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| CUSTOMS |
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| The following items may be taken into Egypt duty free (per person): 250 grams of loose tobacco or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 1 liter of liquor or wine. |
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| CURRENCY |
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| The Egyptian monetary unit is the Egyptian Pound (L.E.). It is divided into 100 Piaster (P.T.). The following currency denominations are used: |
| Pounds: 1 5 10 20 50 100 200 Piaster: 5 10 25 50 |
| Money may be changed at any bank or your hotel. There is one standard "official rate of exchange." |
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| BANK HOURS |
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| Sunday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, All banks are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. The larger hotels have banking hours 24 hours a day for money exchange. |
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| TRAVELER'S CHECKS |
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| It is advisable that you carry your money in the form of Traveler's Checks. They can be exchanged to local currency at a bank. However, please note that Traveler's Checks are not widely accepted at shops or for payment of hotel or restaurant bills. |
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| CREDIT CARDS |
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| American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diner's Club credit cards are accepted at hotels in Cairo. You will find them convenient to settle your hotel accounts at checkout time. U.S. Dollars and Traveler's Cheques are accepted in most stores in Cairo. Personal checks are usually not accepted. In Upper Egypt, cash is the accepted form of payment at shops. |
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| VOLTAGE |
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| The voltage in Egypt is 220 AC. 50 cycles. Wall plugs are the round, two-pronged European type. It is most important to bring adapter plugs. Most American appliances will need transformers. |
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| TIME |
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| Egypt is on Greenwich Mean Time PLUS 2 hours or 7 hours later than Eastern Standard Time; 6 hours during summer Daylight Savings Time. |
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| CLIMATE AND CLOTHING |
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The climate in Egypt has been described as 95% sunny. The very dry and cool desert winds offer a pleasant contrast to the bright and sunny days. There are only six days of rain during the year.
The summer months (June to August) can be fairly hot with strong sunshine. In the evening, however, there is a rapid and significant drop in temperature. All year, except for the winter months, the climate calls for lightweight clothing. Don't forget to take your hat and sunglasses on tour. Also, take a light wrap for the evenings. During the winter you'll need light woolen clothes. Most hotels offer good, quick dry cleaning and laundry services.
Egypt is still a conservative country insofar as women are concerned. When visiting mosques, modest clothing should be worn (no shorts) Men require jackets at most luxury hotels and resorts. Comfortable footwear is essential for sightseeing and shopping; keeping in mind that walking will be done on rough stone terrain at archaeological sites.
WHAT TO WEAR: Winter Months: Bring sweaters, a light coat or jacket for the cool Cairo evenings. Women should bring slacks and one evening dress for nightclub visits. Men should bring at least one warm jacket. Pack a bathing suit if visiting Luxor and Aswan and if you are taking a Nile Cruise.
Summer Months: Bring very light weight clothing & a sweater for cool evenings in Cairo.
At All Times: Modesty in clothing should be observed. Women should cover their arms when visiting mosques. Shorts should not be worn at religious sites. Bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing and walking on desert sand. (Sneakers are preferable over open sandals.) Sunglasses as well as hats and scarves are recommended as protection against the strong sun. Bring a thermos or insulated bag to keep your drinking water cool during the day.
Nile Cruises: Dress code for Dinner each night is elegant casual attire. You may choose from a simple dress or a native "galabaya". Men usually wear a jacket but it is not necessary. Don't over pack! Captain's Dinner (on the Cruise): This farewell event is an exotic costume party where everyone has to dress up "the Egyptian way." You'll be invited to participate in games and competitions with prizes for the best costume. |
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