Visas:

Required by all except nationals of Bahrain, Djibouti, Ghana, Guinea, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkey and the UAE. These regulations may change at short notice and those planning to visit Egypt should consult the nearest embassy. Visa for US citizens are easily obtained for approx. $US 15 upon landing at Cairo International.

Customs Regulations:

200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g tobacco; 1 litre of spirits; gifts up to the value of E£500. All cash, travellers cheques, credit cards and gold over E£500 must be declared on arrival.

Currency:

1 Egyptian Pound (E£) = 100 piastres

Exchange Rate:

US$1 = E£5.75400 (September 2006)

Currency Regulations:

No restrictions on the import of foreign currency provided it is declared; export is limited to the amount declared on arrival. The import and export of local currency is limited to E£100. It is no longer mandatory to change a minimum of US$ 150 on arrival.

Health Requirements:

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from those arriving from infected areas. Visitors arriving in transit without a certificate will be detained at the airport until their onward flight departs. Precautions are advised against cholera, typhoid and polio.

Climate and Clothing:

Hot, dry summers and mild winters with some rainfall along the Mediterranean coast. Inland rainfall is negligible and summers are very hot. In April the hot dusty Khamsin wind blows from the Sahara. Cairo, average temperatures: January 13C, July 29C, annual rainfall 30mm.

Tipping:

Hotels and restaurants: 12 per cent service charge is included in bills but an additional 5 to 10 per cent is usually given to waiters. A 7 per cent tax is also added to hotel bills. Taxis: 10 per cent. Porters: LE2 per bag.