Taba information

POPULATION

72 Million

LANGUAGE(S)

Arabic, English, French, Spanish

DIALLING CODE

20

DRIVING

Driving is on the left. International Driving permit required.

LOCAL TIME

Noon GMT=2.00 p.m

ELECTRICAL POWER

Electric Power is 220V running at 50Hz. The Plug type used is the round pin attachment plug.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1st January        New Years' Day

25th April           Sinai Liberation Day

1st May               Labour Day

18th June            Liberation Day

23rd July             Revolution Day

6th October        Armed Forces Day

December 25th     Christmas Day

Moveable holidays   Easter and variable Muslim holidays

TRANSPORT

Air

Egypt Air offers daily flights between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Oasis. Air Sinai has flights from Cairo to Sharm el Shiekh, Taba, Luxor, Ras El Nakab and Eilat.

Rail

Egypt has a regular train service travelling between every major town offers a wide range of services from plush air-conditioned sleepers to third class. Discounts are available for student card holders and children under 9 years of age.

Bus

An efficient bus services is available to and from all major cities in the country including the Sinai.

Ferries

Ferries run between Egypt and Sudan, South Sinai and Jordan, and Sharm el-sheikh and Hurghada

MONEY

Currency:    1 Egyptian Pound (E£)=100 piastres (pt)
Notes: EGP: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100
Coins: Piastres: 5, 10, 20, 25, 50

Most foreign currencies, cash or travellers cheque can be changed easily. Many exchange bureaus are available in the larger cities but they mainly deal in cash. Credit cards can be used in a wide range of shops and hotels.

If you are travelling to lesser tourist areas the best currencies to have are US dollars, UK Pounds Sterling.

TIPPING

Service charges are usually added to restaurant and hotel bills, however additional tips of around 5% are customary. Tips for taxis are around 10%.

TOURIST VISAS

UK citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay,and a visa is required. For the purpose of tourism a 30-day visa can be obtained on arrival. For travellers just travelling to the south Sinai resorts, a free 14-day visa can be obtained upon arrival at the airport. UK visitors coming into Egypt for a short stay must register with the Office of Foreigners and Nationality within seven days of arrival; hotels will usually take care of this for guests.