---
title: "Egypt: Trip Preparation & Destination Information"
description: Traveling to Egypt? Check out our trip prep page for tips to help you prepare.
image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Giza-Egypt%20(1).jpg
---

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# Egypt: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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![Egypt: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Giza-Egypt%20(1).jpg)

### About Egypt

- [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/egypt#overview)
- [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/egypt#packing)
- [Language ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/egypt#language)
- [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/egypt#weather)
- [Culture Notes](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/egypt#culturenotes)
- [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/egypt#tipping)
- [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/egypt#faq)
- [Luggage Restrictions](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/egypt#full-image-title)
- [Other](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/egypt#other-if-needed)

#### Overview

Ancient wonders, infinite desert and the mighty Nile! Egypt may seem like it's from another place in time, when you are exploring the Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, sailing into the sunset on the Nile or riding a camel into the absolute silence of the desert. Welcome to Egypt.

 

**Capital City:** Cairo

**Population: **102.3 million (2020 est.)

**Currency: **Egyptian Pound (EGP)

**Time Zone:** Eastern European Time - (UTC/GMT +2)

**Language**: Modern Standard Arabic

**Emergency Number:** 122

**Outlet: **Type C/F

![Camel-Egypt](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Camel-Egypt.jpg)

![TrovaTrip-Egypt-Temple](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/TrovaTrip-Egypt-Temple.jpg)

#### Packing List

**Active Shoes** - Great for exploring the ancient Pyramids of Giza and hiking trails.

**Conservative Clothing** - Make sure to bring some covering, especially when entering religious sites. Typically the dress should be conservative, meaning shoulders covered and clothing to the knee. Low-cut blouses and short shorts should be left out of the suitcase.

**Fleece or Sweater** - Temps can drop in the desert, make sure you have something to keep you warm.

**Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine can be really helpful if you're prone to motion sickness.

**Swimsuit** - Desert beaches or pool time!?

**Sunblock with SPF** - Nothing ruins a vacation like a bad sunburn. Remember to pack sunblock with SPF to protect your skin while outside.

**Hat & Sunglasses** - Keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face.

**Day Pack** - For carrying cameras, snacks, sunscreen, water, etc.

**Hand Sanitizer** - Need I say more?

**Packing Cubes** - We'll be moving in and out of hotels frequently and these will keep you organized.

**Bug Spray** - Use bug spray with DEET or Picaridin to avoid bug bites and stay healthy during your trip.

**Reusable Water Bottle** - Staying hydrated is a recipe for success. You will have access to clean water for refilling throughout your stay.

**Portable Chargers** - Great for charging batteries while on the go.

**Travel Adapter** - A universal plug is your best option.

**Towel** - Quick dry is our go-to.

**Ear Plugs** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate.

**Laundry Soap** - Single packets are perfect for sink washes when you're running low on clean clothes.

**Local Currency** - Make sure to get some local currency. On average, you'll lose around 15% at the airport if you use the currency exchange. While many places do accept cards, small local restaurants tend to be cash-only.

**Call Your Bank** - Your bank may suspend your card if they suspect unusual activity. Give them a call to let them know when and where you'll be traveling.

**Always pack extra underwear!**

#### Speak the Language

Language: The official language of Egypt is  Modern Standard Arabic.

 

- Hello / Good morning - Salam Alekum
- Goodbye - Mae alsalama
- How are you? - Kayf halikm?
- Thank you - Choukran
- My name is… - Aismi hu?
- Yes - Nem
- No - La
- How much? - Kam Thuman?
- Where is ... ? - Ayn hu ... ?

 

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click [**here**](https://translate.google.com/) 

![Nile-River Egypt](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Nile-RIver.jpg)

#### Weather

[CAIRO WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/30d0431d24/cairo/?unit=us)

#### Culture Notes

- As a Muslim-majority country, Islam is practiced by about 90% of Egyptians. Because of this, it also plays a large role in every aspect of society, setting the tone for other cultural practices including honor, family values, and marriage.
- Friday is the designated holy day. On the day of the main congregational prayer, most shops remain closed. 
- Conservative dress is essential for all genders. Pack clothing that covers both shoulders and knees; women in particular should take care to cover cleavage and wear loose-fitting clothing, like long flowing skirts or maxi dresses, rather than figure-hugging attire. It’s a good idea to pack a scarf/wrap or light cardigan to cover your shoulders (and hair if entering a mosque).
- For information on LGBTQ+ travel safety and tips, this [LGBTQ+ Egypt Travel Guide](https://trovatrip.com/blog/lgbtq-travel-guide-egypt-everything-you-need-to-know) has been put together in partnership with [EveryQueer](https://everyqueer.com/) to help you stay safe on your trip and enjoy the country to its fullest.
- It’s polite to leave a little bit of food on your plate when you’ve finished eating to indicate you’ve been well-fed and aren’t still hungry.
- Pointing can also be considered rude, so gesture with your open hand if needed.
- When shopping, bring your best bargaining skills as just about everything is negotiable and haggling is expected.
- Your felucca captain may suggest swimming in the Nile. Whilst we recognize that our captains know the best and safest spots to swim, this activity is not recommended because of the risk of exposure to bacterial and other infections.
- If you are taking overnight trains, then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful, especially when traveling on public transportation.

#### Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

| **Guides** |  | USD $10-15 /person/day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Drivers** |  | USD $5-10 person/day (ex: $35-70 for 7 days) |
| **Restaurants(full service)**  |  | 10% of total bill |

 

#### FAQ

**Where can I find information on travel safety? **Check out the US Department of State's [website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/egypt-travel-advisory.html#:~:text=Egypt%20%2D%20Level%203%3A%20Reconsider%20Travel&text=Read%20the%20Department%20of%20State's,COVID%2D19%20in%20the%20country.) for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

To minimize the risk of pickpocketing it is recommended to be discreet: don’t flash anything of value, keep a firm hand on your camera, and carry shoulder bags slung across your body. Overall it’s a good idea to avoid badly lit areas completely at night and deserted inner-city areas by day.

 

**Is the water safe to drink?** Tap water should be avoided by travelers. You should also avoid brushing your teeth with tap water when possible. For drinking water, make sure to drink treated water which can be found at all lodging accommodations.

 

**Do I need a Visa?** For Visa information, click [here. ](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Egypt.html)Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

**What about vaccines?** For vaccination information, click [here.](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/egypt)

 

**Do you recommend travel insurance? **While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! 

 

**How much should I pack?** As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

**What does public transportation look like?  **Cairo has a metro system with many stations in the city, as well as a bus system.

 

**Is Uber or Lyft available? **Uber is available, as are taxis. For arrivals at the airport, we strongly recommend using Uber to avoid any hassle or you can arrange the transfer in advance with the hotel to pick you up.

 

**What about Wifi?** There are internet facilities throughout your trip in hotels, but they are often only available in the lobby and can be unreliable. We suggest grabbing a local sim card upon your arrival in Cairo. 

#### Luggage Restrictions

![Luggage Restrictions purple (2)](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)

![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png)

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