Travel Overview
Full Country Name: Arab Republic of Egypt
Capital: Cairo
Time: GMT plus two hours
Language: Arabic is the official language, while English and French are also widely understood, especially in the hospitality industry.
Entry Visas: Visitors to Egypt must obtain a visa and hold a passport that is valid for at least six months. Entry Visas can be arranged through Egyptian embassies worldwide. Visitors from USA, Canada, the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council countries may be able to purchase an entry visa upon arrival at the main airports in Egypt. (Regulations are subject to change and should be checked prior to travel).
Currency: Egyptian Pound. 1 Egyptian pound = 100 piasters. 1 US Dollar = 5.6 Egyptian Pounds (rate of exchange varies).
Electricity: 220v, 50 Hz.
Taxes: Generally, taxes are applied to any service. Restaurants add 10% sales tax in addition to a 12% service charge, while luxury hotels can add around 2-4% to bills.
Tipping: Tipping is done at the customer's discretion (not compulsory), usually 10-15% of the total bill.
local business times:
Banks: Sundatu till Thursfay from 8:30 a.m till 5:00 p.m. Days off Friday & Saturday
Post Offices: working all days a weeek from 8:00 a.am till 2:00 p.m Day Off Friday
Water: Preferabley to drink Mineral Water
Bargaining when buying: Can be usfeul in Local and small shops
Dress Code: Egypt is a moderate Islamic Country and dresses are free unless in Mosques women should be covered their body and something on hair, while no shorts alowed for men
