Guide to Visiting Egypt
LANGUAGE:
The official language is Arabic, however, English and French are widely spoken .SHOPPING:
Shops are generally open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., however, they have extended hours during the summer.Khan El Khalili, Cairo's famous bazaar, and similar shopping places have more flexible hours. Best shopping times are late morning and early evening. Bargaining is a common practice in all bazaars and can be fun. You may be offered tea or a soft drink, and when the deal is set, everyone will be smiling and happy.
DRESS:
Conservative dress for women with at least half sleeve is more appropriate in town, especially when visiting mosques and churches. In summer, loose cotton clothing may be the most comfortable. Casual clothing, and comfortable walking shoes are preferred for sightseeing.LOCAL TRANSPORTATION:
Taxis and limousines are available at all hotels. Taxis are available at major hotels and usually have fixed rates for certain destinations. The bellman or the hotel information desk may be able to give you a reasonable estimate of the fares. Taxis are generally less expensive, but it is common for them to take in other passengers going the same direction. For the most part, however, they are perfectly reliable and a good bargain. When you hire them, it is best to negotiate the fare in advance.The roads in Egypt can be hazardous, particularly at night outside major cities. Cars and trucks frequently travel at night without headlights and at a high rate of speed. Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited outside Cairo. Egypt is one of the world's leaders in auto accidents. Traffic regulations are routinely ignored. If available, seat belts should be worn at all times. Roads in Cairo are congested, and traffic is badly regulated. The Cairo Metro (subway) system is good, but busses and commuter micro-busses are usually extremely crowded and poorly maintained.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Egypt is the perfect place for enthusiastic photographers. However, photography is strictly prohibited at military installations public works and government buildings. Some museums and historical sites may not allow photography while others may require a fee.ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
A passport and visa are required. Travelers can obtain a renewable 30-day tourist visa at any port of entry, except at Taba and Rafah, for a small fee, payable in U.S. dollars. Visitors arriving overland and/or those previously experiencing difficulty with their visa status in Egypt must obtain a visa prior to arrival. Visitors must register with tourist police within 7 days of arrival, hotels take care of this service upon check-in. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available.For additional entry requirements, U.S. citizens may contact the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt, 3521 International Court, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 895-5400 or the Egyptian consulates at:
1110 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Tel. (212) 759-7120
500 North Michigan Avenue,
Ste. 1900 Chicago, IL 60611
Tel. (312) 828-9162 1990
Post Oak Boulevard,
Ste. 2180 Houston, TX 77056
Tel. (713) 961-4915 or 961-4916
3001 Pacific Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94115
Tel. (415) 346-9700 or 346-9702
HEALTH ISSUES:
Vaccinations may be required against yellow fever if arriving within 6 days after leaving or transiting infected areas. Children under one year old are exempt. Persons without a valid yellow fever certificate - if required as above are subject to quarantine. Other vaccinations may also be required or recommended. Please check with the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate in your home country before making your travel plans.It is safe to eat properly-prepared, thoroughly-cooked meat and vegetables in tourist hotels, on Nile cruise boats, and in tourist restaurants. Eating uncooked vegetables should be avoided because this can cause diarrhea. Tap water is not potable. It is best to drink bottled water or water which has been boiled and filtered.
MEDICAL INSURANCE:
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.RESTRICTED AREAS:
Those wishing to visit areas near Egypt's frontiers, including oases near the border with Libya and off-road areas in the Sinai, must obtain permission from the Travel Permits Department of the Ministry of the Interior, located at the corner of Sheikh Rihan and Nubar Streets in downtown Cairo. Travelers should be aware of the possible dangers of off-road travel. Mines left from previous conflicts remain buried in several regions of the country and have caused several deaths, including deaths of Americans. As a rule, all travelers should check with local authorities before embarking on off-road travel.CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE:
There is no mandatory exchange upon entry, however, all Egyptian currency must be accompanied by an official exchange receipt when paying hotel bills. Bank branches are conveniently located at ports of entry, and in all major hotels. The maximum amount of Egyptian currency that can be brought in or taken out of Egypt is 1,000 Egyptian pounds..CUSTOMS REGULATIONS:
Egyptian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Egypt of items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities, medications, business equipment, currency, and ivory. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Egypt in Washington, D.C. or one of the Egyptian consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.Egyptian law allows for the imposition of duties on photographic and video equipment. However, such duties are rarely imposed, except when large quantities of photographic equipment or expensive video equipment are brought into Egypt. Persons bringing in such items should be prepared to comply with certain customs formalities.
Personal use items such as jewelry, laptop computers and electronic equipment are exempt from customs fees. Travelers may be required to list these items in their passports to ensure that they will be exported upon departure. The visitor is permitted to enter the country with 250 grams of tobacco, or 50 cigars, one liter of alcohol and personal effects. Animals must have a veterinary certificate attesting to their good health and a valid rabies certificate.