Accommodation
The BA has obtained special rates for the conference, B&B, as follows:
The deadline for booking the hotel through BA is 10 June 2010. After this date, Hotel reservation will be your own resposibilty.
| Hotel | Egyptians (SGL) | Egyptians (DBL) | Foreigners (SGL) | Foreigners (DBL) | Notes |
| 1 | San Giovanni
(3 stars) | $ 95.00 | $ 115.00 | $ 95.00 | $ 115.00 | Closed for the Conference Rate |
| 2 | Delta
(3 stars) | L.E. 205.00 | L.E. 280.00 | $ 70.00 | $ 95.00 | B&B basis |
| 3 | Cecil
(4 Stars) | L.E. 650.00 (Sea View) | L.E. 800.00 (Sea View) | L.E. 650.00 (Sea View) | L.E. 800.00 (Sea View) | Closed for the Conference Rate |
| 4 | Sheraton
(5stars) | L.E. 850.00 | L.E. 900.00 | L.E. 850.00 | L.E. 900.00 | Closed for the Conference Rate |
| 5 | Maritime Jolie Ville (5 stars) | $ 85.00 | $ 95.00 | $ 85.00 | $ 95.00 | Closed for the Conference Rate |
| 6 | Mediterranean Azur | $ 60.00 | $ 70.00 | $ 60.00 | $ 70.00 | Closed for the Conference Rate |
| 7 | Windsor Palace and Metropole | Sea View L.E. 450.00 Deluxe L.E. 379.00
| Sea View L.E. 520.00 Deluxe L.E. 455.00
| Sea View $ 95.00 Deluxe $ 79.00
| Sea View $ 115.00 Deluxe $ 99.00
| Closed for the Conference Rate |
| 8 | Mercure | Standard Room
380.00 L.E.
Renovated Suite
550.00 L.E.
| Standard Room
430.00 L.E.
Renovated Suite
650.00 L.E.
| Standard Room
380.00 L.E.
Renovated Suite
550.00 L.E.
| Standard Room
430.00 L.E.
Renovated Suite
650.00 L.E.
| Closed for the Conference Rate |
9 | Lagoon | 300.00 L.E. | 350.00 L.E. | 300.00 L.E. | 350.00 L.E. | Closed for the Conference Rate |
To get the above rates, please contact Dr. Omar Fikry (omar.fikry@bibalex.org) and give him:
• Your name.
• Check in/out dates.
• Type of room (Single or double).
• The most important thing is the Credit Card details with expiry date to guarantee the reservation in case of NO SHOW.
For more information about hotel locations and distances to the Library of Alexandria, please visit this link:
http://www.bibalex.org/IPS2010/Home/StaticPage.aspx?page=8&lang=en
Airports
The airline you choose to travel to Egypt will determine your landing in one of the following airports:
1. Cairo International Airport (http://www.cairo-airport.com)
2. Alexandria International Airport
3. Borg El Arab (Alexandria) International Airport
Visas
Most visitors are not required to have a visa prior to coming to Egypt, as it can be obtained at the point-of-entry. However, it is recommended that you contact the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Citizens of the following countries are required to possess a pre-arrival visa: Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Chechnya, Croatia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, Lebanon, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, The Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sri-Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and all African countries.
A visa would approximately cost $15 - $90 depending on the nationality.
Transportation
A- Local Transportation
1) Limousine Services: Limousine services are offered by different companies for fixed fees. Desks can be found upon arrival at the airport and at hotel lobbies. To reserve in advance, call Misr Limousine at +(202) 2599381. Limousines from Cairo to Alexandria usually cost between EGP 350 and EGP 500.
2) Public Buses: Public buses cover the major cities and are much cheaper, but are usually crowded. However, there are similar air-conditioned buses that charge EGP 2 per trip and prohibit standing on the bus. They are located in the main squares in Cairo and Alexandria.
3) Public Taxis: Public taxis are found all over the cities of Cairo and Alexandria. Cairo taxis are notable with their black and white color, while taxis in Alexandria are famous for their orange-yellow and black color. When taking a taxi, you should agree on the fee before your ride.
4) Call Taxis: Call Taxi Service is also available in Alexandria and Cairo. Services are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. A maximum of 3 passengers is allowed for each ride. Payments are paid in cash only and the fare depends on the distance travelled. It is preferable to call the company at least 30 minutes in advance.
In Alexandria, the company is called "Fast Call" and the numbers are:
- 19559
- +(203) 4291397
- +(203) 4210111
- Toll Free: 08009999999
In Cairo, the company is called "Cairo Cab" and the numbers are:
- 19730
- +(202) 25260086
- +(202) 25260086
- +(202) 124779663
- +(202) 104343438
5) Metro (Cairo) and Tram (Alexandria): The cheapest and fastest means of transportation in Cairo is the “Metro system”; Metro station locations are marked by a big red “M” sign. The Metro runs daily from 5:30 am to 12:30 am. Tickets cost less than one Egyptian pound, depending on your destination, and the front car of every train is for women only. In Alexandria, the cheapest (but not the fastest) means of transportation is the Tram, where the tickets also cost less than one Egyptian pound; Trams also have specific cars restricted to women only.
6) Car Rent: If you prefer driving your own car and have a valid international license, you can rent a car from car rental services found in all major hotels in the city. To rent a car, you must be over 25 years of age, have a passport, have a credit card, and must pay part of the charge in advance. This is not recommended unless you are familiar with the roadways and directions.
B- Transportation between cities
The distance from Cairo to Alexandria is approximately 220 km northwest. The Cairo International Airport is located about 22 km from downtown Cairo. There are two terminals about 3 km apart from each other.
1) Trains: Each major city has a central train station. In Cairo, it is located in Ramses Square, and in Alexandria, it is in Sidi Gaber. Trains to and from Alexandria leave almost hourly. They are the most comfortable means of travel between Cairo to Alexandria. Train schedules are shown below, but it is recommend that you call ahead to reserve. The number is +(202) 5753555.
For more information about the Egyptian Railway, please visit:
http://www.egyptrail.gov.eg/docs/index.html.
For online reservations, please go to:
http://www.egyptlegend.com/trainreservation.htm.
From Cairo to Alexandria
Departure | Train No. | Train Type | Duration |
8:00 | 905 | Tourbine | 2 hours |
8:15 | 901 | French | 3 hrs |
9:00 | 909 | Spanish | 2 hrs |
9:30 | 907 | French | 3 hrs |
11:00 | 911 | French | 3 hrs |
12:00 | 913 | Spanish | 2:15 hrs |
14:00 | 917 | Tourbine | 2 hrs |
16:00 | 923 | French | 3 hrs |
17:00 | 925 | Spanish | 2:15 hrs |
18:00 | 921 | Spanish | 2:15 hrs |
19:00 | 927 | Tourbine | 2 hrs |
20:00 | 931 | French | 3 hrs |
22:30 | 934 | Spanish | 2:15 hrs |
From Alexandria to Cairo
Departure | Train No | Train Type | Duration |
7:00 | 906 | Spanish | 2 hrs |
8:00 | 904 | Tourbine | 2 hrs |
14:00 | 916 | Tourbine | 2:15 hrs |
15:00 | 918 | Spanish | 2 hrs |
18:00 | 986 | Spanish | 2 hrs |
19:00 | 927 | Tourbine | 2 hrs |
2) Buses: To travel between major cities, you can choose from several bus companies, such as West Delta, Super Jet and The Federal Arab Land Transport Company are the companies most popular. Tickets cost ranges between EGP 25 and EGP 35 and you may call ahead at +(202) 5798181 to determine if there are any changes in the bus schedule.
3) Air Travel: If you do not mind paying extra and do not want to waste your time, domestic air travel is also available between most major cities.
Weather
Alexandria has a Mediterranean climate; in the summer, 21 June to 21 September, it is hot and humid with a monthly average high temperature of 31°C (87°F).
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 hertz. Wall sockets are round, two-pin European type however the socket holes are often too narrow for European plugs. Bring adapter plugs and transformers, if necessary.
Tips (Baksheesh)
Most travelers are quite familiar with the concept of tipping. In Egypt, you may tip people in the community with EGP 3-5 for their services rendered (assisting you with your bags, parking your car, etc). Make sure, however, that you do not tip professionals or businessmen who may consider this offensive.
Mobile Phone Services
GSM mobiles may be used in Egypt if you have a roaming service set to your mobile prior to travel from your home country. The 3 mobile networks in Egypt are:
1. Etisalat
2. Mobinil
3. Vodafone
Egyptian Currency
The Egyptian pound or gineih, is the currency of Egypt. The ISO 4217 code is EGP. Locally, the abbreviation is LE or L.E., which stands for livre égyptienne (French for Egyptian pound) is frequently used. E£ and £E are also much less-frequently used. Locally in Arabic, the Egyptian Arabic name, gineih, is used as an abbreviation for el-Gineih el-Maṣrī.
On 1st of January, one US dollar is approximately 5.5 EGP and you can use this link for money conversion http://coinmill.com/