Travel advice on Egypt: use these tips to help with your Egypt trip!
Planning a trip to Egypt can be daunting, so here is travel advice on Egypt to help you get started on your Egypt itinerary, prepare for your upcoming Egypt trip, and answer your frequently asked questions.
Travel Advice on Egypt
Here’s some advice for Egypt travel:
Get an Egypt guidebook: I recommend Lonely Planet’s Guidebook on Egypt - it has tons of great advice on travel to Egypt, including information about every single tourist destination, and you can even take it with you and use it as a reference when you travel. Don’t want to look like a tourist lugging around a guidebook? Get the ebook version, and everything will be accessible on your phone.
Read Egypt travel blogs: I have a blog full of travel tips for Egypt, and one of my colleagues runs the Egypt Travel Blog, another great resource.
Watch Egypt YouTube videos: I love Gisselle’s GVentures channel for lots of Egypt travel tips, plus I have my own YouTube channel, with tons of videos, and the Egypt Travel Channel is another great resource. Focus on YouTubers and YouTube channels with actual experience living in Egypt, not travel vloggers who stopped in Egypt for two weeks and made a handful of videos, without actually knowing Egyptian Arabic and understanding the local culture.
Decide if you want to work with a company or plan your own Egypt trip: Planning a trip to Egypt takes a ton of time, and many travelers don’t know how to make the most efficient Egypt itinerary, or maybe they miss out on the best local restaurants in Cairo, or authentic Egyptian experiences. It can help to hire a company to create a customized itinerary catered to your Egypt trip. If you want to talk more about a customized itinerary, fill out my Egypt Trip Interest Form and I’ll get in touch to talk about your Egypt adventure.
Consider group tours: Group tours in Egypt are a great way to share the costs of being on a Nile Cruise, have a local Egypt guide, and meet other travelers while exploring Egypt. I offer several group tours each year, and lots of other companies do the same as well — Escape to Egypt is another company that puts on amazing group tours.
Practice due diligence when booking Egypt guides or companies: If you find a local Egypt guide or company online and want to book them for your trip, I recommend doing your due diligence:
Read reviews of the Egyptian company or tour guide. If they don’t have publicly posted reviews, don’t work with them.
Try to set up a Zoom or phone call to speak directly with the Egyptologist tour guide or Egyptian company to see if they would be a good fit for your trip, and to see if you feel comfortable working with them.
Ask them for their credentials — all Egyptian tour guides and companies need to have proper licensure with the Egyptian government; there are a lot of “guides” and “travel companies” out there who are working without the proper paperwork.
Get clear terms and conditions, including a cancellation and refund policy, before booking anything.
Plan your Egypt trip in advance, especially before going to Egypt: I get emails and messages all the time from people who are arriving in Egypt in less than a month, or even worse, are currently in Egypt, trying to book a tour guide or set up a Nile Cruise. I can never help them, because all the reputable tour guides and companies I know are fully booked, and there’s no time anyway to set anything up. Don’t let this be you! Begin the planning process ideally 6-12 months before your trip, and in a perfect world, have everything booked about 3 months ahead of time. If you are planning a last-minute trip, get everything arranged as quickly as possible—don’t wait until you’re in Egypt to book a tour guide or arrange a Nile Cruise; you will not get the best options and you’ll waste precious time that could have been spent experiencing Egypt.
Tips to prepare for an upcoming Egypt trip
Ok, your trip to Egypt is arranged, your Egypt itinerary is complete, you have your flights, hotels, and tours booked, so now what? Here are my Egypt travel tips when preparing for an upcoming trip:
Know what to wear in Egypt, and pack accordingly: In this blog post, I share what men and women should wear in Egypt — have a look, and get packing!
Create a packing list: This blog post goes over 17 things to pack for your Egypt trip that you might not have thought about. Create your own list, share it with your group, and think through what you want to bring to Egypt.
Be prepared to tip/pay gratuities: Egypt is a country where tipping is a part of everyday life. It can be difficult to know to whom, and how much to tip in Egypt. This YouTube video goes over tipping in detail, or you can check out my Egypt tipping guide that includes a handy cheatsheet you can save for quick reference during your trip.
Buy tickets to the sites online: Egypt now offers ticket purchases to almost every historic site online, meaning you can pre-book your tickets and skip the line. Here’s my blog post that shows you how. Heads up that the website still has lots of glitches, though, so if you have trouble, you can always book your tickets in Egypt in person, using a Visa or Mastercard (no cash is accepted).
Figure out how you will get cell service and internet coverage in Egypt: eSIMs for Egypt are not available from local carriers, so to get an Egypt eSIM, you will need to use a third party, like Airalo. If your phone takes a physical SIM card (newer iPhones and many new phones are eSIM only and do not have a physical SIM card slot anymore), you can buy a local SIM card upon arrival. Another option for cell service and internet coverage is to ask your current provider if they provide service in Egypt. Some carriers charge a fee to do this, but others, like GoogleFi, provide free data and texting when in Egypt (at least they do for me!).
Be prepared for your Egypt entry visa: For United States, EU, Australian, and several other passport holders, a visa upon arrival is the best way to go. Check out this YouTube video for more information about the Egypt entry visa.
Learn about money in Egypt, and make a plan: Read my blog post to learn about the currency in Egypt, where to exchange money for Egyptian Pounds, how to use ATMs, where to find the best rates, and more!
Make sure Whatsapp and Uber are both working on your smartphone: Both of these apps are used commonly in Egypt — Whatsapp is the main form of communication used, and Uber is a great way to get around independently in Cairo and Alexandria.
Inform your bank/credit card companies you will be traveling to Egypt: Many banks and credit cards do not require this anymore, and are able to figure out on their own when you are traveling, but notifying your credit card companies and your bank ahead of your Egypt trip that you will be abroad could help avoid any issues when trying to use your cards at restaurants, hotels, shops, or ATMs.
Watch this video on how to cross the street in Cairo: Just watch the video, and you’ll understand why it’s essential to learn this skill before your time in Egypt!
Tips and answers to frequently asked questions about travel to Egypt
These Egypt travel tips take the form of answers to all the frequently asked questions I’ve gotten over the years. Don’t see your question listed? Ask it in the comments section below!
Electronics and phones in Egypt
Can my phone use an eSim in Egypt?
Yes, but only for internet. If you want to make phone calls or send text messages, you will need to either bring a phone that can use a physical SIM card, or if your phone only uses eSIMs, you will need to use your carrier's international roaming plan (check with your carrier to make sure your phone will work in Egypt), or purchase an eSim through a service like Airalo.
What type of electrical plugs are in Egypt? What type of adaptor we will need to charge cell phones?
Egypt does NOT use U.S.-style plugs, but uses the same, two-round-prong outlet plug style used in parts of Europe, like Germany, Spain, and Italy. I have a converter I bought from Amazon for around $25 USD that converts the plug type from USA to any kind around the world, and it also has several USB ports. Here’s a link to one like the one I use.
What is the voltage in Egypt?
In Egypt the supply voltage is 220V. If an appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of Egypt, 220V.
What to pack and wear in Egypt
Is there an Egypt dress code, or a list of what not to wear in Egypt?
It is more conservative to avoid wearing tank tops and shorts, although many travelers wear both and are comfortable. Anything with a rainbow on it is not a good idea to wear; the rainbow is a sometimes-recognized symbol of LGBTQ+ people, which is not accepted on a wide scale in Egypt. Anything mentioning Israel is also not a good idea to wear, since many Egyptians are not supportive of Israel. Check out this blog post for more information.
Should I bring bug spray to Egypt?
Travelers sometimes say that flies and mosquitos bother them in Egypt, especially on a Nile Cruise, so yes, I recommend bringing bug spray.
Bringing medications and prescriptions to Egypt, and other health-related questions
Can I bring prescription medicines and drugs into Egypt? Specifically for diabetic insulin, tramadol, and other daily prescriptions.
Per the Egyptian Consulate in Chicago, travelers bringing in prescriptions like Tramadol, Xanax, or other prescriptions that are considered controlled substances in Egypt, should only bring the amount of prescription needed for the trip (do not bring a 30-day supply if you are only in Egypt for 12 days, for example), should bring the medication in its original, Rx packaging (with the Rx label intact), and as an added precaution, should bring a doctor’s note stating the prescription, dosage, and purpose.
Travelers bringing in non-controlled substances they have a prescription for, like allergy medications, insulin, birth control, etc., just need to make sure to bring the amount needed for the trip along with keeping it in its original, Rx packaging.
Travelers bringing over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, allergy medications, anti-nausea meds, etc., that are non-controlled substances, should keep them in their original packaging, and just bring enough for their trip.
For more information on what medications and prescriptions can be brought to Egypt, and how to check whether your medication is allowed or not (you’ll have to ask the embassy or consulate), check out this blog post.
Can I buy over the counter medication in Egypt?
Some over the counter medications, like ibuprofen, are available, but I highly recommend bringing any over the counter medication you anticipate needing with you.
Do I need any shots, vaccines, or immunizations to travel to Egypt?
Travelers from the USA, countries in the EU, the UK, Australia, and many others, as long as they are going from their home country to Egypt, do not need any vaccinations to travel throughout Egypt, but Egypt technically requires travelers from some countries to have specific vaccinations, like a Yellow Fever vaccine, although they don’t always check paperwork for this. If you have any questions about whether or not you require vaccinations to enter Egypt, ask your tour company or check your government’s state department website regarding travel to Egypt.
Is there malaria in Egypt?
Malaria is not an issue in Egypt, and no preventatives are required.
What are the Covid-19 protocols to enter Egypt? Do I need the Covid-19 vaccine or a PCR test?
As of 16 June, 2022, there are no Covid-19 entry requirements for Egypt. You do not need to be vaccinated against Covid-19 in order to enter Egypt, and you do not need a Covid test in order to enter Egypt.
Can I bring CBD products (that do not contain THC) to Egypt?
CDB products are illegal in Egypt and are not allowed to enter the country. Do not bring any CBD products with you to Egypt.
Do I need medical insurance or travel insurance to go to Egypt?
Medical and travel insurance are not required to go to Egypt, but I highly recommend having both.
Money in Egypt
Can I bring Travelers Cheques to Egypt?
I don’t know of any banks that issue Travelers Cheques anymore, and no one in Egypt will accept them. Do not bring Travelers Cheques to Egypt.
Can I use ATMs to pull out money in Egypt, instead of always exchanging cash?
Yes, this is the best way to get Egyptian Pounds throughout your trip. ATMs in Egypt are plentiful in all of the places you will travel to, and are fairly easy to use. Be sure to have a Visa/Mastercard check/debit card with you (a card that is linked to a checking account back at your home bank, NOT a credit card). Tell your bank that you will be traveling to Egypt and will need to pull money out of ATMs during your trip (give them the dates you will be in Egypt). It is a good idea to bring two different cards, if you have them. Check out this blog post with more information.
Can I use Credit Cards (not a debit card) to pay for things in Egypt?
Credit cards are more widely accepted than they used to be, but are still not as widely accepted as in places like the USA. Some examples of merchants who usually accept Visa or Mastercard are 4/5 star hotels, Uber rides, most restaurants you will eat at, shopping malls, some tourist souvenir shops and bazaar vendors, chain restaurants (like Starbucks or McDonalds), the airports, and as of August 2023, now at almost all of the tourist sites throughout Egypt. American Express and Discover cards are almost never accepted in Egypt.
Can I exchange my extra Egyptian Pounds at the airport back to US dollars or another foreign currency?
NO -- you can’t usually exchange Egyptian Pounds back to USD at the airport or anywhere in Egypt, and this is why I highly recommend only exchanging for a small amount of Egyptian Pounds when you first arrive in Egypt, and then using your debit card to pull local currency out of ATMs as you travel throughout Egypt, in order to minimize the amount of leftover currency you have at the end of a trip. Every once in a while a traveler will find an exchange that will take Egyptian Pounds and give them foreign currency at the airport, but this almost never happens — in Egypt, no exchange office wants to get rid of their foreign currency.
Which currency would you recommend for the pocket money - Egyptian Pounds, US Dollars, Euros, or something else?
I recommend having a mixture of USD or Euros in cash, and Egyptian Pounds. Many merchants in Egypt prefer being paid in US Dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling, or other foreign currency, but not everyone. Don’t have too much in Egyptian Pounds though, since at the end of your trip, Egyptian Pounds almost never can be exchanged back to foreign currency. During your trip, if you ever need more Egyptian Pounds, you can just get more from an ATM using your Visa or Mastercard Debit Card.
Should I get Egyptian Pounds before I get to Egypt? Like getting them from my bank or at the airport before I leave?
Don’t waste time buying Egyptian Pounds before getting to Egypt. They are almost never available at banks and exchange services, and the rates are terrible. Buy any Egyptian pounds when you get to Egypt.
How much should I tip my Egypt tour guide?
Check out this blog post, which gives exact amounts for how much to tip your Egypt guide, driver, Nile Cruise, and more!
Visa, passport, and Egypt airports
What do you recommend regarding the Egypt entry visa - doing it directly at the airport, or the e-visa online in advance?
If eligible (not all countries are), buying the visa upon arrival at the airport is easiest and best. Have $25 USD, Euros, or GBP with you per person. For more information, check out this blog post.
What kinds of ID should I bring to Egypt: driver’s license, passport, medical insurance cards, anything else?
You must have your passport (and also should have a photo of your passport on your phone), and any other forms of ID are optional. If you pre-purchased your Egyptian entry visa, you also need to bring that in a paper copy (if it is an e-visa) or inside of your passport (if you got the full visa from an Egyptian consulate or embassy).
Do I need a return flight booked when I arrive to Egypt?
Technically, yes, you need a return flight booked to prove that you are leaving Egypt before the end of your visa period, although I have never been asked about this at the airport.
Are airport services like the currency exchange and the visa counters open 24 hours?
Yes, the visa counter to purchase the visa upon arrival, the local SIM card providers, and the currency exchange are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How can I get from Cairo International Airport to downtown Cairo or Giza?
The easiest way is to book a private transfer, but Uber is also an option, even if it can be difficult (see this video example). If your flight lands during the day, you can also take the public bus (see this video example), although these buses will not run past midnight. You can also bargain with one of the taxi brokers inside the airport, but make sure you bargain hard! A taxi ride from the airport to downtown Cairo shouldn’t cost more than $10-20 USD, and out to Giza, it shouldn’t cost more than $15-25 USD (you should tip the driver between $2-5 USD equivalent as well).
Miscellaneous Egypt Travel Tips
How do you say “hello”, “please”, “thank you”, and “goodbye” in Egypt?
In Egypt they speak Egyptian Arabic; you can watch this video and this video go over some great Egyptian Arabic phrases. You can also ask your Egypt guide to help you practice! Here are some phonetic examples:
Hello: “Ah-suh-lam WUH all-EYE-koom” — translates to “Peace unto you”
An Egyptian person will respond with “WUH all-EYE-koom eh-suh-lam” — translates to “And peace unto you”
Please: there isn’t a word in Egyptian colloquial Arabic that is used the same way as we use “please” in English. You can say “LOW-SUH-MAHHT” before or after your request, which works similarly to using “please” before or after making a request in English.
Thank you: “SHOW-krawn” (krawn rhymes with “prawn”)
You're welcome: “OFF-wan”
Goodbye: “MAA-suh-la-muh” (the “Maa” sounds like you are saying “aaaah” at the doctor’s office, and the “la” has a short “a” sound, like in the word “lamp”). This translates to: “With peace”.
Is it safe to drink the water in Egypt?
It is totally safe to drink bottled water in Egypt, which you will have plenty of access to purchase as needed (and most hotels give you a couple free bottles a day). I do not recommend drinking tap water in Egypt. You can use bottled water to rinse after brushing teeth, if you have an extremely sensitive stomach, but I personally use tap water for rinsing my mouth after brushing my teeth. You should avoid ice if you have a very sensitive stomach, but again, I use ice in Egypt and do not have issues. A lot of times, ice in restaurants where they serve a lot of tourists and also on Nile Cruises is made with filtered water — you can always ask about this if you are unsure.
Does Egypt have vegetarian and vegan food?
Yes! A ton of Egyptian food is automatically vegetarian or vegan. Check out this blog post for more information on what type of vegetarian and vegan options to expect during your time in Egypt.
Are there laundry services in Egypt?
Most hotels and Nile Cruise boats will offer laundry service in Egypt.
Can I buy alcohol in Egypt?
Some of the major restaurants tourists will eat at in Egypt will have local (Egyptian) beer and wine available, and almost all Nile Cruise boats will also have local Egyptian beer and wine, and sometimes, Egyptian spirits will also be available. Four and five-star hotels will almost always have local Egyptian beer and wine, and local and imported spirits. However, I like to stress to travelers that Egypt is not a destination known for drinking, nor having good quality alcoholic beverages (or bartenders who know how to make good cocktails), and a vast majority of Egyptians never drink alcohol. There are liquor stores throughout Egypt, although they are not as common as in other countries. Drinkies is a big chain of liquor stores throughout Egypt, and is in large cities like Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor.
I hope these Egypt travel tips are helpful if you are planning a trip to Egypt, are getting ready for your upcoming Egypt trip, or are currently in Egypt. Did I miss something? Leave a comment to let me know your tips for traveling in Egypt, or your questions!
