Quickie Cairo

Getting there and away

There are easy air connections between Cairo and many European cities. Cairo is most travellers' first stop, although people are increasingly disembarking in other major cities and later making their way to the capital. First-class train services connect Cairo with Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan, but other domestic services are badly in need of an upgrade. Combined bus and ferry deals will land you safely at Aqaba in Jordan. A bus service is also available to and from Libya.

Where you can stay

Cairo has hundreds of hotels to suit all budgets. Worth a splurge are top-end options by the Nile. Downtown is best for budget and midrange options; it's a good idea to book ahead.

Costs

• There are 11 Egyptian Pounds to 1 British Pound, 8 to the Euro, 5 to the US Dollar and 4.8 to the Australian Dollar.
• Limousine transfer from the airport costs around E£80.
• Taxis are inexpensive, but haggling is required. Most journeys within central Cairo should be less than E£10
• Mineral water costs E£2.50 for 1L; a beer costs around E£8.