Egypt flights and travel guide

Language

Arabic is the official language although English and French are widely spoken, especially in the tourist areas.

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Communications

The international access code for Egypt is +20. The outgoing code is 00 followed but the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). The city code for Cairo is (0)2. There are high surcharges on international calls from hotels; it is cheaper to phone long-distance from the 24-hour Post, Telephone and Telegraph (PTT) offices that are available in the major cities. For international directory phone enquiries dial 120. The local mobile phone operators use GSM 900 networks and have roaming agreements with all major operators. Internet cafes are available in the main tourist areas.

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Tipping

Tipping is known as "baksheesh" and some small change is expected for most services, though small change can be hard to come by. "Baksheesh" can be a useful practice in order to gain entry to seemingly inaccessible places, or for extra services - a small tip can open doors, literally. A service charge is added to mostrestaurant and hotel bills but a five per cent tip is normally given directly to the waiter. Taxi drivers are tipped about 10 per cent.

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Safety

There is a significant threat from terrorism in Egypt. Red Sea resorts on the Sinai Peninsula in particular have been targeted, most recently in April 2006. Security forces persist with their counter-terrorist operations on the Sinai Peninsula, and police continue to provide armed escorts for travellers in certain areas.

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Health

There are a number of health risks associated with travel to Egypt and travellers should check that their inoculations are up-to-date before leaving. Typhoid, Hepatitis A and polio immunisation is recommended. Come prepared to beat the heat with a high factor sunblock, and drink plenty of water to combat dehydration. Drinking water in the main cities and towns is normally chlorinated but it is advisable to only drink bottled water. Traveller's diarrhoea is the most common form of illness for travellers; visitors should only eat thoroughly cooked food andfruits they have peeled themselves.

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Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.

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