Egypt


Summary: Egypt is in northeastern Africa and bordered by the Mediterranean and Red Seas, Israel, Libya and Sudan, and is a large desert plateau split by the Nile delta and valley. Its location helping to position it as a major political power in the Middle East, Egypt was first unified around 3200 BC and touched by the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs, and strengthened as a nation after completing the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt has an economy based on agriculture, tourism and shipping tariffs with growth through natural gas exports.
Capital: Cairo
Time Zone: UTC+2 (DST)
Population: 81,713,520
Languages: Arabic, English, French
Power: 220V, 50 Hz
Currency: Egyptian Pound - Currently 1 EGP = 0.1654 USD $
Climate: Egypt has primarily a desert climate with hot and dry summers, from June to August, and moderate winters, from December to February. - Currently 62º, Sunny 


Destinations

Cairo: Named Umm al-Dunya, or Mother of the World, Cairo is the home to the most recognizable forms in the Pyramids of Giza on the outskirts of town, and sits against the famous Nile river. Visit the colorful and memorable neighborhoods of the Sayyida Zeinab, with the huge bazaar area Khan el-Khalili, and the City of the Dead, where ancient tombs lie near houses, and then head downtown for the Egyptian Museum and Tahrir Square, the city’s center.

---

Alexandria : The country’s second largest city, Alexandria is a port city with a strong European flavor, with statues, columns and palaces buried in the water off the coast, making a unique mix of ancient architecture next to modern cafes. See the Greco-Roman Museum, one of the best in the region, the seaside fort that marked the location of the ancient Lighthouse of Pharos built by Ptolemy I and II, or make your way 75 miles to the west to the quiet beaches near Sidi Abdel Rahman.

---

Aswan : Aswan has a more African flair and was built on the caravan routes between the Arabs and Africans, near where Lake Nassar drains into the Nile. Spend your time at the Nubia Museum, with exhibits from Pharaonic, Roman and previous geologic ages, the temple of Abu Simbel, commissioned by Ramses II, or just shop for glassware, brassworks and pottery in the bazaars.

---

Luxor: A long 400 miles south of Cairo lies Luxor, the site of the ancient city of Thebes, across the Nile from the west bank home to the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. Whether images of King Tutankhamen’s lost tomb, the mortuary temple of Ramses III, or the massive temple complex of Karnak attract you, it is a humbling and awe inspiring place to visit, especially when you consider that many of these buildings were built around 1200 BC or earlier. Tips

Local Customs: Egypt is a conservative society, and has a strong Muslim community. Show respect for the local ways of life, and receive graciously what is offered – Egyptians are also proud of their hospitality. Locals tolerate less conservative dress, however, it’s easy to spot the tourists that way – dress in pants, ankle-length skirts, and cover shoulders to the elbow.
Cash and Carry: Exchange bureaus and banking facilities are both widely available, and credit cards and traveller’s checks are accepted in most places, making shopping very easy here. Note that bargaining is almost considered a national sport, so be prepared by knowing the value of what you are buying.
Zoom Zoom: It has been said that the local drivers use the force when zooming around the city, with lane markers only loosely followed and intersections approaching a game of chicken. Take a taxi, read a book, and do your best not to pay attention and you'll find your stomach easing.
When To Visit: As the summer months are quite hot, most travelers prefer to visit during the more temperate winter months. Coming between the two seasons, March to late May and September to late November, can help you to miss most of the tourist rush.
Food: Egypt cuisine is strongly influenced by Middle Eastern foods, with common dishes including flat breads with pastes like hummus, made with chickpea and garlic, and fuul, made with fava beans and garlic, and ta’meya, or falafel, chickpea balls that get deep-fried.
Phrases: Yes = Na’am, no = la’a, hello = marhaba, please = min fadlak, thanks = shukran, peace be with you (a common greeting) = assalamu alaikum, and with you be peace (the common reply to the above) = walaikum assalam
Tipping: Tipping, or baksheesh, is commonplace and standardized for almost any service offered. Check your bill to see if a service charge has been added – if it hasn’t, add 10% to 15% to your total. And if it has, add an extra 5% for good service.


Security and Travel: Be cautious while traveling, although the tourist friendly areas are well protected, still it’s best to keep a low profile, don’t travel at night, steer away from demonstrations, and avoid the Sinai Peninsula, as there are border delays and crossings to contend with.