Cairo Country Information
Currency
The national currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (LE). You can easily change any foreign currency into Egyptian pounds either at banks or exchange offices. ATM machines abound and work with international Visa and Mastercard exchanges, though a foreign transaction fee may be added. Travelers checks can be problematic and are not advised.
Language and Religion
The official language of Egypt is Arabic, but many people also speak English and, to an increasingly lesser extent, French. The major religion is Islam. Approximately 4% of the population is Christian, mostly Coptic.
Weather
Cairo is hot and dry throughout most of the year. Summer temperatures can reach 110 degrees (40 degrees Celsius). Spring is generally mild but the city suffers hot wind storms from the desert that blow dust and sand through the air. Annual rainfall in Cairo is less than 1 inch. Winters can be very chilly both in Cairo, the high desert and in Alexandria where rain is more frequent. The Red Sea resorts are warm and mild in the winter.
Shopping
Cairo offers a wealth of both exotic and modern shopping opportunities. The famous Khan el-Khalili is the center of the Cairo souvenir shopping scene. There are a huge variety of items to purchase in Cairo's souks and bargaining is always an important part of the experience. Things to buy include items made of brass and copper, boxes and ornaments made of inlaid wood, leather goods such as shoes, bags and belts, perfumes and jewelry and shishas (water pipes). World-class modern shopping malls have also proliferated in recent years, and the City Stars megamall is one of the biggest in the region. Most new malls have large food courts, international branded boutiques and department stores, as well as multi-screen cinema complexes.
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