Egyptian mobile phone numbers changing from October 6th 2011

Update 7th October 2011: If you are calling or texting someone from an Egyptian phone, they will receive the call or message for now, BUT contact information is lost so they will not know who is calling or who is texting (unless they have edited all their contacts).
PLEASE SIGN TEXTS WITH YOUR NAME SO THEY KNOW WHO IT IS FROM!

New mobile phone numbers will be 11 digits long, up from 10 at present.
There will be a 4 month overlap period when you can use the old and new formats.

Egyptian mobile phone numbers to change from 6th October 2011

Etisalat 

Current 10 digit numbers, which all start 01, will take an extra 1. They will now begin 011

Current 11 digit numbers, which all start 0152, will change the 5 to a 1. They will now begin 0112

Mobinil

Current 10 digit numbers, which start 01, will add a 2. They will now begin 012

Current 11 digit numbers, which start 0150, will replace the 5 with a 2. They will begin 0120

Vodafone 

Current 10 digit numbers, which start 01, will add a 0. They will now start 010

Current 11 digit numbers, which start 0151, will replace 5 with 0. They will start 0101

Pictorial display of the changes:

I saw this on Facebook, but I don't know the original source of this graphic.  If the originator contacts me, I will be happy to make due reference.

The phone providers are probably going to supply you with tools to change the numbers automatically from 6th October, so don't panic into changing them all manually just yet!

Important entry visa news - now you see it now you don't

11TH SEPTEMBER 2011:  STOP PRESS - EGYPTIAN CABINET REVERSES THIS DECISION!

Changes to Tourism Visa Suspended

Changes to visa regulations suspended

Changes to tourist visa revoked


So let me see, yesterday I received an email from the British Embassy saying:


" We have spoken to the Immigration Ministry today, who tell us that it is not correct that you can no longer buy visas on entry.  They tell us that they have no new instructions and that nothing has changed."

Yet, it was in fact true, the decision had been made, but following the hue and cry has been reversed.

One is shaking one's head and tutting!

NOTE THAT THIS INFORMATION BELOW IS NO LONGER (WELL TODAY ANYWAY!) RELEVANT!!!

Independent travellers to Egypt please note:

In the pipeline - visitors to be required to get visas before entering Egypt not on arrival

Please be aware if you are planning to visit Egypt and get an entry visa upon arrival at the airport, it is reported that this is likely to change.

According to this link:

Egypt requiring tourists to get visas in advance

this may kick in as early as NEXT WEEK.  Be advised especially if you are planning to travel here very soon.