DESTINATIONS emergencies-20

TRAVEL TIPS

Emergencies

Violence against foreign tourists is very rare in Egypt; pick-pocketing and theft can sometimes be a problem in busy markets and at popular tourist sights. Tourist police patrol all main tourist areas and have brown uniforms with Tourist Police on their armbands. They are helpful, but not all the street officers speak English well.

If you are a victim of theft, you'll need to report it to the regular police and get a case number in order to make a claim on your insurance policy. This can be a time-consuming exercise (two or three hours).

If you are ever threatened on the street or in a public place, do not hesitate to scream for help or make a scene—it will not go unheard, and you'll find more than one person coming to your defense. Whatever the emergency, expect Egyptians to go out of their way to help.

Medical personal generally speak some English, and almost all doctors are English speakers. Medical facilities are not as good as at home, particularly throughout the Western Desert oases. Pharmacists are well qualified and able to give advice on common low-risk ailments; they can also prescribe many medications (including antibiotics and even Viagra) that are available only by prescription in the United States. Each town or district has at least one late-night pharmacy but these open in rotation—so ask your hotel concierge to find out which one is open when you need it. Pharmacies normally stay open until 10 pm. In major cities you'll also find 24-hour pharmacies; ask at your hotel's registration desk if you need to find a nearby pharmcy.

If you are the victim of a serious crime or accident, contact the U.S. Embassy in Cairo for assistance.

Emergencies

Ambulance. 123.

Fire Brigade. 125.

Police. 122.

Tourist Police. 126.

U.S. Embassy

United States Embassy. 8 Shar'a Kamel El Din Salah, Garden City, Cairo, Cairo. 02/2797–3300.

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