(Last updated: 1 Apr 2011)

Visas

Australian passport holders require a visa to enter Egypt. Renewable 30-day tourist visas are available on arrival at the airport for a fee of US$15.

There are three types of Egyptian visas:

• A tourist visa is usually valid for a period not exceeding three months and granted on either single or multiple entry basis.
• An entry visa is required for any foreigner arriving in Egypt for purposes other than tourism, eg. work, study, etc. The possession of a valid entry visa is needed to complete the residence procedure in Egypt.
• A transit visa.
• Entry visas may be obtained from the Egyptian Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad.

It is possible for most tourists and visitors to obtain an entry visa at any of the major ports of entry.

Please check with your nearest Egyptian Consular mission for more details concerning visa regulations.

Climate

Egypt weather includes summers that are hot and dry across most of the country and humid in the Delta and along the Mediterranean coast. In recent years the humidity (around 30-60 per cent) has spread to Cairo and the city swelters in August. Winters are mild with some rain.

Cairo is hottest in June to September (around 35°C-38°C) and coolest in November to February (around 10°C -18°C), with significant drops in temperature at night, especially in winter and spring.

A hot sandstorm called ‘Khamsiin’ blows variably, usually in late March to mid-May, lasting three to eight hours, but rarely more than once a week.

For weather details in Egypt, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Ground transport

Taxis can be arranged by dialling 2127 as soon as you get off the plane. Buses and minibuses from the airport are also available.

Care hire at the airport is also available, but expensive - approximately US$35-$85 per day depending on the model of the car. An international driver’s license is necessary.

Major hotels and travel agencies can arrange limousine transport from the airport provided it is organised in advance.

The Metro in Egypt will cost less than US$0.15 and will take you up to nine stations.

Buses, minibuses, micro-buses, and service taxis are also available.

Hotels

Egypt has a huge number of hotels. The main five-star hotels all have the usual amenities, including some with 24-hour casinos, executive floors, and basic to state-of-the-art health clubs. Prices are generally subject to sales tax 10 per cent, service charges - 12 per cent, and two per cent city tax.

Corporate, government, tour-group, resident, and long-term rates are half or less, with seasonal and bargaining skill variations.

The main hotels include the Grand Hyatt, Conrad International, Cairo Sheraton, Gezirah Sheraton, Four Seasons, Pyramisa Hotel, Ramsis Hilton, Cairo Marriott, Semiramis Intercontinental, Helnan Shepheard.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Egypt. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Health

As not all vaccines are always available in Egypt, it is advisable to be vaccinated before travelling. These include being vaccinated against typhoid, meningitis (A and C), rabies pre exposure, Havrix monodose, hepatitis B, polio, and diphtheria/tetanus. Note especially the pre-exposure rabies vaccinations with Imovax, which involves three shots over a one-month period.

Contact the Centre for Disease Control or its equivalent in your country to ascertain the most current recommendations regarding health precautions and immunisations for travel in Egypt.

Eating from street stalls and cafes is not recommended. The local water supply is heavily chlorinated and should be safe but it is advisable to drink bottled water.

Tipping

In hotels and other areas tipping is often expected. If you’re paying a bill in a restaurant 10-15 per cent is normal. On the streets it is usual to tip LE1.00 for someone who has helped you park your car and ‘guard’ it while you are away.

Time zones and time differences

Egypt is eight hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. Egyptian summer time extends from the last week in April to the last week in October - during which the time difference with Australia is one hour less.

To find out the current time in Cairo, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Egypt's country code is 20.

For calls to Egypt from Australia dial: 0011 + 20 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Egypt to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Government agencies are open between 8.30am to 4.00pm, Sunday to Thursday (closed Thursday and Friday for public enterprises).

Private businesses are open between 10.00am till late, Sunday till Thursday (closed Friday and Saturday).

Embassies and similar organisations are open between 8.00am to 4.30pm.

Banks are open between 8.30am to 2.00pm, Sunday to Thursday, although some hotel banks are open 24 hours.

Many shops are open between 10.00am till late (with many closed on Sundays).

Public holidays

2011
October 6 – Armed Forces Day
December 7 – Islamic New Year

2012
January 9 – New Year’s Day
February 4 – Prophet’s Birthday
April 15 – Sham El Nessim (Spring Festival)
April 25 – Sinai Liberation day (Sinai only)
May 1 – Labour Day
July 23 – National Day
August 15 – Flooding of the Nile
August 19 – Eid Al-Fitr
September 11 – Coptic New Year
October 6 – Armed Forces Day
October 21 – Egyptian Naval Day
October 24 – Suez Day
October 26 – Eid Al-Adha
November 15 – Islamic New Year
December 23 – Suez Victory Day

Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region. Generally, if a holiday falls on a Friday, a day is given in lieu.

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The official currency is the Egyptian Pound.

Electricity and water

Egypt’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 3, 4 wires.

Dining

Egypt has various restaurants and dining options available. The major hotels generally have top class restaurants and there are numerous quality restaurants in the major business and residential areas. Prices vary greatly, but generally in line with the quality of food, service and ambiance. Visitors should take care to only eat at the better class establishments.