• A library that can hold millions of books;
• A center for the Internet and its archive;
• Six specialized libraries for (i) art and audio-visual materials, (ii), the visually impaired, (iii) children, (iv) the young, (v) microforms, and (vi) rare books and special collections;
• Three Museums for (i) antiquities, (ii) manuscripts, and (iii) the history of science;
• A planetarium;
• An ALEXploratorium for children's exposure to science;
• Three permanent exhibitions;
• Six art galleries for temporary exhibitions;
• A conference center for thousands of persons;
• Seven research institutes covering (i) manuscripts, (ii) documentation of heritage, (iii) calligraphy and writing, (iv) information sciences, (v) Mediterranean and Alexandrian Studies, (vi) arts, and (vii) scientific research; and
• A discussion forum

• Book and Confirm Flights - Remember flights are continuously delayed and rescheduled, so it's important to secure your travel arrangements ahead of time to avoid any unnecessary surprises.
• Reserve Accommodations - If you are landing in one city (i.e. Cairo ) and traveling to another (i.e. Alexandria ), don't forget to book all accommodations in all cities before you arrive to ease your domestic exploration.
• Packing Bags - Don't forget to check the differences in climate and day-to-day weather within the major cities of Egypt. Alexandria weather differs from Cairo which differs from Luxor. Additionally, keep in mind the differences between cultures, your best bet is to wear loose fitting linen (minimum short sleeves and below the knee). Also, check to make sure that all your electrical equipment is adaptable to 220 volts and two prong rounded plugs.
• Check Paperwork - Make sure your passport is valid with a tourist visa to Egypt. Most countries are allowed visa purchase upon arrival, while some countries are required to hold their visas prior to arrival. Also, it might be handy to exchange some money before arriving to Egypt in order to tip baggage boys for their assistance. In any case, currency exchanges are available in all the Egyptian airports.
• Health Check - There are no required vaccinations to enter Egypt except for visitors traveling from Yellow Fever or Cholera infected regions. Those travelers are required to present a certificate of vaccination upon arrival. As far as recommended vaccinations, the World Health Organization recommends all routine immunizations be completed, as well as immunizations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio (only needed once within a lifetime), and Hepatitis B (for travelers staying over 6 months).

• Baksheesh (tips) - Most travelers are quite familiar with the concept of tipping. In Egypt, you may tip people in the community 1-2 EGP for their services rendered (assisting you with your bags, parking your car, etc.). Make sure, however, that you do not tip professionals or businessman who may find this offensive.
• Dress - As mentioned previously, Egypt is a conservative society, therefore modest dress is recommended. This means that a minimum of loose fitting, short sleeves, and pants below the knee should be worn to display the highest respect to their culture.
• Driving - If you are planning on renting a car, or merely riding in a form of public transportation, do not be afraid. Whereas it may seem that you are driving in a giant video game, rest assured that there is a system to be followed. If you are driving on your own, our suggestion is to follow along the other cars at first until you get the hang of things. Please remember, directions are hard to follow in Egypt, it may be easier to take a taxi to place you are unfamiliar with.
• Women - As in most Middle Eastern countries, women are given special privileges such as individual lines, metro cars, and other facilities.

• There are public pay phones within the receiving halls of all the international airports, but they may only be used with the purchase of a prepaid card (may be purchased in some of the duty free shops).
• GSM mobiles may be used in Egypt if you have a roaming service. The two mobile networks in Egypt are Vodaphone and MobilNil.
• If you are landing in Cairo International Airport , Burg el Arab International Airport ( Alexandria ) or El Nozha International Airport ( Alexandria ), the three airports are quite a distance from downtown Cairo and Alexandria , respectively. So expect about a half hour to an hour of local traveling before you reach your accommodations within the downtown areas.
• Most employees in or around the airports speak a bit of English as well as many other languages, so don't be afraid to communicate and ask for assistance when needed. You will find that Egyptians are very helpful people.
• Make sure you exchange enough of your currency inside the airport before you leave (approximately 6 EGP=1 USD) in order to secure any possible situations that may arise. There are few facilities in Egypt that take credit cards (this is of course with exception to all major hotels and tourist attractions).

• There are regular Super Jet buses that leave directly from the airport to Alexandria (Sidi Gaber Station) and cost around 35 EGP. You may call ahead to determine if there are any changes in the bus schedule as that may be the case at any time (+202 579 8181). There is also the West Delta company that departs from the airport every hour and costs around 20 EGP.
• Trains to Alexandria leave almost hourly. They are the most comfortable means of travel from Cairo to Alexandria . The only downfall is that you will need to take a taxi from the airport to the Ramses Train Station (Mahattit Ramses) which will cost you around 30 EGP, but make sure you negotiate the price before you leave the airport. Train schedules are below, but you may also call ahead to reserve (recommended), +202 575 3555 or go online to www.ata-tours.net/reservations_train.htm.
  
  
  • Turbo - Superfast TURBOTRAIN, comfortable air-conditioned 1st & 2nd class with refreshments. Recommended train.
  • Exp - Air-conditioned express, comfortable air-conditioned 1st & 2nd class with refreshments. Recommended train.
  • Ord - Ordinary train, with very basic 2nd & 3rd class. Trains marked 'Ord+' also have air-conditioned 2nd class.
  
  
• You may choose to rent a car from the Cairo International Airport and drive to Alexandria. This is not recommended unless you are familiar with the roadways and driving in Egypt.

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