FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Email Melody with your questions; we will keep posting the answers!

Egypt and its characteristics

QUESTION:

What is the climate like?

ANSWER:

For the last few days the temperature in Cairo has been between 71 and 74!!!!

March is usually sunny and the temperature ranges between 65 and 78 F in Cairo (occasionally, it can rise even higher); and sunny with possible occasional rain and temperatures between 60 and 70 F in Alexandria.  In Upper Egypt, it is hot and dry in the middle of the day, but cools down considerably at night. 

QUESTION:

Will I be able to use my electrical equipment?

ANSWER:

Only if you bring converters. The voltage is 220V and the outlets are shaped like the European outlets. You would need both a transformer for voltage (or dual voltage equipment) and a plug adapter.

QUESTION:

What are the business hours in Egypt?

ANSWER:

It varies. In Egypt, lunch is the main meal of the day; it is a little later than it is in the U.S. (anywhere between 1 and 3 p.m.). It is therefore customary to break at lunch and for people to go home for that meal. Government offices are usually open 8 a.m. to 2p.m  six days a week.  Private businesses usually have morning and afternoon hours that vary greatly. 

QUESTION:

What is the local currency in Egypt and what is the exchange rate?

ANSWER:

In the last few days the Egyptian pound has dropped.  Today one US dollar buys almost 6 Egyptian pounds!  This is changing daily.  Predictions are that the pound will keep dropping.

The Egyptian pound is the local currency. The exchange rate ranges between 4.50 and 5.00 Egyptian pounds to the U.S. dollar.

QUESTION:

What time zone is Egypt in?

ANSWER:

Egypt is seven hours ahead of the Eastern Standard time in the U.S.

QUESTION:

What is the available medical care?

ANSWER:

There are excellent fully equipped hospitals both in Cairo and Alexandria

QUESTION:

Do I need to get any special vaccines?

ANSWER:

No special vaccines are required for Egypt. However, you should be up to date with your all your immunizations, including tetanus and hepatitis.

QUESTION:

What kind of clothing should I pack?

ANSWER:

Generally, spring clothing.  Light winter clothing for Alexandria, and t-shirts and cottons for Upper Egypt.  A warm jacket might be good to have for the evenings.

QUESTION:

What am I allowed to (prohibited from) bringing into the country?

ANSWER:

No perishable foods.

If you bring video camera or equipment, declare it upon entry. 

travel and accommodation

QUESTION:

What are the special deals available for children?

ANSWER:

Please contact the Star of Egypt agent directly.

QUESTION:

If I want to sign up for the Pre-conference option and I am flying Egyptair, what should I do?

ANSWER:

Since Egyptair does not fly out of NY on the March 17, 2003 (to arrive in Cairo on the 18th) you would have to take Egyptair leaving NY on the 16 and arriving in Cairo on the 17th.  To accommodate people who choose to do so, we have requested our travel agent-- Star of Egypt-- to provide us with rates for that extra night in Cairo at the Hilton and the Shepheard.  We have posted these rates on the sidebar:

OPTIONS TO ACCOMMODATE TRAVEL OPTIONS

QUESTION:

What if I cannot leave on March 16 and do not want to spend an extra night in Cairo?

ANSWER:   

In this case, you would take Luftansa, leaving on the 17th and arriving on the 18th. This is why we have 2 airlines--so that if one airline schedule cannot accommodate certain schedules, the other will.

QUESTION:

What flight home must I take if I participate in the Post Conference Nile Cruise?

ANSWER:

The possible flights are listed under the sidebars:

OPTIONS TO ACCOMMODATE TRAVEL OPTIONS

and TRAVEL INFORMATION

QUESTION:

How do I get from Alexandria to the Cairo Airport if I want to leave immediately after the conference?

ANSWER:

Star of Egypt will provide transportation directly from the hotels to the airports.  Please check this information posted on the sidebar:  Pre and post conference options

Scroll to the bottom, under the heading: "Tour Code--Transfer."

QUESTION:

What if my departure from Cairo is a day or two after the conference ends?

ANSWER: We recommend you contact Star of Egypt for possible hotel options either in Alexandria or Cairo and/ or for transportation.

Some possibilities are posted on the sidebar:

OPTIONS TO ACCOMMODATE TRAVEL OPTIONS

payment

QUESTION:

How will the travel agent and the hotel agent know that the deposit was made to the ALA conveners?

ANSWER:

When we receive the deposit, we inform both agents, and they then can go ahead with the reservations. 

QUESTION:

I am confused about payment (if I am paying 400 dollars for both airfare and hotel, how much will the balance be that I have to pay separately to each of the two agents?

ANSWER:

While we are collecting the $400 to hold both your airline and hotel accommodation, the entire amount will be paid towards the airfare to facilitate the procedure. All balances may be paid by credit card.

meals/food

QUESTION:

What meals are provided for participants during the conference?

ANSWER:

Aside from breakfasts which are included with the hotel package, there will only be two meals organized by the conference: The Women's Caucus Lunch and the Banquet Dinner. At the conference, we will provide recommendations for restaurants.

QUESTION:

Will we be able to find refreshments or snacks during the day at the library?

ANSWER:

There are three different cafeterias at the library complex--one full restaurant and two self-service.

QUESTION:

Should I avoid any foods?

ANSWER:

While you could possibly eat everything and be just fine, it is also possible that you may not have the enzymes to handle some of the "good" bacteria that your system is not used to.  It is therefore best to drink only bottled water and to avoid ALL UNCOOKED VEGETABLES (including the chopped parsley on your shish kebab!) AS WELL AS ALL FRUIT THAT IS NOT PEELED.

in case the conference is cancelled.......

QUESTION:

How fast will reimbursement be made if Alexandria is cancelled? 

ANSWER:

Refunds on deposits made to ALA for airfare and hotels will be made immediately and in full if the conference is moved to Dayton as stated on the webpage.

QUESTION:

Would there be enough hotel rooms in Dayton?

ANSWER:

Yes.  We actually have reservations at the Marriott.

QUESTION:

What if there are repercussions of the political situation in other countries in the Middle East (not Egypt)?  What measures will be taken?

ANSWER:

If we were going to France, would we need assurances in case of trouble in Bosnia?  If we were going to Senegal, would we need assurances about what is happening in Ghana?  Would that we could ensure safety and peace everywhere!  In reality, if it is "business as usual" in Egypt, there would be no need for any special "measures." 

conference activities

QUESTION:

When will the program be announced? At what time is the Banquet Dinner? The Women's Caucus Luncheon? The panels?

ANSWER:

the million dollar question.....................

QUESTION:

Are we planning on going to Alexandria if the war breaks out?

ANSWER:

Yes!  Unless there is any danger perceived that our participants would be exposed to in Egypt.  Please read the Statement.