Egypt Hints and Quirks

PC Back Backup System - Works - a Delight to use - Free- CrashPlan

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:14:00 +0000

This has nothing to do with Egypt but being a old geek, do pass on worthwhile hints. I have set this up for my personal computer and clients. It is the remote feature that is most attractive. Connect a External Drive, backup folder files (initial backup fast this way), move to another computer, or friends, in remote location, and let it update automatically over the net. ALL FREE and easy with a bit of study.

If you want to pay a bit, you can also backup to the cloud with Crashplan + or Crashplan Pro.

Quick Read here from my Geek Friends

CrashPlan Website

Cairo Egypt - Air Travel - Hints for Arrival/ Departures

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 02:17:00 +0000

It's been some time since I posted. No excuse, just getting lazy -

Anyway, back to topic at hand. Cairo international airport can be bit confusing to unaware. So to avoid last minute panic be sure you know what Terminal and Hall your to be at.

The panic attack happened to me. Daughter was arriving on BA and I knew it was Terminal 1, and assumed Hall 3. This is the only Hall I have ever met someone flying in.. So, waiting with excitement, looking at bag tags to see if BA passengers where amongst crowd, got a phone call. "Dad where are you? I am waiting outside by door,So am I. Dad I am standing by ramp. Where Terminal 1? So am I." Now panic set in - her phone went dead. I am literally running around. No where to be found. Then thought OK They maybe deplaned at Hall 2? Bit of Hike but no one at all there. Now, everyone knows you depart from Hall 1, but never had I ever heard of flight deplane from Hall 1, did not know they even had an arrival area. But after running around finally got to Hall 1. Still no joy then happened to look down at very far end - quite a distance, and saw people crossing road with bags. Yup - she was there. Cool as cucumber - while my heart was doing million beats per minute. I just sat down, had fag, as needed to recoup for a bit.

So, moral of story, before going to airport for any reason, check just before leaving the Cairo Airport Arrivals / Departure Website at links below

BTW - at duty free you are only allowed one bottle of booze these days - used to be four. And must collect at airport or duty free shop within 24 hours. Rumor is the allowance will go back to four after Coptic Christmas (Jan 7th). Well, Cairo is so full of Rumors you can believe what you want for any reason you can dream up

UPDATE ON DUTY FREE - day after Xmas you can get 4 bottles booze, or case beer and 3 bottles, or mix and match as you like. If traveling in remember you have to make your purchase within 24 hours.

Happy Travels

ARRIVALS DEPARTURES

Egypt no longer issue toursit visa upon arrival - confusion abounds. Extending tourist visa getting tough

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 01:06:00 +0000

As of Sept 8th, 2011
The Egyptian, and foreign new services, have reported government notice that all foreigners (confusion as to what "all" means) will need to have a visa issued from Egyptian Embassy/Consulate before arrival. Except those as part of a charter group (more confusion). Albeit, one news service contacted various Egyptian Consulates in western countries and they were not aware of this decree (more confusion). One news service stated some airlines(no names -more confusion) are already refusing boarding to Egypt without valid visa.

Extending tourist Visas getting tougher - post form July 10, 2011

I receive questions about recent changes in tourist visa extensions. I have renewable 3 year non working allowed visa, so was not up to speed with tourist visa situation. Following is information received from others. Note, situations change like the wind,even though we don't get any real wind here.

PS - These days with continuing demonstrations at Tahrir Square, one should consider going to Airport for Visa Issues, or Inquiries, and maybe avoid downtown. Or go downtown to Mogamma and think of Tahrir as tourist trip.

Jul 10th

Posted by long term resident of Egypt (20 years) on
> > her FB:
> >
> > tourist Visa extensions refused in Egypt
> > Some very bad news for me and for Egyptian tourism. The Passport and
> > Immigration office, Mogamma, Cairo have been given instructions NOT to issue
> > extension visas to any foreigners from now on. All foreigners without a
> > valid visa will have to leave Egypt after the grace period of two weeks. I
> > am fortunate to have my Visa until November, but after that I may have to
> > leave my beloved Egypt. This is very sad for me, and also bad news for all
> > the Egyptians who rely on tourism income. I know it is difficult enough for
> > everyone with tours being cancelled because of the revolution and the world
> > economic situation, but this action on Visas will add to the damage.

July 10th
Q - Is the fine of 150 EGP a flat fee, regardless of how long you have over stayed?
A - Yes, it's a flat fee. I was over by several months once and it was still 150LE.

July 13th

Dear all...(name withheld for privacy)

(Apologies for the long response)

The issue discussed in this thread is only related to visa-extensions, not to the tourist visas that are still being handed out at the airport (they haven't changed!).

I had a prominent Egyptian political figure check in to the situation for me, and he made some phone calls and also spoke to the agent who has been handling my visa extensions thus far. The information we've gathered is as follows:

The official message from the government that was given to us is that due to the complete lack of security and govt administrative power, the govt currently does not have sufficient capability to continue to hand out six-month or one year extensions. As it stands currently, they will only give out three-month extensions to foreigners who are currently here on a visa. We were also told that if you are currently holding a valid visa (whether it's an original or an extension) you will be able to leave and return to Egypt without any problems. Finally, they said that the situation may improve over the next few months. The agent confirmed that there was no official policy recently administered that would halt all visa extensions.

Based on the conversation they had, I was given the impression that somehow only extending by three months as a rule simplifies things for the Egyptian govt, especially right now in a time where state security is possibly smaller than it's ever been and the political situation, in reality, is still quite fragile.

Also keep in mind that while there are visa extension laws in place in Egypt, historically it's always been arbitrary, depending on a variety of factors (weather, the mood at the mogamma, the political situation, the price of Egyptian tomatoes, the clothes you're wearing, the passport you hold).

In all respects, I can agree with what Nigel said earlier about expats living "illegally" in Egypt and what Edward says about Egypt not being "our" country despite all we give to it and our appreciation of it. But neither of these conversations realistically account for all factors in this discussion. Of course Egypt can decide on a whim to kick out all foreigners, stop extensions, cancel all tourist visas, etc, whenever it likes and for whatever reason it likes; it is a sovereign state after all, and I'm sure most of us involved in this conversation can agree on that point.

However, Egypt has set a precedent, allowing foreigners to live here on tourist visas. Very few other countries offer 3-year tourist visas (Egypt used to). One could make a case that this means systematically, even without a single law on the books, Egypt promotes a black market of "wealthy" foreigners taking up temporary residence. If this were truly an issue of cracking down on illegal factory and domestic workers, Egypt could simply stop issuing tourist visas on arrival to the residents of countries affected.

Furthermore, Egypt has no process for foreigners to become official recognized expats (with a few exceptions - marriage or having been living here before 1932 or something insane like that, according to their website- and even then you won't get much stability). Many other countries have immigration policies, whereby you can legally petition residence, work permits, and more. In Egypt, holding even a residence for non-touristic purposes visa does not grant a foreigner any rights. In other countries, holding a residence for non-touristic purposes visa would grant you at least a few legal rights.

All that being said, it's completely unfair for people who have been living here under a system that was not simply tolerated but on most accounts promoted by the Egyptian government, to be told that they should "be realistic" and face no option but to leave. Egypt has a thousand shades of gray between every single decision made, and in a few weeks' time we may see six-month or one-year visas available once again. (It will probably help if you are wearing neat, clean clothes, or if you can hire an agent to navigate the process for you.)

My Properties for Sale - Cairo, Egypt, Maadi

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:34:00 +0000

See below and another at 21A Canal St, Skakanet, Maadi - also 4 bedroom duplex.

Click on photo to enlarge

Grrr.... Riped off by Vodafone

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 21:12:00 +0000

I say Vodafone but all these providers in Egypt and seems worldwide are thieves. Here's the story. Daughter to Scotland with Blackberry and roaming. When returned got the bill on internet and Gadzooks, GPRS bill for 1897 LE. So on to Vodafone Customer Help (or Customer Stonewalling, Customer Disinformation, or any expletives you care to use). Note, her phone was off for 7 of the 14 days she was there as she forgot charger.

Here is the song and dance I was given. BTW we have 100 LE per month postpaid plan.

While in UK she had 5 MB free GPRS and then the charges were 102 LE per MB thereafter. Vodafone person said this is the agreement between other countries.

I said damn phone was off half the time and daughter said she did not use any more than normal with BBM's.
Answer:
Vodafone says, says even with phone off, all the emails and BBM's are waiting on Blackberry server. I asked where is says any of this on website. She said we should have called customer service!!!

I found no explanation of such charges anywhere on their site. Only says BBM Egypt for 100 LE per month you have 200 MB usage. Person also said extra charge in EGYPT was 1 LE per MB

BEWARE - suggest if traveling, get the rates from your provider and get them in writing.

Ya I am P****ED

Hope this waring helps someone else to avoid being stolen from.

Old Photos of Egypt (Youtube)- interesting

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:39:00 +0000

I saw this on 7 days in Sun blog, and thought to post Youtube here directly. Thanks to Blogger

I noticed one great photo of old Cairo trams so crowded - same as buses these days so not much has change in some ways. I am a history buff, so enjoyed this project the author put together

Egypt's Recurring Diesel Shortage Problem

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Fri, 20 May 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Egypt ministries responsible for diesel supplies have not learned the 6 p's ("previous planning prevents piss poor performance")

Nov 2009 Egypt Sells Diesel to Bangladesh for period Jan to June 2010

Article March 2010 diesel shortage

And of course Diesel shortage again this year - article

Quote from article

"One expert from the petroleum industry, who preferred to remain anonymous, attributed a good part of the problem to what he called "the government's poor planning". He pointed out that Egypt has been repeatedly suffering diesel shortages for the past three years around this time of year. He explained that the government should examine diesel consumption on a monthly basis to provide the needed quantities beforehand. "Knowing that in summer consumption peaks, the government should have been prepared," he told Al-Ahram Weekly."

ooooooooooops - here is rumor (I could not substantiate googling) .I heard today - unfounded... Egypt is full of Rumors........ Saudi stopped regular exports of Diesel to Egypt because of way Egypt is treating Mubarak and family????? is it true Saudi is holding Egypt to ransom????????????

Winter Diesel was also a recurring yearly problem. I recall, when working in Egypt Oil and Gas Sector, each year a panic would set in when winter coming (yup called winter here even though a low of 0 C might be a record) to receive winterized Diesel.

Diesel fuel solidifies in winter weather. Diesel fuel contains paraffin's, similar to the wax candles are made from. When the paraffin cools it solidifies into a light yellow or white wax, plugging fuel filters and choking your fuel system.

Diesel engines are becoming more popular in Egypt, especially for large trucks, minibuses, and recently more cars and 4x4's. If you have diesel engine, and have problems, you can do some emergency treatments as below

A farmers type emergency solution is to add a gallon of gas per 15 gallons diesel, (1 liter per 15 liters) but beware this reduces the cetane rating, at a time when you most likely need it.

A better way is to add 10% - 20 % kerosene (in Egypt 5%-10% would likely do the job well)

Egypt Tightens Work Permit Requirements

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Thu, 12 May 2011 05:33:00 +0000

On May 12th. 2011, the "New Labour Minister El-Borai announced he will stop issuing work permits to foreigners amidst resentment of employers who take advantage of cheap foreign labour" Here is link to full article.

All expatriates I know fall into the "expert professional" category and should not be affected, however forewarned is forearmed.

Below is comment of advice from a colleague's experience

"I made a trip downtown today to the Mogamma to renew my residence visa.

Whilst there I was informed by senior officials that in future the immigration department will be tightening up and enforcing previously ignored or relaxed rules and regulations.

I was advised that a clamp down on people working without proper paperwork is in process. Checks will be carried out and those found to be employed in Egypt, but living only on touristic visas, may encounter problems.
If you believe this may describe your current immigration status then I would recommend speaking with your employer or organization well in advance of any planned renewal procedures to avoid problems."

Imported Pork Products In Egypt - Finally!

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Tue, 10 May 2011 06:08:00 +0000

Pork products were fairly prevalent in Egypt before April 30th, 2009 when some 250,000 pigs were killed due to fears of a "swine flu" pandemic. At the time even UN WHO stated the actions taken to cull all the pigs was a mistake. Even calling the flu strain "Swine Flu", created by WHO proved to be a big error. However, history shows the pigs disappeared as well as any imports. Here is link to history.

Seems time heals, and some local pork products started to be available some months back, but at exorbitant prices. A new start up company GETCO STAR, of German Origin, has now been established in Maadi, Digla area. All products are imported, and I understand to obtain import licensing plus Health Ministry approvals was no easy feat.

I wish them all the good fortune and look forward to my crispy streak bacon with poached eggs on toast. Yummy !

Cairo Egypt Real Estate - Have a really nice flat for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Sun, 08 May 2011 17:53:00 +0000

Click on blog title - negotiable to a point.

7 Popular Myths about the Revolution

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Thu, 05 May 2011 05:52:00 +0000

Click on title - excellent read........... on the mark.

Damn Egypt for Cancelling Day Light Saving (DST)

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Tue, 03 May 2011 18:38:00 +0000

Well, the new Egyptian Government, wisely I think, cancelled Day Light Saving Time (hereafter referred to as DST). But did not inform the rest of world. So my bloody computer and Blackberry and all thinks it is DST in Egypt.

Guess what - I am sitting at computer since 3 AM (bit of insomnia) doing crap things to pass the time and low and behold the little thing on bottom right ( the time widget thing) screen says 6:25 am.

Time to get teen up for school. And I did. Well, up to now all is perfect as she is dressed, fed and and happy, and at least 5 minutes before school bus arrives - and fed dog on way out.

So, tired, retired, Dad went to Bed and crashed. Why not, all is in hand and did great job. Made breakfast, prepared snack, and of course money for lunch.

Then ............................ When woke up wifely tells me story.

Read on........Her alarm went off at 6:30 am. I did not hear. She did not see me, as always I have morning shift., so went to wake up the 13 year old beast.

Whoooooooooooooops. - not in bed. WTF. She ventured outside to find her waiting for bus ------------ hear this -------------one hour early.

So, moral of story - check your damn electronic stuff for time...........

I am sticking with Alarm clock that is battery driven not this net stuff.

Anyway - my story

Mac Pro is no Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Tue, 03 May 2011 10:50:00 +0000

Daughter came home to Cairo (Egypt) from University in Canada with her Mac Pro. I wanted to remove an application I had asked her to install. Took me forever as was thinking Windows PC mentality. Where was the add/remove, or revounistaller Pro? Mac Pro - move program to trash!!! All Done.

I spend hours from time to time with our 3 Windows PC's. Making sure my AVG Pro Suite is up to date, running Malwarebytes, defraging HD, Cleaning Junk files, updating or upgrading Office Programs. Using Windows Recovery when I screw up with testing a new Windows type program. One thing I don't do is watch it updating Windows all the time as I stopped that stupid function.

So what fun is a Mac Pro. Comes with iWorks (everything one needs). Apparently no concern with Virus's and Malware. Defrags itself so I am advised. Bloody thing just sits there and runs.

If I go to Mac (which I will) what will I do with all my extra time not having to mess with Windows Programs?????

Egypt - Pay your Phone Bill Online

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 05:11:00 +0000

For residents and newcomers, is remembering to pay your phone bill and where to pay. Well you can pay online if you have visa or master card from local bank. The portal is in Arabic and English. I subscribe to the email service and they send me notice of bill payment due. Only glitch I found is trying to pay more than one invoice at a time.

Here is link to Egypt Telecom

Choose Ebill then English version. Very easy...........

Egypt Medical Insurance - Here is one option to consider

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 04:59:00 +0000

Recently our social club manager became very ill and required extensive hospitalization. He will be fine, in time. The experience brought the question of medical insurance to the forefront. In our research we came across this coverage plan that lends itself to the "train wreck" type coverage one should consider and rates seem reasonable to me, and many others. We came across this plan by Allied Doctors as one of our members, and others in his company had this coverage and were pleased.

I am posting here as public service to expats and Egyptians alike. One real plus is coverage while travelling.

Below is a summary of the coverage. For the entire brochure contact Allied Doctors. If english speaking ask for Mr Mohamed Rashed. Click on the various parts to enlarge to read more clearly

When to change smoke detector batteries!

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:13:00 +0000

A wee bit of useless information but cute I think...............

The smoke detector rule of thumb. Many home smoke detectors rely on batteries. To ensure they work when needed, a good rule of thumb says to check the batteries when you turn your clocks ahead in the spring, and change the batteries when you turn your clocks back in the fall.

But Egypt no longer has DST

Hey Tourists - Egypt is safe - come on over

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 06:15:00 +0000

All of us living in Egypt, Cairo for us, experienced first hand the Fantastic Revolution culminating January 25th with Mubarak stepping down.

I have never witnessed a group of younger adults organize so quickly, and thoroughly. I mean in all aspects from citizen neighborhood protection groups to getting medical supplies and doctors to Tahrir Square during dark violent days, to cleaning Tahrir square better than it ever was in my 20 years living here. Congratulations to Egyptian youth, you all get top marks.

The thrust of my message is - come and visit us any persons wanting to travel to Egypt. It is safe in all areas, and all touristy things running normally. For Sharm El Sheik and Hurghada (they never had any problems for tourists even during protests) there are some great deals.

Want any first hand advice - leave a comment or Contact me.

By the way - Egypt is a golfers paradise now.

Fun in the Sun and Sea awaits you - this is the best time of year - not too hot or cold.

If in Cairo, and fancy some chat with local expats, beverage and food at outlandish cheap prices come and see us at ACE Club in Maadi Digla.

Go for it!!!!!!!!!!

Trip to Alex by Train - An Experience!!!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 21:31:00 +0000

Off to Alex for business, and everyone said Train was the way to go. In end they where right but a few hiccups.

First - for newbies = to buy a train ticket in Maadi you can do at Maadi Metro Station, one close to post office. Just buy a ticket to get inside train area, cross bridge and buy train ticket - go figure!!. You should first research which train and time. Go for Spanish Class (no stops). And you can choose first class, but read on when it comes to that choice. By the way, the Egypt trains have a web site saying you can buy tickets on line. Well forget that but their schedules are close but outdated a bit. Choose Special by web site class.

So have tickets in hand (BTW) arabic speaking wifey got them not me. So thinking, to get to Ramsis with two heavy bags best take taxi and not Metro (mistake). Left house at 4:30 pm for train leaving at 5:55 pm. Not enough time. What a experience.

First it was Saturday afternoon and traffic should be lighter. Nope, bad all the way. Got close to train station and driver, knowing the way went into a parking gate. Nope the place was torn up - like a war zone. I jumped out (10 minutes to go and trains leave on time). Adrenalin working, I rushed passed all others heading in a cerain direction. Could see where there use to be lots of entrances but all blocked with whatever one can imagine - all dirt and rubble. Got to one "looked like entrance" where people were weeding their way through rubble. I was flying and let me tell you special forces would hire me seeing me traslate the hurdles. Five minutes to go -- but where? Running litterly over wooden sidewalks asked where is train to Alex - he said here. Ran up the aisle way and could see by condition of this train it would never make it out of station. Through the train windows got a glimpse newer looking train. Shit now I have to turn back and bloody bags are getting heavier and my 67 years is taking it's toll. Got another adrenalin rush and back tracked and ran to first car on the new platform. Asked Alex and guy said yes, grabbed my bags and hauled me in. Sat me down in nice double seat, bags in hand and when I got breath, I said thanks. Still not too sure where I was heading had no choice cause in no more that 1 minute train took off (about 7 minutes late - and only way I got on - wrecked).

Now I am on the move somewhere so asked fellow in my best Arabic - you going to Skandia = got an Aiya and sat down and crashed.

Train picked up some speed and for sure this car had square wheels. Vibration, lurching, aluminum ceiling and door shuttering. But I was on my way and in strange sense was enjoying it. Only about another 10 people in this car and as smoker just go to luggage area and puff away with workers and others of same habit. Guy came by, same dirty brown jacker, and asked if wanted anything and I tried in Arabic but failed and then said in English "want sandwhich, tea, coffee or whatever". Got uneatable chicken sandwhich and bottle of water for 12.50 (with tip 15 and friend for life).

Got my book out and read between lurches and vibrations and really was quite ejoying all the action and movement. Had no incentive to find my seat in 1st class.

When coming close to Alex fellow with dirty brown coat came by and said if getting off at Citigare? (first stop) move to Car 3 - damn my car on ticket. Had to lug bags up about 4 or 5 cars and then saw first class was packed (not my seat though).

OK quandary -in future do I choose first class or just get on damn train and pay conductor in 2nd or 3rd class. whatever?. Same seats - nicer people - definately more ambiance and movement.

Now being spoiled had driver pick me up at station and this time I booked Hilton Green Plaza at my own hook as was not that pleased with Cecil Hotel before. Only say that for $40 above the coorporate discount at Cecil to Execuive Suite at Hilton - no contest.' Except if you like horns and noise all night then go to Cecil.

So in Alex now and Hilton gave me two Sakara on house - not bad so far.

Maybe more later.

Egypt Satellite TV

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 05:39:00 +0000

The original post was in 2008 and quite outdated now. Since then Showtime and Orbit have joined forces, or possibly more correctly, created a monopoly.

Dreambox, and their derivatives, are plentiful mostly because OSN network is too expensive for what you get, and they just drop channels at their whim. If you go to OSN web page they show you all the many packages available but no prices unless you go through the exercise of subscribing.

Th downside to a dreambox is the internet - as of late Tedata and other providers have had rubbish service with slow speed and lines dropped often. No reasons given?????

However, OSN has warned they will encrypt all their channels as of Dec 19th, 2010 so dreambox won't work. for their channels. We'll see. Hell there are many very good free channels now so not sure why one would pay for the rubbish OSN channels anyway. Exception is my family are addicted to History channel, all the Discoveries, plus NAGE and Animal Planet. For movies, heck I download them from torrents and watch as we wish.

If coming, or new to Egypt, you can get all the OSN package rates by visiting any CNE (Cable Network Egypt) office. Or, if in Maadi you can contact agent Queensat (one I use) or Degla Center who will help set up the system you want and arrange packages you desire. Their are other packages like ART bu tnot sure what they offer. Al Jazeera has some sort of deal as well?

If into sports go to ACE club (private club you can join with foreign passport, put these coordinates in google earth -copy paste- 29.96027, 31.27120 actually location is at garden tree bar) and enjoy the comradely and few bevies. Up to now it is mostly European football, rugby, cricket but with the now many North American members moves to show American Football etc. are being looked at. Problem is difference in time for live games.

Queen Sat
65 Rd.206
Maadi, Cairo, Greater Cairo.

Tel : 02 225196938

What does Electric Cost in Cairo Egypt-update for 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000

I have updated this post as found the actual electric bill calculation on the Electric Company Website (I did not know existed), The calculation is shown below. It's a bit confusing but easy if you work through. My graph after this sheet shows the total rate, for various consumption rates. Also I found a portal that claims one can pay the electric bill online - which I will try but you need someone who reads Arabic as site is only in local language. I'll post the results after going through the exercise. Note: you can click on the images below to enlarge for readability.

If you have, or thinking about a commercial business that uses lots electricity, then pay attention to thee rates below compared to residential

Electric rates increased 25% from 2008 to 2009. Electric man told us it would increase again this year (2010) by 35% but so far have not seen this. Of course such information is not distributed to the public - such increases just happen out of the blue. Click on pic to enlarge. Note: the higher the usage the higher the unit rate and thus your bill.

If don't know how to read the electric bill, cause you don't know Egyptian numbers, see my previous post (link).

For newbies coming to Cairo - the monthly cost for electric is obviously dependent on your situation. AC's are standard and mostly required for comfort in summer. Some heating is required in winter. A family of four in large 250m2 apartment with 6 AC's can plan to spend a range between 500LE during fall and spring to 2000 LE/month during summer Quite a range as during hot months it really depends on how much you use AC's and how efficient they are.

A quirk that folks need to realize is when man delivers electric bill, he will take meter reading. So bill you pay is not for month your in but one previous. For instance you receive a bill Nov 15th. The bill is really for billing period Sept 15 to Oct 15th.

Warning - Egypt does not have an electrical grounding system for residences. Seriously consider to install "Earth Fault Leakage Detector" in your main fuse box.

Your Passports Lost in Cairo Egypt !!!!! - Get Ready for a Nightmare

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:09:00 +0000

Flying in from Canada one is pretty tired, but made a critical mistake. So whether passports were "lost" or "stolen" is not the issue - mine and younger daughter's went missing.

Scenario is easy - got the airport taxi, loaded bags, hand carried computer bag which had passports inside, and off to home. At home Van taxi was blocking traffic so we rushed a bit to get bags out, give tip of course, and stagger into house for "hello's" and a sleep. But, computer bag not with us.

Too late to do anything that night so next morning called taxi company and was surprised 1. they answered 2. advised they would check with driver (I had the receipt). 3. driver did not see any computer bag?

OK we cannot give up, so off to airport to see staff at taxi company. Pursued event more and offered substantial reward. Come to know after my trip the taxi was passed on to second driver. He was sleeping. We had no choice but to then go to airport tourist police. Have any idea where this drama is going yet????

Nightmare 1 - Airport Police
Made out our police report and the police officer said he wanted to question both drivers, as maybe we should be making a theft report. Well seven hours later I succumbed and said let's just make this a "lost passport" case. Otherwise they arrest the two drivers and hold them for four days downtown, for some serious investigation, and we have to go and make more reports out. So, in end, they had a book that they wrote report in, and told to come next morning to a different office to collect the official police report.

Next morning off to Terminal 1, Hall 1 and find the so called office. If one lives here they know Government Offices are renowned for "ugly". The book with report in was not there - so phone calls were made and asked to wait. What a surprise. Lo' and behold they find book and fellow does a hand written report of same information. But, officer with the stamp is not at work that day. Told to come back tomorrow.

This is now third trip to airport and again man with stamp not a work. After some discussion they called a young boy (low rank servant class) and told him to take to another officer in another building to get stamp. After another hour waiting - got the hand written piece of paper with unreadable stamp. You cannot get a replacement passport without the police report.

Waiting Period......
In some ways local thieves have a good side to them. It is not unusual for them to keep money and computers, or what ever they stole, but will mail documents to you as even they know the "hell" of replacing important documents.

Embassy
This part is fairly straight forward but not without some agro. Canadian passports require special photo size which is best obtained at Mogama (ground floor - they do it correctly). And you need a professional to sign form he knows you and also to endorse a photo on back saying it is a photo of me.

Then off to Embassy and submit papers and it takes about 3 weeks to receive replacement. Of course this is now three trips downtown - one to Mogama, and two to Garden City.

Mogama for new visa and entry stamp...
Here is where the nightmare really begins. But to summarize - 7 trips, biggest headache in world place, some lost tempers and serious discussions with senior officers (takes some doing even to get to this level), and month later, got the visa replaced and entry stamp.

Moral of story: Jeez mate - take care that damn passport

Ring Road (autostrade to airport) - I cuss and finger other drivers much less now

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 05:41:00 +0000

Previously,I posted comments about this death road but now I am very pleased to say action has been taken with advent of radar installations. Wonder upon wonder, drivers are driving at, or below 90 KMH, (well not all), and mostly driving in lanes. The change is due to installation of camera radars located along the road.

I was told the camera's nailed over 40,000 speeding cars in first days of operation. Now think about this -the cameras are spaced about 2 km apart so you could conceivably get about 8 tickets while speeding along the route. Whether correct, or not,but was told, the fines are mailed to car owners address and if they pay in specified time the fine is 150 LE per offence. If not paid the fine is 300LE payable when you go to re-licence the vehicle. Think about contract drivers in Egypt getting 8 tickets in one journey. What are his chances of keeping his job? One speeding trip would cost him likely more than he earns in a month.

I mentioned almost all drivers are now following the speed limit and driving very nicely. There are still some bad actors speeding along, weaving between lanes, cutting people off. One thinks now - "go for it guy you have just been nailed." Worst offence that happened to me was a large petrol tanker was roaring along in fast lane, flashing lights but I saw him coming as one still must be very wary and use the rear view mirrors for self protection. Hope they nailed that ass good.

Here is a quirk about Egypt - drivers rarely get fined but the cars do!

Gosh I hope they keep these radar camera's working.

Hopefully some reader can confirm the fines and other details as info I have was not from published sources, only word of mouth.

Egypt Bent Fingers or Formally called Dupuytren Contracture

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:00:00 +0000

If you don't know what it is you don't have it. Strangely this affliction seems to be more prevalent in northern European society, but talking to Egyptians - many have it here as well. Go figure the DNA over time!!!!

I think Egypt persons maybe don't know what it is, and get disinformation from the locals.

Look at pictures below of my situation and how I got the fix.

Photos of my fingers before - now perfect. Wonderbar!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is easily fixed by specialized French Doctors, who invented the simple operation - they know how and in 10 minutes. I'll explain more as you read on.

I got it fixed easily, but not cheap, as had to fly to Paris and stay for about 1 week (had vacationed at same time so operation costs where about 10 beers and meal worth). And I am a very happy camper now all is great.

If you have the problem you can google for more info; here is good site.

I am not aware of any Doctor in Egypt that knows the technique for the 10 minute operation called, Needle Aponeurotomy (NA), When I finally decided I needed to take some action I went to Egyptian specialist and was offered the old fashion - cut it apart. See the 2 different procedures below.

Here is youtube of "cut it up" and much pain and many weeks recovery with therapy.

Now here is what I had done - little tinge of pain when freezing but a "walk it the park". You need to be careful for sometime using your hands. I had one hand with bit "stretch discomfort" for about a month, but now all is perfect. I could not type on computer but now all is good.

Here is a list of Doctors trained by French Inventors world wide

In closing - if any Specialist in Egypt are trained - get on the list.

Also, I have contacted my French/Egyptian Doctor, my man for more than 10 years, to maybe arrange to have specialist come in periodically and do the job correct and have a great Egyptian vacation at same time. Price would be within reach of all.

Let's see what happens

Egypt Mobile Operators Banned Skype - but way around maybe

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:09:00 +0000

Egypt has three mobile phone operators a Mobinil, Vodaphone and Etisalat, and they all agreed simultanously to ban Skype usage from phones. Here is quote from Government.

"The ban is on Skype on mobile internet, not on fixed, and this is due to the fact it is against the law since it bypasses the legal gateway," said Amr Badawy, the executive president of the National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (NTRA).

Under Egyptian law, international calls must pass through a network controlled by majority state-owned Telecom Egypt, which this week reported disappointing earnings.

Skype works fine on your PC so this was a joint decison by the mobile operators. This move should have been against the antitrust law but was done under asupices of government rule.

So one cannot access Skype through the mobile operators network, but if you have wifi access (home or some hotspot) you can still do the skype thing, or should be able to. Even my daughters Ipod now has skype on it, but needs the mic plugin to work.

We have Blackberry phones and skype is not available yet. Lot's of talk, but no action from RIM in Canada. But there is a way around (if your phone model is supported) go to Iskoot for Skype to download the application. Works a treat.

Note: If you try Iskoot through the mobile network and it connects you will be charged. But, Iskoot is not supported in Egypt so, like Skype, it should not work on mobile network

Happy talking on Wifi

My Pre-Teen's Animation

noreply@blogger.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Sun, 16 May 2010 10:17:00 +0000

When us old fuddy duddies think we are getting "not bad" with computers, along comes my pre-teen and makes an animation movie out of clay models, web cam (160 still pictures) then makes into a movie, with nice sound!!!! Yikes - back to drawing board for me.........

Enjoy - I think it's marvellous.