Consulates British (tel 066/231-155), French (tel 066/322-875) and Belgian (tel 066/223-314) consulates are located in the commercial centre just beyond the National Museum, while Denmark and Norway are represented at the Norwegian Seaman's Service (tel 066/336-730) on the 4th floor of 30 Sharia Sultan Hussein, one block north along the waterfront from the tourist office.

 

Currency exchange Numerous private exchanges around Sharia en-Nahda and the shopping malls at the northern end of Sharia el-Gumhorriya can change money with less hassle than banks and sometimes at a slightly better rate. Travellers' cheques can be cashed at the Banque Misr near the (which will accept Visa or MasterCard), Thomas Cook, at 43 Sharia el-Gumhorriya (daily 8am-5pm; tel 066/227-559, fax 236-111). Menatours, at no. 18 (tel 066/225-742), still claim to be the local agents for American Express, but its role has been usurped to some degree by the arrival of American Express Bank (Sat-Thurs 8am-3pm) on Sharia el-Gomhorriya near the British Consulate.

Hospitals The best equipped and newest hospital is Al-Soliman near the sports stadium (tel 066/331-533). Emergencies can also be treated at the Al-Mabarrah (tel 066/220-560) or El-Tadaman (tel 066/231-790) hospitals.

Passport office In the Governorate building on Sharia 23rd July (Thurs & Sat 8am-2pm).

Pharmacy The 24-hour Hussein pharmacy on Sharia el-Gumhorriya (tel 066/339-888) is diagonally opposite the Hotel de la Poste.

Post office The main branch (daily except Fri 9am-2pm) is near the southeast corner of Ferial Gardens.

Telephone exchange Just along from the tourist office on Sharia Filastin (24hr).