Local Insights
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The Egyptian capital is one of the fastest growing cities in the continent of Africa, an energy-packed blend of old and new that's inhabited by ten million and more Cairens, every one of whom is inordinately proud of their home town.
Getting there
Cairo International Airport (20 2 291 4255; www.cairo-airport.com) – about 15 kilometres northeast of the centre – is in the process of adding a third passenger terminal, which is due to open by the end of 2007. Trains from Ramses Station to the rest of the country.
Weather
Cairo has two seasons: a very hot summer between May and October, with temperatures topping 32ºC, and a mild winter from November to April, when it can be as cool as 9ºC. While humid in summer, the city receives only about a centimetre of rain per year. Dust storms sometimes envelop the city around April.
Important Numbers
| Fire | 180 |
| Police | 122 |
| Tourist Police | 126 |
| Ambulance | 123 |
| Tourist Information Hotline | 20 2 391 3454 |
| Telephone number assistance | 140/141 |
Transportation/Getting Around
| Taxi |
Bus |
Microbus |
Metro | |
| Hotlines | Taxis in Cairo are coloured black and white. They are often shared so can be flagged down even though other passengers are already aboard. 20 2 313 9291 20 2 353 7558 |
Cairo's bus system is somewhat feral, and really only advised for adventure travellers. |
Privately-run white vans with sliding doors.
Potential passengers should call out their destination as a microbus passes. The driver will stop if there are seats available and he is headed in that direction. |
Cairo's dual line metro system, run by the National Authority for Tunnels, is efficient, clean and not too crowded. A third line is under construction. 20 2 574 2968 |
| Fare range/ destinations |
Meters are largely cosmetic. Bargain to about EGP10 per kilometre. |
Single ticket EGP0.25. |
From EGP0.5. |
EGP1 per journey. |
| Operating hours | 24 hours |
24 hours, though more scarce at night |
Daylight hours |
5.00 am - 11.30 pm |
| Hire car |
Limousines |
River bus |
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| Hotlines | Only very confident drivers should attempt to hire a car. Europcar 20 2 303 5630/125 Hertz 20 2 539 1380/1/2/3 |
The best option for getting around by road. Misr Travel 20 2 393 0010 Bita 20 2 574 6169 |
The river buses leave from Maspero and stop at Al-Gamaa, Old Cairo and Coptic Cairo. |
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| Fare range/ destinations |
Medium sized car daily hire ranges from EGP229-344. Additional charge of EGP1.4 per km. |
EGP55-80 per half day, with air-con and English-speaking driver. |
Fare is EGP0.5. |
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| Operating hours | 24 hours |
24 hours |
6.30 am - 3.45 pm |
* Remarks:The local currency is the Egyptian pound
Local Language
Learn more about local language from below.
| English | Local language |
| What is your name? | Ma Ismuk? |
| My name is | Ismi |
| Do you speak English? | Hal tatakalum Al Engleaziah? |
| I do not speak Arabic | Ana la atakallum Al Arabiah |
| Excuse me | Oatherni, Affwane |
| Take care | Hassib |
| What's the matter? | Mall amr? |
| What do you want? | Matha toreed? |
| How much does this cost? | Bekam? |
| Never mind | La yahum |
| If God is willing | Inshaallah |
| Hurry up | Asre'a |
| I don't know | Lusto Adri |
| What is that? | Ma howa thaak? / eh da ? |
| I do not want | La Oreed / mesh ayez |
| I do not have | Ma indi / ma'andeesh |
Business and Finance
Following government economic reforms which significantly reduced taxes, the Cairo stock market boomed, and GDP grew about 5% per year in 2005-06. While foreign direct investment remains low, Egypt's export sectors – particularly natural gas – have bright prospects.
The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details.
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