Practical information Egypt

149439  sq.mi

5 hrs to Cairo, which is approximately 2,200 mi from London.
6 hrs to Louxor which is approximately 2,500 mi from London.

77500000 hab.

Cairo International Airport is 9 miles away from the town centre. Around one pound for a bus or shuttle ride and £6/9 by taxi.
Luxor's airport is 6 miles away from the city, that's a 20 mn taxi ride (£4/7).

Egyptians have good sense of humour, and are welcoming, kind people. Thefts and attacks are rare. Just make sure you don't leave your belongings without surveillance.

Since the November 1997 Hatshepsut Temple terrorist attack in the Theban Necropolis, security measures have been reinforced. The tourist police (they wear a red arm-band on a black uniform) are present on all tourist sites, and patrols accompany all bus or private car journeys.

According to the FCO (Foriegn & Commonwealth Organisation), the situation across Egypt is unpredictable and may change quickly. You should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, and respect any advice or instruction from the local security authorities.

There is currently a nationwide curfew in place from 02:00 to 05:00 local time. You should respect the curfew where it is being enforced and listen for announcements about any changes to the curfew requirements.

There is a high threat from terrorism in Egypt. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, such as hotels and restaurants.

The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza is currently open daily from 10:00 to 16:00 for special cases only. Tensions remain high in the Rafah area following violent demonstrations in early January.

For more details see the FCO website.

Arabic is the official language but English is widely spoken in all the tourist sites.

Important update: Owing to recent political unrest in Cairo and other locations across Egypt, it is advised not to travel to Egypt at the moment.

For European citizens: a valid identity card or passport, valid for 6 months after return is required plus a visa that you can purchase upon arrival at the airport.

For UK nationals single entry and multiple entry visas cost £15 and £18 respectively and are valid for six months from the date of issue for a maximum stay of 60 days (single entry) and 90 days (multiple entry). Visas can be purchased at the airport.

Otherwise, British nationals travelling to the resorts of Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Newiba or Taba for a stay inferior to 14 days will receive an entry permission stamp upon arrival.

90% of the Egyptian population are Sunni Muslims

The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATM machines are rare and often out of order, so credit cards can only really be used to withdraw cash over the counter at banks or, for in large stores and hotels. Take travellers cheques or Euros if you can, as these are easier to exchange. Banks are generally open from 9.00am to 2.00pm every day except on Fridays, which are the equivalent to our Sundays. It may also be worth remembering that offices are also closed on this day.

Flying from one city to another is the most practical way of getting around (1hr flight between Cairo and Luxor, 30mins from Luxor to Aswan). However if you pride yourself on being punctual, catching a flight here will only mar your reputation. Tickets can also be fairly expensive.

Night trains link Cairo and Luxor (8.5hrs) and Cairo and Aswan (13hrs). The couchettes are comfortable and will set you back around £60 each way which includes dinner and breakfast. The journey between Cairo and Alexandria lasts about 3hrs and costs about £4 in 2nd class. Book ahead of at least two days.

Taxis are practical and cheap to get around town. They can be hired for the day (around £18 for a round trip between Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara). Communal taxis regularly drive from one city to another at a fixed rate (around £10 from Cairo to Alexandria or Luxor to Aswan, which is roughly 124 miles in 2-3 hours). However, taxis only leave once full. Expect cut-throat driving tactics and to be squeezed in between other passengers. Air conditioned bus journeys are recommended.

For taxi, horse and cart and felluca (small boat) journeys always agree on the price before getting in! The same goes for guides.

It is not recommended to hire a car without a chauffeur: Egyptian driving can be a bit rough and tumble so be sure to hold on! Although we wouldn't recommend it, driving in Egypt would require an international driving licence.

No vaccine is required, however vaccinations against hepatitis A and B are recommended. Take an antimalarial treatment if you are planning on staying near oases and the Nile Delta, where mosquitoes are particularly virulent, from June to October.

Asthmatics be careful: the air in Cairo is dusty and polluted. Be prepared with antidiarrheatic pills, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a scarf (boats and hotels are air-conditioned).

On the premises, follow a few everyday hygiene rules: only drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw vegetables, also make sure you peel fruit.

Voltage is 220V

In Egypt, even the smallest service requires some sort of 'baksheesh' or tip. In general, baksheesh (for temple guardians or luggage porters) are included in cruise and tour prices however, it is custom to leave a tip for tour guides and drivers at the end of the trip.

To call Egypt from the UK, dial 00 +
20 (country's code) + city's code (Cairo: 2 ; Luxor: 95 ; Aswan: 97, Alexandria: 3) + correspondent's number.

From Egypt to the UK: dial 00 + 44 + the correspondent's
number.