Banks: 08:00 to 14:00, Sunday to Thursday
Post Offices: 08.30 to 15.00 and 17.30 to 23.00, Saturday to Thursday
Government Offices: 08:30 to 17:00, Saturday to Thursday
Business Centres: 08:30 to 17:00, Saturday to Thursday
Shops: 09:00 to 22:00 (or later), Saturday to Thursday

*Note* Most offices and shops close on Friday as it is the Muslim day of rest.

Hurghada is generally a safe city although there are some things to be aware of. Scam artists are a nuisance and if a stranger approaches you and starts talking for no apparent reason, it is best to be cautious and move on. Also avoid booking tours from your hotel as you will invariably pay more, and be careful of shopkeepers who are adept at enticing visitors into their shops.

220V, 50Hz – twin-pronged, rounded plugs (as in Western Europe)

The sun makes things very hot in Hurghada in the summer and getting sunburn is the biggest health threat. Taking part in water sports, particularly scuba diving, is also risky and it is worth taking out travel insurance. Drink bottled water and ensure foods eaten from hawker stalls are piping hot. Hurghada hospitals generally provide 24-hour emergency services.

Emergency services: 122 (police)
Hurghada General Hospital: +20 65 546 740

Arabic is the national language of Egypt, although people in the tourist industry will be able to speak English. Road signs are usually in English and Arabic.

Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP), which is divided into 100 piastres. Banknotes range from one to 100 pounds and coins are little used.

Foreigners are permitted to bring the following amount of duty-free into Egypt: 200 cigarettes or 200g of tobacco; one litre of spirits; one litre of eau de cologne; and goods not exceeding 100 pounds (EGP).

Egyptians are a conservative and generally friendly people. Although Cairo is an Islamic city, foreigners are not expected to cover up like the locals in Hurghada, yet dressing with common sense outside the beach area is advised. Lone women should particularly remain suitably covered while out and about to avoid unwanted sexual attention and being frowned upon.

Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand need a tourist visa to enter Egypt obtainable from embassies and consulates abroad. You could risk it and pay for a visa on arrival but it is better to be sure and have one beforehand.

The Hurghada Tourist Office provides maps and tourist information on Hurghada and can be found on the Resort Strip. Phone: +20 65 344 4420. The Egypt State Information Service website also has reliable information on Hurghada at www.sis.gov.eg/en