Egypt Travel Tips: Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors 2026

Last updated: February 2026

Planning your first trip to Egypt? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know - from visas and money to cultural etiquette and safety tips.

Before You Go

📋 Visas & Entry Requirements

Tourist Visa:

• **Cost:** $25 USD (single entry)
• **Duration:** 30 days
• **Options:**
• E-Visa online before travel (recommended)
• Visa on arrival at major airports
• Must have 6+ months passport validity

Requirements:

• Passport valid 6+ months
• Return flight ticket
• Hotel bookings
• Sufficient funds

💰 Money Matters

Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Exchange Rate: Check current rates, but roughly:

• €1 = ~33 EGP
• $1 = ~30 EGP
• £1 = ~38 EGP

Payment Methods:

• 💵 **Cash:** Essential for markets, small shops, tips
• 💳 **Cards:** Accepted in hotels, nice restaurants, malls
• 🏧 **ATMs:** Widely available in cities
• 💶 **Euros/USD:** Accepted in tourist areas (poor rates)

Daily Budget Guide:

• **Budget:** $30-50/day (hostels, local food)
• **Mid-range:** $80-150/day (3-4* hotels, tours)
• **Luxury:** $200+/day (5* resorts, private guides)

👕 What to Pack

Essentials:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton/linen)
• Sunscreen (high SPF, reef-safe for Red Sea)
• Good walking shoes
• Universal power adapter (220V, European plugs)
• Reusable water bottle with filter
• Power bank for phone/camera

For Women:

• Scarves for mosque visits
• Loose-fitting clothes covering shoulders/knees
• Swimwear for hotels/beaches only

For Men:

• Long pants for evenings/mosques
• Shirts with sleeves for nicer places

Medications:

• Prescription meds in original packaging
• Basic first aid kit
• Imodium/charcoal (just in case!)
• Hand sanitizer

During Your Trip

🚕 Getting Around

Transportation Options:

🏛️ Sightseeing Tips

Temple & Site Etiquette:

• Visit early morning (opens 6-7am) to beat crowds
• Hire official guides at sites (badges required)
• Photography tickets needed at some sites
• No touching ancient walls/artwork
• Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees)

Essential Sites by Priority:

Must-See:

• Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx
• Egyptian Museum (until GEM opens)
• Karnak Temple, Luxor
• Valley of the Kings
• Abu Simbel (if time)

Worth It:

• Philae Temple, Aswan
• Dendera Temple
• Abydos Temple
• Alexandria sights

🍽️ Food & Drink

Must-Try Egyptian Foods:

• **Koshary:** National dish (rice, pasta, lentils)
• **Ful Medames:** Fava bean stew
• **Ta'meya:** Egyptian falafel
• **Mahshi:** Stuffed vegetables
• **Shawarma:** Street food favorite
• **Konafa:** Traditional dessert

Food Safety Tips:

• Eat where locals eat (busy = fresh)
• Stick to bottled water (even for brushing teeth)
• Avoid raw vegetables unless peeled
• Hot, freshly cooked food is safe
• Try street food from clean stalls

💬 Language & Communication

Useful Arabic Phrases:

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but locals appreciate attempts at Arabic!

💵 Tipping (Baksheesh) Culture

Important! Tipping is expected everywhere:

• **Restaurants:** 10-15% or 20-50 EGP
• **Hotel staff:** 20-50 EGP/day
• **Tour guides:** 100-200 EGP/day
• **Drivers:** 50-100 EGP/day
• **Bathroom attendants:** 5-10 EGP
• **Anyone helping:** Small change

Keep small bills (5, 10, 20 EGP) always handy!

🤝 Cultural Etiquette

Do's:

• ✅ Dress modestly (especially women)
• ✅ Ask before photographing locals
• ✅ Remove shoes entering mosques
• ✅ Accept tea/coffee invitations
• ✅ Haggle respectfully in markets

Don'ts:

• ❌ Don't show affection in public
• ❌ Don't drink alcohol publicly (Ramadan)
• ❌ Don't point with feet
• ❌ Don't refuse hospitality
• ❌ Don't get visibly angry (lose bargaining power)

🛍️ Shopping Tips

What to Buy:

• Papyrus paintings (authentic only!)
• Perfume oils
• Egyptian cotton
• Cartouches (personalized)
• Spices and herbs
• Alabaster items
• Silver jewelry

Bargaining 101:

1. Start at 30-40% of asking price
2. Be friendly, smile
3. Walk away if price too high
4. Final price usually 50-60% of initial
5. Don't bargain if not buying

📱 Staying Connected

Internet: WiFi in hotels (usually free, sometimes slow)

SIM Cards:

• **Orange, Vodafone, Etisalat**
• Tourist SIM at airport: ~$10 with data
• 20-30GB data valid for month

Apps to Download:

• Uber/Careem (transport)
• Google Maps (download offline)
• Google Translate (Arabic offline)
• WhatsApp (everyone uses it)
• IXIGO (flight tracking)

🚨 Safety Tips

General Safety:

• Egypt is safe for tourists (millions visit yearly)
• Use common sense like any destination
• Avoid political demonstrations
• Stay in tourist areas at night
• Keep valuables in hotel safe
• Share itinerary with someone home

Scams to Avoid:

• "Free" gifts (then demanding payment)
• "Temple closed" (guide wants other site)
• "Special price for you" (overpriced)
• Unofficial guides at sites
• Taxi drivers "fixing" meters
• Camel ride price changes

🌞 Health & Comfort

Beat the Heat:

• Start early (6-7am sightseeing)
• Rest during peak heat (12-3pm)
• Drink 3-4 liters water daily
• Wear hat and sunglasses
• Use wet scarf for cooling
• Take electrolytes

Sun Protection:

• SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Reapply every 2 hours
• Lip balm with SPF
• UPF clothing optional but great

Seasonal Tips

Winter (Dec-Feb)

• **Pack:** Layers, light jacket, scarf
• **Morning temps:** 10-15°C
• **Afternoon:** 18-25°C
• **Nights:** Cool (jacket needed)

Summer (Jun-Aug)

• **Pack:** Light cotton, hat, sunscreen
• **Luxor:** 40-45°C days
• **Coast:** 35-38°C with breezes
• **Strategy:** Early starts, pool afternoons

Ramadan (dates vary)

• Respect fasting (no eating/drinking in public)
• Restaurants closed daytime (hotels serve)
• Amazing night atmosphere
• Shorter site hours

Sample Packing List

Carry-on Essentials

• Passport and visa
• Travel insurance documents
• Flight tickets/itinerary
• Cash (USD/EUR) and cards
• Medications
• Phone and charger
• Power bank
• Sunglasses and hat
• Change of clothes
• Scarf (women for mosques)

Checked Luggage

• 5-7 outfits (light fabrics)
• Evening wear (smart casual)
• Swimwear (2-3)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Sunscreen (lots!)
• Toiletries
• Universal adapter
• Reusable water bottle
• Small first aid kit
• Laundry bag
• Travel umbrella (winter)

Quick Reference

Emergency Numbers

• **Police:** 122
• **Tourist Police:** 126
• **Ambulance:** 123
• **Fire:** 180

Consulate Contacts

• **US:** +20-2-2797-3300
• **UK:** +20-2-2791-6000
• **Germany:** +20-2-2794-3200

Ready for Egypt?

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