Egypt

Banks are closed on Fridays and Saturdays, and are open during the rest of the week from 8:30AM to 2:00PM. Most embassies are closed on Fridays and Saturdays except some on Saturdays and Sundays. Shops are generally open from 9:00AM to 9:00PM and closed on Sundays.

In summer, light cotton garments and in winter, woolens are advised. In the evenings, a sweater and overcoat may be needed. Generally avoid very brief clothing, as the norm is semi-conservative. In all seasons, light walking shoes and a hat are essential. Handy items include: sunglasses, sun protection creams/lotions, a pocket flashlight, binoculars and of course cameras.

Free foreign current is allowed in and out of the country. A declaration form must be completed if objects of value such jewelry, video cameras, etc. are imported.

Electrical current throughout Egypt is 220Volts- 50Hz. Sockets take the standard continental European round- pronged plug. Plug adaptors and current converters are usually available at major hotels.

A Yellow fever vaccination is required ONLY if arriving within 6 days after leaving or transiting in infected areas. Exempted are children under one year of age, and transit passengers not leaving the airport who will continue with the same aircraft.

For AT&T, Sprint (Global One), and MCI Calling cards holders, direct access is available.

Arabic is the official language of Egypt. However, tourists will rarely find a problem communicating as the most common foreign languages spoken by Egyptians are English with French as a close second, followed by German and Italian.

Egypt has a multilingual publications published in Arabic, English and French. Among the English publications are “Al- Ahram weekly” and “The Egyptian Gazette” while the French publications include “Al- Ahram Hebbo” as well as “ Le Progres Egyptien”.

Those who wear contact lenses should bring prescription glasses also as the fine dust in some areas can cause irritation and damage the lenses.

Protect cameras lenses with plastic caps and use high-speed film as flash photography is prohibited in many temples. In all seasons bring an adequate supply of sun protection creams.

Most nationalities are granted visa upon arrival to Cairo Airport, few need to apply for visa before arriving to Egypt. Immigration Authorities at port of Entry will grant Entry Visas. For up-to-date information, it is essential that enquiries be made with Egyptian Consulates prior to travel. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Egypt.

Egypt is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and seven hours of US EST summer time.

The principle is that “baksheesh” must be justified by some help or service rendered. It is advisable to keep a good supply of small change in local currency. In hotels and restaurants, it is usual to give between 10-12% of the check. Porters and taxi/bus drivers also expects a “baksheesh”.

Egypt is known to be the ‘Cradle of Civilization’ and the beacon of religion. It hosts some of the oldest synagogues, churches and mosques.

Sunday & Saturday Liturgies are the practiced at the different Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and Advantest churches that are to be found all over Egypt. Also active Synagogues are to be found in both Cairo and Alexandria.

 

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2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism

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