Egypt is the cradle of civilizations. History in Egypt starts from at least 15000 B.C. Egypt has a unique geographical location in the centre of the three main contents which enabled the ancients of Egypt to possess a powerful civilization and tempted others to turn Egypt to a capital country for their empires. Egypt occupies one million square kilometer but most of it is plane deserts as the deserts size represent about 92% of the whole land while the rest is a share between the river –Nile and the vegetation. Egypt is located at the northern part of Africa, bordered by Libya from the west, Sudan from the south, the red sea from the east and the Mediterranean Sea from the north. The population of Egypt is exceeding seventy million, third of it dwells in Cairo the capital.
Cairo city
Cairo city is the capital of Egypt since the tenth century A.D. Cairo's name in Arabic is El Qahira which means the invincible. It is believed that title was created by the Fatimayed dynasty as the construction of the city had synchronized with the El Qahir Star "the Sothic" so it was named after. Greater- Cairo now has more than twenty million inhabitant. It has two main divisions, Old-Cairo which has both old Coptic-Christian area and Islamic area. Then, New-Cairo. Cairo is a cosmopolitan city that have a modern Opera-house, a sub-way, a large number of universities and many of chains of large deluxe hotels.
Climate
Egypt generally is a dry country and chances of rain fall are rare except on the northern coast. Winter is dry and warm, while summer season is hot. There is no dusty wind often most of the year expects on April which has El khamasin sandstorm.
Visas and Passports
Egypt is a great destination for tourists and travelers. Egypt attracts from 8-10 million tourist a year.
A tourist visa either a single entry one or a multiple could be obtained from the Egyptian embassies or from local Egyptian airports and ports. It can differ in value according to nationality, for example the value for British tourists is around 10 English pounds. Passports should be valid for much longer than six month.
Flight Reconfirmation.
It is essential that you reconfirm your flight-tickets at least 72 hours before departure from home. Then we can do the rest for you whilst in Egypt.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended, that should be obtained from your home-country and should cover the whole duration of your stay in Egypt.
Medicine
You should bring some medicines to help with upset stomach, diarrhea and dehydration however, the Egyptian medicines
are good and effective. The local medicine called Antinal "nifuroxazide" is often recommended for diarrhea and stomachaches.
Luggage allowance
In general a passenger should one luggage around 20 kg plus a carry-on bag. This can differ according to the Air-line policy
Dress Code
Generally, smart casual is the best. Shorts are fine in and around touristy areas and prohibited in restaurants and dining rooms. Swim-wear should be limited to the pool or sea areas.
Banks
Banks in Egypt serve between Sundays to Thursday 08.30 to 14.00 hours. Cash-machines are available. In first class hotels banks serve 24 hours. Main shops and restaurants can deal with all types of credit cards.
Water
Tap water is not recommended, mineral bottled water are the safest to drink, ensure that the seal is intact before buying.
Religion and Culture
Majority of Egyptians are Muslims, Christians are around twelve million, both followers courteous and respectable to each other. Egyptians are friendly and hospital and they expect from foreigners no less. In public areas and religious places ladies must cover their shoulders and knees, in a mosque all should take shoes off.
Ramadan Month
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims all where everybody should fast, from sun-rise to sun-set. The title of this month is after ramad which means ashes as Arabs in Ramadan used not to set fire to cook and just to leave ashes .
Electricity
Generally the voltage is 220AC, two –pin round plugs are required. So the best is you bring an international adaptor.
Time Changes
GMT+ 2 hours . Starting of summer their clock is put an hour forward.
Toilet Facilities
Toilets in hotels, restaurants are clean but you are still advised to bring your supply of toilet tissues and sanitizers.
Tipping and Gratuity
Tipping is a way of life; it is found everywhere but still to be based on the amount of satisfaction. Here there is a guideline.
Guides and Tour-managers Gratuity is around; 40 Egyptian Pounds per person per day.
Coach/ Bus Drivers Tip is ;10 EGP/LE per person per day.
Cruise ships Tip is ; 40 -50 EGP per person per day.
Hotels Tips are 12% Service charge plus 5% Tip per order.
