Are you planning your trip to Egypt and are full of enthusiasm but still have many doubts about the country? Don’t worry; in our article Egypt Travel Tips, you will find all the answers to the questions that come to your mind.
Remember! Before going anywhere, finding out what to expect is always a good idea so you don’t get caught off guard.
We offer a variety of Egypt Vacation packages to egypt that can be customized to your needs with our certified Egyptologist and Egypt travel guide. We take pride in keeping our costs low and providing you with the best value for your hard-earned money.
Is it safe to visit Egypt?
According to the report “Global Law and Order 2019”, Egypt ranks eighth in the ranking of the safest countries in the world. So definitely, yes, Egypt is safe. Egypt is usually considered safe for tourists, and millions go there yearly without any problems. The Egyptian government cares a lot about ensuring tourists are safe and secure. Airports and major tourist sites have strict security measures in place. But, like any place you visit, there are risks you should be aware of, such as pickpocketing, scams, and sometimes acts of violence. Always be careful, stay up-to-date on local events and conditions, and listen to what local authorities and your embassy or consulate tell you to do. Before planning a trip to Egypt, checking travel advisories from your home country is also a good idea. If you take the proper steps, Egypt can be safe and fun.
Tips for traveling to Egypt
Tip 1: Visa requirements and travel documents needed
Egypt is a country with a lot of history and culture, which brings in a lot of tourists from all over the world. To visit Egypt, travelers must meet specific requirements regarding visas and travel documents.
Visa Requirements
Getting a visa before going to Egypt may be necessary, depending on why you are going and where you are from. Egypt has different visas for tourists, businesspeople, and people who want to work there.
Tourist Visa: A tourist visa is the most common visa for people who want to visit Egypt. You can apply for a tourist visa online, at the Egyptian embassy in your home country, or the Egyptian consulate. Tourist visas are suitable for 90 days and can be extended simultaneously.
- Business Visa: You need a business visa to go to Egypt for business. When you apply for a business visa, you must include, among other things, a letter of invitation from a company or organization in Egypt.
- Work Visa: You must apply for a work visa in Egypt. To get a work visa, you must have a job offer from an Egyptian employer, and that employer must sponsor your visa application.
Travel Documents
To enter Egypt, you need the following travel documents in addition to the required visa:
- Passport: Everyone who goes to Egypt must have reasonable access for at least six months after entry. You also need at least one blank page in your passport for the visa stamp.
- Visa Approval Letter: You will get a visa approval letter if you apply for a tourist visa online. When you get to Egypt, you must show this letter and your passport to the person in charge of immigration.
- Proof of Where You Will Stay: You must also show evidence of where you will stay in Egypt. This could be a hotel reservation or an invitation from a friend or family member who lives there.
- Proof of Finances: During your stay in Egypt, you may be asked to show evidence that you have money, like bank statements or a credit card.
In conclusion, to visit Egypt, you must have a valid passport, get the correct visa for your trip, and show proof of where you will stay and how much money you have. It is essential to find out what your country’s visa rules are.
Tip 2: Health and safety precautions to take when traveling to Egypt
Egypt is a fascinating country, full of ancient history, breathtaking monuments, and stunning natural landscapes. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year. However, like any travel destination, it is essential to take precautions to ensure your health and safety. This blog will discuss essential health and safety precautions when traveling to Egypt.
Vaccinations
Before traveling to Egypt, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you are current on all recommended vaccinations. This may include vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies. If you plan on visiting rural areas, you may also need to consider getting a yellow fever vaccine.
Safe Drinking Water
In Egypt, tap water is not safe for drinking. As a result, it is crucial always to drink bottled water or water that has been boiled or purified. It is also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and raw fruits and vegetables that may have been washed in tap water.
Food Safety
Egyptian cuisine is a delight for foodies, but ensuring food safety is essential. Be cautious when trying new foods, and avoid food left out for long periods. Eating at restaurants that are busy and popular with locals is also advisable.
Sun Protection
Egypt can be extremely hot, and taking precautions to protect yourself from the sun is essential. This includes wearing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. You should also avoid spending too much time in the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
Avoid Touts
When traveling in Egypt, it is common to encounter people who will try to sell you things or offer to give you a tour. While some of these individuals may be genuine, many are not. It is essential to be cautious and avoid touts trying to scam or steal from you.
Avoid Demonstrations
Political demonstrations are common in Egypt and can sometimes turn violent. Avoiding these demonstrations and being aware of your surroundings is essential. If you encounter a demonstration, it is best to leave the area immediately.
Respect Local Customs
Egypt is a conservative country, and respecting local customs and traditions is essential. This includes dressing modestly when visiting mosques or other religious sites and avoiding public displays of affection.
In conclusion, Egypt is a beautiful country with much to offer visitors. However, it is essential to take precautions to ensure your health and safety. Following the tips outlined in this blog; you can help ensure that your trip to Egypt is safe and enjoyable.
Tip 3: Packing tips for Egypt
Egypt has a long history, beautiful scenery, and lively culture. When getting ready for your trip to Egypt, you should pack carefully to ensure you have everything you need and are comfortable and safe. In this blog, we’ll give you some helpful tips for packing for Egypt, each under a different heading to help you stay on track.
Things to wear
Egypt is a conservative country, so it’s essential to dress modestly to show respect for local traditions and customs. Bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders and knees when you go to Egypt. This means wearing long pants or skirts and tops that cover your shoulders and chest. You should also bring shoes that are easy to walk in because you will be doing a lot of walking and exploring.
Sun protection
Egypt can get very hot, so protecting yourself from the sun is essential. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. It would help if you also considered bringing a lightweight shirt with long sleeves to protect your arms from the sun.
Medicines
Bring enough for the whole trip. You should also get a copy of your prescription and a list of your medication in case you need to refill a prescription while in Egypt.
Devices that use electricity
You must bring the proper adapters for your electronic devices to Egypt. Egypt has a different type of electrical outlet than many other countries, so you’ll need a universal adapter to charge your phone, camera, and other electronics.
Money and Cash
The Egyptian pound (EGP) is the country’s currency. Having cash for small purchases or tips is a good idea. ATMs are easy to find in big cities, but you should always have some money if you can’t find one.
Backpack or Daypack
When you go to Egypt, having a backpack or daypack to carry things like water, sunscreen, and a camera is helpful. Look for a bag or daypack that is easy to take for long periods and has enough space for your most important things.
Documents for Travel
When you go to Egypt, you must bring all the documents you need, such as your passport, visa (if you need one), and any other documents. Also, it’s a good idea to make copies of these papers and keep them in a different place in case they get lost or stolen.
In conclusion, consider the country’s culture, climate, and geography carefully when packing for Egypt. Following the tips under these different headings ensures your trip to Egypt will be comfortable and fun.
Tip 4: Transportation options in Egypt
Egypt has a lot of cultures, history, and beautiful natural areas. As a popular tourist spot, it has a lot of ways for visitors to get around and see the country. There are many ways to get around, from public transportation to private taxis, to fit different budgets and tastes. In this blog, we’ll discuss some ways to get around Egypt.
Public Transportation
Egypt’s public transportation is the cheapest way to get around the country, and the bus is the most common way around town. In Egypt, there are many kinds of buses, such as local buses that run within cities and intercity buses that go between cities. The metro, which runs in Cairo and Alexandria, is another popular way to get around a city.
Taxis
Egypt has a lot of taxis, which are a convenient way to get around. Egypt has two kinds of taxis: white and black and white. The government sets the prices for white taxis and licenses them. The prices of black and white taxis are negotiable because they are not permitted. Before getting in the taxi, you must agree with the driver’s fare.
Ride-Sharing Apps
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are available in Egypt, making getting around the city easy and safe. Most of the time, these services are cheaper than taxis, and using them is easy if you need to learn how the local public transportation system works.
Trains
Trains are a comfortable and cheap way to get from one major city in Egypt to another. The Egyptian National Railways runs a train system that links the country’s biggest cities. Different kinds of trains, like sleeper trains, have places to stay the night.
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights in Egypt are quick and easy to get from one city to another. EgyptAir is the country’s leading airline, and it has flights to several cities within Egypt.
In conclusion, Egypt has many different ways to get around. Whether you want to take the bus, a taxi, or a ride-sharing app, there are options for different budgets and preferences. When traveling in Egypt, it’s essential to pick the mode of transportation that’s easiest, safest, and most comfortable for you.
Tip 5: Cultural customs and etiquette to be aware of in Egypt
Traditions and etiquette play an essential role in Egyptian society due to the country’s long and illustrious history. While traveling to Egypt, studying and observing these norms with due diligence is vital since they will significantly affect your interactions with locals and the impression you leave with them. This blog post will discuss some of the most important cultural norms to remember while visiting Egypt.
An Exchange of Greetings and Courtesy
Egyptians place a premium on civility and respect. Hence, it is customary to greet new acquaintances with a kind and courteous greeting, and it is expected to shake hands and say hello to a new acquaintance. On the other hand, males often kiss one another on the cheek as a kind of welcome.
Clothing
The conservative nature of Egypt necessitates that visitors dress conservatively. It is appropriate for women to dress conservatively, meaning they should cover their arms and legs and not wear anything too exposed. Women are expected to wear headscarves at mosques and other religious buildings.
Gift-giving
In Egyptian culture, offering a gift is a common way to show gratitude and respect. When you go to someone’s house or meet them for the first time, giving them a small gift to show your appreciation is common. Giving a gift is another method to show appreciation and strengthen bonds with someone.
Cultures of the Table
Any tourist visiting Egypt would be remiss not to experience some of the country’s delectable regional specialties. It is usual to take off your shoes before entering a person’s house where they would be hosting a meal and to use only your right hand while eating. Use your fingers to break bread and scoop food, and wait for the host to begin eating before you do.
Religion
Travelers visiting Egypt should know Islam is the state religion and respect local religious practices. Women should always cover their heads while entering mosques and dress modestly overall, and non-Muslims must know the exact hour of the mosque’s prayers before planning a visit.
In conclusion, Egypt is an exciting nation with a long and storied past. The success of your trip depends on your familiarity with and adherence to local norms of behavior. Following a few easy rules will go a long way towards earning the gratitude of Egyptians and fostering genuine friendships with locals.
Tip 6: Language and communication tips in egypt
Egypt has a lot of history and culture, and its language and how people talk to each other are essential to daily life. Egypt’s official language is Arabic, but many Egyptians also speak English. To talk to Egyptians, you must understand and use Arabic. This blog will discuss some important things to remember about the language and how to talk to people in Egypt.
Learn a few phrases in Arabic
Even though many Egyptians speak English, visitors who learn a few Arabic phrases can get along better with locals and show respect for their culture. Simple greetings like “Salam alaykum” (peace be upon you) and “Shukran” (thank you) can go a long way towards making friends with locals.
Pay attention to the language
Being polite and avoiding slang or offensive words is essential when talking to locals. In Egyptian culture, being polite is very important, and using the right words can help you build trust and respect with locals.
Try to listen actively
Active listening is an essential skill for talking to people in Egypt. The Egyptians place a lot of value on personal relationships, and active listening shows that you are interested in what they say. This means paying full attention to the person and taking the time to understand their point of view.
Use gestures and other ways to talk without words
In Egypt, gestures and body language are important ways to communicate, and they can help you get your point across even if you don’t know the exact words. For example, you can show that you agree or understand by nodding your head, but you can show that you don’t agree or don’t understand by shaking your head.
Ask people nearby for help
If you can’t figure out how to talk to people, don’t hesitate to ask them for help. Egyptians are generally friendly and willing to help you in any way they can. This can be especially helpful when taking public transportation or ordering food in a local restaurant.
In conclusion, communication is essential to any trip, and knowing the language and how people talk can improve your time in Egypt. By following these simple rules, you can respect the local culture, connect with the people there, and get the most out of your trip to this beautiful country.
Tip 7: Money and currency exchange tips for Egypt
Egypt is a fascinating nation with a rich history and culture. You must know the local currency and money practices for a trouble-free vacation in Egypt. In this article, we’ll review some money and currency conversion basics that will be useful if you ever find yourself in Egypt.
Currency
The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). One Egyptian Pound may be divided into 1,000 piastres or 25 cents, and coins range from 25 piastres to 1 EGP. Have some Egyptian Pounds on hand since many establishments there only take cash.
Currency Exchange
In Egypt, several hotels and institutions provide the service of exchanging foreign currency. To obtain the most excellent bargain when converting money, it’s important to shop around and compare rates and costs. If you need to convert a large sum of cash, it’s best to do it at a reputable financial institution rather than a street seller offering exchange rates too reasonably.
Acceptance of Credit Card Payments
Several hotels and restaurants in Egypt accept credit cards, but visitors should still plan on using cash. For the same reason, it’s wise to let your financial institution or credit card provider know you’ll travel internationally.
ATMs
In Egypt, most major credit and debit cards from foreign banks can be used at automated teller machines (ATMs). Know in advance whether your bank will charge you a fee for overseas withdrawals, and double-check that your PIN will work with ATMs in Egypt.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in Egypt, including hotel personnel, taxi drivers, and restaurant servers. A 10% tip is customary in many countries. However, this might vary greatly depending on the quality of service received.
In conclusion, Knowing Egypt’s currency and money habits is crucial for a pleasant trip
FAQs about Egypt Travel Tips
What are the best places to visit in Egypt?
You are spoiled for choice. Here are the places not to be missed: the white desert, Aswan, Luxor, Abu Simbel, St Catherine, Marsa Alam, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Siwa, Cairo, and Alexandria.
What can’t I do in Egypt?
Despite being a safe country, we are happy to make you some recommendations :
- Avoid going for excursions without a guide and expert driver.
- Avoid traveling at night, given the drivers’ habit of driving with headlights off.
- Do not exchange effusions in public.
- Respect places of worship by adopting the recommended clothing and keeping silent.
- Avoid talking about politics or religion.
- Do not remove corals from the Red Sea and avoid contact with them; even minor trauma can damage them.
- Do not take photos without the permission of the premises, and never take pictures of the police, army, and government buildings (you will recognize them for the guards in front of them).
- Do not visit the sites not recommended by travel agencies and the Traveling safe site (eg, North Sinai, the desert on the border with Libya).
- Avoid eating too much street food, especially raw vegetables, which may not be sufficiently clean or washed with contaminated water.
- As fascinating as it is to avoid bathing in the Nile, you could contract diseases or catch parasites (better avoid).
- Do not travel without carrying out the recommended vaccines or travel insurance.
- Don’t forget to always bring your passport with you.
- Don’t forget to always have cash with you (still, not all businesses have card payments).
What injections do I need for Egypt
If you’re going to Egypt, you should talk to your doctor or a travel clinic to find out what shots you need. The recommended vaccinations may differ depending on your health and where you go. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that most people who go to Egypt should get shots for hepatitis A and typhoid. Depending on their plans and activities, some travelers may also need shots for hepatitis B, rabies, and yellow fever. You should also ensure that your routine vaccinations, such as MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough), are current. Your doctor or a travel clinic can give you advice based on your health and where you plan to go. It is best to talk to a doctor at least four to six weeks before your trip to get needed shots.
Can I enter the pyramids?
Absolutely yes, upon purchase of a special ticket.
How much does it cost to visit the pyramids?
The entrance fee to the Giza pyramids area is 380 EGP, and the entrance to the great pyramid ( Khufu ) is 400 EGP, for the other two ( Khafre and Menkaure ) you pay 100 EGP.
How much do you tip in Egypt?
Tipping is a common thing in Egypt, and it’s not a mandatory thing though it’s a way of appreciating the service offered during visits to the country, so don’t forget to tip your guide, driver, servants, and waiters. It is advisable to have Egyptian currency to tip during the tour.
The following table summarizes a mirror of hypothetical tips depending on the situation:
- At the entrance of restaurants and public toilets 5 EGP
- Driver USD 5 per day
- Tour guide USD 10 per day
- Suitcase service From USD 1 to USD 3
- Housekeeper USD 2
- Photos with Bedouins, locals, and camels 1 USD
- Cruise crew USD 30
- Any assistance provided From 5 to 20 EGP
- Waiter 10% of the total account
Can I drink alcohol in Egypt?
Of course, you can drink alcohol only inside the premises where alcohol is served or in private homes. Let’s not forget that a part of the population is Coptic Christian, so it is easy to find stores that sell alcohol. Always remember not to drink in public places or on the street.
Can you hold hands in Egypt?
Of course, nothing prevents you from strolling holding hands; exchanging effusions, especially kisses, in public is not recommended.
Can we brush our teeth with tap water in Egypt?
It is always preferable to avoid direct contact with tap water. But more and more effective water filters are spreading.
Can I eat Egyptian food?
Yes, you can, the Egyptian cuisine is one of the most beautiful kitchens in the Middle East, and trying Egyptian dishes is one of the great experiences you should try during your visit to Egypt.
- Check our article on Top traditional Egyptian food & drinks
Can I drink water in Egypt?
It is very and very disheartening. In Egypt, there is a high chance of getting an infection in the gut. We suggest thoroughly washing the food, especially fruits and vegetables, and paying particular attention to how clean the places where meals are eaten are. Also, you should only drink mineral water and drinks that come in bottles without adding ice.
What to wear in Egypt?
There are no particular restrictions except when visiting places of worship. If you visit places of worship, it is important to wear loose-fitting clothing (both for men and women). Preferably with long sleeves and covering the ankles, it is also essential for women to protect the head (hair) with a scarf. Outside public places, it is preferable to adopt modest clothing, somewhat opaque, but there is less rigidity; it is not necessary to cover the garment.
- Don’t miss to check out our guide about the best time to visit Egypt.
Can I wear leggings in Egypt?
Yes, it is a garment that is also widely used by Egyptian girls, who always pay attention to wearing a very long shirt over their leggings.
Can I wear shorts in Cairo?
Nothing forbids it, but you will certainly give a lot of attention, and it could be unpleasant to be constantly under everyone’s eyes.
What to buy in Egypt?
Egypt has a lot of history and culture, which makes it a great place to buy souvenirs. Tourists can find everything from small trinkets to more important works of art that are unique and traditional. Handmade carpets and rugs are popular souvenirs that show Egypt’s long history with textiles. Other popular things are jewelry made of precious metals and stones, traditional Egyptian pottery, and objects made of wood that have been carefully carved. Visitors also love papyrus paintings that show scenes from ancient Egypt. People who want to try more foods can buy spices, teas, and sweets made in the area. You can find many of these souvenirs in busy markets like the Khan el-Khalili in Cairo or specialty shops nationwide. No matter what you like or how much money you have, Egypt has a lot of souvenirs that will help you remember your trip for a long time.
Whether you are an individual traveler or a group of friends or family, we offer a variety of travel packages to egypt. We cater to individuals, couples, families, and groups of all sizes, offering tailor-made itineraries for our clients. We provide an unforgettable experience to see the pharaoh’s dwellings and explore pyramids and temples. Our Egypt day Tours are designed to give you a glimpse of Egypt’s rich history and cultural richness. We offer a variety of travel packages to Egypt, including Egypt Nile cruise packages. This is the perfect way to be introduced to the country and experience its beauty, culture, and history.
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