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| STORE HOURS |
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| Shops are open from 9:30 or 10:00 AM to 1:00 or 1:30 PM and again from 4:30 or 5:00 PM to 7:30 or 8:00 PM. obviously, times do vary. Some shops are closed on Fridays; most shops are closed on Sundays. |
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| SHOPPING |
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| Cairo boasts many modem, well-stocked shops. Many visitors are also attracted to the Oriental bazaars. Here you will find many exotic items, such as: leatherwear, Oriental carpets, antiques, ivory, copper and brass articles, silk brocades, cotton fabrics, drapes, silver and gold jewelry. Remember...be sure to bargain before you buy... its part of the tradition and part of the fun. |
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| SHIPPING SERVICES |
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| Shipping services from local post offices in Egypt is not very efficient. We recommend that you buy only what you can pack and take home with you. However, DHL and Federal Express now have offices and are extremely efficient. |
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| COMMUNICATIONS |
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Automatic telephones are available in every hotel room for direct local dialing. Long distance and overseas call may be made through the switchboard operator. You can call the U.S. directly from your hotel room. MCI, AT&T and Sprint calling cards are widely used. Local numbers to be dialed from Cairo:
MCI: 348-4806 # 7524 AT&T: 356-0200 Sprint: 356-4777
It may take some time before you are connected, so please allow ample time for your call to be completed. Fax and Email services are available by contacting the Reception Desk or the Business Center at your hotel. Telephone booths are available everywhere for local and international calls. |
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| FOOD |
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| In leading hotels and restaurants the food is usually clean and well prepared. However, reasonable caution should be exercised. Eat only food that has been cooked and fruits and vegetables that can be peeled. |
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| DRINKING WATER & OTHER BEVERAGES |
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| A few suggestions to ensure that you stay healthy during your stay in Egypt. It is advisable to drink only bottled mineral water. Ask for "Still" or "Pizzi" (with gas). Among the popular brands are: Evian, Vittle, Sohat and Baraka. Egyptian Stella Beer is very good and inexpensive. There are also some local wines that are reasonably priced and well worth trying. Pepsi Cola, as well as all-important spirits (whiskey & vodka) is available in most restaurants and hotels but they tend to be expensive since they are imported from overseas. We suggest that you bring a small thermos for touring days and fill it each morning with bottled water so that the water stays cool while you are on tour. |
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| PHOTOGRAPHY AND EQUIPMENT |
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| Egypt is a paradise for photographers, but remembers that the sun is deceivingly bright, especially at sites of antiquity. At some sites, photography is not permitted; however, you will be able to take photos inside most of the temples. For this you will need a flash or high-speed film! You are not allowed to take pictures of military zones, bridges and public works installations or at certain strategic places, such as the Aswan Dam. (Your guide will show you where you can take photographs at the Dam site.) To photograph, bring all film and photographic equipment with you as these items are very expensive in Egypt and selections are limited. Flash is not permitted in some temples. Photography is not permitted in tombs. |
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| DON'T FORGET TO PACK |
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- A pair of dark sunglasses
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Protective sunscreen
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Immodium AD (n case you get the "Pharaoh's Curse")
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Ample supply of prescriptions (and copies of your prescriptions)
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Small light-weight flashlight for visits to tombs and temples
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Wash 'n Dri Towelettes
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Purell Sanitizer for cleaning hands.
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Insect repellent
- Soft foldable slippers for the plane
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Sewing Kit
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Very comfortable walking shoes
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Clothing which is crease-free and casual
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Packable tote bag for day trips (and overnight stays)
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Chap stick and moisturizer
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Extra pair of glasses/contact lenses (and copies of your prescription)
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Decaffeinated coffee packs
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Bathing Suit
- Travel Alarm
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Fanny pack for your waist (for all valuables)
- Copy of inside page of your passport |
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