Egypt

Overview
Egypt is synonymous with Pharaohs, the pyramids, temples andantiquities from ancient civilisations. And at the centre of thesegreat civilisations lies the Nile River that has influenced theireconomics, social life, politics and religion. It is the oldesttravel destination on earth: Greek and Roman travellers came in 430BC to wonder at some of the very sights that make it a moderntravel destination today. The magnificence of the painted Valley ofthe Kings, exquisite temples and the pyramids were all sought-aftersubjects of admiration, and many were already 2,500 years old!From desert landscapes and dry, rugged mountains that reach tothe sea, dusty cities full of exotic sounds and smells, and greenstrips of agricultural land snaking along the banks of the Nile,Egypt has something to offer all travellers from all walks of life.Spectacular diving in the Red Sea; unique desert experiences,whether on the back of a camel to Mount Sinai or on a jeep safarito the inner oases; the colour and chaos of Cairo and its markets;and felucca cruises on the Nile River are just some of the exoticattractions awaiting visitors. Egypt promises an unforgettableexperience of history and relaxation - a mixture of discovery andpleasure.

Money
The unit of currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), which isdivided into 100 piastres. Most credit cards are accepted in majorhotels and restaurants. Visitors are advised to take travellerscheques in US Dollars or Pounds to avoid additional exchange ratecharges. Banks are usually closed on Friday and Saturday, butprivate exchange bureaux, called 'Forex', are open daily and banksin major hotels are open 24 hours. Cairo branches of the EgyptianBritish Bank and Banque Misr now have ATMs available that acceptVisa, MasterCard and Cirrus and are quite common in the maintourist areas.

Time
Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from last Friday in April to last Friday in August).

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

Climate
Except for the Mediterranean coast the country experiences adesert climate, which is hot and dry most of the year, especiallyin the summer months (June to August). Winter is from December toFebruary with average temperatures of 68°F to 79°F(20°C to 26°C).