Travel Tips for Egypt

Essential information and practical advice for your Egyptian adventure

💰 Money & Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP or LE - Livre Égyptienne). Current approximate exchange rates:

  • 1 USD = EGP 30.90
  • 1 EUR = EGP 33.50
  • 1 GBP = EGP 39.20
  • 100 JPY = EGP 20.70
  • 1 CNY = EGP 4.25
  • 1 AUD = EGP 20.40
  • 1 SGD = EGP 23.10

Note: Rates fluctuate - check current rates before travel.

Payment Methods

  • Cash: Essential - many places only accept cash (EGP)
  • Credit Cards: Accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, major malls (Visa, Mastercard)
  • ATMs: Widely available in cities (Visa/Mastercard accepted)
  • USD: Useful to bring - easily exchanged everywhere
  • EUR/GBP: Also accepted at exchange offices
  • Small Bills: Keep small EGP notes (5, 10, 20) for tips and small purchases

Money Tips

  • Bring USD cash and exchange at arrival (better rates than home country)
  • ATMs give decent rates - withdraw as needed
  • Exchange offices (صرافة) offer better rates than hotels
  • Tipping culture (baksheesh): 10-15% in restaurants, small amounts everywhere
  • Bargaining expected in markets and with taxi drivers
  • Keep small change for restroom attendants (2-5 EGP)
  • Always negotiate taxi fare before getting in (or use Uber)

🚇 Cairo Metro - Getting Around the Capital

Cairo Metro System

Cairo Metro is the first and largest metro system in Africa and the Arab world. It's a fast, air-conditioned, and affordable way to avoid Cairo's infamous traffic. Three lines connect major tourist areas.

Metro Lines & Key Stations

  • Line 1 (Red): Helwan - El Marg. Stations: Sadat (Tahrir Square), Nasser (Ramses Station), Ghamra
  • Line 2 (Yellow): Shubra - Giza. Stations: Giza, Opera, Sadat (interchange), Dokki
  • Line 3 (Green): Airport - Ataba. Stations: Cairo Airport, Abbasiya, Attaba, Nasser (interchange)
  • Coverage: Easy access to Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square, Ramses Station, Cairo Airport

Metro Fares & Tickets

  • Standard Ticket: EGP 5-7 depending on zones (very cheap!)
  • Airport Supplement: EGP 15 for trips to/from Cairo Airport
  • Purchase: Buy tokens at ticket windows (cash only)
  • No Pass System: Buy individual tokens for each journey

How to Use

  1. Buy token at ticket window (have exact change ready)
  2. Insert token at turnstile entrance
  3. Board train (signs in Arabic and English)
  4. Exit at destination (no token needed)

Metro Tips

  • Women-Only Cars: First and last cars of every train
  • Hours: 5:00 AM - 12:00 midnight daily
  • Peak Hours: Very crowded 7-9 AM, 2-5 PM
  • Air-Conditioned: Great escape from Cairo heat
  • Safe: Very safe for tourists, including solo women
  • Watch Belongings: Pickpockets exist in crowded cars

Alternative Transport

  • Uber/Careem: Metered, cashless, reliable (highly recommended)
  • White Taxis: Metered, but often refuse to use meter - negotiate
  • Yellow Taxis: Older, always negotiate fare before entering
  • Microbus: Very cheap local transport - not tourist-friendly

📱 Staying Connected

Mobile Networks

Main providers in Egypt:

  • Vodafone Egypt: Best coverage - Tourist SIM ~EGP 200 (5GB data)
  • Orange Egypt: Good coverage - SIM ~EGP 150-200
  • Etisalat Egypt (We): Decent coverage
  • SIM cards available at airport arrivals and mobile shops
  • Passport required for registration
  • 4G coverage good in cities; 3G in rural areas
  • Bring unlocked phone or buy local phone

WiFi Availability

  • Hotels: Most hotels offer free WiFi
  • Cafes: Starbucks, Costa, local cafes (usually free)
  • Restaurants: Many upscale restaurants have WiFi
  • Malls: Major shopping centers offer WiFi
  • Cairo Airport: Free WiFi available
  • Public WiFi: Limited - better to get local SIM
  • Reliability: Can be slow - don't rely solely on WiFi

Essential Apps

  • Uber/Careem: Essential for reliable, metered transportation
  • Google Maps: Works well for navigation in Egypt
  • Google Translate: Essential! Download Arabic offline
  • Maps.me: Offline maps - very useful
  • WhatsApp: Primary messaging (everyone uses it)
  • XE Currency: Real-time exchange rates
  • Egypt Metro: Cairo Metro route planner

🕌 Cultural Etiquette & Islamic Customs

Dress Code

  • General Rule: Dress modestly - shoulders and knees covered
  • Women: Loose-fitting clothes recommended; no need for hijab unless in mosques
  • Men: Long pants preferred; avoid shorts except at beach resorts
  • Beaches/Resorts: Swimwear OK at Red Sea resorts; cover up when leaving
  • Mosques: Full coverage required; women must wear headscarf (often provided)
  • Conservative Areas: More modest dress in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan

Ramadan Observance

  • Fasting Hours: No eating/drinking/smoking in public during daylight
  • Restaurants: Many closed during day; open after sunset for Iftar
  • Tourist Sites: Open but may have reduced hours
  • Dress Code: Be extra modest during Ramadan
  • Alcohol: Not served except in tourist hotels
  • Iftar: Breaking fast at sunset - special experience for tourists
  • Respect: Be discreet if eating in private during day

Public Behavior

  • PDA: Holding hands acceptable for married couples; no kissing in public
  • Photography: Always ask permission before photographing people (especially women)
  • Alcohol: Only in licensed hotels/tourist areas; not sold in local shops
  • Drugs: Extremely strict laws - severe penalties including death penalty
  • Left Hand: Use right hand for eating, greetings, giving/receiving
  • Pointing: Avoid pointing with feet or showing soles of shoes
  • Friday: Holy day - some sites closed or reduced hours

Mosque Etiquette

  • Entry: Many mosques closed to non-Muslims; some allow visits outside prayer times
  • Al-Azhar Mosque: Visitors welcome outside prayer times
  • Remove Shoes: Always remove shoes before entering
  • Women: Cover hair, arms, legs; scarf/abaya often provided at entrance
  • Men: Long pants and covered shoulders required
  • Prayer Times: Respect silence during prayers (5 times daily)
  • Photography: Ask permission; no photos during prayer

🗣️ Language & Communication

Languages Spoken

Egyptian Arabic is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas, hotels, upscale restaurants, and by educated Egyptians. Coverage varies - excellent in tourist sites, limited in local neighborhoods. French is also understood by some in the tourism industry, especially in Alexandria.

Essential Egyptian Arabic Phrases

  • As-salamu alaykum (سلام عليكم) - Hello (Peace be upon you)
  • Sabah el-kheir (صباح الخير) - Good morning
  • Shukran (شكرا) - Thank you
  • Afwan (عفوا) - You're welcome
  • Min fadlak (من فضلك) - Please (m) / Min fadlik (f)
  • Ma'a salama (مع السلامة) - Goodbye
  • Aywa / La'a (أيوة / لا) - Yes / No
  • Bikam da? (بكام ده؟) - How much is this?
  • Mafeesh mushkila (مفيش مشكلة) - No problem
  • Inshallah (إن شاء الله) - God willing (very common!)
  • Habibi/Habibti (حبيبي/حبيبتي) - My dear (m/f)
  • Yalla! (يلا) - Let's go! / Come on!

Communication Tips

  • English signage at major tourist sites
  • Hotel/tour guide staff speak English
  • Download Google Translate Arabic offline pack
  • Learn numbers in Arabic - very helpful
  • Taxi drivers often speak limited English
  • Have hotel address in Arabic written down
  • Pointing and hand gestures work universally

Numbers in Arabic

  • ١ = 1 (wahid)
  • ٢ = 2 (itnayn)
  • ٣ = 3 (talata)
  • ٤ = 4 (arba'a)
  • ٥ = 5 (khamsa)
  • ١٠ = 10 (ashara)
  • ٢٠ = 20 (ishreen)
  • ١٠٠ = 100 (miyya)

Cultural Notes

  • Egyptians are very friendly and helpful
  • "Inshallah" doesn't always mean yes - means "if God wills"
  • Expect to be called "habibi/habibti" (term of endearment)
  • Time is flexible - "five minutes" might mean 30 minutes
  • Small talk and relationship-building valued

🏥 Safety & Health

Safety in Egypt

  • Tourist Areas: Generally safe - Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea resorts have heavy security
  • Petty Crime: Pickpocketing and scams exist - be vigilant in crowded areas
  • Women Travelers: Harassment can occur; dress modestly, ignore catcalls, consider hiring guide
  • Tourist Police: 126 (multilingual support)
  • Emergency: 122 (police), 123 (ambulance)
  • Scams: Common - fake tour guides, overcharging; book through reputable sources
  • Stay Alert: Avoid political demonstrations and large gatherings

Healthcare

  • Standards: Good private hospitals in Cairo, Alexandria; basic in rural areas
  • Insurance: ESSENTIAL - medical costs high for foreigners
  • Pharmacies: Widely available; many medications over-the-counter
  • Water: DO NOT drink tap water - only bottled water
  • Food Safety: Stick to cooked foods; peel fruits; avoid street food initially
  • Hospitals: Anglo-American Hospital (Cairo), As-Salam International (Cairo)
  • "Pharaoh's Revenge": Common traveler's diarrhea - bring medication

Heat & Sun Safety

  • Summer Heat: 35-45°C (95-113°F) May-October
  • Hydration: Drink bottled water constantly - dehydration risk very high
  • Sunscreen: SPF 50+ essential - UV levels extreme
  • Hat & Sunglasses: Crucial protection in desert environment
  • Outdoor Activities: Early morning or late afternoon only
  • Shade: Seek shade frequently; many sites have little cover
  • Warning Signs: Dizziness, nausea - get to shade and hydrate immediately

💡 Practical Tips

Electricity

  • Voltage: 220V, 50Hz
  • Plug Type: European-style (Type C & F - 2 round pins)
  • Adapters: Bring European adapter if from US/UK/Asia
  • Available: Adapters sold at airports, electronics shops
  • Hotels may provide adapters (ask at front desk)
  • Power outages can occur - bring backup battery pack

Time Zone

  • EET: Eastern European Time (UTC+2)
  • DST: Egypt uses daylight saving time (April-October: UTC+3)
  • Same as South Africa, Israel, Greece (winter)
  • 2 hours ahead of London (winter) / 1 hour (summer)
  • 7 hours ahead of US East Coast (winter)
  • 6 hours behind Singapore/Hong Kong

Business Hours

  • Shops: 9 AM - 9 PM (some close afternoon, reopen evening)
  • Banks: Sunday-Thursday 9 AM - 2 PM
  • Government: Sunday-Thursday 8 AM - 2 PM
  • Museums: Usually 9 AM - 5 PM (Egyptian Museum until 7 PM)
  • Friday: Holy day - many places closed or reduced hours
  • Restaurants: Flexible hours; cafes open late

Useful Services

  • Public WiFi: Limited - get local SIM card
  • Public Toilets: Scarce - use hotels, restaurants, museums
  • Toilet Paper: Often not provided - carry tissues
  • Attendants: Expect to tip restroom attendants 2-5 EGP
  • Prayer Calls: 5 times daily from mosques (can be loud)
  • Tipping (Baksheesh): Expected for almost any service

🛍️ Shopping & Bargaining Tips

Shopping Culture

Bargaining is not just expected in Egypt - it's an art form and cultural experience. Vendors expect you to negotiate, and starting prices can be 3-10 times the actual value. Don't be afraid to bargain hard!

Where to Shop

  • Khan el-Khalili (Cairo): Legendary bazaar - bargaining essential
  • Souks (Markets): Spice markets, textile markets - always bargain
  • Papyrus Shops: Everywhere near tourist sites - heavy bargaining needed
  • Modern Malls: Cairo Festival City, Mall of Egypt - fixed prices
  • Supermarkets: Carrefour, Metro - fixed prices, good for supplies

Bargaining Strategy

  • Starting Offer: Offer 25-30% of asking price
  • Target Price: Aim to pay 40-50% of initial price
  • Walk Away: Most effective tactic - seller often follows with better price
  • Cash: Better deals when paying cash
  • Bundle: Buy multiple items for better overall price
  • Be Polite: Smile and keep it friendly
  • Know Value: Research prices online first
  • Don't Show Interest: Act indifferent to get better price

Bargaining Examples

  • Vendor Says: "100 EGP for papyrus"
  • You Counter: "25 EGP"
  • Vendor: "No way! 80 EGP, special price for you"
  • You: "35 EGP, final offer" (start walking away)
  • Vendor: "Okay okay, 45 EGP, best price!"
  • Result: You pay 45 EGP (55% discount from starting price)

What to Buy

  • Papyrus: Authentic papyrus paintings (test by holding to light)
  • Spices: Saffron, cumin, hibiscus tea (karkadeh)
  • Perfume Oils: Lotus, amber, traditional Egyptian scents
  • Cotton: Egyptian cotton sheets, galabeyas
  • Jewelry: Silver cartouches with your name in hieroglyphics
  • Alabaster: Handcrafted statues and vessels

Avoid Scams

  • Fake "guides" at tourist sites - book official tours
  • "Free" offers always have catches - nothing is free
  • Check authenticity of papyrus (banana leaf fakes common)
  • Taxi drivers taking you to "cousin's shop" - politely refuse
  • Don't accept gifts - you'll be expected to buy something

📌 Additional Tips

Best Time to Visit

  • Oct-April: Best weather 15-25°C (59-77°F)
  • Dec-Feb: Peak season - crowded but comfortable
  • March-April: Ideal - warm, less crowded
  • May-Sep: Very hot 35-45°C; lowest prices but challenging heat
  • Nile Cruises: Best Oct-April for pleasant sailing
  • Ramadan: Unique experience but daytime restrictions

Accommodation Tips

  • Cairo: Stay near Tahrir Square or Zamalek for museums
  • Giza: Hotels near Pyramids offer view rooms (book early!)
  • Luxor: East Bank near temples or West Bank for Valley of Kings
  • Aswan: Nile-view hotels recommended
  • Red Sea: All-inclusive resorts in Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh
  • Book Early: Best rates and availability

Getting Around

  • Uber/Careem: Best option in Cairo - reliable and safe
  • Cairo Metro: Fast for main sites, very cheap
  • Taxis: Always negotiate fare before entering
  • Domestic Flights: Cairo-Luxor, Cairo-Aswan quick and affordable
  • Trains: Overnight sleeper trains Cairo-Luxor-Aswan comfortable
  • Nile Cruises: Luxor-Aswan cruise combines transport + sightseeing

Money-Saving Tips

  • Hire private guide for day (split cost with other travelers)
  • Eat where locals eat - much cheaper than tourist restaurants
  • Use Uber instead of tourist taxis (saves 50-70%)
  • Buy water in bulk from supermarkets (not tourist shops)
  • Visit free sites: Mosques (outside prayer), Nile Corniche
  • Student cards get 50% discount at museums and sites
  • Bargain hard - initial prices are for tourists

Ready to Explore Egypt?

Armed with these essential tips, you're ready to make the most of your Egyptian adventure!

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