Isram Travel Guide to EGYPT

OVERVIEW

When traveling to Egypt, we suggest you consider these keys to a happy journey. Travel with an open mind - leave your prejudices at home. Travel with curiosity and imagination. Travel relaxed-make up your mind to have a good time. And above all, travel patiently. It takes time to understand others, especially where there are barriers of language and customs. Keep flexible and adaptable to all situations. We know you will have a wonderful time.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS
EGYPT REQUIRES A VISA, together with a passport valid for 6 months from date of return. Visas will be issued upon arrival in Egypt for passengers holding a U.S. /Canadian passport. Passengers with other passports must obtain a visa in advance of arrival in Egypt through the Egyptian Consulate.

CUSTOMS
The following items may be taken into Egypt duty free (per person): 250 grams of loose tobacco or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 1 liter of liquor or wine.

CURRENCY
The Egyptian monetary unit is the Egyptian Pound (L.E.)

It is divided into 100 Piastres (P.T.)

The following currency denominations are used:

Pounds 1 5 10 20 100
Piastres 5 10 25 50

Money may be changed at any bank or your hotel. There is one standard "official rate of exchange."

BANK HOURS
Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM; Sunday from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. All banks are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. The larger hotels have banking hours 24 hours a day for money exchange.

TRAVELER'S CHECKS
It is advisable that you carry your money in the form of Traveler's Checks. They can be exchanged to local currency at a bank. However, please note that Traveler's Checks are not widely accepted at shops or for payment of hotel or restaurant bills.

CREDIT CARDS
American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diner's Club credit cards are accepted at hotels in Cairo. You will find them convenient to settle your hotel accounts at checkout time. U.S. Dollars and Traveler's Cheques are accepted in most stores in Cairo. Personal checks are usually not accepted. In Upper Egypt, cash is the accepted form of payment at shops.

VOLTAGE
The voltage in Egypt is 220 AC. 50 cycles. Wall plugs are the round, two-pronged European type. It is most important to bring adapter plugs. Most American appliances will need transformers.

TIME
Egypt is on Greenwich Mean Time PLUS 2 hours or 7 hours later than Eastern Standard Time; 6 hours during summer Daylight Savings Time.

CLIMATE
The climate in Egypt has been described as 95% sunny. The very dry and cool desert winds offer a pleasant contrast to the bright and sunny days. There are only six days of rain during the year.

The summer months (June to August) can be fairly hot with strong sunshine. In the evening, however, there is a rapid and significant drop in temperature. All year, except for the winter months, the climate calls for lightweight clothing. Don't forget to take your hat and sunglasses on tour. Also, take a light wrap for the evenings. During the winter you'll need light woolen clothes. Most hotels offer good, quick dry cleaning and laundry services.

CLOTHING
Egypt is still a conservative country insofar as women are concerned. When visiting mosques, modest clothing should be worn (no shorts) Men require jackets at most luxury hotels and resorts. Comfortable footwear is essential for sightseeing and shopping; keeping in mind that walking will be done on rough stone terrain at archaeological sites.

Nile Cruises: Dress code for the Buffet Dinner each night is elegant casual attire. You may choose from a simple dress or a native "galabaya Men usually wear a jacket but it is not necessary. Don't overpack!

STORE HOURS
Shops are open from 9:30 or 10:00 AM to 1:00 or 1:30 PM and again from 4:30 or 5:00 PM to 7:30 or 8:00 PM. Obviously, times do vary. Some shops are closed on Fridays; most shops are closed on Sundays.

SHOPPING
Cairo boasts many modem, well-stocked shops. Many visitors are also attracted to the Oriental bazaars. Here you will find many exotic items, such as: leatherware, Oriental carpets, antiques, ivory, copper and brass articles, silk brocades, cotton fabrics, drapes, silver and gold jewelry. Remember...be sure to bargain before you buy... it's part of the tradition and part of the fun.

SHIPPING SERVICES
Shipping services from Egypt are not very efficient. We recommend that you buy only what you can pack and take home with you.

COMMUNICATIONS
Automatic telephones are available in every hotel room for direct local dialing. Long distance and overseas calls may be made through the switchboard operator and through AT&T Direct. These may take some time before you are connected, so you should allow time for your call to be completed. Telex and fax services are available by contacting the Reception Desk or the Business Center at your hotel.

FOOD
In leading hotels and restaurants the food is usually clean and well prepared. However, reasonable caution should be exercised. Eat only food that has been cooked and fruits and vegetables that can be peeled.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND EQUIPMENT
Egypt is a paradise for photographers, but remember that the sun is deceivingly bright, especially at sites of antiquity. At some sites, photography is not permitted, however, you will be able to take photos inside most of the tombs and temples. For this you will need a flash or high-speed film! You are not allowed to take pictures of military zones, bridges and public works installations or at certain strategic places, such as the Aswan Dam. (Your guide will show you where you can take photographs at the Dam site.) To photograph in the museum and inside tombs, one needs to pay an additional small fee. Bring all film and photographic equipment with you as these items are very expensive in Egypt and selections are limited.

DON'T FORGET TO PACK

• A pair of dark sunglasses
  
• Protective sunscreen
  
• Collapsible drinking cup and small thermos
  
• Copies of any medical prescriptions
  
• Small lightweight flashlight for visits to tombs and temples
  
• Wash 'n Dry Towelettes
• Insect repellent
  
• Soft foldable slippers for the plane
  
• Sewing Kit
  
• Very comfortable shoes
  
• Clothing which is crease-free and casual
  
• Packable tote bag for day trips (and overnight stays)
  
• Chapstick and moisturizer
  
• Extra pair of glasses/contacts
  
• De-caffeinated coffee pack
  
• Bathing Suit
  
• Travel Alarm

SIGHTSEEING
Departures from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel are very, very early in the morning in order to avoid touring during the extreme mid-day heat. Since touring in Egypt can be strenuous at times and does require a considerable amount of walking, it is recommended that tour participants be in good medical condition.

EGYPTAIR FLIGHTS
Egyptair service is erratic at best. Most flights to Upper Egypt depart very, very early in the morning. Often flight schedules change at the last minute without proper notice. Please be patient and flexible. Every effort is made to eliminate any unnecessary waiting time or long delays. Sometimes it is unavoidable and beyond our control.

COURTESIES
Egyptians long ago discovered the secret that a smile makes everything-and everyone-more pleasant. In your dealings with many Egyptians, the smile is almost always sincere. Always shake hands upon meeting someone - Egyptians will often salute informally with the right hand before and after the shake. Other courtesies include never photographing someone without first asking his or her permission. Egypt is one of the few Moslem countries in which non-Moslems are welcome to visit mosques. Be modestly dressed for your visit; remove your shoes before entering-an attendant will show you where to put them. It's better not to go to a mosque at prayer times or on Friday, the Moslem Sabbath. If a few people are praying when you visit, avoid walking directly in front of them, and be careful not to disturb the tranquility of the place. The many small children you will meet during your travels are enchanted by American items. You can make new friends and see many smiling faces by bringing along pens, individual packets of candy, bubble gum and of course, small change.

TIPPING - THE PRINCIPLE
The world of tourism relies heavily on personal services. This truth has fashioned tipping into a universal practice. The very term is an acronym which stands for the words "to improve performance." For a large segment of the industry, it is an important component in the total compensation of employees. We ask that you keep this in mind when you travel through Egypt. Out staff, particularly our Tour Managers, are the finest in Egypt and the very best available. As you will learn, to your own delight, they bring to their profession vast knowledge, work experience and personal dignity that is truly unique. The amount that you compensate them with at the end of your tour will truly be an indication of your appreciation and will tell them that their efforts to make your stay in Egypt was indeed rewarding for you.

Suggested Tipping (Per Person)
Driver $2.00 per day
Tour Guide/Escort $8.00-$10.00 per day
Nile Cruise Staff $5.00 per day
Local Guide $5.00 per day
Transfer men $3.00 per transfer

INSURANCE
We recommend that you purchase adequate guaranteed comprehensive travel insurance before departure. Neither Isram Travel nor your travel agent is responsible for loss or damage to luggage, accidents en route or ill health that may require you to miss part of your trip or your return to the U.S.A. with the group.

SOME BASIC WORDS
Arabic is the national language. But, English has a long tradition as a second language in Egypt, so you should have no difficulty in communicating. Here is a short list of Arabic words that surely will come in handy.

Good Morning - Sabah el Kheir
Good Evening - Massa' el Kheir
Hello - Ahlan(Salam Aleikm)
Thank You - Shoukran
Please - Men Fadlak
Yes - Aywa
No - La
How Much - Beckam
Bill - Faturah
Excuse Me - An Eznak
Square - Midan
Street - Shari
Goodbye - Maa el Salama