On the spot

Here are a few practical tips to feel more comfortable in Egypt and avoid any misunderstanding.

Transportation in Egypt

Whether you want to drive or be driven, whether you want to go by bus, rail or road, it's easy to get to your destination with a little helpful information.

Car Rental

You'll find most of the big international car rental companies in Cairo and Alexandria. Local car rental companies further afield do better deals sometimes, so take time to shop around. It's an extremely good idea to pay for proper car insurance, to protect yourself from other drivers.

The Underground

Cairo's brand-new Metro system runs over several kilometres. It has two lines, a new line currently under construction and three more in the pipeline. Clean and comfortable, it's the best way to mingle in Cairo's hustle and bustle. The front carriage is always strictly for 'women only' so pay attention

Taxis

All of the major cities have plenty of taxis to drive you around town. There are a few simple rules you should follow, to ensure that your journey runs smoothly :

Make sure you know where you're going.
Don't accept a stop if your driver proposes one.
Negotiate the price of the journey from A to Z before you set off.
Before you leave your hotel, ask the receptionist how much the journey should cost.
The taxis that wait outside hotels charge almost double, so It often pays to walk to the next block

Useful phone numbers

To request assistance, report a fire, make an international call or just find another number.

122 Police

126 Tourist info

180 Fire department

140 Phone directory

120 International operator

10 National operator

Do's & Don'ts

The little details that make your holiday a success. Simple and obvious, but you only have to think of them to be sure to make the most of Egypt.

Do...

... stock up on sun cream to avoid sunburn, especially between 11am and 2pm.
... wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes and head.
... make sure you have a rough idea of where you're going and always have a map or guide book close at hand.

Don't ...

... forget to take enough money with you on your daily outings. Never carry all your money and credit cards around with you.
... take anything from the natural habitats that you visit and don't feed the animals.
... get into a taxi without negotiating the price with the driver beforehand.

Car Rental

Taxis

All of the major cities have plenty of taxis to drive you around town. There are a few simple rules you should follow, to ensure that your journey runs smoothly :

Make sure you know where you're going.

Don't accept a stop if your driver proposes one.

Negotiate the price of the journey from A to Z before you set off.

Before you leave your hotel, ask the receptionist how much the journey should cost.

The taxis that wait outside hotels charge almost double, so It often pays to walk to the next block.

Trains

The train is one of the best ways to travel between major Egyptian cities. There are three types of trains available: the ordinary, the express and the turbo. The express and the turbo are more expensive but they will get you to your destination rapidly. It's also worth investing in a 1st class ticket to travel in air-conditioned carriages. The turbo train takes under two hours to go from Cairo to Alexandria.

The Underground

Buses

Most of Egypt's major cities have their own bus system and there's an extensive network of buses running between each city too. Smoking is still authorized on all buses but you're not allowed to open the windows as it interferes with the air-conditioning. In general, it's more expensive to take a bus than a train and buses stop more frequently. So, for a long journey we advise you to go by rail.

Do...

... stock up on sun cream to avoid sunburn, especially between 11am and 2pm.

... wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes and head.

... make sure you have a rough idea of where you're going and always have a map or guide book close at hand.

... learn a few common phrases so that you can ask for help when needed. People will appreciate you making the effort.

... respect customs. There are dress rules when visiting mosques, holy places, and some other public places too, so be aware.

... keep a currency converter close at hand. Remember that haggling is to be expected.

... keep your valuables and all your important documents in a safe place.

... take your camera with you. That way you won't be disappointed.

Don't ...

... forget to take enough money with you on your daily outings. Never carry all your money and credit cards around with you.

... take anything from the natural habitats that you visit and don't feed the animals.

... get into a taxi without negotiating the price with the driver beforehand.

... go on holiday without telling your friends or family how to reach you.

... leave your hotel or any other accommodation without some form of identification.

... forget to bring your own lifejackets if you plan on taking children on a felucca or any other boat. And don't forget to bring a suitable hat if you want to go horse-riding.

122 Police
126 Tourist information
180 Fire department
140, 141, 142 Phone directory assistance
120 International operator
188 Telephone reparation centre
10 National operator

145 Rail
123 Ambulance
129 City gas
144 International phone directory assistance
177 Telephone bill inquiry
16 Telephone complaints service
121 Electricity information

On the spot

Transportation in Egypt

Car Rental

The Underground

Taxis

Useful phone numbers

122 Police 126 Tourist info 180 Fire department 140 Phone directory 120 International operator 10 National operator

Do's & Don'ts

Car Rental

Taxis

Trains

The Underground

Buses

Do...

Don't ...

ALERT [X]

122 Police

126 Tourist info

180 Fire department

140 Phone directory

120 International operator

10 National operator