Visa
(Click here for
detailed information)
Obtain visa in advance unless you are
traveling only to the Eastern Coast of Sinai from the Taba Terminal
(10 km. south of Eilat). |
Passport
Passport is valid for at least 6 months and is
required by all. |
Currency
The currency for the Egyptian are Egyptian
Pound (EŁ) = 100 Piastres. Notes are in denominations of EŁ100, 50,
20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5
Piastres.
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Credit cards
MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and
Visa are widely accepted. Check with your credit card company for
details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be
available.
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Travelers cheques:
To avoid additional exchange rate charges,
travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars or
Pounds Sterling. |
Currency Restrictions
The import or export of local currency is
limited to EŁ1000. There are no restrictions on the import or export
of foreign currency as long as it is declared in an official customs
form. |
Banking Hours
The banking hours are Sunday to Thursday, 8.30
am to 2 pm. |
Social Conventions
The Egyptians are generally courteous and
hospitable thus expects similar respect from visitors. The form of
handshaking will suffice as a greeting. Woman should dress
conservatively and not wear revealing clothes, particularly when in
religious buildings and in towns. The Western style of dress is
accepted in the modern nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and bars of
bigger towns. |
Getting There:
Air
The national airline is Egypt Air (MS). All main carriers service
throughout Egypt.
Sea
The main coastal ports are Alexandria, Port Said and Suez. A car
ferry service is also available from port to port.
Borders
There are two border crossings between Israel and Egypt: one runs
from Cairo via El Arish to Rafah on the north Sinai coast, and the
other from Cairo via Suez and Taba to Eilat. Daily coaches leave
early in the morning. Passengers in taxis and rented cars are not
permitted to cross the borders between Israel and Egypt. Privately
owned vehicles may be taken across the border, provided the
appropriate documentation is obtained. Visas should normally be
obtained in advance; however, travelers entering Egypt via Taba may
be able to obtain visas at the border.
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Getting Around:
Air
Egypt Air operates daily flights between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor,
Aswan, Abu Simbel, New Valley, and Hurghada.
Sea/River
There is a steamer service that provides daily ferry service from
cities. The traditional Nile sailing boats or better known as
feluccas, can be hired by the hour for a more relaxed sailing on the
Nile. There are over 160 individually-owned boats of all categories
operating on the Nile.
Rail
A comprehensive rail network offering a high standard of
service is operated along the eastwest axis from Sallom on the
Libyan border to Alexandria and Cairo, and along the Nile to Luxor
and Aswan. There are also links to Port Said and Suez. There are
frequent trains from Cairo to Alexandria, and also several luxury
air-conditioned day and night trains with sleeping and restaurant
cars from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan for the Nile Valley tourist
trade. For the overnight train, bookings should be made two weeks in
advance through a travel agent
Road
Drivers drive on the right side of the road. Besides the Nile Valley
and Delta, which holds an extensive road network, there are paved
roads along the Mediterranean and African Red Sea coasts. The speed
limit is usually 90kph (56mph) on motorways and 100kph (62mph) on
the desert motorway. Private motoring in the desert regions is not
recommended without suitable vehicles and a guide.
Bus
The national bus system serves the Nile Valley and the coastal road.
Main routes are from Cairo to St Catherine, Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab,
Ras Sudr, El-Tour, Taba and Rafah; from Suez to El-Tour and Sharm
el-Sheikh; and from Sharm el-Sheikh to Taba, Neweiba, El-Tour, Dahab
and St Catherine.
Taxi
Taxis are available in the larger cities and are metered.
Long-distance group taxis for all destinations are cheap, although
fares should be agreed in advance. |
Documentation
Visitor's own International Driving
Permit are required to drive any motor vehicle. All vehicles
including motorcycles are required by law to carry a fire
extinguisher and a red hazard triangle.
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Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Egypt
without incurring customs duty:
(a) 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g of tobacco.
(b) 1 liter of alcoholic beverages.
(c) A reasonable amount of perfume and 1 liter of eau de cologne.
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Prohibited items
The items are: narcotics, firearms and cotton;
for a full list, contact the Egyptian State Tourist Office.
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Tipping
Tipping worth 10-12% is added to hotel and
restaurant bills but an extra tip of 5% is normal. Taxi drivers
generally expect 10%. |
