Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for details.
10 Essential Things to Know Before Travelling to Egypt
Planning a trip to Egypt? You’ve probably heard mixed reviews — some call it magical, others say it’s chaotic. Honestly? It’s both, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
I’m an architect and history teacher who explored Egypt in 2019 for 10 days with my husband — a techie with zero interest in history — and even he was blown away.
This guide is packed with everything I wish I knew before we landed in Cairo.
Though our visit was in 2019, this post is regularly updated with the latest visa rules, safety tips, and cultural changes.
It’s a practical, no-fluff resource grounded in firsthand experience, continually refreshed with insights from fellow travelers and recent planning help.
It has all the things you must know before travelling to Egypt.
From avoiding scams to choosing monuments worth your time, I share honest tips here.
So whether you’re planning a family trip, traveling on a budget, or just curious if Egypt is for you, this post will help you plan smarter and travel deeper.
1. Best time to visit Egypt and ideal trip duration
How many days should you spend in Egypt?
If you want to experience the country without rushing, plan at least 10 days. That’s enough for Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and one unique experience like the White Desert.
If you can, stretch to 12–15 days. This gives time for Siwa Oasis or the Red Sea coast. Anything less than 7 days? You’ll be running between sites without enjoying them.
On our first trip, we spent 10 days. We covered Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and even the White Desert near Bahariya, but had to skip Siwa and the Red Sea coast. And that’s fine — Egypt will always give you a reason to return.
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
Winter (October–March) is the best time to visit Egypt. The weather is cooler, and sightseeing is pleasant. October–December is peak season: perfect weather, but bigger crowds and higher prices.
We visited in January, the coldest month, and it was a mix of magic and madness, with less crowd.
Cairo hovered around 18°C during the day, but mornings and evenings were chilly. In the Bahariya White Desert, temperatures dropped to 3°C at night.
Cold? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Golden sunsets over temples, almost no crowds, and cheaper stays.
If you want mild weather without icy desert nights, October or November is ideal.
Whatever you do, avoid May–August. Summer can hit 50°C, and even locals avoid the midday sun.
Planning a winter trip to the land of pharaohs? Read our guide on what to wear and pack for Egypt – practical, comfortable, culturally appropriate, and stylish.
2. How to craft your ideal Egypt travel itinerary
Planning your Egypt itinerary — whether 7, 10, or 14 days — isn’t about cramming everything in. Egypt is more than pyramids and temples; it’s a mix of history, deserts, and calm Nile towns.
Balance ancient monuments with unique landscapes and slow moments. Whenever I help friends plan, they always try to fit Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Sinai, Sharm El Sheikh, even Siwa in just 7–10 days.
I get it — FOMO is real. But honestly? It’s impossible.
Egypt is huge. Long desert drives take time. If you rush through temples and skip those Nile sunsets, you’ll miss what makes the country magical.
Thinking of visiting Egypt but overwhelmed by choices? Use our step-by-step guide with itineraries to plan stress-free.
Assassin’s Creed Locations in Egypt
Gamers, this one’s for you! You can plan an entire Egypt trip around real-life spots from Assassin’s Creed Origins. From golden deserts to temples like Abu Simbel, these places feel like stepping inside the game — only better.
Walking through Karnak or sailing the Nile felt surreal, especially for my husband — a gamer who usually rolls his eyes at history. Spotting ACO sites made Egypt one of his favourite trips
Check this detailed post on some of the kickass ACO locations we visited during our Egypt trip
3. How to plan your Egypt trip budget
How much does it cost to travel Egypt?
In January 2019, Egypt’s off-season, our 10-day trip cost around $400 per day for two people. Today, expect at least $500 per day for a similar experience.
This covered meals, accommodation, monument entry, boat rides, private car with guide, and some local shopping in Egyptian markets — everything except international flights.
What makes Egypt expensive for tourists?
Egypt isn’t as cheap as many travelers assume. Here’s what makes Egypt travel expensive costs :
Tips to keep your Egypt trip within budget
Read our post on why booking hotels in Egypt is tricky and how to handle this as a first timer.
4. Booking activities and tours in Egypt
Best border tours and desert experiences in Egypt
Find out how a guide and tour can make Egypt travel safer and stress-free.
Top activities you must pre-book for Egypt
Egypt tours and activities that are a scam
Not every tour is worth your money. Overpriced belly dance dinner cruises, camel rides at Giza with sudden price hikes, and fake “authentic” cooking classes are some of the most common traps.
Check my detailed guide on Tourist Scams to Avoid in Egypt for more fake tours and insider tips to stay safe as a traveler.
5. How to prepare for Egypt: visa, flights, currency, cards
Do you need a visa to travel to Egypt?
Every foreign national visiting Egypt must have a visa — there are no exceptions.
Depending on your nationality, you may qualify for an e-visa (apply online) or a traditional sticker visa via in-person documents.
You can check your eligibility for an e-visa on Egypt’s official portal, but don’t rely on it completely. The site often lacks clarity.
I always recommend using a reliable agency like iVisa -not an official partner, but hassle-free.
If you’re an Indian traveller, here’s the reality: the official site says you’re eligible for an e-visa, but it’s complicated.
Confusing rules and hidden conditions make it tricky.
I’ve explained the process in detail in my Egypt tourist visa guide for Indians to save you the frustration
Flights and airports in Egypt
Egypt has around 25 airports, but the major international ones are in Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh. Most international flights land in Cairo, which will likely be your first stop.
Here’s our experience: Cairo airport is about 40 km from Giza, and that ride took us nearly two hours because of traffic. We booked our taxi in advance, and honestly, I recommend it — nothing beats the relief of having a ride ready after a long flight.
If you plan to fly within Egypt, EgyptAir dominates domestic routes. Just keep expectations low: basic economy seating, water bottles, and snacks — no frills, but it gets the job done.
How to exchange currency and use cards in Egypt
Egypt’s currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), often called “Lira” or “Gineh” by locals. You can exchange USD, Euros, or GBP easily, but cash is king here — especially for monument entry and local markets.
We exchanged money at the National Bank of Egypt counter in Cairo Airport — safe and reliable. HSBC ATMs worked best for us; some rejected our Mastercard.
Cards are accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants but rarely at archaeological sites or rural stops. Always carry cash before heading out.
6. How to get around Egypt: transport tips for tourists
Public and private transport options in Egypt
Egypt has plenty of transport options — trains, buses, microbuses, taxis, Uber, and boats — but here’s the truth: most of them aren’t ideal for travelers on a schedule.
Trains connect Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, but delays are common and cleanliness is hit-or-miss. Buses exist for long routes, but frequent stops and traffic make them slow.
Microbuses (shared vans) are the local favorite for short trips between cities, but they’re crowded and confusing for visitors.
In cities like Cairo and Alexandria, Uber works well and avoids taxi haggling (though tips are expected). For Nile crossings, ferries and small boats are easy to find in Luxor and Aswan.
Nile cruises are popular, but for more flexibility and authentic moments, I’d skip the big cruises and mix road trips with smaller boat rides.
Why you shouldn’t rely on Egypt’s public transport
Public transport works for locals and backpaclers who are spending at least a month in Egypt, but for travelers with limited time, it’s frustrating. Here’s why:
Read my detailed post: Can you travel to Egypt without a tour – Here’s why it’s Harder than you think.
Why hiring a private driver in Egypt is worth it
After a two-hour ride from Cairo airport to Giza (just 40 km), I knew hiring a driver was the best decision.
Egyptian roads reminded me of my homeland India — honking, zero lane discipline, traffic jams from nowhere. Add unpredictable detours and endless desert stretches where breaking down is risky.
That said, Egypt takes it up a notch with unpredictable detours and stretches of desert highways where getting stranded is the last thing you want.
We booked with Your Egypt Tours, and having a driver and guide changed everything — time-saving, safer, and full of insider tips like local tea stops. Yes, it costs more than public transport, but for stress-free travel, it’s worth every Egyptian Pound.
Read our detailed review of “Your Egypt Tours” to know why we recommend them ( not at all a paid post)
7. Practical Egypt travel tips: SIM cards, plug types, tipping
How to get a SIM card in Egypt as a traveler?
Stay connected with a local SIM, but avoid tiny kiosks. Many tourists (including us!) get tricked with near-expiry cards that stop working.
Buy a good eSIM beforehand and avoid the hassle of physical sim card purchase
We learned this the hard way: one of our WE Telecom SIMs expired in 24 hours because it was sold close to expiry. Always check activation dates.
Coverage is good in cities, but deserts like Bahariya and Siwa have weak signals. Hotel Wi-Fi is fine for browsing, but don’t count on video calls. WhatsApp calls don’t work in Egypt.
What type of power plug does Egypt use?
Egypt uses Type C and Type F plugs (same as Europe), 220V, 50Hz. Carry a universal adapter — it saved us more than once when hotels had no spares.
What is tipping culture like in Egypt?
Tipping (or baksheesh) is deeply rooted in Egyptian culture. Drivers, hotel staff, porters, and even security guards often expect a small tip. While refusing won’t cause a scene, it can lead to awkward moments.
Here’s what worked for us:
8. What to know about Egyptian culture, language, safety
Do Egyptians speak English?
Arabic is the official language in Egypt, but most guides and hotel staff speak good English.
Unless they are professional historians and Egyptologist, no common folk neither understands the ancient “Hieroglyphs” nor speak the ancient Egyptian language.
Outside the tourist circuit — like in local markets or small towns — English isn’t common, and you might need a translator for simple things (extra blankets, restaurant orders, etc.).
We managed fine in Cairo and Luxor, but in Nubian villages and Bahariya Oasis, even basic conversations needed our guide’s help.
Road signs are usually in both Arabic and English, and we even spotted a few French and Polish ones near Luxo
Is Egypt safe to travel now?
Yes, Egypt is generally safe, but always stay alert and check travel advisories, especially near Libya and Israel. Some regions require permits and licensed guides.
When the Israel-Gaza conflict escalated in 2023, many countries issued security alerts for the region. If you’re planning a trip during uncertain times, monitor travel advisories and avoid border areas unless you’re with a licensed local operator.
During our trip, we never felt unsafe. Locals were warm and humorous — even during a Cairo sandstorm, our guide kept spirits high!
However, travelling with a guide made a big difference. When I wandered alone, a few men tried to turn small talk into something more.
Once they saw my husband join me, they backed off. Dressing modestly helps, and moving with a guide adds comfort.
We also observed a few local men teasing or verbally harassing women dressed in revealing outfits near the Giza pyramids.
While this doesn’t happen to everyone, it’s something to be aware of. Dressing modestly helps, and traveling with a local guide and most things organised adds an extra layer of comfort in Egypt for sure.
What should tourists know about religion in Egypt?
About 90% of Egyptians are Muslim, with a Christian minority (mostly Copts). Faith is strong, and conversations about religion are common.
On a road trip to Saqqara, our driver shared fresh oranges with us and then asked about our religion — out of curiosity, not judgment.
He even said, “Everyone should believe in some god, right?” These chats are common, so if you’re an atheist or non-religious, be prepared for puzzled looks if you say so.
9. What to expect from Egypt’s public amenities and health
How clean are Egypt’s cities and streets?
If you’re picturing spotless streets like in Europe, Egypt will shock you. Cleanliness is inconsistent — Cairo and Giza often feel chaotic and dusty, with litter piling up, especially after roadworks.
Luxor and Aswan are relatively cleaner, but strolling like we did in Bruges or Istanbul isn’t practical here.
The exception? Old Cairo and some tourist zones along the Nile, which were well-maintained.
But overall, think of it as similar to many Indian cities: vibrant, full of life, but not the tidiest. So, if you’re a traveler who values pristine streets, set your expectations accordingly.
What are public toilets like in Egypt?
Public toilets are scarce and often poorly maintained. Even when you find one, there’s usually a small fee, so keep change handy. Restaurants and hotels are a better option for clean facilities.
The good news?
Many toilets have jet sprays or buckets of water, which is a relief for Indian travelers used to this. Hotels and higher-end restaurants also provide toilet paper.
For a full guide (including where to find clean restrooms and what to carry), read my post: What to Expect in Egyptian Public Toilets.
Can you drink tap water in Egypt?
Locals drink tap water, but as a tourist, avoid it. Stick to bottled water or boiled water to avoid stomach issues.
Egypt’s heat and dust can dehydrate you quickly, so keep a bottle handy at all times.
We never relied on tap water during our trip — it’s just not worth the risk of falling sick in a country with so much to see. You’ll find bottled water everywhere, from supermarkets to roadside kiosks.
10. Egypt food, alcohol etiquette, and dining advice
What to expect from Egyptian cuisine
Egyptian food is hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly balanced — not too spicy, not bland. Expect plenty of pulses, beans, cumin, roasted meats, and freshly baked bread with cheese. If you love Middle Eastern flavors, you’ll feel at home here.
Some cusines like Dolma have resemblance to Greek food too.
One of my favorite meals was in Bawiti, where we shared a low table with locals, enjoying dishes like molokhia (a green leafy stew), roasted duck, and warm bread straight from a clay oven. It was simple, rustic, and unforgettable.
Is Egypt vegetarian-friendly?
Yes — as long as you’re open to local vegetarian dishes. The options aren’t as abundant as what I found in Turkey, but they’re far better than Greece. And if someone tells you that as a vegetarian you’ll have to survive on falafel alone, don’t believe them.
You’ll find koshari (lentils, rice, pasta with tomato sauce), stuffed vine leaves (warak enab), foul medames (slow-cooked fava beans), grilled eggplants and zucchini with tahini, salata baladi (cucumber-tomato salad), and even comforting lentil soup (shorbat ads).
As a vegetarian (who occasionally eats eggs for protein), I not only survived in Egypt — I thrived. Unless you’re a picky eater who wants only Indian or Italian vegetarian food, Egypt will keep your plate full and your taste buds happy.
What’s the drinking and smoking culture in Egypt?
Alcohol isn’t banned in Egypt, but it’s not widely available either. You’ll find it in licensed hotels, tourist restaurants, and some bars. Drinking in public is frowned upon, so keep it discreet.
The real cultural norm? Tea and hibiscus (karkade) drinks, which locals sip at any time of day. Coffee culture is minimal, so don’t expect Turkish-level coffee obsession.
Smoking, however, is common — especially among men. Cigarettes and shisha (hookah) are part of social life. While it’s fine for men to smoke in public, we rarely saw local women smoking openly.
Dining etiquette in Egypt
Egyptian dining is warm and communal, and a few cultural nuances matter:
