Location: North Africa
Local Time: From 29 Sep 11 to 27 Apr 12 GMT +2
From 27 Apr 12 to 27 Sep 12 GMT +3
From 28 Sep 12 to 25 Apr 13 GMT +2
From 26 Apr 13 to 26 Sep 13 GMT +3
Capital City: Cairo
Population: 76.5 million
Area: 1,001,450357,021 square km, 386,660 square miles.
Language(s): Arabic, English, French, Spanish
Dialling Code: 20
Emergency: Police: 122 (Cairo), 22147 (Aswan), 960151-122 (Alexandria), 23929 (Suez). Fire: 125 (Cairo). Ambulance: 123 (Cairo)
TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the left. International Driving Permit required
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP 1 = 100 Piastres)
Notes: EGP: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200
Coins: Piastres: 5, 10, 20, 25, 100
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted. Exchange of foreign currencies is allowed at banks and exchange offices
Opening Hours
Bank: 0830-1400 Sun-Thur
Office: 0900-1500 Sat-Thur
Shops: 0900-1900 Tue-Wed & Fri-Sat, 0900-2000 Mon & Thur (winter), 0900-1230 & 1600-2000 (except Mon & Thur)(summer)
Public Holidays
2012
Note: * These holidays are not official, although Coptic Christians may observe them. 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 the Bairam Feast, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some restaurants are closed during the day but most tourist attractions and hotels are not affected. Some disruption may continue into the three-day Grand Feast itself.
Business/Social Hints: Women should dress conventionally. A headscarf may be useful if visiting a religious or more traditional area. Business is conducted in Arabic, many executives speak English or French. Business cards to have Arabic translation on reverse side. Islamic conventions apply. At meetings it is polite to drink coffee or tea, when offered. Smoking is becoming unacceptable in government and some private offices. Alcohol is available in most major hotels, cafe-style bars and international restaurants. On social occasions dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated
Tipping: Service charges are normally added to restaurant & hotel bills, however additional tips around 5% are customary. Tips for taxis are around 10%
