Egypt Travel Information

The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP).

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM)
To find out the locations of ATMs in Egypt , click on the link to your credit card: Visa, Mastercard or American Express

Business hours

Banks: from 8.30 to 14.00 , Sunday to Thursday.


Transportation

Road
The main roads are in good condition. It is advised not to trust other vehicles, which often have engine trouble and to be careful with the - sometimes unpredictable - drivers. It is advised not to drive at night except in cities. Gas stations are sharply less numerous than in Europe. In the event of an accident, assistance is almost non-existent. Therefore, you will have to count on the potential help of other drivers in Cairo and in the main cities. Only a third party car insurance, cheap but not effective, is compulsory. It is advised to subscribe an additional insurance on the spot. For information on the admission of vehicles, please go to the "Formalities of entrance and stay" section underneath.

Rail
The network is correct on the main lines and especially on the Cairo / Alexandria line. For safety reasons, it is advised not to travel on trains connecting to High Egypt but to prefer air transport.

Air
The maintenance of the EGYPTAIR fleet, which has been recently partially renewed, does not call to any particular remark. Domestic flights are often delayed during the periods of tourist peaks.

Internet

The Internet suffix is: .eg

Basic conversation guide

Yes = na am
No = laa
Thank you = shokran
Hello = Ahalan
Goodbye= Ma'a Elsalama
I do not understand = Ana laa Afham
What's the price? How much does it cost? = Bikam?
I would like to buy... = O reed ann ashtary
Do you accept the credit cards? = Hal takibal bitakit el aitiman?
Where is...? = Ain...?
Airport = Matar
The station = Mahatit Al kitar
Post office = Markaz Barid
The bank = bank
The police station, the police force = Kissam Shorta
The pharmacy = Sidali ia
One ticket to..., please. = tathkara wahida min fadlik...
Would you have any vacancies for tonight? = Hal togad Koraf Fadia Al Laila?.

Languages spoken

Arabic is the official language in Egypt. A majority of Egyptians speak the dialectal Arabic or Egyptian Arabic. However, there are some minorities speaking Armenian, Domari, Nubian, Greek, Dongola. As far as classic Arabic is concerned, the official language of the State is understood by about 50% of the population. Indeed, only 48% of the Egyptian citizens are able to read and to write, and you need to have gone to school to know the classic Arabic. Finally, the commercial languages in use are English and French.