypt.

Unique Shopping Items:

• Gold Cartouche's: with your name in Hieroglyphics
• Papyrus Pictures: again you can have your name put on in hieroglyphics, they are popular and perhaps a little more tasteful than stuffed camels or models of the pyramids.
• T-Shirts in Egyptian cotton: with Egyptian logos or names in hieroglyphics.
• Hand-made Carpets and Wall hangings.
• Egyptian Cotton Items
• Alabaster Carvings
• Unique Perfume Essences: these are wonderful. Many French perfume houses source their supplies from Egypt, and in the perfume shops pure essential oils are for sale.

Customs & Culture

Egyptians keep themselves and their homes very clean. The noise level in some parts of the cities may be above average and Cairo in particular is a 24-hour city when most stores and activities go on around the clock non-stop.

Medical Requirements

Normally no immunizations are required or needed. However be sure to bring any prescriptions you might need.