Print
Email
Bookmark & shareThe mythical, the miraculous and the chaotic everyday.
In the 5th century BC Herodotus wrote of Egypt that 'nowhere are there so many marvellous things...nor in the world besides are to be seen so many things of unspeakable greatness' - and not too much has changed. The Sphinx, the Nile, ancient Luxor, the pyramids - Egypt's scope is glorious.
It's not just the Pharaonic monuments that have drawn travellers to this country since long before the birth of Christ - it's the legacy of the Greeks, Romans and early Christians, and the profusion of art and architecture accumulated from centuries of successive Islamic dynasties.
Travel Warning: Caution Advised
Travellers to Egypt should steer clear of demonstrations, which are occurring quite frequently at the moment due to rising food costs, and may turn violent without warning.
The risk of terrorist attacks in Egypt remains high. In the past such attacks have targeted areas frequented by tourists with the resort city of Dahab in Sinai the most recent target in April 2006. Travellers should keep abreast of local news updates, remain alert and expect delays and increased security checks, especially at border crossings.
Egypt's border with the Gaza Strip is closed; due to recent conflicts in the area, nearby roads and tourist sites have also been closed.
severity: Mid-level alert
Fast Facts
Country Full Name
Arab Republic of Egypt
Population
80,000,000
Currency
Name: Egyptian Pound
Code: EGP
Symbol: £E
Electrical Plugs
220V 50Hz
Languages Spoken
Official: Arabic
Time Zones
GMT/UTC +2
Country Dialing Code
+20
Weights & Measures
Metric
Egypt - Pick & Mix Chapters
Download the free Getting Started chapter or buy individual chapters from our Egypt guide, in our online Shop.
› Go to the Egypt download page.
Related Travel Stories
-
Twilight Tea and Tawla in Alexandria
article by Lauren Salathiel, November 2005
Spend a summer's night in Alexandria, sip sugary black tea, watch the acrobats and play tawla until midnight. Traveller Lauren Salathiel takes you there. Read the full article ›
Tags: Eating & Drinking • Egypt
BLUELISTS blu,list to recommend a travel experience
-
The Writing's on the Wall
— 02 Jan 08 -
Sandboarding's Top Seven Sites
— 16 Nov 07 -
Overland Landy Trip
— 01 May 07 -
The Best Sunrise
— 23 Dec 06 -
Growing old gracefully
— 20 Dec 06
Advertisement
Book Your Trip
Hotels & Hostels
Booking hotels is simple with Lonely Planet. See our reviewed and recommended hotels in one place and book online. Browse hotels ›
Lonely Planet Newsletters
Updates, offers and inspiration - straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now ›
Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
