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Egypt Visitor Information
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Climate Chart for EgyptMost of Egypt is subtropical area, but the southern part of Upper Egypt is tropical. Northern winds temper the climate along the Mediterranean, but the interior areas are very hot. The temperature sinks quickly after sunset because of the high radiation rate under cloudless skies. Rainfall averages about 2 inches a year, but sudden storms sometimes cause devastating flash floods. Precipitation often approaches 8 inches annually on the Mediterranean coast. Hot dry sandstorms, known as Khamsin, come off the Western desert in spring. In Cairo, average temperatures range from 7 to 29°C (45 to 85°F) in January, while July averages range from 21.6 to 35.5° C (71 to 96° F). Relative humidity varies from 68% in February to over 70% in August to 77% in December. The winter months are considered to be December, January and February.
Visas are required by all nationals except those of Malta and Arab countries. These can either be obtained from your home country at the the port and airport of arrival. If travelling overland visas can be obtained from neighbouring countries without much of a problem. You can apply for either a single entry visa which entitles the holder to a stay of up to one month and is valid for presentation for up to three months, or you can apply for a multiple entry visa which is limited for up to three visits. You cannot get a visa at the Israeli border.
There is normally a two week grace period beyond the expiry date of your visa. Visas can be extended for up to a period of six months but you will normally be required to show you have sufficient to support your stay and show bank receipts proving you have changed sufficient money. Credit card receipts for purchases or cash advances are generally not accepted.
You can visit the Sinai area between the Israeli border crossing of Taba and Sharm el-Sheikh without a visa, but you will only be issued with a entry stamp enabling you to stay 14 days.
It is no longer a requirement for nationals entering Egypt to register with the police within one week of arrival - this was abolished early 1997.
Listing of Eqypt Tourist offices and/or embassies location around the world
Currency: 1 Egyptian Pound (E£)=100 piastres (pt)
Current Exchange Rate: Today's Exchange Rate
Most foreign currencies, cash or travellers cheque can easily be changed in Egypt. There are many exchange bureaus in the larger cities but they mainly only deal in cash. Visa and Mastercard are good for cash advances and together with American Express and JCb cards and Eurocard can be used in a wide range of shops and hotels.
If you are travelling to lesser tourist areas the best currencies to have are US dollars, Pounds Sterling.
Banking are usually open Sunday to Thursday : 0830 to 1400 hours
Banks
Central Bank Of Egypt
Bank of Alexandria
Air
Domestic Flights
Flying is a good way to get around the country.
EgyptAir offers daily flights between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Oasis. Air Sinai has flights from Cairo to Sharm el Shiekh, Taba, Luxor, Ras El Nakab and Eilat.
Ferries
Ferries run between Egypt and Sudan, South Sinai and Jordan, and Sharm el-sheikh and Hurghada
Railways / Train Services
Egypt has a regular efficient train service travelling between every major town within the country and offering a range of services from plush air-conditioned sleepers to 3rd class. Discounts are available for holders of Student cards and children under 9 years old.
Bus
An efficient bus services is available from to and from all the major cities in the country including the Sinai.
Road
Driving is on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is required. Road conditions are good and extensive throughout the country.
1st January - New Years' Day
25th April- Sinai Liberation Day
1st May - Labour Day
18th June - Liberation Day
23rd July - Revolution Day
6th October - Armed Forces Day
December 25th - Christmas Day
Moveable holidays Easter and variable Muslim holidays
Electric Power is 220V - 240V running at 50Hz.
The Plug type used in Egypt is: "Type C, E & F"
