|
The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound, with one Pound equalling 100 piastres. Notes come in denominations of E£100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5 piastres. Money can only be exchanged at banks and official bureau de changes. Traveller’s cheques are accepted, though to avoid additional conversion charges they should be in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling. ATMs are available in tourist areas, and major international credit and debit cards are accepted. See: Visa: http://www.visa.com/atms/ MasterCard: http://www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, as is the import of domestic currency. The export of domestic currency is prohibited. Business: General banking hours in most areas are from 0830 to 1400 Sundays to Thursdays. Shopping hours in the winter are usually from 0900 to 1900 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and from 0900 to 2000 on Mondays and Thursdays. Shopping hours in the summer are generally shorter, with breaks at midday. Shopping hours through religious holidays, for example Ramadan, vary greatly. Business meetings are formal affairs, and Islamic customs should be observed. Whilst most business is conducted in either English or French, a knowledge of basic Arabic wouldn’t hurt. Service charges are included in bills at most restaurants and hotels, but an extra five percent tip directly to the waiter/porter etc is normal. Taxi drivers expect a tip of around ten percent
|
|
