Cairo travel information
Cairo, Egypt’s noisy, chaotic, multicultural and richly historical capital city, tends to inspire either delight or disgust in its many visitors. Inundated with pollution and poverty, it is not a city for the fainthearted or easily squeamish, but those who take the time to discover its secrets frequently find it powerfully compelling and seductive. Here are some basic tips and information to be aware of while travelling in Cairo.
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If you are a woman traveling alone, be prepared for unwanted attention – you will undoubtedly be the target of comments, whistles and sometimes physical advances. It is best to travel with a companion, and if approached, give no response at all other than to say you are married.
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Egypt is a conservative society and visitors are expected to dress and behave accordingly. Women should wear long skirts or pants, and their shoulders should be covered. Public displays of physical affection between sexes are frowned upon.
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Cairo Airport has two terminals, so don’t get confused. Terminal 1 serves all Egypt Air and domestic flights, while Terminal 2 serves all other airlines.
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Taxis and limousines are the best way of getting to and from the airport. Travellers should take this opportunity to begin practising their bargaining skills, and you should be able to get the price down to around £e40.
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Once in the city, the most efficient and reliable form of public transport is the metro, which is also extremely affordable.
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Don’t eat, drink or smoke in public during the month of Ramadan, as these practices are forbidden for Muslims during daylight hours.
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If you visit a mosque or other sacred site, be respectful. Women should cover their heads, and both sexes must remove their shoes. Don’t enter during prayer times.
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Don’t swim in the Nile River or consume water from it, as the river is infested with a parasitic worm which causes bilharzia, a disease which affects the bladder and intestines.
Useful travel tips resources
Iexplore
Do’s and Don’ts in Egyptian culture.
http://egypt.iexplore.com/dmap/Egypt/Do’s+and+Don’ts
Ask-aladdin.com
Dos and don’ts in Egyptian society.
http://www.ask-aladdin.com/tips.html
Egypttourism.org
Basic information for visitors travelling to Egypt.
http://www.egypttourism.org/New%20Site/info/travel.htm
More topics on this site…
Cairo maps and geography
Egypt travel information
Egypt travel tips
Egypt health and safety
Egypt maps and geography
Essentials
Visas: Most nationals require both a passport and visa for travel to Egypt. Citizens of the UK, US, Canada and Australia may obtain a 30-day visa for tourist purposes on arrival for US$15.
Season: March – May, September - November
Money: Egyptian pound – ATMs in short supply but credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted
Language: Arabic is the official language but English and French are widely spoken
Emergency #: Ambulance 123; Police 1222