Egypt serves as a prime gateway to the splendors of the Red Sea. Long a favorite with European divers, the rich waters of this ocean-within-a-desert are becoming increasingly popular with North American divers. The resort area of Hurgnada includes a number of shore-based dive operators, but the majority of Red Sea diving takes place aboard liveaboard dive vessels, many of which begin and end their trips at the Egyptian port of Sharm el Sheikh. To add an extra dimension to a Red Sea dive trip, many North American divers will incorporate a side trip to Cairo and the pyramids. Entry Requirements: A visa is required and may be obtained from the Egyptian consulates in your country. Individual or group visas are available. A visa may also be obtained upon arrival in Egypt. Airport departure tax is LE21. Currency: The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (LE). One LE equals 100 plasters. Exchange your money at banks or at the exchange counter of your hotel. Black market exchnages are illegal and can cause you a lot of trouble. Approximate exchange rate is LE 3.45 = USD 1.00. Climate: The best season is from October through April, when the temperature in Cairo is comfortable in the daytime and cool or even cold at night. Weather in Upper Egypt, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel is comfortably warm. During the summer months Cairo is hot and dry and Upper Egypt is extremely hot. Sightseeing should be done early in the morning. Electricity: 220 volts, 50 cycles. AC in Cairo and most areas except in Alexandria, in Heliopolis and in Maadi, where the electricity is 110 volts AC 50 cycles. Wall plugs are the round, two-pronged European type.