Queen Nefertari tomb wall in Abu Simbel; source Wiki
Egypt Travel Tips
Egypt Facts
Official Language: Arabic
Currency: Egyptian Pound
Time Zone: UTC + 2 Hours (EGY)
Population: 21,000,000 metro area
Capital City: Cairo
Egypt Travel Tips
Nubians are the original people of Ancient Egypt. But due to various foreign conquerors, today’s Egyptians claim Middle Eastern, Turkish, Libyan, Greek, and Roman descent and primarily adopt the Islamic faith. Today’s Nubians still live in Upper Egypt and across the border of Sudan. They still speak the ancient Nubian language.
Egypt operates on 24 Hour Marine Time, so what Americans call 2 pm, Egyptians call 1400.
Passports are necessary for U.S. citizens visiting the United Arab Emirates. Unless you qualify for an exemption, you also need a visa. Apply for a business, study, or tourist visa well in advance.
Cairo first developed as Fustat, a settlement founded after the Muslim conquest of Egypt in 640 AD.
Cairo is now the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world. Cairo Metropolitan Area, with a population of over 21 million is the largest urban area in Africa, the Arab world, and the Middle East.
Giza pyramid complex, ancient Memphis, and Heliopolis are located in the very large Cairo Metro Area.
Given the many hustlers in Egypt, you’ll need a good tour guide or a local friend to navigate the country with ease. But do, however, pick one time to visit a bazaar for distinctive souvenirs.
Beware of guards who try to hustle you for money or take a photo for tips.
If you dine at a small restaurant, use cash for small tips locally known as “baksheesh.”
Banking hours in Cairo are Sunday – Thursday from 0830-1400.
Looking east at the Nile River and Cairo skyline in 2018; credit Tamer Soliman
Though Luxor is one of the world’s great heritage sites, it also has some modern amenities.
Necropolis is a large cemetery with elaborate tombs of royal families and high priests in ancient cities. You will see many of these in Egypt.
Egyptians often refer to Cairo as Maṣr, the Egyptian Arabic name for “Egypt.” Its official name al-Qāhirah means “the Conqueror.” And yet Ancient Egypt will always conquer Cairo.
Cairo has long been a center of the region’s political and cultural life and is titled “the city of a thousand minarets” for its preponderance of Islamic architecture. Cairo’s historic center was awarded World Heritage Site status in 1979.
Cairo is considered a World City with a “Beta +” classification according to GaWC.
Today, Cairo has the oldest and largest cinema and the music industry in the Arab World.
Many international media, businesses, and organizations have regional headquarters in the city.
Cairo suffers from high levels of air pollution and traffic.
The best time to visit Egypt is from October to April.
