IMPORTANT NOTES

POPULATION

According to latest statistics, Egypt has about 72 million inhabitants.  It is formed by a mix of different communities: Arabs, Bedouins, Nubians, etc., mainly gathered in the called Greater Cairo and in the Nile Delta.  Egypt is divided into 25 provinces, and Cairo is the capital.

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WEATHER

Egypt is a Mediterranean country, thus meaning dry and hot summers and mild winters.
From December to April the temperature is from 15º to 29º centigrade.
From May to November the temperature  is from 25º to 40º centigrade.
The temperature is usually higher in the South.

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CURRENCY

The official currency is the Egyptian Lire (LE) which is divided in 100 piastres. The LE is easily changed into European currency. Main credit cards are accepted at the hotels, ships and important shops.

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CLOTHING

During the summer, light clothing, preferably cotton or natural fibres, are recommended.
While visiting the Mosques you have to observe the regulations: Long sleeves and no shorts or Bermuda trousers. Women must also cover their hair. In the tourist areas sport clothing is the best option (sport shoes with cotton socks, hats, sunglasses, sun protection, etc). During the winter, jackets or jumpers will be enough, specially in the chilly nights.

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SECURITY

Egypt is an absolutely safe country, where you can walk at ease in the streets or in the bazaars. Hotel rooms are usually equipped with safes to keep your valuables.

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ELECTRICITY

In Egypt the electricity is 220 v. The wall sockets are round type, but it is recommendable to bring an adaptor for special electrical apppliances.

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LANGUAGE AND RELIGION

Egypt is a mainly muslim country, about an 85% of the total population. The other 15% is formed by Coptic, Protestants and Roman Catholics. The official language is the Arabic, although English and French are quite commonly spoken, mainly among students and in tourist areas.

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TIPS

The tip (baqshish) is a frequent habit in all social activities, even between egyptians, and the amount is at one’s consideration. It is convenient to tip the bell-boys at the hotels, drivers, waiters and tourist guides, according to the service received.

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SHOPPING

Many interesting crafts are produced in Egypt. The most important are: papyrus, jewelry (specially gold, silver and semi-precious stones), copper, blowed glass, perfumes, carpets, etc.
As it is usual in Eastern countries, the prices are not shown in shops or bazaars, and the client or tourist fixes the price, so you need to bargain to obtain a better price. Take your time, use your charm and surely you will get lower prices.

More information in Amigos de la Egiptología, and to travel to Egypt: Todo para viajar a Egipto.