Area
1,002,000 sq. km. (386,874 sq. miles)
Location
Middle East, North Africa
Population
74.9 million (as per estimates of 2005) and Population Density of 74.8 per sq. km.
Capital City
Cairo with a total population of 16.7 million (as per estimates of 2005).
Language
Arabic is the official and most popular language of Egypt. Among other languages, English and French are also spoken in some parts of the country.
Electricity
AC 220 volts, 50Hz. However, some rural areas are still using AC 110-380 volts.
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP; Symbol E£). 1 E£ = 100 Piastres.
Notes prevalent = E£ 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100; Piastres 25 and 50
Coins prevalent = Piastres 5, 10, and 20.
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is available at some banks, major hotels, and authorised Bureaux de Change. For more details and exchange rates, travellers are advised to consult their banks.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards of all major companies like Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express, etc. accepted in major hotels and restaurants in the capital city of Cairo and some restaurants at popular tourist areas. It is advisable to carry some cash as well. ATMs are also situated in major cities.
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques are rarely accepted. For exchange purposes and in order to avoid exchange rate charges, the travellers would do well to carry traveller’s cheques in US Dollars, or Pounds Sterling, or Euros.
Banking Hours
Banks in Egypt normally function from Sunday to Thursday from 0830-1400.