Destination Details
A unique destination to savour and enjoy, Egypt is a civilization
that has flourished for over 5000 years, nurtured by the historic
Nile, Egypt's many gifts to the world lie in its great monuments,
temples and statues dedicated to ancient gods and goddesses
while the souqs present a staggering array of goods from priceless
jewellery to everyday fare. Egypt is an exciting and different
destination that captivates both the imagination and the senses,
and shares little in common with other Mediterranean resorts Fast Facts
| Area: |
1,001,449 sq km |
| Capital City: |
Cairo |
| Languages: |
Although the language is Arabic, English and French are widely
used in business circles |
| Religion: |
90% Muslim and 9% Coptic Christians. The remainder consists
of Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholics and Anglicans. |
| Time: |
Egyptian time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
This is reduced to one hour for approximately one month in May
and October |
| Electricity: |
220V, 50 Hz |
| Currency: |
Pound; Symbol: £E; Subdivision: 100
piasters or 1,000 milliemes |
| Government: |
Republic |
Egypt, the land of mysteries, magnificent treasures and adventure,
has for centuries captured the heart and mind of travellers and
adventurers alike, drawing them to the land of curious expectation
and rarely leaving them disappointed. It is a great country to explore.
Indeed, this land of diversity holds something
for everyone. It is a colourful mosaic of four distinct cultures;
Pharaonic, Coptic Christian, Islamic and Modern. A mild climate,
unforgettable landscapes and varied topography, all provide a myriad
of settings to satisfy a wide variety of holiday choices. Seasons to Visit: Throughout
most of the year most of Egypt is hot and dry. Alexandria and the
Mediterranean coastal communities experience milder weather while
the heat in Cairo and other inland areas is fierce with temperatures
rising to as high as 50°C in some parts of the country. Heavy
winter rains fall along the Mediterranean coast but are less frequent
in Cairo and in the interior. During the winter months (from November
to February), however, temperatures can fall to freezing. The spring
in Egypt is generally mild but plagued by the khamsin, a hot and
bitter wind that brings blinding sand and dust storms and heralds
the coming of summer. Entry Requirements: All visitors to Egypt
are required to have a visa and a passport valid for six months.
Visas can be arranged through Egyptian embassies worldwide. Visitors
from the US, Canada, EU and GCC countries may be able to purchase
a visa stamp upon arrival at many large airports. One-month visitor's
visas can be extended. Dress: In summer, loose cotton clothing
may be the most comfortable. Bare shoulders, extremely casual clothing,
and comfortable walking shoes are essential for sightseeing. Conservative
dress for women with at least half sleeve is more appropriate in
town, especially when visiting mosques and churches. Food / Restaurants: All major hotels have
several restaurants offering both international and local dishes.
The standard and service vary. Cairo has many restaurants offering
international, local and oriental dishes. As restaurants quickly
come and go, travellers are recommended to ask for advice on where
to eat once they arrive in Cairo. Average price of a meal is about
£10 - £15 per person (suggested level of tipping: 10%).
All major hotels except credit cards. Shopping: The most interesting shopping
are for tourists in Cairo is the Old Bazaar, Khan El Khalili, specialising
in reproductions of antiquities. Jewellery, spices, copper utensils
and Coptic cloth are some of the special items. There are also modern
shopping centres available, particularly near Tahrir Square. Transportation: There is a variety of good
options for getting to Egypt, with good connections between Cairo
and many European cities. Other connections from elsewhere in Africa
and the Middle East include the bus from Israel via the Gulf of
Aqaba or the southern edge of the Gaza Strip, and ferries from Jordan,
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The largest and the most important towns
are connected to the rail network. Cairo and Alexandria have extensive
bus, tram and minibus services. Local buses are available to all
places from the buses stations located all over Cairo and other
big cities. Taxis are generally less expensive, they are perfectly
reliable and a good bargain. When you hire them, it is best to negotiate
the fare in advance. Health risks: Protect yourself against the
sun. It is difficult to ascertain the speed at which your body is
losing fluid in Egypt because of the dry climate. Headaches, dizziness
and nausea are signs that you have lost too much water and may be
suffering from heat exhaustion. [top] |
