|
Egypt is probably the world's oldest civilization having
emerged from the Nile Valley around 3,100 years ago, historically.
But Egypt is much more than Pyramids and monuments. It is
also Red Sea scuba diving, hot night spots, luxury hotels and five star
restaurants. It is romantic cruises down the Nile on festive river boats and
it is a cultural experience. Egypt is a land bustling with life, sound, visual
beauty and excitement.
It links two continents, stretching across the
northeastern corner of Africa and the southwestern edge of Asia.
The country is approximately 626,000 square miles
(1,00,000 square km) in size. Its longest distance north-south is 640 miles
(1,025 km) and widest distance east-west is about 775 miles (1,240 km).
Egypt’s 62 million people live primarily in the Nile Valley, leaving the
rest of the land sparsely populated. Cairo, the largest city in Egypt, is
estimated to have a population of over 15 million people which is growing at
a very fast rate.
Useful phrases
Yes: naam, aywa
No: la
Please: men fadlak (m.), men fadlik (f.)
Thank you: shukran
Sorry/Excuse me: assef
Good morning: sabah el-kheir
Good evening: masa el-kheir
Welcome: Marhaba
Goodbye: salam (peace)
I don't speak Arabic: ma-batkallamsh 'arabi?
I don't understand: ana mish fahem
Do you speak English?: int betetkalem inglizi?
Can you help me?: mumken tsaa'dni?
|
|
|
Tips |
| • |
* Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of
intended stay required by all. Visas are required by all.
* Capital City:
Cairo, the largest city in Africa (pop. 16 million) and a frenetic
mix of Arab and African, European and American influences.
* Currency: The Egyptian Pound with 100 piastres making one Egyptian
pound (£E). Notes range from the 25 piastre note, up to a 1,000
pound note. You will most commonly be handling 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50
Egyptian pound notes. Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted, but credit cards cannot be used to settle bills on some of
the cruise boats. Most of the larger hotels will exchange travellers
cheques (preferably in US dollar denominations) and sterling. You
will find cash machines in Cairo and Alexandria, and there are
several in Luxor.
*Visa: You will need a visa to enter Egypt, but most tourists with a
full, valid British passport can easily obtain one at their point of
entry, usually one of the major airports - Cairo, Luxor, Sharm el
Sheikh or Hurghada. They cost $US15 (you can pay in sterling, too)
and you'll get any change in Egyptian pounds. Airlines hand out the
small visa application forms on the plane.* Flying time:
*Time: Two hours ahead of the UK.
* Language: Arabic is the official language. English and French are
widely spoken
* Electricity:
220/240 volts. An adaptor is necessary (usually two-pronged).
* Goods to buy: papyrus, galabeyas, gold jewellery, perfume,
spices |
|
