Essential info for Egypt

Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the end of April to the end of August).

 

Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz. Standard plugs are European two-pins.

 

Language: Arabic is the official language but English and French are widely spoken and understood.

 

Safety Information: Expats in Egypt should be aware that there is a significant threat from. Expats are advised to avoid political demonstrations and public gatherings. There are currently anti-US, anti-Israel and anti-UN feelings displayed in Egypt. Expats are advised not to carry large amounts of money on them and women should be aware that isolated incidents of harassment and sexual assault do occur.

Local Customs: Egypt has conservative customs and sensitivities. Homosexuality is not approved of and homosexual acts are illegal in Egypt. Religious customs should be respected, especially during Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking in public areas during the day is forbidden. It is advisable for expats in Egypt to dress modestly. It is illegal to photograph any military institutions.

 

Business: For such a conservative society, business in Egypt is conducted in a formal yet friendly and personal manner. Punctuality and a formal appearance are important; suits and ties are worn by businessmen and women should dress modestly. Expats in Egypt must be respectful of the local Islamic customs. English is widely spoken and understood but a basic knowledge of Arabic will be appreciated. The working week runs from Sunday to Thursday and generally business hours are 9am to 5pm in the private sector and 8am to 3pm in the public sector. Many Egyptian businessmen are not available during Ramadan.

 

Communications: The international access code for Egypt is +20. For calls out of Egypt, dial 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 44 for the United Kingdom). The city code for Cairo is (0)2. International calls are best made from a private line or the Post, Telephone and Telegraph (PTT) offices in major cities. The number for international directory enquiries is 120. Local mobile phone operators use GSM 900 networks and there are roaming agreements in place with all major international operators. Internet cafés and personal broadband are available in the larger cities.

 

Emergencies: Dial 122 for police and 123 for an ambulance.

 

Climate: Expats in Egypt will find that most of the country experiences a hot and dry desert climate for most of the year. Summer is from June to August, with an average high of 93°F (34°C), and winter is from December to February with an average low of 48°F (9°C). The areas along the Mediterranean coast have less formidable weather.