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Life in Egypt Currency & Money Exchange Price in Egypt- Food & Drinks How to Stay Safe in Egypt Sharm El-Shiekh Do’s and Don’t Arrivals Check-In to IC 2013 Gala Night Delegate Survival Kit Arabic 101
Please be sure to check the video version of the 4th delegate’s mailer http://youtu.be/GDyO_ULCnGI
Egypt is perhaps best known as the home of the ancient Egyptian civilization with its temples, hieroglyphs, mummies and visible above al its pyramids. Less well known is Egypt’s medieval heritage, courtesy of Coptic Christianity and Islam ancient churches, monasteries and mosques punctuate the Egyptian landscape.
Egypt stimulates the imagination of western tourist like few other countries and is probably one of the most popular tourist destination worldwide. Egypt is one the most populous countries in Africa and the Middle East and the 15th most populated in the world. The great majority of its over 84 million people live near the banks of the Nile River, an area of about 40,000 square km, where the only arable land is found. The large regions of the Sahara Desert, which constitute most of Egypt’s territory, are sparsely inhabited.
About half of Egypt›s residents live in urban areas, with most spread across the densely populated centers of greater Cairo, Alexandria and other major cities in the Nile Delta. Any modern state having been continuously inhabited since the 10th millennium BC. It’s monuments such as Giza pyramids complex and its Great Sphinx were constructed by its ancient civilization, which was one the most advance of its time. Its ancient ruins, such as those of Memphis, Thebes, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings outside Luxor, are a significant focus of archaeological study and popular interest. Egypt’s rich cultural legacy, as well as the attraction of its Red Sea Riviera, has made tourism a vital part of the economy, employing about 12% of the country’s workforce.
Capital: Cairo
Official Language: Arabic
Climate: Desert, Hot, Dry Summers, Moderate Winters
Population: 83,688,164
Religion: Islam is the official religion of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Most nonMuslims in Egypt are Christians, the majority of whom belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Geography: Egypt is the 29th biggest country in the world, covering a total area of 1,002,450 sq. km. It is located in the northeast corner of the African continent, on the Mediterranean Sea, at a crossroad between Africa, Asia and Europe. It is bordered to the east by the Red Sea, Palestine to the northeast and Libya to the west and Sudan to the south.
Currency & Money Exchange: Currency & Money Exchange: The Local Currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound. Now It is equivalent to approximately 0.14 US dollars , 0.10 Euro. You can Check Currency converter for the latest information http://finance.yahoo.com/currency-converter/
The Prices: Restaurants
Transportation:
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: 30 LE Meal for 2, 3 course, Mid-range Restaurant: 150 LE Combo Meal at McDonalds: 35 LE Domestic Beer (.5 L): 15 LE Imported Beer: 15 LE
One Way Ticket: 1 LE Taxi (1km): 1.5 LE
Markets Milk (1L): 7.5 LE Loaf of Bread: 6 LE Eggs: 11 LE Local Cheese (1kg): 25 LE Apple (1kg): 14 LE Oranges (1kg): 4 LE Water (1.5L): 3 LE
Clothing: 1 Pair of Jeans: 500.00 LE 1 Summer Dress (Zara, H&M): 375.00 LE 1 Pair of Nike Shoes: 600 LE 1 Pair of Men Leather Shoes: 300 LE
One thing you have to do when in Egypt is, you have to eat, A LOT. Enjoy the wonderful Egyptian cuisine. When it comes to food, Egyptians know their way around. It is all about generosity, never expect to be fed small portions, and always be prepared for unexpected extras on the house, such as freshly baked bread and dips, or a refreshing aftermeal cup of “karkadeh� (hibiscus tea). Egyptian cuisine caters to all types of palates, including hardcore carnivores, vegetarians, and vegans. It might not be as diversified as other Middle- Eastern cuisines, but it is simple and tasty, mostly relying on vegetables, herbs, lamb and chicken. Get to know some of the must-eat Egyptian staples.
Ensure that you drink plenty of water: Egypt has an extremely dry climate most of the year a fact aggravated by high temperatures in the summer end of the year and countless travelers each year experience the discomforts and dangers of dehydration. A sense of thirst is not enough to indicate danger carry a water bottle and keep drinking! Not needing to urinate for a long period or passing very small amounts of dark yellow urine are signs of incipient dehydration. Egyptian tap water is generally considered safe by locals, but will often make travelers ill. It is not recommended for regular drinking, especially to very local differences in quality. Bottled mineral waters are widely available. Always check money.
the seal is unbroken before parting with your
You can walk around the main streets anytime you feel like roaming. It is fairly safe and you will always find lots of people around smiling and offering to help. Women alone can expect to be the target of an excessive amount of catcalling, but it rarely, if ever, goes beyond that. You should bear in mind that around the more touristy locations there is an abundance of 'helpful' people, but be careful who you go with and under no circumstance let anyone push or guide you anywhere that you do not want to go! If you get lost first thing to do is to call
someone from the
CC team. Many speak
some English, and most know their local area very well as well as the tourist spots. Also, when riding in a taxi, the driver may go quite fast and drive erratically. If at any time you feel unsafe simply tell the driver to stop and get out.
SHARM EL-SHEIKH
Spooling along Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, it runs from Nabq Bay in the north right down to Maya Bay in the south. Sharm El Sheikh is a watersports Mecca. You name it, this place has it. Scuba diving is the biggest business, but you can also try your hand at waterskiing, kite surfing and windsurfing. You don’t have to miss out on Egypt’s underwater world if you’re not a confident swimmer, either – glassbottomed boat trips leave from Sharm El Sheikh all the time. You’ve got plenty to keep you entertained out of the water, too. Along the way it takes in Na’ama Bay, where the first hotel popped up back in the Eighties. And that pretty much covers everything – designer malls, electrifying nightlife and a whole lot of the Red Sea. At Ras Umm Sid you’ve got Aqua Park City, while over at the Soho Square centre in Shark’s Bay there’s a top line-up of activities like ice-skating and bowling. And for desert safaris and camel rides, you’ve got the Sinai Mountain. Other places to visit are: Tiran Island, Shark’s Bay, Coptic Church, Musicial Fountain at Soho Square, Dolphina Park, Terrazzina Beach, Na’ama Bay, The Heavenly Cathedral, Al Musterfa Mosque, Ice Rink, Sharm Papyrus Museum, Culturama Egyptian History Cinema
Do’s:
Don’ts:
1) Drink a lot of water, Egypt’s weather is very dry and it’s very easy to get dehydrated
1) Don’t assume you can pay with your credit card always ask first
2) Carry some change when heading to remote locations 3) For sightseeing, make sure you have a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, light cotton or linen clothes, and don’t forget comfortable shoes 4) While visiting religious locations dress modestly and take off your shoes before entering a mosque 5) Respect the local customs: these include dress codes 6) Always carry some kind of I D 7 ) Make sure your routine vaccination cover is complete
2) Don’t take pictures where you’re not allowed to 3) Don’t feel obliged to tip anyone for anything
4) Avoid leaving your hotel without telling anyone where you’re heading 5) Don’t leave your hotel or accommodation without a guide or a map close at hand, unless you know where you’re heading 6) Don’t come to Egypt without insurance. Medical treatments can cost thousands if you’re not insured. 7) Don’t expect Egyptians to understand your language. Instead, learn some useful phrases. Locals will appreciate it.
Important notes to consider upon your arrival. Please make sure to inform the CC about all your flight details ASAP including Arrival date & time, Departure date & time, terminal. In case you have missed your flight please send us an email to arrivalsic2013@gmail.com
If you arrive in Cairo: 1. Look for CC members after customs with AIESEC t-shirts. Wait until a CC member shows up, if not go to the info desk and ask for the AIESEC Booth 2. The meeting point for all delegates will be in the Air Mall Lounge (Food, Drinks & Free Wifi) at Terminal 1 in front of Hall 3 3. CC will collecting your passports as soon as you arrive in Cairo Airport if your stay is more than 2 hours and will give them back to you before you depart to Sharm El-Shiekh 4. All delegates should be heading towards their terminals from the meeting point at least 2 hours before your flight to Sharm El Shiekh (at either Terminal 3 or 4) 5. Delegates are responsible for your own luggage Cairo Airport Contacts: +201010628 or +201227374109 (Whatsapp: +201141108366) Delegate Servicing EMERGENCY Hotline: +201023172378
Important notes to consider upon your arrival. Please make sure to inform the CC about all your flight details ASAP including Arrival date & time, Departure date & time, terminal. In case you have missed your flight please send us an email to arrivalsic2013@gmail.com If you arrive in Sharm El-Shiekh: 1. International flights will arrive in Terminal 1 /2 while domestic flights will arrive at Terminal 1 2. Look for CC members after customs with AIESEC t-shirts and signs 3. For Terminal 1, wait until a CC member shows up,, if not head to the cafĂŠ where the AIESEC Booth will be. For Terminal 2, as you walk out you will see the AIESEC Booth. 4. The CC will be arranging your transportation to the pre-stay hotels and IC venue Sharm El-Shiekh Airport Contacts: +201010628294 (Whatsapp: +12063907563 Delegate Servicing EMERGENCY Hotline: +201023172378
In order to ensure a fast and easy Check-In process for all please be sure that you have all the following documents clearly formed and available to be submitted at the venue. (Note: they must be submitted by the Chief Delegate or the MCP only) 1. 2. 3.
AI Fees IC Fees Acknowledgment Letter for each delegate of the country delegation, filled and signed with the correct information 4. Post Stay & Post Study Tour fees (if registered) 1. For Pre-Stay & Pre-Study Tour, the will be submitted at the Pre-Stay Hotel where a booth will be
any missing or unsigned documents or missing fees will lead to the delay of the whole delegation being checked-in. For
PROCESS
Registration office will be available starting from: 13th August at 3 pm until 8 pm and 14th & 15th August from 8 am to 2 pm 7 from 3 pm to 8 pm For Chief delegates & MCPs, you can approach us during those timing to submit your Registration Fees & Documents at the IC venue. Day 0: Registration will be available from : 7 am till 10 am, 12 pm till 2 pm & 4 pm till 7 pm. Upon arrival at Day 0: 1. The whole country delegation can drop their luggage at the area available for “Luggage waiting Area” in front of the sign of each country. 2. Each delegate will take luggage tags to tag his/her own luggage by Name and Country. 3. The chief delegate will head directly to the “Registration/Check in Area” and other delegation members will head directly to “Egypt Hall” where the plenary will take place. 4. At 3:30 pm the Chief delegate can head back to the Check to receive your Country Check-In package (keys, wristbands). Country delegation await their Chief Delegates at the Soho Square in front of their country booths. 5. Delegates can head to their rooms to rest and prepare for Global Village until 5 pm (Global Village will take place from 5pm till 10pm at Soho square) Delegation checking in before 3pm will have their luggage dropped to their own rooms by the Hotel.
Date: August 24th Venue: Egypt Hall Theme: Luxurious Egypt Dress Code: Black Tie/Formal in Black and Gold (White) The Gala Night is the last official event of the International Congress 2013; it is a night of celebration and recognition for the AIESEC entities. It is a formal event to signify the ending of the 10 day journey and shed light on the last 65 years of AIESECs existence. So delegates of IC 2013 who will be the winner of the coveted awards? We will see you at the Gala Night to find out, be sure to show up ready for an evening filled with celebration
LIST
• Hats and other covering: Large brimmed hats that provide not only a head covering but also a certain amount of shade will come in very handy in the hot Egyptian sun. In addition, scarves or other apparel should be taken along to cover shoulders and arms, not only important for visiting religious sites, but also to keep the sun off during treks. In very hot weather, a cloth hat or scarf that can be soaked will also help keep your head • cool. • Squeeze Breeze: This is a water bottle with a sprayer and a battery-operated fan attached. • Sun block: At least SPF 30! • Sunglasses • Medications: Any medicine you may require (simple things such as pain killers etc can be bought here).Caution: For Asthma patients please be sure that you have sufficient amount of your medications and be sure that your inhaler is always with you. • Plug without Conversion. • Comfortable walking shoes. • Flip-flops/sandals. • Formal Attire for Gala dinner (Black & Gold (white) • Your personal laptop & mobile phone with their chargers and adaptors. • Food, drinks and cultural items from your country for the Global Village. • Bathing suit/swimming trunks. • Corporate clothes
English Phrases
Arabic Phrases
Hi!
Salam!
Good morning!
Sabah el kheer
Good evening!
Masaa el kheer
Welcome!
Marhaban
How are you?
Ezayak/ Ezayek ( female)
I'm fine, thanks!
Ana Kowayes, shokran!
And you?
Wenta? / Wenti? (female)
Good/ So-So.
tamam/ 'aadee
Thank you (very much)!
Shokran (gedan)!
I missed you so much!
Wahashteny awi / Wahashteeny (female)
What's new?
Maljadeed?
Good night!
Tosbeho/ tosbeheena (female) ‘ala khair/
See you later!
Araka/ Araki (female) fi ma ba'd
Good bye!
Ma’a salama
Contacts And Links
ic2013egypt.org
@
Delegates inquiries:
delegates@ic2013egypt.org
Visa inquiries:
visa@ic2013egypt.org
Finance inquiries:
finance@ic2013egypt.org
Payment confirmations & receipts inquiries:
payments@ic2013egypt.org