Egypt, nourished by 5000 years of civilisation, defies a simple summing-up. It is a destination that promises magic in every step, thanks to the Great Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel Temple, and a plethora of other fascinating archaeological treasures. But beyond the postcard-perfect glamour of its historical remnants lies a vibrant culture brimming with pulsating energy, vivacious humour, and spirited people.
Egypt has its own rhythm – its vibrant streets, traditional markets, unique food culture, transport system, currency rules, and social etiquette can feel overwhelming if you’re unprepared. That’s why, before you finalise your itinerary pack your bags, its essential to understand a few key things beforehand to enhance your travel experience.
This guide brings you 20 essential things to know before visiting Egypt, helping you navigate everything from safety and money exchange to bargaining, SIM cards, local greetings, photography rules, and navigating tourist hotspots. If you’re searching for a clear and practical Egypt travel guide for first-time visitors, this introduction sets the perfect foundation for stress-free travel planning.
1. General information regarding Egypt:
- Egypt is officially known as the Arab Republic of Egypt.
- It is located in northeastern Africa.
- It is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea in the north, Palestine and Israel in the northeast, the Red Sea in the east, Sudan in the south, and Libya in the west.
- It is the third most populous country in Africa, with a population of over 107 million.
- The capital of Egypt is Cairo, which is also the country’s largest city.
- The official language is Arabic.
- The currency is Egyptian Pound (EGP/LE).
2. What is the best time to visit Egypt:
Apart from the fertile Nile valley, the Mediterranean and Red Sea coastlines, Egypt’s landscape is dominated by the Sahara. Needless to say, Egypt’s climate is extremely hot and dry with blazing sun and an unusually high UV index. Although the Mediterranean region has moderate temperatures, thanks to the consistently blowing cool breeze from the sea.
- November to February: Hands down, the best time to visit Egypt, as the daytime temperatures remain bearable and nights get colder. This is also the high season, which means that hordes of tourists will flood the sights and prices will burn holes in your pockets. Influx of visitors reaches its peak during Christmas and New Year. Also, the Mediterranean region receives rainfall during the winter. If you are into diving, avoid winter as the Red Sea tends to get rough.
- March to April: The temperatures are still tolerable. But, March and April generally coincide with Ramadan when tourist sites and shops close early and many restaurants shut their doors during the day. Dates of Ramadan change annually, so check the calendar beforehand if you are planning to visit during this time.
- May to August: It is best to avoid the summer months as the heat is insufferable and can easily make one sick. This is the ‘off-season’, so expect fewer crowds at sights and lower hotel rates.
- September to October: The shoulder months are also ideal for exploring Egypt. From mid-September, temperatures start to climb down a few notches. The sunlight also turns softer, which is perfect both for photography and exploring the attractions. Plus, the tourists are yet to mob the places and prices stay negotiable. This is also the perfect time for hiking and desert activities as the nights have yet to turn cold.
- We visited Egypt in the last week of September and stayed till the second week of October. The mornings (till 10) were defined by gentler temperatures, while evenings had a crisp breeze. Since the afternoons were scorching, we stayed indoors to avoid the heat.
3. Getting a visa for Egypt:
- Visitors must possess a passport valid for 6 months from the date of arrival in Egypt.
- 6-month visa exemption is available for the Middle Eastern countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman.
- Countries from North America, South America, Europe, as well as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand are eligible for both e-Visa and visa on arrival.
- Indian passport holders are only eligible for an E-Visa.
- E-Visa can be purchased from the official government website (visa2egypt.gov.eg). However, the website is not user-friendly and often glitches happen.
- We availed the services of Atlys for getting an e-Visa. The e-Visa arrived within three days of submitting application.
4. Currency in Egypt:
- The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP/LE).
- Banknotes start from LE 1 and go up to LE 200. Coins are available but rare in circulation.
- The current exchange rate for the Egyptian Pound is as follows:
- 1 USD = LE 48.
- 1 INR = LE 0.53.
- 1 Euro = LE 55.
- 1 Yen = LE 0.31.
D. Carry USD for swift exchange of money.
E. You can exchange money at the bank kiosks inside the Cairo airport.
F. We exchanged money from an outlet of Banque Misr near the exit. It was less crowded compared to the ones near the immigration.
G. Use an international credit card. At museums and historical sites, tickets can be purchased only through credit card. A credit card is also accepted in restaurants and hotels.
5. Getting a local SIM card in Egypt:
Once you have passed the immigration and exchanged your dollars, get a local SIM card. You will find kiosks of 4 service providers in Cairo airport – Vodafone, Orange, WE, and Etisalat. You only need to show your passport at the counter to get a SIM card. Go for either Vodafone or Orange as they have strong coverage.
We bought a Vodafone SIM card for LE 750 that provided 30 GB of data, which is sufficient for a fortnight.
6. Language in Egypt:
Arabic is the official language in Egypt. While the tourist guides and most of the drivers are well-versed in English, common Egyptians can speak and understand only a few English words. In Cairo, shop and street signages are often written in both Arabic and English. Elsewhere, the signages are solely in Arabic.
Make sure to install Google Translator (or any equivalent app) in your phone and download the Arabic language for interacting with the locals. You will also need Translator to read the menu cards in restaurants (for in camera translation, Apple translator proved to be more reliable).
7. Transportation in Egypt:
Egypt has a fairly efficient and reasonably priced transportation.
Flights:
Flights are the most convenient way to travel in Egypt. Also, the air tickets are relatively cheaper than the overnight trains. Egypt Air is the main domestic carrier and connects Cairo with other major cities such as Luxor, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Aswan. There is also Nile Air; however, the service is unreliable and often flights get delayed. Our flight from Luxor to Cairo was delayed for over an hour without citing any reason.
- FLIGHT COSTS:
- Cairo to Aswan: 100-120USD
- Cairo to Hurghada: 60-70 USD
- Luxor to Cairo: 110-120 USD
- Cairo to Sharm el-Sheikh: 60-70 USD
Trains:
Abela runs sleeper train services throughout Egypt. It connects Cairo with Aswan, Luxor, Sohag, Qena, Alexandria, Marsa Matrouh, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, etc. Compartments comprise two sleeper beds. Pillows, bedsheets, and blankets are provided. Two meals (dinner and breakfast) are served. However, the train tickets are quite costly, and the service is not up to the mark. Also, long-distance trains are frequently delayed. Thus, the train is not a wise option if you are travelling on a tight schedule.
- TRAIN COSTS:
- Cairo to Aswan: USD 132
- Cairo to Luxor: USD 110
- Cairo to Qena : USD 110
Bus:
Bus is the cheapest mode of intercity transport in Egypt. Go Bus, We Bus, and Superjet provide a vast network linking major tourist hubs such as Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm ei-Sheikh, Siwa, Alexandria, and Qena. Tickets can be conveniently booked online from their websites. Buses are equipped with air conditioning, reclining seats, and in some cases, on-board restrooms.
- BUS COSTS:
- Cairo to Luxor: LE 455
- Cairo to Hurghada: LE 425
- Cairo to Alexandria: LE 305
- Cairo to Sharm el-Sheikh: LE 400
Boats:
Riverine transport is another great option. There is a plethora of cruise ships and traditional dahabiyya boats plying the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. You can get midrange to five-star luxury experiences.
Cabs:
Uber, Careem, and inDrive operate in Cairo, Alexandria, and Hurghada. In-Drive is also available in Luxor. They are a bit cheaper than local taxis, and the chances of getting scammed are less. However, number plates are written in Arabic numerals.
Metro:
Underground metro railway service is available only in Cairo. You can check the metro route from the official website.
8. Food in Egypt:
The Egyptian cuisine is rustic, free from frills and flourishes, and influenced by both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours. Set apart by home-style cooking and teeming with fresh flavours, it revolves around pulses like fava beans (locally called fuul) and chickpeas. Fuul is the main ingredient of Egypt’s two staples – Ta’amiyya or falafel and Fuul Medames, the cumin infused breakfast stew. Chickpea is an important element of Egypt’s national dish, Koshari, which is a mash-mash of pasta, rice, black lentils, chickpeas, fried onions, and garlicky tomato sauce.
Breads dominate the scenes, particularly the A’aish Baladi, which is regarded as the national bread of Egypt. Breads are often accompanied by dips like Baba Ganoush (grilled eggplant dip), Hummus (chickpea and olive oil dip) and Tahini (sesame dip). Another staple is Egyptian rice with vermicelli, eaten with vegetables like eggplants and okra cooked in tomato-based gravy called Tagine.
Egyptian street foods include Fiteer (a flaky layered pastry, stuffed with sweet or savoury filling), Hawashi (sandwich filled with spiced ground beef), and Shawarma (chicken or lamb strips stuffed in bread and sprinkled with tahini).
Local specialities include Hamam Mahshi (roasted pigeon stuffed with spiced rice) and Molokhiyya (the jute leaf soup with seafood, chicken, or beef broth).
The Egyptian cuisine is vegan and vegetarian-friendly. The majority of Egyptian foods, such as Ta’amiyya, Fuul Medame, vegetable Tagines, and Koshari, are vegetarian (and vegan). You can also get Baladi Salad (fresh salad made of cucumber, tomato, and parsley) and Lentil soup in many eateries.
9. Alcohol in Egypt:
The legal age of drinking alcohol in Egypt is 21. Also, consumption of alcohol in public places is strictly prohibited. You can enjoy your booze either in bars/restaurants or privately inside your room. Alcohol in Egypt is widely available at bars and restaurants in areas frequented by foreign visitors.
Also, in major cities such as Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh, you will find branches of the beverage shop Drinkies selling various alcohols.
Don’t forget to try two of Egypt’s own beer brands – Stella and Sakkara.
Rest assured that you can lift your spirits at the end of a hot day with your choice of spirit.
10. Accommodation in Egypt:
In Egypt, the stars don’t always reflect the standard of a hotel. The four-star hotels in Egypt are actually comparable to the three-star hotels in India. Hence, staying in budget or mid-range hotels or anything below five-star may be tricky here.
Staying in the hotels of international brands such as Marriott, Hilton, and Steinberger is safest in every sense. You can also opt for vintage hotels, such as Sofitel Winter Palace and Marsam in Luxor, and Sofitel Old Cataract in Aswan. The price varies from USD 90 to 130 per night.
In Aswan, you can book rooms in the vibrant Nubian-style hotels, which cost around USD 90 to 100 for one night.
In Cairo, you can look for Airbnb in the Zamalek neighbourhood. Airbnb rentals are budget-friendly and come with basic amenities such as air conditioning, running hot water, and kitchen facilities. Airbnb rooms cost around USD 50 to 60 for one night.
Avoid staying in the pyramid-facing hotels in the Nazlet al-Saman neighbourhood of Giza. Most of these hotels are built illegally. Amenities are non-existent while safety may be compromised here.
11. How to dress in Egypt:
Egypt is a Muslim country, and thus dressing modestly is appreciated. The tourist areas have a relaxed vibe. But if you are venturing off-beat to rural areas, try to dress conservatively.
For women, if you are visiting mosques or temples, wear dresses that cover your shoulders, midriff, and knees. While exploring the touristic landmarks such as pyramids, you can wear shorts, skirts, and capris. Opt for flowy maxi dress, midi or maxi skirts, and co-ord sets. Avoid outlandish outfits and the ones that show too much skin. In the Red Sea hubs like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, you can wear swimsuits. Carry a scarf with you as you may need to cover your head while visiting mosques and mausoleums.
Men can wear shorts. Try to opt for lightweight trousers while paying a visit to the religious sites.
Given the scorching heat of Egypt, go for cotton, linen, and other light and breathable fabrics. Wear loose-fitting dress for all-day comfort. To protect your hands, shoulders, and back from the harmful sun rays, wear a full-sleeve shrug over your dress. Sunscreen with SPF 50 is a must, and re-apply every 2-3 hours. In Egypt, you need to walk a lot on rocky and sandy terrains. So, ditch your flip flops and wear comfortable shoes that cover your feet. Also, don’t forget sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.
If you’re visiting in the winter months, pack light layers as temperatures drop after sunset.
12. Tipping in Egypt:
Tipping, or ‘baksheesh’, is an integral part of Egyptian hospitality. Everyone expects tips, even the bathroom attendants. The common Egyptians are underpaid, often unemployed, and survive in financial distress. Hence, they seek tips to make ends meet. So, while planning the budget for your Egypt trip, set aside a considerable amount of money for tipping.
Egyptians themselves tip, and there is no standard rate of tipping.
USD is accepted for tips, but try to pay tips in EGP. Always keep the small change as tip is expected everywhere.
- Guides: USD 30 – 50 per day (per couple)
- Drivers: USD 15 – 25 per day (per couple)
- Porters: USD 1 – 2 per bag
- Hotel housekeeping: USD 2 – 3 per night
- Bathroom attendant: LE 10 – 20
- Restaurants: 10 – 15% if service charge is not included with the bill.
- Uber/Careem/inDrive drivers: Rounding up the fare.
13. Stay hydrated:
Egypt is extremely hot and staying hydrated while exploring the attractions is a challenge. Pack electrolytes and always carry water with you. Drink water at regular intervals. Go for fresh fruit juices, yogurts, and water with rehydrating salts. Avoid long exposure to sun. You will come across small cafes inside the temple premises, and they are perfect for taking short breaks.
Like anywhere, avoid drinking tap water directly. Water is the main source of germs for stomach problems. Bottled water is cheap and readily available. 1.5 litre of packaged mineral water costs LE 20 – 25.
14. Safety in Egypt:
Egypt is generally a safe country. With unemployment so high in Egypt, tourism is the bread and butter of common Egyptians. For a country that thrives on tourism, thieving or harassing tourists is frowned upon. Reports of crimes against tourists are rare. In every place frequented by foreign visitors, security is tight and tourist police are stationed. Also, police convoy escorts tourist vehicles to Abu Simbel from Aswan.
In general, Egyptians are a cheerful and friendly lot. Still, practice normal street-smart precautions such as avoiding empty streets at night, being vigilant of pickpockets, and securing valuables in a locked bag.
15. Watch out for scams:
Though Egypt is a safe country, scams with tourist are routine occurrences. Uber drivers charging higher than the actual fare, helping hands in ATMs, random person seeking extra charge for cameras, and similar swindlers always try their best to trick tourists. Be cautious and act sternly with the tricksters.
16. Hire a reliable guide and driver:
Getting scammed in Egypt is quite common. Hence, we suggest hiring a trustworthy guide and driver if you’re travelling independently. Having a guide will help you to avoid the scammers and nagging vendors. Moreover, since Egypt has countless historical sites, a knowledgeable guide will help you to understand the nuances. Look up in TripAdvisor for guide and driver references. We booked Mo Knows Egypt, who helped us understand the layers of ancient Egyptian History.
17. Shopping in Egypt:
Egypt is a haven for shopaholics. Since the pharaonic era, Egyptians have been skilled in stone work and weaving. So, the souk or markets are flooded with various handicrafts. Look for fabric made from Egyptian cotton, carpets woven from camel wool, pieces of papyrus, statues of ancient Egyptian gods made from alabaster, various spices, natural oil perfumes, and jewellery encrusted with semi-precious stones.
For shopping, avoid the touristy Khan el-Khalili market where prices are inflated. The souvenir shops lining up the pyramids or other attractions are best avoided. Instead, you can buy from the Luxor souk (opposite of Luxor Temple), where prices are comparatively reasonable. You can also head to Fair Trade Egypt and Nomad Gallery in Zamalek, Cairo. Here, you can find Bedouin rugs, silver jewellery, ceramics from Farouk, and beaded jewellery from Aswan. For alabaster products, head to one of the many alabaster factories in the West Bank of Luxor.
Hone your bargaining skills before heading to the souks, as bargaining for prices at shops is common in Egypt. In fact, bargaining is an art in Egypt!
18. Some essential Arabic phrases:
- Hello – ah.lan
- Goodbye – ma’sa.la.ma
- Yes – ai.wa
- No – la’
- Thank you – shu.kran
- Please – law sa.maht
- Sorry – mu.ta.as.if
19. Other things to remember:
- Remove shoes before entering a mosque or someone’s home.
- Avoid public display of affection.
- If you’re visiting during Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public as a courtesy.
- Refrain from wearing inappropriate dress at mosques and other religious sites.
- Smoking is common in Egypt. You’ll find people smoking in public places.
- Drinking alcohol in public places is strictly prohibited.
- Ask for permission before photographing someone.
- Leave your drones at home as they are illegal in Egypt.
- For electricity, Egypt uses 220V and Type C and F plugs.
- Egypt’s time zone is GMT +2.
Egypt is a destination that rewards prepared travellers. With these 20 Egypt travel tips, you’re already steps ahead in planning a comfortable and memorable journey. A bit of knowledge goes a long way in navigating Egypt’s culture, transport, safety, and daily life. If Egypt is on your bucket list, let this knowledge shape your itinerary and help you explore the country like a pro.
