Sharm El Sheikh

Population:

35,000

Money:

Egyptian pounds. The exchange rate is approximately E£10 to £1. Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh can change sterling and US dollars and cash machines have small charges for withdrawal. It is useful to have small change E£1-E£2 coins on you at all times - both to tip staff as required, and because paying with exact money can avoid hassle.

Language:

Arabic is the official language of Egypt, but you'll find most people working in the tourist areas such as Sharm el Sheikh speak English, as well as some French and German.

Dialling codes:

The dialling code for Egypt is +20 followed by 69 for Sharm el Sheikh. Emergency Police Response 122.

Entry:

UK citizens do not need a visa to enter at Sharm el Sheikh Airport, although you may be pressured to buy one. Travellers heading to Cairo or Luxor do need a visa though. Single use 30-day visas can be bought on arrival but multi-use visas must be purchased at the Egyptian Consulate prior to travel.

Current Foreign Office Advice for Egypt