Maybe your inbox is full? I dont know...
1. As for $$$ we are definitely screwed.. I only found one friend with a card that was issued out of Egypt (no limit) but he demands I pay him in USD as well, and I can't blame him at all.. now I cant get USD but I'm trying.
I know man it must be hard ,now outside egypt they dont use egyptian pounds anymore.
2. Yes my friend was asked for national ID too, and another with a PNP was asked for birth certificates, I don't know really I guess everyone should wait for his own checklist and see..
3. As for translation, yes if it's a government document issued in English you can send it like it is, if in Arabic then translate the original document (except national ID of course, but must show the original to the translator). And the translator will attach them together and stamp his translation with his official stamp and seal.
I did my translations at an office called el amira nourhan in roushdy opposite boutique london not sure about the notarization thing though,but was recommended to me through someone who went to canada,will post an image later to check if its ok
I'm from Alexandria, and I used a law firm/official translators called Nadoury & Nahas attorneys at law, they're good. Took 3 days and costs 60 LE per page, but of course like everything in Egypt you can pay extra and have it on the next day.
Don't worry Wolverine, official licensed translator is fine, CIC are not stupid btw, they have people who revise the Arabic originals as well.
4. As for Police certificate, yes it's the old (feesh w tashbeeh) at your local police station, then have it translated. (note that the person who fills it will have the handwriting of a chicken, so ask him what he wrote at each line, and later tell the translator before he/she proceeds)
also, there's no need for توثيق anything from the ministry of foreign affairs, except a government job experience letter (if you intend to use one). Cause the translator will ask you if you want to do el tawseek before translation, just tell him no I don't need it.
Am going to claim points for private work in egypt eventhough i dont really need it i have enough experience abroad but i think it wont hurt,no governmental
Work though