Egypt Facts

The gateway to Africa and Middle East, Egypt is one of the most vibrant and diverse countries in the region. For centuries, visitors have been attracted to Egypt for the unparalleled beauty of its temples and monuments of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. However, Egypt has far more to offer.

From Greek and Roman ruins and stunning Christian cathedrals and monasteries to some of the greatest wonders of Islamic civilization, the sights of Egypt stretch far beyond those of Ancient Egypt. The coral reefs of the Red Sea, the Nile Valley, and the untouched Mediterranean coast offer natural wonders unmatched throughout the world.

Egypt is a place where the past and the present combine, Ancient markets unchanged for centuries operate side-by-side with some of the world’s finest shopping malls: traditional cafes co-exist with five-star dining experiences.

Egypt is the ultimate location for your next destination, and as the headquarters of the Garranah Group and Tarot Tours, we take pride in welcoming you to our home and introducing you to this fabulous destinations.

Egypt lies at the crux of Africa and the Middle East, and is bordered by Sudan in the South, Libya in the West, and Israel in the East.  The southern area by Luxor and Aswan is known as “Upper Egypt”, as the Nile flows from here “down” through the capital city, Cairo, to the Mediterranean Sea near Alexandria. 

Time zone:

Egypt is two hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).

Visas: 

Most of nationalities require tourist visas for Egypt. Europeans, Americans and Australians can purchase visa on arrival at the airport; Some other nationalities should check with their local Embassies for latest regulations.

Language:

The national language in Egypt is Arabic.  However, tourists will rarely find a problem communicating as English is widely spoken in hotels and shops, with French a close second, and many staff in tourist areas also speaking German, Italian and Russian.

Currency:

The local currency is the Egyptian pound, or ‘LE’, which is divided into 100 piastres.  At the moment, 1.00US$ is worth around LE 15.6, 1.00 Euro is around 19 L.E.

Photography:

If you are taking photographs of local people, always ask their permission beforehand.  Your guide can assist you in this.  Do not take photographs of military installations or airports.  Film is readily available in all tourist areas.  It is advisable to carry your camera in a dust-proof bag.  Photography or camera fees are applicable at most sights and museums; your guide can give you details of the latest charges.

Dress Code:

Egypt is a country very used to tourists, and for sightseeing in popular areas such as the Pyramids , shorts and T-shirts are fine.  However, you should allow for a more conservative dress code when walking in central Cairo and other cities, and especially in rural areas. When visiting mosques or other religious sites, casual, comfortable clothing covering knees and elbows is best, in order to respect the local culture.  Around the pool at your hotel or on a cruise, low necklines, sleeveless shirts, or shorts can be comfortably worn; and at the beach in Red Sea resorts, feel free to dress as you would at home.

Electricity:

Egypt electrical current is 220V, and sockets take the standard continental European dual round-pronged plug.