Egypt Destination Guide
This essential guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable journey through the land of pharaohs.
Trip Logistics for Egypt
Important details to know about your Egyptian journey
Visa Application Details
- Tourist Visa: Check here for the latest entry and visa requirements.
- Tour Company: Intrepid Middle East
- Phone: +20 109 6811 067
- Email: EgyptSales@intrepidtravel.com
- Address: 7th Floor, 3 Abu El Feda St, Zamalek, Cairo
Tipping Guidelines
- Guides: $10–15 USD/day
- Drivers: $5–10 USD/day
- Restaurants: ~10% of the bill
- Note: Tipping, commonly known as 'baksheesh' in Egypt, is a widely accepted and customary practice for various services, including guides, drivers, hotel staff, and waiters. It is considered polite and is generally expected in recognition of good service.
Accommodations & Transport in Egypt
What to expect from your stays and travel between destinations
Domestic Flights
- Luggage Allowance: 1 checked bag (23 kg) per traveler is included.
- Documentation: Keep your passport accessible for domestic flight check-in.
Overnight Train
- Connectivity: No Wi-Fi available on trains.
- Luggage: Keep luggage small for easier storage in compartments.
Felucca Sailing Experience
- Sleeping Arrangements: Open-air communal sleeping on the deck with a blanket.
- Facilities: One shared bathroom onboard.
Essential Travel Information for Egypt
Everything you need to know before your Egyptian adventure
Visa & Entry Requirements
- Tourist Visa: Most visitors need a tourist visa, which can be obtained on arrival or through an e-visa system online.
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
- Proof of Onward Travel: Immigration may ask for proof of onward/return travel.
- Health Requirements: Check current vaccination requirements before departure.
Currency & Payments
- Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the official currency. 1 USD ≈ 15-20 EGP (check current rates).
- ATMs: Available in cities and tourist areas. Inform your bank of travel plans.
- Credit Cards: Accepted in hotels and larger establishments, but cash is preferred for smaller businesses.
- Tipping: Known as "baksheesh," tipping is customary for most services (5-10%).
Mobile & Internet
- SIM Cards: Vodafone, Etisalat, and Orange offer affordable data packages. Purchase at the airport.
- WiFi: Available in most hotels and internet hotspots in larger cities like Cairo, though speeds and reliability can vary. Access may be limited in smaller towns or remote areas.
- Power: Egypt uses Type C and Type F plugs (220V).
- Cell Service: Coverage is generally good in urban centers but can be spotty or unavailable in desert regions. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better connectivity, and check with your provider to ensure global roaming is activated before departure.
Time Zone
- Egypt follows Eastern European Time (EET) – UTC +2.
- Egypt is 7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time during standard time.
Climate & Weather
- Desert Climate: Hot days, cooler nights. Summer (June-August) can be extremely hot.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April when temperatures are milder.
- Nile Valley: Hot and dry year-round.
- Mediterranean Coast: More moderate with some humidity.
- Weather Note: Evenings in the desert can be cold—bring a fleece or sweater.
Emergency Contacts
- Egypt Emergency: 📞 122 (Police), 📞 123 (Ambulance)
- Tourist Police: 📞 126
- U.S. Embassy: 📞 +20-2-2797-3300
- UK Embassy: 📞 +20-2-2791-6000
Packing Checklist for Egypt
Use this checklist to ensure you pack everything you need for your Egyptian adventure
Travel Documents & Essentials
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Visa documents or e-visa printout
- Flight itinerary & hotel confirmations
- Travel insurance details
- Credit/debit cards
- Local currency (Egyptian Pounds)
- International driver's license (if planning to drive)
- Travel wallet or money belt
- Copies of important documents (separate from originals)
- Emergency contact information
Clothing & Accessories
- Conservative, lightweight clothing (cotton)
- Long, loose-fitting pants/skirts
- Long-sleeved shirts (for sun protection and religious sites)
- Comfortable walking/active shoes for temple explorations
- Sandals for casual wear
- Head covering/scarf (for women visiting religious sites)
- Swimwear (for Red Sea or hotel pools)
- Sunglasses & wide-brimmed hat
- Light jacket or fleece/sweater (for evenings and air conditioning)
- Modest attire for visiting mosques/religious sites
- Day pack for excursions
Health & Safety
- Prescription medications (in original packaging)
- Basic first-aid kit
- High SPF sunblock
- Insect repellent/bug spray
- Hand sanitizer/wet wipes
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Rehydration salts
- Motion sickness tablets (for boat trips on the Nile)
- Reusable water bottle with filter
- Toilet paper/tissues (not always available in public facilities)
Electronics & Gadgets
- Power adapter (Type C/F)
- Smartphone & charger
- Camera & charger
- Portable charger/power bank
- Dust-proof case for electronics
- Headphones
- E-reader or books for downtime
- Small flashlight (for tombs and temples)
- Portable fan (for hot weather)
- Travel adapter
Packing Tips
- Pack light, breathable fabrics that dry quickly.
- Consider the cultural context – Egypt is a conservative country, so modest clothing is appropriate (especially for women).
- Bring a day backpack for excursions and sightseeing.
- Dust is common in Egypt, so bring protective gear for cameras and electronics.
- If bringing gifts for local families, consider handicrafts, magnets, candles, cookies, or small keychains.
- For colder desert evenings, a fleece or sweater is essential.
Top Destinations & Experiences for Egypt
Discover the incredible places you'll visit during your Egyptian adventure
Cairo & Giza
Explore Egypt's vibrant capital and the ancient wonders of Giza just outside the city.
Must-See Attractions:
- Great Pyramids & Sphinx – The last surviving wonder of the ancient world.
- Egyptian Museum – Home to the treasures of Tutankhamun.
- Khan el-Khalili Bazaar – Historic market filled with treasures.
- Old Cairo – Discover Coptic churches and ancient Roman fortifications.
Luxor
Often called the world's greatest open-air museum, Luxor is home to some of Egypt's most magnificent monuments.
Temple Highlights:
- Valley of the Kings – Burial place of pharaohs, including Tutankhamun.
- Karnak Temple – The largest religious building ever constructed.
- Luxor Temple – Spectacularly illuminated at night.
- Temple of Hatshepsut – Impressive terraced temple built for Egypt's female pharaoh.
Aswan & The Nile
Discover the beauty of southern Egypt, with its Nubian culture and the mighty Nile River.
Aswan Highlights:
- Philae Temple – The rescued temple on an island.
- Nile Felucca Cruise – Sail the Nile on a traditional sailboat.
- Abu Simbel – Massive rock temples carved during the reign of Ramses II.
- Nubian Village – Experience the unique culture of the local Nubian people.
Must-Try Egyptian Foods
Egyptian cuisine offers a delicious blend of Mediterranean influences with unique local flavors. Here are some dishes you shouldn't miss:
🥙
Koshari
Egypt's national dish - a hearty mix of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, topped with tomato sauce and fried onions.
🥣
Ful Medames
Slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
🍠
Ta'ameya
Egyptian falafel made from fava beans instead of chickpeas, creating a greener, moister interior.
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Molokhia
A green soup made from jute leaves, often served with chicken or rabbit over rice.
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Fiteer
A flaky, layered pastry similar to a pizza or pie, which can be sweet or savory.
🥮
Basbousa
Sweet semolina cake soaked in simple syrup, often topped with nuts.
Local Culture & Responsible Travel
Tips for respectful travel and cultural awareness during your adventure
Cultural Etiquette
- Dress Modestly: Especially when visiting religious sites or conservative areas. Women should cover their shoulders and knees.
- Greetings: A handshake is common for men. For women, wait for the other person to extend their hand first.
- Religious Sites: Remove shoes before entering mosques. Women should cover their hair.
- Right Hand Usage: Use your right hand for eating, giving, or receiving items, as the left hand is considered unclean.
- Photography: Always ask permission before photographing locals, especially in rural areas.
- Gestures: Avoid pointing; use an open hand instead.
- Religion: 90% Muslim; Friday is the holy day—expect closures.
- Dining: Leaving a little food on your plate signals you're full.
- Bargaining: Haggling is common and expected in markets.
- LGBTQ+ Travelers: Travel guidance available through EveryQueer.
Responsible Tourism
- Support Local: Buy souvenirs from artisans and eat at locally-owned restaurants.
- Water Conservation: Egypt faces water scarcity. Take brief showers and reuse hotel towels.
- Heritage Respect: Do not touch ancient carvings, paintings, or remove artifacts (even small fragments).
- Plastic Reduction: Bring a reusable water bottle with a filter to reduce plastic waste.
- Fair Price: Pay fair prices for goods and services - extremely low bargaining can affect local livelihoods.
- Water Safety: Avoid tap water for drinking or brushing teeth.
⚠️ Important Safety Note
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas. Keep valuables secure and be wary of common scams targeting tourists. It's advisable to drink bottled water and be cautious with street food to avoid stomach issues.
🗣️ Useful Arabic Phrases
- Hello: Salam Alekum
- Thank You: Choukran
- Goodbye: Mae alsalama
- How much?: Kam Thuman?
- Yes/No: Aiwa/La
- Tip: Use Google Translate or download the app before traveling
Additional Travel Tips
- Negotiate Prices: Bargaining is expected in markets, but do so respectfully.
- Learn Basic Arabic: A few phrases go a long way - "shukran" (thank you) and "ma'a salama" (goodbye).
- Be Patient: Egypt operates on "Egyptian time" - things may move more slowly than you're used to.
- Travel insurance: It is highly recommended that all travelers obtain valid travel insurance, as medical treatment abroad can be extremely costly without it. Insurance ensures access to necessary care in case of any medical needs during the trip.
- Armed Guard Coverage: An armed guard will accompany the group during scheduled itinerary activities alongside the guide and driver. The guard will not be present in the evenings after daily tours.
- Stay Hydrated: The desert climate demands consistent hydration.
- Toilet Tips: Carry tissue/toilet paper and small change for public restrooms. Squat toilets are common in Egypt, although Western-style flushable toilets can be found in larger hotels and some tourist areas.
- Sunset Magic: The golden hour makes ancient monuments glow - perfect for photography.
- Need help searching for a flight? We recommend Skyscanner.com to compare different routes and rates. Click here to search!
Luggage Restrictions
