01
When to Visit
Best Times to Visit Egypt
★ Peak Season
December — February
18°–22°C
Ideal conditions for sightseeing, Nile cruises, and exploring the ancient wonders. Mild days, chilly evenings especially in the desert.
Book early — high demand means higher prices and limited availability.
◆ Shoulder Season
Mar–Apr & Oct–Nov
22°–30°C
The sweet spot — comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and the best value for money. Great for outdoor exploration and the Red Sea.
Perfect balance of weather, crowds, and price. Our top recommendation.
◇ Low Season
May — September
35°C+
Very hot, especially in Cairo and Luxor. Best for budget travelers. Explore early morning or late evening. Red Sea stays pleasant.
Significant discounts on hotels and tours. Pack light and stay hydrated.
02
Getting Around
Transportation in Egypt
Uber & Careem
Safest and most transparent option for tourists. Available in Cairo, Giza, and Alexandria. No language barrier, fixed pricing shown in advance.
Best for city travel
Taxis
Widely available across all cities. Relatively inexpensive, but meters aren't always used. Always agree on the fare before starting your ride.
Agree on fare first
Nile Cruises
The most scenic and luxurious way to travel between Luxor and Aswan. Includes guided excursions to temples and ancient sites along the river.
Luxor ↔ Aswan
Domestic Flights
EgyptAir operates regular flights between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Hurghada. Fastest way to cover long distances. Book in advance for better prices.
Cairo ↔ Luxor: ~1hr
Trains
Comfortable and affordable. The overnight sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor/Aswan is popular with tourists. First-class is well worth it.
Sleeper train recommended
Cairo Metro
Fast, efficient, and very affordable. Great way to avoid Cairo's traffic. Separate cars for women available. Avoid rush hour for comfort.
Avoid 7–9am / 4–7pm
03
Essentials
What to Pack for Egypt
1
Lightweight Clothing
Breathable fabrics for the day. Bring a light jacket for desert evenings and air-conditioned sites. Long sleeves for sun protection.
2
Sun Protection
SPF 50+ sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Egypt's sun is intense year-round, especially near the Sahara.
3
Modest Attire / Scarf
Carry a scarf or shawl for mosques and religious sites. Covering shoulders and knees is respectful and often required for entry.
4
Power Adapter
Egypt uses Type C and F plugs (220V). Bring a universal adapter to charge phones, cameras, and other devices without issues.
5
Reusable Water Bottle
Tap water is not safe to drink. A refillable bottle with filter is ideal — saves money and reduces plastic waste while staying hydrated.
6
Cash (EGP) & Small Bills
Small Egyptian Pound notes are essential for tipping (baksheesh), local markets, and transport. ATMs are available in cities but may charge fees.
04
Money
Best Payment Methods in Egypt
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Official currency. Always carry cash for local markets, small shops, and tipping. ~51 EGP = 1 USD (rates fluctuate).
ATMs
Widely available in major cities and tourist zones. Some charge high fees for international cards — withdraw larger amounts at once.
Credit Cards
Accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger shops. Visa and MasterCard most common. Inform your bank before traveling.
Tipping (Baksheesh)
Deeply embedded in local culture. Keep small bills ready. ~10–15% at restaurants, 150–200 EGP for full-day tour guides.
05
Stay Safe
Safety Tips for Tourists
General Awareness
Stick to well-populated, lit areas — especially after dark. Egypt is generally safe for tourists, but petty scams in crowded tourist areas are common. Trust your instincts and walk with purpose.
Street Vendors & Scams
Some vendors use aggressive tactics near pyramids and markets. Always agree on a price before any transaction. If you feel pressured, it's okay to walk away — never feel obligated.
Protect Your Belongings
Use hotel safes for passports, large cash amounts, and valuables. A money belt is practical in crowded bazaars. Keep a digital copy of your passport stored in your email or cloud.
Photography Rules
Always ask before photographing locals, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Some museums and archaeological sites restrict or charge extra for photography — check signage.
Reliable Transport
Use Uber or Careem instead of unmarked taxis. If you use street taxis, agree on a price before entering the vehicle. Hotel-arranged drivers are the safest option for day trips.
Solo Female Travelers
Dress modestly in conservative areas, use app-based transport, stay in well-reviewed central accommodation, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Most women travel safely by taking simple precautions.
06
Local Customs
Cultural Etiquette
Dress Code
Modesty is valued throughout Egypt. While Cairo and beach resorts are more relaxed, covering shoulders and knees is expected when visiting mosques, bazaars, and traditional neighborhoods. Always carry a scarf — you'll need it.
Greetings & Respect
Egyptians are warm and hospitable. A handshake is standard for first meetings. "As-salamu alaykum" (Peace be upon you) is universally appreciated as a greeting. Learning even a few Arabic phrases earns instant goodwill.
Mosques & Sacred Sites
Remove shoes before entering mosques. Women should cover hair with a scarf. Dress conservatively — no sleeveless tops or shorts. Avoid visiting during prayer times for a more respectful experience.
Dining Etiquette
Wait for your host to signal the start of a meal. Sharing dishes is the norm — accepting food when offered is considered polite. Refusing repeatedly can be seen as rude. Halal food is standard across Egypt.
Tipping Culture
Tipping (baksheesh) is deeply embedded in Egyptian social life. Tip service staff, bathroom attendants, tour guides, and hotel housekeeping. 10–15% at restaurants is standard. Always keep small bills accessible.
07
What to See
Must-Visit Attractions & Hidden Gems
Iconic Landmark · Giza
Pyramids of Giza
The last surviving wonder of the ancient world. Visit at sunrise to experience the scale before the crowds arrive. A camel ride gives a different perspective.
Ancient Temple · Luxor
Karnak Temple Complex
One of the largest religious complexes ever built. The Great Hypostyle Hall — with its 134 massive columns — is breathtaking at any time of day.
Royal Necropolis · Luxor
Valley of the Kings
Burial ground of Egypt's greatest pharaohs. Tutankhamun's tomb is compact but iconic. The painted walls of Ramesses VI are among the most stunning.
UNESCO Site · Aswan
Abu Simbel Temples
Ramesses II carved these colossal temples into solid rock. Relocated in the 1960s to save them from rising Nile waters — a feat of modern engineering.
Hidden Gem · Western Desert
Siwa Oasis
Remote and magical — palm groves, salt lakes, mud-brick architecture, and the Temple of the Oracle where Alexander the Great once sought prophecy.
Hidden Gem · Near Luxor
Dendera Temple
Often overlooked, yet one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt. The painted zodiac ceiling is extraordinarily detailed and still vivid with color.
Natural Wonder · Sinai
Ras Mohammed National Park
Some of the world's finest coral reefs lie just below the surface. Exceptional for snorkeling and diving. The canyon and mangrove channels are unforgettable.
UNESCO Site · Fayoum
Wadi El Hitan (Valley of the Whales)
Fossilized whale skeletons rising from the desert floor — proof that this Saharan landscape was once a vast sea. Eerily beautiful and completely unique.
08
Wellness
Travel Insurance & Health Tips
Consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before departure to ensure you're up to date on the following recommended vaccinations. In major tourist cities, hospitals provide adequate emergency care.
-
Hepatitis A & BRecommended for all travelers to Egypt
-
TyphoidEspecially if visiting rural areas or eating street food
-
Routine Vaccines (MMR, DTP)Ensure measles, mumps, rubella and tetanus are current
-
DiphtheriaBooster recommended if not vaccinated in 10 years
Water Safety: Only drink bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice in drinks outside hotels. Eat at busy, local restaurants to ensure food freshness. Carry oral rehydration salts for hot days.
Travel Insurance Coverage
Medical Emergencies
Hospital stays, emergency treatment, and evacuation
Trip Cancellation
Unforeseen cancellations before or during your trip
Lost Luggage
Compensation for delayed or lost baggage
Adventure Activities
Ensure diving, hiking & desert tours are covered
Personal Liability
Protection from unexpected accidents or damages
09
Egyptian Cuisine
Must-Try Foods & Drinks
-
KoshariEgypt's beloved national dish — lentils, rice, pasta, and chickpeas topped with spiced tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. Vegetarian, filling, and found everywhere.
-
Foul MedamesThe quintessential Egyptian breakfast. Slow-cooked fava beans with olive oil, garlic, cumin, and lemon. Served with warm flatbread and eaten by millions every morning.
-
MolokhiaA rich, deeply green stew made from jute leaves — a uniquely Egyptian taste. Served over rice with roasted chicken or rabbit. Comfort food at its finest.
-
Ta'ameya (Egyptian Falafel)Made with fava beans (not chickpeas), giving them a lighter, more herby flavor. Stuffed into pita with tahini, pickles, and fresh vegetables from street carts.
-
MahshiVegetables (zucchini, peppers, grape leaves) stuffed with herbed rice. A labor-intensive dish that shows the depth of Egyptian home cooking.
-
Om AliEgypt's answer to bread pudding — layers of crispy pastry, warm milk, cream, raisins, and nuts. Served hot and utterly indulgent. Don't miss it.
Drinks to Try
Karkadeh
Hibiscus tea, served hot or iced — tangy and refreshing
Sugar Cane Juice
Freshly pressed at street stalls — ice cold, deeply sweet
Mint Tea
Served after meals — generous with fresh mint leaves
Sahlab
Warm, creamy orchid-root drink dusted with cinnamon — a winter specialty
10
Excursions
Day Trips & Short Excursions
From Cairo
Alexandria
2–3 hrs drive · Full day
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Citadel of Qaitbay (Pharos Lighthouse site)
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
- Corniche seafood lunch
From Luxor
Dendera Temple
1.5 hrs drive · Half day
- Temple of Hathor (zodiac ceiling)
- Sacred Lake
- Often combined with Abydos
- Far fewer crowds than Karnak
From Cairo
Giza & Saqqara
30 min · Full day
- Great Pyramids & the Sphinx
- Step Pyramid of Djoser (Saqqara)
- Solar Boat Museum
- Camel ride at sunset
From Hurghada
Desert Safari
30 min · Half or full day
- Quad biking in the dunes
- Bedouin village experience
- Camel riding
- Stargazing dinner under the stars
From Cairo
Fayoum Oasis
1.5–2 hrs · Full day
- Lake Qarun (saltwater lake)
- Wadi El Hitan — Valley of the Whales
- Waterwheel Oasis village
- Best in spring and autumn
From Aswan
Abu Simbel
3 hrs drive or 45 min flight
- Temples of Ramesses II
- Temple of Nefertari
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Solar alignment twice yearly
11
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry to Egypt
Most Popular Option
E-Visa (Online)
Apply online through the official Egyptian e-Visa portal from home. Simple process — fill in your details, upload passport photo and travel documents, pay online, receive by email. Valid for 30 days, both tourism and business.
At the Airport
Visa on Arrival
Available for citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, EU nations, and many more. Purchase at the visa counter upon landing at Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, or Sharm El Sheikh airports. Pay in cash only.
Passport Requirements
What Your Passport Needs
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date. It must also have at least one blank page for the visa stamp. Damaged or expired passports may result in denied entry — renew early.
Extending Your Stay
Visa Extension
Apply before your current visa expires at the Mugamma building in Cairo or immigration offices in other cities. Bring your passport, photos, a copy of your current visa, and accommodation details. Takes a few hours to a few days.