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Do you know a place called Cairo Jazz Club; how big is it and do you have it's address and e-mail? (France)
The Cairo Jazz Club is located at 97, 26th of July Street in Mohandiseen (Tel: 202-345-9939). This is Cairo's only true jazz club and caters to young affluent Egyptians. The moderately priced restaurant has an ever changing menu as well as a set menu for approximately LE40. The interior is dark with wooden dining tables, booths and high bar tables and the walls are decorated with photos of jazz artists. Performers from around the globe are regularly featured at the Cairo Jazz Club. It is open from 7:00a.m. to 2 a.m.
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Do you know any site where I can learn Arabic, or better, any site that works like Translator ( English to Arabic)? I'm trying to learn it, I think it's a beautiful language!(Brazil)
Here are the sites I know of:
E.L. Easton - the best site for learning Arabic with tons of places to visit.
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I am looking to work in Egypt as a Spanish or English teacher. What are my chances of being able to find a job that pays well enough to support myself and my family? What about inexpensive English-speaking schools for my children? (Argentina/USA)
I have been looking into salaries and living conditions as a teacher in Cairo. It has been difficult to obtain information on this because the schools I have approached want to see a CV and tell us they need to know your qualifications and experience before commenting on salaries. My opinion is that salaries would be low and you would have to give private lessons to supplement your income. Although most teachers of English As A Second Language (ESL) are recruited from overseas, you may register yourself with the Cairo American College or British International School in Cairo once you arrive to substitute teach and gain experience. The going rate for private tutoring is US$20 per hour. I believe you would have to live on the local economy, basic housing in local conditions and eating local food. This can be done, obviously, but it would not be a lifestyle that you are used to.
Foreign teachers often report that on top of lower salaries, they have bigger classrooms with less discipline and the administration of the school is very different (and challenging) to what they know back home. On the other hand, most do say that there are rewards to the experience, ranging from making a difference to seeing a new country and culture.
I suggest that you contact the Spanish Cultural Center (Tel: 202-360-1746) to find out about teaching Spanish.
I have found some schools for your children which are relatively inexpensive:
*Irish School located in Giza is based on the French, British and Irish systems ([email protected]). Cost appears to be LE1700 per year plus a registration fee
*Rajac Language School located in Heliopolis is a private language school, nursery, kindergarten, secondary, English language I.G.C.S.E. diplomas. Annual fee LE1800 ([email protected])
*Modern English School located in El-Qobba. Private school, nursery, kindergarten, primary, preparatory, secondary, English language, IGSCE diplomas (tel: 202-258-3961/3005/3110 - no e-mail address)
*Sun Rise English School located in Heliopolis, private school, nursery, kindergarten, primary, secondary, English certificate, IGSCE diploma. Cost LE1270 per year (tel: 202-245-8455/246-7190).
On the more expensive side are the following schools:
*American International School in Nasr City with tuition costs of around US$8000 (Tel: 202-262-3147)
*British International School Cairo in Zamalek follows the British curriculum. Fees are around LE6500 and increase with grade. There are no outdoor sports facilities although there is a good curriculum which includes sports, GCSE and IB programs (Tel: 202-340-6674)
*Cairo American College in Maadi is the international school used by many Embassies and companies with over 1500 students from sixty nations. It has IB and AP programs, a good ESL program and a large campus. Tuition is around US$13,500. To be accepted to the school, students must have average to above average grades and pass a medical examination (Tel: 202-352-9393)
*Schouiefat International School near Heliopolis in Qattamiya is a new school encompassing both the American and British curriculum. Tuition is around US$6000. (Tel: 202-517-3279)
Are there Christian Churches in Cairo? (Texas, USA)
The most active Western churches are All Saints Cathedral (5 Michel Lutfallah, Zamalek, behind the Marriott Hotel), St. Andrew's United Church (38, 26 July and Ramses), and the Maadi Community Church - The Church of St. John the Baptist (Port Said and Road 17, Maadi).
The following is a list of Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Churches:
Protestant: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - Mormon (44 Road 20, Maadi). Church of God (15 Emad el Din, Apt. 45), Church of God Cairo Christian Fellowship - St. Andrew's Church (26 July), Christian Science Society (3 Midan Mustafa Kamil), Seventh Day Adventist Church (16 Kubba, Roxi Heliopolis), Church of Christ (14A Road 206, Apt. 4, Digla).
Catholic: St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church (4 Ahmed Sabri, Zamalek), Our Lady of Peace (4 Midan el Sheikh Yusef, 96 Qasr el Aini), Church of the Annunciation (36 Muhammad Sabri Abu Alam), Holy Family Catholic Church (55 Road 15, Maadi), St. Joseph's Church (2 Bank Misr).
Orthodox: St. Mark's Cathedral (222 Ramses, Abbassiyah), Armenian Orthodox - Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator (179 Ramses), Abu Serga Church (Old Cairo), Church of the Virgin Mary (6 Muhammad Marashli, Zamalek).
Other churches include: German Evangelical Church (6 Gaber Idn Hayyan), Eglise Evangelique du Caire (Maddi and Downtown), Friends Meeting (Quaker) (at a private home), Heliopolis Community Church (at St. Michael's), St. Anthony's Coptic Orthodox Church (Ali Abd al-Razik), St. Clare's Convent (Isna), St. Michael's Episcopal Church (10 Siti), Church of Christ Fellowship (Road11, Bldg. 18, Apt. 38 Maadi) and Korean Church (St. John's).
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Thank you so much for some brilliant information on Egypt. The information about how to avoid trouble, what is appropriate to wear and how to fend off unwanted attention is invaluable to me. I am 26 and plan to have this holiday on my own but hopefully will always be in the company of the other people in my group. Do you think this is wise? One thing I wanted to ask, do you think Egypt will be even more busy than usual next year because of the Millennium? I plan to come over next Autumn so hopefully the fuss will have died down a bit by then. What do you think?(U.K.)
Thank you so much for that kind e-mail. We don't receive a lot of feedback, so it is nice to know we are making a difference! Although the Ministry of Tourism has reported 1999 as the best year for visitors since 1993 or 1994, I doubt this to be true as hotels and tourist sites were empty - even over the Millennium. They have a tendency to misquote their figures to encourage tourists to feel safe. I do believe tourism will increase in 2000 and this will be so for most of the Middle East with Egypt and Israel being top of the list. If nothing violent happens in either country before March I think it will be a big year.
Carolina and I have traveled around without a group and I have met other women doing the same. Most travel with another person, but some are alone. I have to say, of all my travels Egypt is one of the safest in terms of personal safety for a woman. It can be a challenge to ward off some men, but there are almost no accounts of violence. The drawbacks from traveling alone are that you are a prime target for attention - almost like swarming (as opposed to 20 other people in your group drawing attention too) and there are some parts of Egypt, particularly Upper Egypt, where from an organizational point it is easier to be in a group: getting through customs, transportation to/from airports and hotels in Cairo and Luxor, sightseeing, etc. I believe that a group is also more comfortable for a single, young woman. Joining a group by yourself is a great way to meet new people and you won't feel left out.
Autumn is probably a very good time to visit. Around September the prices start to reduce and the smaller crowds at the temples will allow you some space - instead of waiting for an hour in line with thousands of exhausted people on the steps of a temple. Temperature-wise it is better to avoid mid-summer although it will still be in the 40sC in Luxor.
I'm not sure what your budget will be, but I have experience with two British tour agencies. In 1992 I took a Thomas Cook tour of Egypt and I highly recommend this one. Although in the high price range, it was all inclusive and had excellent tour guides, including a foreign expert who accompanied us from London. The other one is the Imaginative Traveler, with a 2-week tour starting at 240 pounds (not including airfare). There were about 7 different tours offered, ranging from camping-style to first-class. Egyptair flies non-stop from New York for about US$1150 or you can go via London on BA (quite expensive - KLM out of Amsterdam is the cheapest).
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Yours is a terrific site. Very helpful. I prefer to design my own itinerary and then get bids from tour operators in the area we are visiting. Of your list of travel agencies in Cairo can you particularly recommend several? And would you have a recommendation for Israel and/or Jordan. (Washington, USA)
I think your method of designing your own itinerary is ideal as it will undoubtedly save you unnecessary costs while giving you control over what you want to do and see. Many people (including myself) find themselves on the verge of screaming after being forced to visit one more shop belonging to a relative of the tour guide! Finding good deals in Egypt can be a bit of a challenge for visitors due to the huge price discrimination between foreign residents and visitors (about 50%). Carolina found out the hard way that it is usually cheaper to book internal flights from outside Egypt. Most people report the same for some hotels and cruises. There are two travel agents I can recommend. They are located in Maadi and both service the large American community:
Egypt Panorama Tours: 4 Road 79, Maadi. Tel: 359-0200, 358-5880, 359-1301; fax: 359-1199; e-mail: [email protected]; US fax: 1-801-881-5752; UK fax: 0870-133-8575 (will be sent via e-mail); (Member of IATA and the American Society of Travel Agents). Ask for Ted Cookson.
See Egypt (26 Road 87, Maadi. Tel: 202-350-9146, Fax: same number, E-mail: [email protected].
I have consulted with Ted regarding travel to Israel but unfortunately was unable to go at the time. He was very honest about the challenges of traveling around the Middle East and I found that refreshing. We had wanted to use local ground transportation to drive from Egypt to Jordan and Israel and he spent many minutes explaining to us the need to ensure that the taxi we took from the Jordanian border to the Israeli had the correct 'friendly' license plate in order to avoid drawing fire (literally).
There are some areas in Egypt where it is easier to travel with a group. If you decide to explore Egypt independently, I still suggest you invest in a luxury cruise from Aswan to Luxor. This will not only allow you to savor Egypt at a delightfully peaceful pace as you sail down the Nile, but will include tours of the main temples along the bank of the river (Kom Ombo, Philae, Esna, Edfu, etc.) which you would otherwise find near to impossible to access. Also, you will be given the chance to visit the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, both of which are located further inland and are sometimes difficult to reach by taxi.
As you have traveled around I'm sure I won't have to mention this, but it is always a good idea to be flexible on everything (hotels, flights, food, sites, etc.) and view it all as an adventure in order to avoid disappointment at some point. Egypt is the most remarkable country to visit and I know you will enjoy the diversity, mystery and warmth of the land.
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I am moving to Sharm El-Sheikh for 6 months beginning August 12, 2000 and would like to know of apartments for rent. I have been searching, but with no luck. Please Help (Washington, USA)
Trying to locate someone who deals with real estate in Sharm has been a challenge so far. In Cairo, most housing and moves are arranged by your business, but I am aware of a few real estate agents used by foreigners. I do not know of anyone who has relocated to Sharm as there are few businesses outside of the hotel industry (which usually houses their staff on site).
Here is the list of real estate agents. I do not know how competent they are with regards to apartments in Sharm, but it is a start:
Alfi Doss Services: 63 Usman Ibn Affan, Heliopolis (tel: 202-678-772, 202-678-230)
Arabian American Real Estate Co.: 71 Road 9, Maadi; or 19 Road 151, 6th Floor, Maadi. (tel: 202-351-4571, 202-350-0122, fax: 202-350-6209)
Belanger and Issa: (tel: 202-354-5563, 202-354-1524)
Bigger Builds Contracting Co.: 7 Abd Al-Latif Hamza, Nasr City. (tel: 202-272-7961, fax: 202-418-9352)
Conserv: 17A Muhammad Mazhar, Zamalek. (tel: 202-340-1811); or 38 Nahda, Maadi. (tel: 202-350-3131)
Diamond: (tel: 202-346-7366, 202-346-5005)
Excel Services: 69 Umar Ibn al-Khattab, Heliopolis. (tel: 202-290-7882, 202-679-339, fax: 202-616-805)
Foresight: 7 al-Shahid Mahmud Husayn Al-Ashri, Heliopolis. (tel: 202-418-5684, fax: 202-418-9352)
Maadi Today: 23 al-Gulf, Maadi. (tel: 202-351-7562)
Nile Services: 26 Road 81 and Mustafa, Maadi. (tel: 202-350-3130)
Sourya Abd El-Wahab: 12 Midan al-Misaha, Dokki. (tel: 202-348-2713)
Suburban: 43 Surya, Mohandiseen. (tel: 202-303-4035, 202-303-2567)
Sunny Home: 35 Road 13, Maadi. (tel: 202-350-2278)
I would suggest you start with agents located in Maadi as they are the most likely to have experience with foreigners - I have heard Conserv mentioned a few times. If you are writing to an agent, simply add 'Cairo, Egypt' to the end of the addresses given above (no postal code).
Here is what little I know about renting: the brokerage fee is not paid by the tenant - normally a commission of one month's rent from the landlord (make sure this is understood from the start to avoid a surprise later). In Cairo, landlords charge skyrocketing rent to foreigners because they can. A three bedroom flat in Maadi costs around US$2500 per month. I'm sure this will NOT be the situation for you in Sharm, however, so don't panic. Oh, and the same three bedroom apartment, with rent control, could go to an Egyptian for US$20 per month.
Since you probably won't be there to see the apartment, you will most likely be given the run around on leaks, water pressure, electrical outlets, telephones, elevators, water heaters, and bugs. Expect the worst, just in case. Kitchens are closets and bathrooms often look like public toilets, even in the most expensive dwelling. On top of your rent, you will be required to pay your bawwaab (doorkeeper) a monthly amount. Finally, an agreement on a lease, no matter how verbally binding it seems, is never set until you sign the paper. Most people have experienced the situation where they have agreed to rent an apartment and in the hour it takes to sign the papers, it has gone to a higher bidder.
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Is there a noticeboard facility where I can ask if anyone wants a travel companion in Egypt for 10 days around Easter? I am going on my own and would like to travel with someone if possible. (Australia)
We do not provide a noticeboard mostly because we do not have the web coverage of more commercial sites. One of the best noticeboards is at Travel Mates where I saw many listing for travel companions to Egypt. You can also try Lonely Planet's The Thorn Tree based out of Australia.
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What is the legal drinking age in Egypt?
The legal drinking age in Egypt is 18. Islam forbids Muslims to drink but foreigners and Coptics may consume alcohol. Some religious event do place a ban on alcohol being served and bars and hotels will generally respect this.
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When does each season start/finish? What are the temperatures of each season? (U.K/Colorado, USA)
Surprisingly, the temperature in Egypt varies quite significantly. For example, on January 28 the temperature in Cairo was about 4 C degrees and it felt really cold. On January 29th, it was about 17 C and very sunny and mild.
RAINFALL: Cairo receives about 1 inch per year, falling between December and March. When this does occur, the roads become chaotic as pedestrians gawk, ancient motor vehicles seize up, and potholes fill up. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Alexandria receives about 7 inches per year. Aswan and Luxor receive almost none.
TEMPERATURE: Temperatures in Cairo:
January: F:45/66 C: 8/19
February: F:47/67 C: 9/21
March: F:51/75 C: 11/23
April: F:56/83 C: 13/28
May: F:62/90 C: 16/31
June: F:68/95 C: 19/34
July F:71/96 C: 21/32
August: F:71/95 C: 21/34
September F:68/89 C: 19/32
October: F:63/85 C: 17/29
November F:54/78 C: 18/24
December F:49/69 C: 10/20
There is no marked Spring or Fall. Winter is considered November to March while summer is May to September. Temperatures vary between Cairo and Luxor - Luxor will usually be 4C to 6C hotter than Cairo.
HUMIDITY: Usually between 30-60%.
KHAMSIIN: These sandstorms blow between February to April, lasting 3-8 hours.
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What are the shopping hours/days in Egypt? (The Netherlands)
The shops, supermarkets, the Khan and shopping districts (like Road 9 in Maadi) are all open 7 days a week. The average opening time is from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Times do change during religious holidays (such as Ramadan -see our Practical Guide for dates). On Friday (the religious day equivalent to the Western Sunday) prayers are held from about noon until 2 p.m. so some shops close during this time. If they are open, be sure to respect the shopkeepers praying (you may observe people praying on mats on the floor).
If you get a chance, do check out our Fun and Food section for a guide to all the interesting things you can buy in Egypt. Be sure to leave space in your suitcase!!
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I'm traveling alone, but with a tour group. I have some free afternoons in Cairo. Can I go shopping in the Khan on my own? I would like to purchase a galabaya. Also, I work for a grocery store, and would love to see an Egyptian supermarket. Where can I find one? (Missouri, USA)
My answer to sightseeing alone is different for males and females. I would not recommend the Khan for a lone female. Foreign women living here would only attempt the Khan in pairs or more - I usually go with a local friend to fend off all problems. The Khan can be very harassing and with the winding backstreets, masses of people and unusual entrance, it could be hard to extract yourself from a difficult situation. If you are a man, it is basically okay - you may get lost inside but the locals will not bother you beyond trying to get you to buy something. I have had good and bad experiences at the Khan, so be prepared for a basic assault to the senses. If you are taking a cruise, you will be able to purchase galabayas on the boat or along the shore - this is encouraged for the dress-up dinner. You may also be able to get together with people on the tour to visit places like the Khan. Many people love tours (even when they are alone) as it is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends.
Supermarkets downtown are rare and locals are more inclined to use fresh markets. A supermarket that would be comparable to one in North America would be found more around residential areas either in Zamalek or Maadi. We live in Maadi, the foreign enclave. I would highly recommend that you take a taxi ride to Maadi (about 20 minutes and about LE20 - settle the amount before you leave and walk into a store or the hotel if you are harassed for more money). Visiting Maadi would let you browse in peace and see a couple of supermarkets. The shopping district is Road 9, Maadi and you will find many foreigners, locals who are used to dealing with foreigners, and all the things you will see at the Khan. Road 9 is a long road with numerous supermarkets, souvenir shops, McDonald's, etc. The best place to get off is at the Pizza Hut and work your way down. If you decide to go to Road 9, do visit Cleo's Corner (down a small alley) opposite the Pizza Hut. The owner (Ali) is very sweet and can get you anything you want.
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Before asking anything I would like to thank you for your effort on putting together this information paradise for us all. I'm shortly off to Egypt, and I've found answers to most of my questions. I would like to visit Cairo, Dahab, Hurghada and Luxor during my stay, and despite your warnings I decided to travel by a rented car. Do you know if there is a ferry service between Sinai and the main land? It seemed to me that the distance between Dahab and Hurghada is around 800 kms and I'm trying to find a shorter way. Thanks. (Hungary)
There are ferries from Hurghada to Sharm el Sheikh but none from Dahab. The obvious solution would be to drive from Dahab to Sharm and hop the ferry. I personally know of no one who has taken this ferry - everyone drives or flies from Cairo to the Sinai. To do this we usually travel in convoys for protection or seek a police escort. The trip takes from 5-12 hours depending on experience and ambition. The following is the information I have on the ferry service between Sharm and Hurghada:
The two ferries depart daily except Wednesday and Friday. The first ferry is the older one and takes between 5-7 hours to make the 144km trip. It departs from the port in Sigala in Hurghada between 9 and 10 a.m. It has been reported that the schedule on this ferry can be unpredictable so best to have a back-up plan for your trip if the ferry is cancelled. You may book tickets through your hotel, the Thomas Cook office in Naama Bay, a travel agent or purchase them at the port. The cost is about LE100 for one-way and you should be at the port at least half an hour in advance. I am not sure if this ferry takes cars.
The second newer ferry is operated by Travco and is a luxury high-speed ferry which does take cars. The cost is around US$33 per person and US$75 per car. It takes one and half hours to make the crossing and departs every Monday (5 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. from the old Sigala port in Hurghada, 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. from Sharm), Tuesday (6 a.m. and 8 p.m. from Hurghada, 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. from Sharm), and Saturday (6 a.m. from Hurghada, 6 p.m. from Sharm). You can contact Travco at 446-024/5 in Hurghada or 661-111 in Sharm at the Riu Palace Hotel for more information.
As with most things in Egypt, cancellations and changes to schedules are the norm. I would suggest that you check with a travel agent for more information on the ferries before you plan your route. The two that I recommend are located in Cairo and cater to the foreign population there:
Egypt Panorama Tours: 4 Road 79, Maadi. Tel: 359-0200, 358-5880, 359-1301; fax: 359-1199; e-mail: [email protected]; US fax: 1-801-881-5752; UK fax: 0870-133-8575 (will be sent via e-mail); (Member of IATA and the American Society of Travel Agents)
See Egypt (Tel: 202-378-0972, 202-350-9146 (same fax); e-mail: [email protected]).
If you are determined to drive (and Egypt has probably the worst driving conditions in the world), you should be aware that if you are travelling across the Nile Valley you will have to use a police convoy (the government insists on this to protect tourists). The convoys leave from Hurghada at 6, 9 and 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. but those times may change. In the Sinai you may see signs forbidding foreigners to leave the road - some areas are still mined so respect these instructions.
You can rent a car in Naama Bay at one of the following agencies:
Avis (Tel: 600-979) at the Sonesta Beach Resort
Hertz (Tel: 600-459) at the Movenpick Hotel
Max Europcar (Tel: 600-686) at the Hilton Fayrouz Village.
You can also rent 4WD jeeps at Sanafir Hotel (US$85 per day) and at Fox Safari (Tel: 601-074) for US$120 including driver.
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My husband is travelling to Egypt in late October. He is booking a holiday that sees most of the popular sights but doesn't go to St Catherine's. Are there many tour companies in Cairo that operate overnight or long one day tours to St Cath's. If so, would it be easy to do from over there or better to do it from Australia before he leaves? He will have his return flight pre-booked and will only have 2-3 days to fit this in. (Australia)
St. Catherine's is an ancient monastery located at the foot of Mt. Sinai. The small chapel dates back to the 4th century AD and is said to be on the site of the burning bush from which God spoke to Moses. The chapel is dedicated to St. Catherine, who was tortured and beheaded for her Christian beliefs. In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian ordered a fortress to be built for the monks of St. Catherine and Christians seeking refuge. Today, there are about 22 monks living in this functional monastery.
I have heard many reports that it is cheaper to book excursions from outside of Egypt, so your husband will probably do better from Australia. However, I do suggest you contact two reliable travel agents in Cairo. They both cater to the foreign population living here and should be able to give you sound advice on booking from Egypt as well as what type of tours are available. They are:
Egypt Panorama Tours: 4 Road 79, Maadi. Tel: 359-0200, 358-5880, 359-1301; fax: 359-1199; e-mail: [email protected]; US fax: 1-801-881-5752; UK fax: 0870-133-8575 (will be sent via e-mail); (Member of IATA and the American Society of Travel Agents)
See Egypt (26 Road 87, Maadi, Cairo, Egypt. Tel: 2020- 378-0972, 202-350-9146, Fax: same as second number, e-mail: [email protected])
Most people do the trip to St. Catherine's from Sharm el Sheikh, a Sinai resort town on the Red Sea. A return flight from Cairo to Sharm is approximately LE950 (daily flights). The East Delta Co. bus (LE50 one way) takes around 9 hours to reach Sharm, although this is a less common route for foreigners. If you have not prearranged a tour of the monastery, it is possible to arrange for a taxi from the hotel to take you. The price for this can be around LE100-150, but it depends on your bargaining tactics. You can also rent a jeep and tour guide for about US$45 but this should be done before you arrive in Sharm to avoid disappointment. I do suggest contacting the travel agents as they may have better advice regarding time and costs.
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We will be travelling with our one year old. Do you have any advice in concern to this? (USA/South Africa)
Although the majority of tourists on organized tours rarely bring children under 12, last week at the pyramids I saw a European family with a one-year-old in a stroller. Foreign families living in Egypt do travel extensively with their infants and toddlers, so it can and is done, providing you take certain precautions:
Don't ever let children drink anything but bottled water.
Be aware that the tourist sites are very crowded and extremely hot. It is around 40C in the Valley of the Kings (but can climb to 50C in August) and you may have to wait in unsheltered areas to enter tombs or for the bus to collect you.
Children must wear hats and I would suggest that you cover your child's upper arms and shoulders.
Ensure that you have with you sunscreen, anti-diarrhea medicine and antibiotics.
A quiet battery held fan would be useful if you attempt the tombs and would probably help relieve your child during the hottest parts of the day.
A strollers is usable (but not easily) in Cairo and Giza but I would recommend against relying on them for anywhere else.
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Do you know what train & bus schedules are in Egypt? Also, do you know if a train or bus goes from Aswan to Abu Simbel, and how much that would cost? Thanks! (Utah, USA)
It is not recommended for foreigners to travel by land through Upper Egypt and between Aswan and Abu Simbel and the police may enforce this by removing you from the bus or train. For further details and up-to-date travel information, I suggest you contact the travel agents I have listed at the end.
In response to your question about transportation from Aswan to Abu Simbel, there is a bus that makes this route. You can purchase bus tickets in advance at the bus station in the middle of town on Sharia Abtal el-Tahrir. Tickets cost LE20 return and the bus leaves twice daily.
Trains:
Cairo-Luxor/Aswan
French overnight deluxe sleeper trains depart 7:45 p.m. and 9 p.m.
To Luxor: LE314; To Aswan: LE314
Spanish deluxe trains (no sleepers) depart 6:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m. (Luxor only) and 10 p.m.
To Luxor: LE51.50 (1st class) LE35 (2nd class); To Aswan: LE63.50 (1st class) LE45 (2nd class)
Cairo-Alexandria
Turbini trains (non-stop express) depart 8 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. LE30 (1st class) LE22 (2nd class).
Spanish trains (express 2.5 hours) depart 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. LE22.50.
French trains depart regularly throughout the day from 6 a.m. LE25 (1st class) LE20 (2nd class).
Buses:
Superjet (202-772-663)
Stations: Cairo Airport, Almaza (Heliopolis), Midan Abd el-Mumin Riad (near Ramsis Hilton), Midan el-Giza.
To: Alexandria (LE25-34), Hurghada (LE35-55), Sharm el Sheikh (LE40-65).
East Delta Bus Co. (202-482-4753) Stations: Qulali (near Midan Ramsis)
To: Sharm el Sheikh (LE30-60)
West Delta Bus Co. (202-243-1846) Stations: Midan Abd el-Mumim Riad (near Ramsis Hilton), Almaza (Heliopolis).
To: Hurghada (LE50-55), Luxor (LE50-60), Aswan (LE50-55).
Please be aware that costs and times are subject to change on a whim. I recommend the following travel agents in Cairo:
Egypt Panorama Tours: 4 Road 79, Maadi. Tel: 359-0200, 358-5880, 359-1301; fax: 359-1199; e-mail: [email protected]; US fax: 1-801-881-5752; UK fax: 0870-133-8575 (will be sent via e-mail); (Member of IATA and the American Society of Travel Agents)
See Egypt: 26 Road 87, Maadi, Cairo, Egypt. (Tel: 202-351-9146. Fax: same. E-mail: [email protected])
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Can you please recommend a Nile cruise operator? I am looking for one which is first class. Love your web site! Finally some useful information!!! (California, USA)
Cruising down the Nile is part of the quintessential Egyptian experience and, like most things is Egypt, has its good and bad sides. The good side is that nothing can compare to gliding lazily down the Nile on a hot afternoon or jumping off on the bank to explore a breathtaking temple. The bad side can be the service, the food (see the anecdote about cruises on our Anecdote page), and the state of the boat.
I have taken the Sheraton and Presidential cruise lines. The Sheraton was basic and fairly run down but okay for its purposes. My experience with the Presidential line was positive - the food was the best I've had in Egypt, the room nice and the service satisfactory. Family members and friends took the same line and were abused by the staff (in one instance they were berated by their tour guide because he had only 7 people in his group while the French and Italian groups had over 20 - that meant less tips and he wasn't about to work for it) and were (most likely) intentionally poisoned with the horrific food. It was a nightmare experience and if they could have left the boat prematurely, they would have.
The are many first class cruise line with highly impressive cruise ships on the Nile. However I believe they book mostly Egyptians and Middle Eastern nationalities, so it is unlikely a tour group will be assigned one of them (more likely the Sheraton boat, for example). The most recommended boats belong to the Movenpick Hotel and Oberoi Hotel chains - you would have to contact the Hotels directly to arrange for a cruise. For the money, the Presidential, Sheraton or any of the lines I have listed on the Hotel and Sightseeing page will do.
My advice would be to expect to fall ill, know that any time after March it will be hot and there will be crowds, and read up on the sites if your tour guide has an attitude. Despite all this, cruising the Nile is really a wonderful experience.
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Legally, how does one get to live in Egypt for an extended period of time? (California, USA)
To legally remain in Egypt past one month, you will need an offer of employment or sponsorship or be accepted to study in Egypt. You should contact your local Egyptian consulate for further information as rules and regulations are subject to change on a whim. Tourist visas are good for 3 months and valid for not more than 30 days. If you are staying longer, or plan to work here, the visa extensions are done in Egypt, and not from overseas as is the custom in many countries. If you remain in Egypt without extending your visa, expect serious repercussions - at the very least you will be required to get a letter from your Embassy vouching for you.
Work permits are valid for one year from the date of issue and can be renewed on a yearly basis. The decision to issue a permit is based on reciprocal treatment being granted to Egyptians in your country and conditions laid down by the Ministry of Manpower: that the foreigner must not take work away from an Egyptian, that the economic needs of Egypt are taken into consideration, that the foreigner must be qualified for the position, if a foreigner is employed an Egyptian assistant must be appointed and trained to replace the foreigner, and foreigners born in Egypt have priority over non-Egyptian-born foreigners.
A work permit is usually obtained by your employer. They (or you) will submit your passport, 7 photographs and about LE200 for the permit. You will also most likely be required to submit to an HIV test and the permit will not be issued unless you have a negative test result. Even though the permit will grant you residency for the duration of the permit, you will still be required to apply for the residency stamp in your passport. You and any dependents should submit their passports (valid for two months past the residency period) and two photographs. A residency stamp will cancel the need for a tourist visa and will provide you with the residency rates (about 50% off) on hotels and sites.
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I'd like to know about current traditions, customs, and culture and what Egyptians do in daily life. (Nevada, USA).
Thank you for your question regarding Egyptian culture, traditions and customs. There is excellent information on the internet that will give you a feel for the Egyptian way of life. Please check out these web sites we recommend:
Egypt information highway.
http://www.idsc.gov.eg
Live Egyptian Radio Broadcast (Cairo)
http://www.sis.gov.eg/realpg/html/adfront9.htm
Arabic Radio & TV Online
This is the best one. TV, Radio, News, Egyptian Magazines all to view online.
(Although it has been my experience that the video does not come in very clearly.)
http://www.arabic2000.com/index/media.html
For information on culture:
http://www.sis.gov.eg/egyptinf/culture/html/cultfrm.htm
This is a "Public Letter" from Cairo about reaching a state of peace:
http://www.sis.gov.eg/public/letter/html/fram392.htm
Another page on culture:
http://www.arab.net/egypt/culture/et_language.html
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Where could I find information on an Arabic language course for the summer in Egypt? (UAE/NZ)
The following list of language classes were found in the English language magazine Egypt Today.
*Community Services Association (CSA): 4 Road 21, Maadi. Tel: 350-5284. E-mail: [email protected]. They offer excellent classes (I took Arabic here and can highly
recommend the CSA) and hold 1.5 hour lessons twice a week (days and evenings). The cost for an eight week course (16 lessons) is US$76 or LE260 and includes a workbook.
*American University in Cairo (AUC) Center for Adult & Continuing Education: 28 Falaki St., Bab El-Louq. Tel: 357-6872/3. These classes are designed for people interested in
obtaining a diploma and run for three terms. They can also be quite expensive.
*Arabic Language Center: 543 Saudi Egyptian Housing Project, El-Saway Square. Tel: 257-1926.
*Berlitz Language Center: 2 El-Meleihi St., Dokki. Tel: 338-1350. Well respected but expensive.
*The British Council: 129 El-Nil St., Agouza. Tel: 303-1514. Another popular place for foreigners to study.
*Egyptian Center for Cultural Cooperation: 11 Shagaret El-Dorr St., Zamalek. Tel: 341-5419.
*International Language Institute: Mohammed Bayoumi St., Heliopolis. Tel: 291-9295.
*International Language Institute: 3 Mohamoud Azmi St., Sahafiyeen. Tel: 346-3087. E-mail: [email protected]
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My niece is due to go to resort to work. I would like information on the Hotel Coral Beach in Hurghada (plus and minuses). I would also like advice on vaccinations.
The four star Coral Beach Hotel offers 290 Bungalow style rooms on a 1.2 km stretch of private beach with a coral reef. It is located 14 km from the airport on Safarga Road and 21 km from the town center (there is a free shuttle bus). They also have an on-site doctor and provide numerous excursions. I have not come across anyone who has stayed there, but the Coral Beach Hotel is recommended by the Egyptian Tourist Authority and numerous travel agents. It is popular with Europeans, especially Italians and Germans. If you would like more information about the hotel and to see some photos, please go to the hotel section of www.dive-point.com.
The Coral Beach Hotel appears to be a good, respectable hotel that is recommended to tourists, especially those interested in diving. I feel that working at the Coral Beach will be a positive experience for your niece. The Red Sea resort towns (Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, etc.) are more relaxed environments and offer more freedom to foreigners, especially women. I do recommend that she reads the "Practical Guide" and "Women's Issues" section on our web site as this may help to prepare her before she begins her adventures in Egypt.
The following vaccinations are recommended to anyone remaining in Egypt for an extended period of time:
*Typhoid (taken orally)
*Meningitis
*Hepatitis A
*Hepatitis B (usually 3 shots)
*Polio, Diptheria, Tetanus (combination)
WHO, Center for Disease Control and Health Canada find that hepatitis A (through tainted water and food), typhoid, and malaria (although not in Hurghada or Cairo) do pose risks in Egypt and vaccinations for the first two are advised. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection found in fresh water and the Nile (but not in the Red Sea), so she should avoid swimming in infected areas. There is no need to have the yellow fever vaccination.
Everyone traveling (and working) in Egypt should have medical insurance (I doubt your niece's employers will cover this so she should purchase this before she leaves her home country). Medical bills mount up easily (although prescription drugs are fairly inexpensive) and the medical system is not very sophisticated here. Most hospitals will not see patients unless they are able to first put down a LE500 deposit. I advise that she purchases a health insurance package for her entire stay that includes medical evacuation should she be seriously injured. Many foreigners are hospitalized every year in road accidents through no fault of their own. If she intends to scuba dive, she should confirm if her insurance covers this activity.
You can assure your niece, however, that her greatest heath concern will probably be as a result of a painful sunburn and/or Pharaoh's Revenge (diarrhea)!
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I would like to know the price of hotels, food, etc. (Brazil)
Visiting Egypt is always a rewarding experience, regardless of whether you are an economical or a pampered traveler. Prices do change regularly, so the information below is intended only as an example of what you could pay.
AIRFARE: Visitors often report that their greatest expenditure is the airfare to Egypt. Most people fly via Europe on KLM or BA (around US$1700) or fly direct from New York on EgyptAir (about US$1100). I have met some visitors from Brazil who first traveled to England and then purchased a cheap package deal from there. This is, of course, a calculated risk and probably should only be attempted if you have friends to stay with or if you don't mind seeing England instead of Egypt. Check out "The Airline Network" (www.airnet.co.uk) to see London to Cairo airfares at an economical price. Otherwise, consult with your local travel agent who may be able to offer packages that include airfare, hotel and sightseeing.
HOTELS (Cairo):
*Deluxe & Four-star: Prices start at US$100-150 per room.
El-Gezirah Sheraton, Helnam Shepheard Hotel, Hotel Meridien Le Caire, Cairo Marriott, Mena House Oberoi, Nile Hitlon, Ramses Hilton, Semiramis Intercontinental.
These expensive hotels do guaranteed you some pampering, good location and the standards that accompany the particular chain of hotel, but they may also eat away at your budget.
*Three-star: Prices start between US$15-90. Rooms have private bathrooms and air conditioning, but are basic. Most are pensions on the upper floors of office building and are popular with budget travelers and back-packers. It can be an experience entering these hotels for the first time as you usually have to walk down narrow alleyways, get on rickety elevators or walk up dirty, dark stairs. Having said that, however, the hotels themselves are often good and clean and are great places to make new friends. I have listed only those that are downtown to save you transportation hassles - around Tahrir Square and 26th of July St.:
Ambassador, Amin, Anglo-Swiss, Carlton, Cleopatra Palace, Cosmopolitan, Crown, Garden City Hotel, Grand, Hotel Beau-Site, Hotel Claridge, Hotel Minerva, Hotel Petit Palais*, Hotel des Roses, Ismailia House*, Lotus, New, Odeon Palace, Orient Palace, Pensione Roma, Sun*, Tulip, Windsor.
*I have been to these three hotels and recommend them, especially the Ismailia House (located directly across from the Egyptian Museum).
FOOD: If you decide to eat in a hotel restaurant, remember that the sales and service taxes will add on a significant amount to your final bill. If you choose not to eat in a hotel, there are plenty of good restaurants and cafes in Cairo for you to discover. Here is an idea of what you may pay for a meal:
*a delicious kushari from a local caf�: LE2
*a medium deluxe pizza from Domino's: LE17.50
*a KFC snack box: LE7.61
*a McDonald's Big Mac Value Meal: LE8.50
*a Chinese meat or chicken dish: LE18-24
*an Italian pasta dish: LE10-15
*a salad: LE8.50-15
*a lemonade: LE6
SIGHTSEEING: A list of entry fees can be found in the "Hotels & Sightseeing" section.
TRANSPORTATION: A guide to transportation fees can be found in the "Hotels & Sightseeing" section.
SHOPPING: A guide to shopping and entertainment costs can be found in the "Fun & Food" section.
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Have the prices for the millennium celebration at the Giza plateau been decided yet? If so, what are the prices and where can I get tickets? (Russia)
Below is the official release given out by travel agents:
THE TWELVE DREAMS OF THE SUN
If you haven't already made your plans for the coming New Year's Eve, now is your chance to be part of the action, before tickets run out. Jean Michel Jarre will perform this New Year's Eve at The Great Pyramids - the most famous symbol of spirituality and timelessness. A twelve-hour opera in twelve acts which will incorporate special effect lighting and original form. Each act will culminate at midnight in a different time zone around the world. The show will be performed on a central stage but the whole site will be involved. The three pyramids will be actors, with images projected onto them as well as having actors spread throughout the site.
An electronic opera conceived and performed by Jean Michel Jarre and theatrical scenography and staging by Philippe Genty will take place on December 31, 1999 and will continue until sunrise on January 1, 2000. The opera is based on a musical score with the help of visual techniques and modern technology - a bridge between the past and the future. Jarre is known for drawing huge crowds and incorporating national monuments in his light show. His performances include: The celebration of the 50th anniversary of UNESCO at the foot of The Eiffel Tower in Paris in 1995, Champ de Mars in Paris for the official closing of The World Cup football event in 1998 as well as a concert in Moscow, which included live contact with astronauts of the MIR space station in 1997.
To celebrate Millennium night in the Egyptian desert at the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren and Mykerinos, the Cairo Opera House has commissioned French composer and multimedia artist Jean Michel Jarre, known world wide for his successful outdoor performances in Houston, London, Paris, Peking and Moscow....who has conceived The Twelve Dreams of the Sun, the idea being to accompany the Sun into the New Millennium. The original music composed by Jarre will incorporate Egyptian and international, classic and contemporary performers, giving a universal spirit to this unique event. A semicircle of large tents on top of the Giza plateau with 20 tents, each holding up to 500 people with five star hotels providing buffet dinner and beverage service. There will be dancing and places to rest inside the tents. Each tent will have its own bathroom facilities, first aid station, and two television monitors for a closer more detailed view of the event.
Price of the ticket (US$400) will include this spectacular concert, buffet dinner (excluding drinks), transportation to the from participating hotels, and entrance fees. Payment Conditions: 25% to be paid for confirmation, 25% to be paid by the 15 October. Balance to be paid by the first of December Cancellation Conditions: 10% loss if cancelled before October 15th, 25% loss if cancelled from October 15th, 50% loss if cancelled from December 1st, 75% loss if cancelled after December 15th. Ticket Information: The Cairo Opera House (9:00 a.m. to l:00 p.m.) Egypt time Telephone: 202-341-7314 Fax: 202-341-7313.
****Please note that these are prices and conditions being posted in Egypt - different prices and conditions may exist through overseas travel agents or other outlets.
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