General

Name	Arabic Republic of Egypt (Masr)
Area	1,001,450 sq km (391,191 sq miles).
Population	73,000,000.
Capital	Cairo
Language	Arabic, and English is widely spoken.
Time	GMT + 2
Electricity	220 Volts / 50 Hz
President	Mohamed Hosni Mubarak

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. Exchange rate: 1 US Dollar = approximately 5.8 (L.E.), 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    
Credit cards like American express, Diners Club, Master Card 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.

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. (For most nationalities)

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
Map References Africa

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
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.

Communication
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 (you will be charged only for the local telephone call). The Following numbers provide free internet access [07770777, 07770808, 07774444, 07770123]

Shopping
Shopping in bazaars is really fun. Traditional Egyptian accessories and gifts are easily available. Bargaining is common practice in all bazaars. Never offer a price that you are not willing to pay. Shopping hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., extended during the summer. Khan El Khalili, Cairo’s famous bazaar, and some others have more flexible hours, but are closed on Sundays. Best shopping times are late morning and early evening.

Culture
A comprehensible knowledge of Egyptian religion is indispensable for anyone who wishes to grasp the essence of the Egyptian civilization. Religion had deeply dominated all aspects of Egyptian culture---art, science, government, and law. In short, religion was the womb of Egypt's ancient culture. Egyptian religion can be characterized by its infinite complexity and diversity.

This diversity is justified by the constant growth of religious beliefs over the many centuries during which new ideas were introduced without ever discarding any old ones (except during the reign of Akhenaten). Therefore, to the ancient Egyptian this diversity of beliefs and gods was acceptable; because of which each divine power was approached through a variety of images related to nature, animal and human life.

Music is a very important part of Egyptian culture. Elements of western pop music are increasingly being integrated into contemporary Egyptian music and contemporary musicians are experimenting with newer styles.

Where to go..?!
Khan El Khalili
Cairo's sprawling markets are a feast of sights, sounds, exotic smells and great shopping! Khan Al Khalili is one of the biggest bazaars in the Middle East, perhaps in the world. It is a whole town of markets and shops. Craftsmen, businessmen and wholesalers crowd together along its narrow alleys. There are wonderful brass ornaments and fixtures there, lovely mosaics, and perfume shops suffused with spice and floral scents. Be prepared to bargain for your new treasures!

Nile Cruises & Lake Nasser Cruises
A cruise on the Nile is the most interesting and memorable river experience in the world! Since the beginning of time, Egypt and the Nile have unified to build and share one life. It was the Nile, which gave life to the land, Egypt. The Nile is the foundation that gave rise to one of the most impressive civilizations of the human race. Egypt is truly the gift of the Nile.

Nile Cruises usually start from Luxor to Aswan in 4 nights, from Aswan to Luxor in 3 nights or from Luxor to Aswan and back in 7 nights.

Cruises are on full board basis and usually include a very interesting sightseeing program visiting the most important sights on route, and accompanied by experienced guides or Egyptologists speaking most widely spoken languages.

It is necessary to fly to/from Luxor (60 min. flights) or to Aswan (90 min. flight) to begin or end the cruise.

Optional Tours
In addition to the variety of organized tours offered on this site, we offer the best customized tour packages, at the best rates! Just ask us about areas of interest to you - we are here to make your dream vacation come true!

Enjoy!!
Photography
Egypt is a fascinating and magnificent country to photograph. You are allowed to take pictures inside many tombs and temples. A photography fee is often to be paid at the ticket office, prior to entering some exhibits. These fees are not included in the tour package price.

Sports
There is a wealth of diverse sports that you can enjoy in settings unique to Egypt. How about a tennis match or a game of golf with a view of the majestic pyramids? Or windsurfing, water-skiing or snorkeling and scuba diving in the Red Sea? Whatever suits your fancy; our programs are designed to meet your needs.

Underwater Exploring
Egypt offers incredible coral reefs and underwater seascapes for you to explore! Feeling adventurous but don't want to get wet? How would you like to explore the inner depths of the Red Sea in comfort and style? If so, our submarine tours are the ideal way to explore the many treasures of the Red Sea.
Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam are some of the important cities offering diving.


Yachts and Boats
If you are interested in offshore sightseeing, or would like to combine that experience with a diving Safari, choose from the finest selection of yachts and boats and visit the many beautiful islands in the Red Sea, such as the Lost Virgin "El Nabaa." We will be happy to arrange these excursions for you.