Egypt Travel Tips: Know Before You Go

Egypt is a destination unlike any other! There are so many sites to see, and I really think it is a place that will be fascinating and adventurous for any type of traveler. Whether you are a solo traveler, going with a group, or taking a family vacation, there is a WOW factor at every turn! I went with my mom and grandfather on a group trip with ages ranging from mid-20s (myself) to mid-80s – including couples, retirees and solo travelers from all over the map. Here are some Egypt travel tips for how we traveled:

Our trip started in Cairo with a guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. While this is definitely an attraction packed with tourists, it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World for a reason, and therefore something that can't be missed. You cannot go inside the Pyramid of Giza, so if that is something of interest to you, add Saqqara Pyramids (also known as Step Pyramids) to your list. This is generally less crowded and there are tombs that you can go into – but be aware these are tight spaces.

The Grand Egyptian Museum was not yet opened, but this is a stop that I would definitely recommend taking as a guided tour. It will house artifacts from all over the country and every period, and it would be helpful for learning some of the history of the places you will visit throughout your journey.

The bus ride through Cairo is also a sight to see! Egyptians take carpooling to the next level, and you will be amazed at how they commute to and from work. Be sure to spend an evening exploring the markets of Khan el-Khalili. My grandfather had been many times, so he was our guide, but you can definitely hire a tour guide if it is your first time. There are many textiles, trinkets, blown glass, jewelry and more in this busy maze of alleyways lined with storefronts.

I also highly recommend at least a day trip to Alexandria. It is absolutely stunning on the Mediterranean with beautiful architecture and a European feel.

A river cruise along the Nile is also a must. We did Luxor to Aswan, which is one of the more popular routes. These are smaller "cruise" ships that can house a small group or private charter or an average range of about 50 to 150 guests onboard. The routes typically range from three to seven nights, and most cruise lines are all-inclusive with meals. This was one of my favorite segments of the trip!

We spent mornings (and sometimes nights) touring temples along the Nile and afternoons cruising through the beautiful scenery either relaxing by the pool, reading on the balcony or playing games on the top deck with new friends. My personal favorite temples were Karnak Temple at sunset, the Valley of the Kings where we explored many tombs of famous pharaohs and the temple of Hatshepsut. We ended in Aswan for an overnight stay in Old Town where we got to visit the botanical gardens on an island full of monkeys!

A fun fact that could earn you bonus points from a guide is that the Nile River runs south to north into the Mediterranean. Therefore, Upper Egypt is further south – where you will be cruising upstream from Luxor to Aswan – while Cairo and Alexandria are in Lower Egypt towards the north.

Our final stop was Sharm El-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula. This was the time for some R&R on the beautiful beaches along the Red Sea. The water was so clear and the snorkeling was the best and most beautiful I had ever seen! A fellow traveler in our group said it was better than his multiple snorkeling/dive trips on the Great Barrier Reef.

For those who wanted to keep touring, there were day trips to Mt. Sinai where you could hike to the Burning Bush and visit St. Catherine's Monastery. Some also had the opportunity to do a full-day trip to Petra in Jordan.

My mom and I were not able to do this due to a hiccup in our trip where she lost her passport. My #1 Egypt travel tip: do not lose your passport! However, the hotel staff, guides and many others who overheard our predicament dropped everything to assist us in our time of crisis ultimately saved the day, and the passport was found before our departure. We learned on day one how generous, kind and thoughtful Egyptians truly are and how willing they are to help. This is something that you will just have to experience for yourself, because I can go on with countless examples throughout our trip.

There are many things to consider and prepare for before committing to a trip to these ancient lands. Here are some more Egypt travel tips to help make for a seamless adventure.

Passport & visa requirements: For US Citizens, a visa can be purchased at the airport upon arrival. Passports must be valid for at least six months prior to arrival in Egypt. Be sure to check these regulations well in advance of your trip as they may change.

Money matters: The currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in big cities and tourist areas, but it is important to have cash in the official currency for small purchases and tipping. Which leads me to the age old question: when visiting a foreign place, are you supposed to tip? The answer is yes. It is customary in Egypt, especially in hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions and for tour guides and drivers. Ten percent of the total bill or service is much appreciated.

Bargaining is also very common in Egypt. Most souvenir shops and markets have prices that are up for negotiation. It is important to remain respectful, and when in doubt, ask a guide for helpful tips and courtesies.

Transportation & travel: Egypt has well-developed transportation services like taxis, trains and buses. In large cities, Uber and other app-based services are available, and you will be absolutely shocked by how affordable it is. If you are an Uber user like myself, I found this to be the easiest way to get from place to place within the city. If a driver does not speak English, you can communicate with them through the chat in the app, and it will translate for you. If taking a taxi, agree on a fare before the ride and be sure to use reputable services for all transportation.

EgyptAir is a great way to get from one destination to the next within Egypt. Domestic airfare is generally affordable, and it is a United Airlines affiliate. It is a Muslim airline, so do not expect alcohol to be served in-flight. If you are flying EgyptAir from the US, you can take purchased wine or liquor from duty-free on the flight as long as it is sealed when you board. We made the mistake of buying wine with a cork and the flight attendants did not have a bottle opener, so be sure to get a twist-off!

Language & cultural norms: Arabic is the official language of Egypt. However, English is widely spoken in cities and areas with tourist attractions. It is a predominantly Muslim country, so it is important to be respectful and dress modestly, especially for women and when visiting religious sites. Public displays of affection should also be avoided.

Weather & clothing: Egypt is a desert climate with average temperatures in the high 70s to low 90s for most of the year. Winter months (December to February) are the most mild with temperatures averaging from 64 degrees to 79 degrees in southern regions. Modest, breathable clothing is key to protect from the intensity of the sun and sand and dust. Think cotton or linen material and flowy maxi skirts or dresses. Dress is very casual, even in cities, so comfortable transitional clothing from touring in the day to dinner is perfectly acceptable. Comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty are also important. I lived in running shoes and Birkenstocks throughout my trip.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Egypt. In need of further inspiration? Check out Michele Buring’s trip report, Worry Free Tips for Foreign Travel.