When I was planning my first Egypt trip, I would have benefited from a quick reference guide of Egypt travel tips. Below are some tips which I hope you will find beneficial.
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP).
Visa
You will need a tourist visa for Egypt. This costs USD$25 and can be bought at the airport.
Voltage
Standard voltage is 220 volts. Primary sockets require the European, 2-pronged variety.
Credit cards
Credit cards are not widely accepted in Egypt. Therefore, it’s best to exchange funds at the airport, upon arrival, or at a bank, your hotel or withdraw from ATMs (the rates were still better than exchanging in the UK). When possible, ask for many small notes, as they may be hard to come by whilst travelling around the country and are handy for tips, etc.
Best time to visit Egypt
Go at a cooler time of year if you plan to explore inside of Pyramids/tombs etc. (March/April a good time, with fewer tourists. December is peak season).
Dress
Wear cool fabrics in the summer and keep in mind you are visiting an Islamic country. Dress modestly.
Showing a lot of skin is not recommended for females, as it will attract a lot of unwanted advances. On the other hand, it is more than acceptable to whip out your bikini at your hotel.
I wore long summer dresses, jumpsuits, jeans, linen trousers and tops, light cardigans/shawls etc when going out. When visiting mosques, women are often asked to wear headscarves.
When visiting Egypt during the summer months, essential items to pack consist of sunglasses, sun hats, cool fabrics and sunscreen and insect repellent. I wrapped my hair a lot, as, depending on where you are going, the sand can get everywhere.
If visiting Egypt during the spring, autumn and winter, the day temperatures can be hot but the evenings can get very cold – especially from December to February. Consider bringing clothes you can layer and a jacket for the evening hours.
Bartering
Don’t be afraid to barter. The initial price is often inflated in markets etc.
Avoid tap water
For safety, it is not recommended that you drink the tap water, as it may cause stomach upset. Also, beware of eating street food if you are prone to a sensitive stomach.
Alcohol
As Egypt is an Islamic country, you are unlikely to find alcohol anywhere other than your hotel, where it is perfectly acceptable to drink in moderation.
Public transport
For info on public transport https://www.seat61.com/Egypt.htm. If you would like, take advantage of Cairo’s women-only metro carriages.
Taxis
Uber is available, although number plates are in Arabic, so therefore, harder to read. Otherwise, there are plenty of taxis available, and your hotel can also assist with booking.
Tour companies
I used a couple of local tour companies. Egypt Tailor Made operate all over Egypt, offering private tours tailored to your needs and provide female guides. Aswan Individual is a good choice for transfers between Luxor and Aswan. You can personalise your itinerary for stops such as the Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo. I also use Get Your Guide, who provide numerous tours for Egypt.
Tour companies are required to apply for road transportation permissions 48 hours in advance of your travels. For this, they need a photo of your passport. They cannot hire any car or driver without these passport photos.
There is a restriction for tourists travelling on the road between Aswan/Luxor between 6.00pm and 06.00am. This is important to note when booking flights.
Accommodation options
Giza
Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa
Luxor
Hurghada
KaiSol Romance Resort Sahl Hasheesh – Adults Only
Tipping etiquette
Tip at your discretion, but tipping is a natural part of daily life and survival. What is considered a “standard” tip? Below is a guideline only:
Drivers – for short distances, it is customary to tip approximately 50EGP to the driver, assuming he has done a good job and driven safely. For longer distance tours (like Abu Simbel or Aswan/Luxor transfers), it is customary to tip approximately 100EGP.
Guides – for half-day tours, it is customary to tip guides around 100EGP. For full-day tours (8 hours), it is customary to tip guides around 150EGP per tour.
Representatives – often representatives will meet you to introduce you to your drivers and guides, as well as explaining your upcoming tours and activities. They also do last-minute arranging and changes to your itineraries upon request. It is customary to give a small tip of 30EGP for this service.
I hope you find these Egypt travel tips useful.
