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Fast Facts

Business Hours Weekends start on Friday; Sunday is not considered part of the weekend -- but it is considered the traditional day off, and some businesses are closed on Sunday. Most stores and currency exchanges are open 7 days a week, however. The following are general open hours; specific establishments may vary. Businesses: Sunday to Thursday 9am to 4pm. Banks are open 9am to 2pm Sunday to Thursday. Most banks and other outlets offer 24-hour access to automated teller machines (ATMs). Stores/Shops: Monday to Thursday 9am to 10pm and some Friday mornings.

Electricity Cairo uses 110 volts AC (60 cycles). North Americans will need to bring a converter and plug adaptor.

Emergencies Call tel. 122 for emergencies.

How to Make International Calls Regular phone boxes really only serve for local calls, which cost 10pt. Phonecard booths (Menatel, Ringo or Egypt Telecom) are increasingly common; shops that sell the cards usually display the companies' signs. The main company, Menatel www.menatel.com.eg), charges £E4.20 and £E1.30 for calls to North America, £E4.80 and £E1.50 to the British Isles and Europe, and £E6.20 and £E2 to Australia and New Zealand.

Or you can go to a telephone office where calls are booked and paid for in advance; the calls can be directed to an outside number such as a hotel, or you can take them onsite in a booth. A call to the British Isles, Canada or Europe costs £E4.37 a minute during peak hours (8am-8pm local time); to the USA it's less at £E3.75, to Australia or New Zealand more at £E5.62.

If you have a phone charge card from your phone company back home, you may be able to use it from any international public telephone, and the call will be charged to your account. The benefit of calling cards is mainly one of convenience. Check that the issuing company's charge card works from Egypt.

Or course, direct international lines are available at all major hotels, but ask about the rates before you dial: Calling direct from your hotel can be incredibly expensive.