Currency:
The national currency is the Egyptian pound (LE). It is divided into 100 piastres. Bank notes are available in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. ATM machines can be easily found and credit cards and traveller’s cheques are accepted in major hotels. Currency can be exchanged easily through banks and bureaux de change.

Weather:
Weather is commonly warm or hot throughout the year, and nights are cool. Egypt has mainly two seasons: a mild winter from November to April and a hot summer from May to October. In July & August the weather is sunny and hot so make sure you keep a bottle of water with you if you are going sightseeing in the morning.
Temperatures average between 80 °F (27 °C) and 90 °F (32 °C) in summer, and between 55 °F (13 °C) and 70 °F (21 °C) in winter.

Language:
Arabic is the mother tongue of Egyptians yet most of the Egyptian people can communicate with tourists in English.

Electricity& Voltage:
220v 50Hz

Time Zones:
GMT +2
GMT+3 from May to September

Dialing Codes:
Egypt: +20
Cairo: 2
Outgoing international code: 00

Weights & Measurements:
Metric

Health requirements and medical facilities
There are no compulsory vaccinations, but visitors arriving from infected areas must possess a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Medical care is readily available and qualified resident doctors can be consulted at the hotels, should the need arise. Most pharmacies are open around the clock; however, it is advisable to bring any special prescriptions with you.

Safety:
With regard to personal safety, according to the Government, crime in Egypt is almost non-existent. Security is good and tourist police, who can speak English, are available if needed.

Business hours and public holidays:
Government and administrative offices and banks generally open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, except for Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays.

Most shops open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day except Sunday. Please note that these opening hours may vary in shopping centres.