Time Difference
Egypt is two hours ahead of GMT, and does not observe daylight saving time. So in our summer, they are only one hour ahead.
Money
The banks are generally open from Sunday to Thursday between 08:30 and 14:00, but during Ramadan opening hours are usually only 10:00 to 14:00.They are closed on Fridays and Saturdays, but most hotels will be able to exchange currency for you any day of the week. ATMs are fairly widespread and accept most credit cards. Please not that you will need to exchange your currency before leaving the country, as it cannot be taken out of Egypt.
Electricity and Plugs
220 volts. They use plugs with two round pins, so you will need to bring a European adapter.
Local Amenities
Shops are generally open from 10:00 to 21:00, but on Fridays they close between 11:00 and 13:00 for prayers. A lot of shops are closed on Sundays. Museums are open daily from 09:00 to 16:00, except on Fridays when they are closed between 11:00 and 13:00 for prayers. In general, opening hours change during Ramadan, when many businesses close early and all shops close from 15:00 until 19:00, when the fast is broken.
Media
The most widely read Egyptian daily newspaper government newspaper is El Ahram (The Pyramids), which is available online in English weekly. The Daily News Egypt is the best daily English-speaking newspaper. In your hotel you may have access to news in English via CNN, BBC World and Al Jazeera English.
Post
You can either send your post from your hotel or the main post office in a major city centre (smaller post offices are less reliable). Delivery to the UK is likely to take at least five days. Post offices are open every day from 08:30 until 15:00, except on Fridays when they are closed.
Phone
To call Egypt from the UK, dial 00 20 followed by the area code (without the zero), and then the number you wish to dial. To call the UK from Egypt, dial 00 44 followed by the number you wish to dial, without the first zero.
Internet and Mobile Coverage
Free WiFi is widely available in most hotels across Egypt, although connections can be a bit slow. Many cafes and other public places also have free WiFi. Mobile coverage is generally good throughout the country, particularly in urban areas.
Currency
EGP
