Egypt Destination Guide

This essential guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable journey through the land of pharaohs.

Trip Logistics & Restrictions for Egypt

Important details to know about your Egyptian journ

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Visa Application Details

Tour Company: Intrepid Middle East
Phone: +20 109 6811 067
Email: EgyptSales@intrepidtravel.com
Address: 7th Floor, 3 Abu El Feda St, Zamalek, Cairo

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Tipping Guidelines

Guides: $10–15 USD/day
Drivers: $5–10 USD/day
Restaurants: ~10% of the bill
Note: Tipping (baksheesh) is customary in Egypt - factor this into your budget.

Accommodations & Transport in Egypt

What to expect from your stays and travel between destinations

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Domestic Flights

Luggage Allowance: 1 checked bag (23 kg) per traveler is included.
Documentation: Keep your passport accessible for domestic flight check-in.

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Overnight Train

Connectivity: No Wi-Fi available on trains.
Luggage: Keep luggage small for easier storage in compartments.

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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

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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.

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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%).

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Mobile & Internet

SIM Cards: Vodafone, Etisalat, and Orange offer affordable data packages. Purchase at the airport.
WiFi: Available in hotels and some cafés, but speeds may vary.
Power: Egypt uses Type C and Type F plugs (220V).
Connectivity Note: Wi-Fi is unreliable in hotels; consider a local SIM card for better internet access.

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Time Zone

Egypt follows Eastern European Time (EET) – UTC +2.
Egypt is 7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time during standard time.

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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.

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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 site-seeing.
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 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:

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Koshari

Egypt's national dish - a hearty mix of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, topped with tomato sauce and fried onions.

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Ful Medames

Slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.

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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

Flaky layered pastry similar to a pizza or pie that can be sweet or savory.

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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 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 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

Final 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 slower than you're used to.

Stay Hydrated: The desert climate demands consistent hydration.
Toilet Tips: Carry tissue/toilet paper and small change for public restrooms.
Sunset Magic: The golden hour makes ancient monuments glow - perfect for photography.

We can't wait for you to experience the wonders of Egypt! 🎉
If you have any questions before you go, feel free to reach out to your trip host or our support team.

🌍 Safe travels and see you soon! ✈️

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