The tourist police (tel 493-5575) are next to the tourist office on the Corniche, while the regular police (tel 493-3376) are just inland on Sharia ash-Shatta; both are open 24 hours. On the same street are the post office (daily except Fri 8am-3pm) and 24-hour telephone exchange , but the latter is so crowded and unreliable for international calls that it's worth paying extra for a direct line at the Rivera Palace.

 

You can change money and travellers' cheques at the Banque du Caire (daily 9am-2pm & 6-9pm) on Sharia Bur Said, or the National Bank of Egypt (daily 8.30am-12.30pm & 6-9pm) across the road from EgyptAir (Mon 10am-1pm, Tues-Sun 10am-1pm & 6-9pm; tel 493-4398). Should you need to register or extend your visa, the passport office (daily except Fri 9am-2pm & 5-7pm) lies in the vicinity of the train station. Both formalities are handled in the morning, but only registrations in the evening.

Medical emergencies may be referred to the military hospital (tel 493-5286) on Sharia Galaa, but it's better to go to Cairo for treatment if possible. For less serious ailments, visit the Said Lee Tohaami pharmacy (daily: summer 8am-midnight; winter 8am-9pm), eight blocks in from the Corniche on Sharia Iskandariya.