Cairo Country Information
Currency
The national currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound.
You can easily change any foreign currency into Egyptian
pounds either at banks or exchange offices. Depending on
the current economic climate in the country, you can usually
change Egyptian pounds into "hard" currency. When
restrictions are in place, you may have to produce a valid
airline ticket to purchase hard currency in amounts limited
to $1,000. If you end up short of hard currency and are
traveling abroad, you may withdraw hard currency from your
pound account using your ATM card.
Language
and Religion
The official language of Egypt is Arabic, but many people
also speak English and, to a 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 122 degrees (50 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.
Shopping
Cairo offers a wealth of shopping opportunities. The city
is full of a multitude of souks (bazaars) with the Khan
el-Khalili being the center of the Cairo 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).
Sightseeing
Cairo hosts some of the most famous ancient monuments in
the world including the nearby Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx,
and a plethora of other important Islamic and Christian
monuments. Be sure to check out the Citadel, located in
the heart of Islamic Cairo. Old Cairo host a number of ancient
Coptic churches, some the oldest Christian churches in the
world. And no visit to Cairo would be complete without a
visit to the Cairo Museum, which hosts the world’s
largest collection of ancient antiquities.
Transportation
One can travel just about anywhere in Cairo via taxi for
only a few dollars. City buses are extremely inexpensive
but are almost always overcrowded and it is easy to get
lost. One can rent a car in Cairo but driving the crowded
streets of the city can be a nerve racking experience.
Important Links
http://ce.eng.usf.edu/pharos/cairo/
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