Cairo info

INFORMATION

Here are some helpful information about cairo

General Information:

National name Jumhuriyyat Misr al-'Arabiyya/Arab Republic of Egypt
Area 1,001,450 sq km/386,659 sq mi
Capital Cairo
Currency Egyptian pound
Population 74,878,000 (2005 est)
Language Arabic (official), Coptic (derived from ancient Egyptian), English, French
Religion Sunni Muslim 90%, Coptic Christian and other Christian 6%
Time difference GMT +2

Visas:

Visas should be obtained from the Egyptian embassy in your respected country.

Currency:

The local currency is the Egyptian pound, which is divided into 100 piasters. You can find Egyptian pounds in the denominations of LE 0.25, 0.50, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Coins can be found in the denominations of LE 0.05, 0.10, 0.20 and 0.25.,0.50,1.00 To find the exchange rates visit oanda and click on the "Full Currency Converter link to get the latest exchange rates.

Climate:

Egypt's climate is generally dry, with two seasons: a hot season from May to October and a cool season from November to April. During the summer, temperatures may reach 42 C (107 F). Winters are generally cool, with average temperatures between 13-21 C (55-70 F). However, we recommend that if you are visiting Egypt during the cool season you bring along with you warm clothing, as it can get quite chilly in the early mornings and late evenings.

Month	Average Sunlight (hours)	Temperature				Discomfort from heat and humidity	Relative humidity		Average Precipitation (mm)	Wet Days (+0.25 mm)
		Average		Record			Relative humidity
		Min	Max	Min	Max		am	pm
Jan	7	8	18	2	31	-	69	40	5	1
Feb	8	9	21	2	33	-	64	33	5	1
March	9	11	24	3	38	-	63	27	5	0.8
April	10	14	28	6	45	Moderate	55	21	3	0.4
May	10	17	33	9	47	Medium	50	18	3	0.2
June	12	20	35	13	47	Medium	55	20	0	0
July	12	21	36	16	43	Medium	65	24	0	0
Aug	11	22	35	17	43	Medium	69	28	0	0
Sept	10	20	32	14	42	Medium	68	31	0	0
Oct	9	18	30	11	43	Medium	67	31	0	0.3
Nov	8	14	26	6	38	Moderate	68	38	3	0.8
Dec	6	10	20	1	31	-	70	41	5	1

Transportation:

Taxi's are available in abundance, which can get you almost anywhere in Cairo. However, if you do wish to use taxi's, beware that the fare depends on your negotiations skills and being tourists you can be ripped off if you do not know the basic rates. Below are a few approximate rates that might be helpful:

Airport - Faiz-e-Hakimi	LE 35 - 45
Faiz-e-Hakimi - Mohandiseen	LE 7 - 15
Faiz-e-Hakimi - Maulatina Zainab	LE 4 - 7
Faiz-e-Hakimi - Maulatina Nafeesa	LE 7 - 12
Faiz-e-Hakimi - Masjid Lulua	LE 7 - 12
Faiz-e-Hakimi - Jaame Al Juyushi	LE 7 - 12
Faiz-e-Hakimi - Pyramids	LE 15 - 22

There are also cairo/radio cabs available which work by meter. They are more expensive than the normal cabs but they are air conditioned and more relaxing. To reserve call 16516

Another means for transportation is the metro, which is a very convenient way to get around, but will only be beneficial if you wish to visit Marg (Marg station). The closest metro station to Faiz-e-Hakimi is the Ataba station, which is approximately a 10 minutes drive away. Stations that are close to Mohandiseen (Evan-e-Najmi/Burhani) are the Dokki and Behoos stations, which are again 10 minutes drives away. We, however, recommend that you do not use the metro services without a local Mumin's assistance.

Touristic Sites:

The sites that are commonly visited by muineem traveling to Cairo are the following, (most of which are organized by the Faiz). However, if you wish to visit other sites you are most welcome to arrange it for yourself, which the Faiz will guide and assist you in. For more information of tourism in Egypt visit www.touregypt.net

Pyramids (entrance fee)	LE 40, & LE 20 for students
Enter into the Pyramids	LE 15
Horse / camel riding	Bargain
Cairo Museum (entrance fee)	LE 40, & LE 20 for students
Islamic Museum	LE 7
6h of October War Panorama	LE 8
Nile Cruise (including dinner)	LE 65 - 120

Essential Arabic Phrases:

Nile Melody helps you get acquainted with some very commonly used Arabic phrases so that it becomes easier for the tourists to communicate with the locals. These common Arabic phrases will help you to reach across to the non-English speaking locals. Use of essential Arabic phrases in your conversation will also establish a friendlier bond with the people who will be impressed with your efforts.

The essential Arabic phrases hat can be used in your day-to-day conversation are:

· Ahlan wa Sahlan (Welcome)
· Ana / Enta (Me / You)
· Ana Baheb Masr (I Love Egypt)
· Baksheesh (Tip)
· Bokra (Tomorrow)
· Folos (Money)
· Helw (Beautiful)
· Inshalla (If God Wills)
· Kahwa (Coffee)
· Kolo Tamam ( every thing is OK)
· Laban (Milk)
· Ma`a el Salama (Good Bye)
· Ma'alesh ( Sorry )
· Mazboot (well done)
· Sabah el Kher (Good Morning)
· Shay (Tea)
· Shokran (Thank You)