💱 Currency
• The Egyptian pound (EGP) is the local currency in Egypt. Small notes are useful for tipping and local markets.
🗣️ Language
• Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas but limited elsewhere.
🕒 Time Zone & DST
• Egypt is in Eastern European Time (GMT+2) and does not currently observe Daylight Saving Time.
🔌 Plugs
• Type C and F plugs, 220V. Bring a universal adapter with surge protection.
💰 Tipping Culture
• Tipping (“baksheesh”) is customary — 5–10% at restaurants, small change for services.
🏧 ATM Access
• Widely available in cities. International cards are accepted; fees vary by bank.
🚨 Emergency Numbers
• Police: 122, Ambulance: 123.
🔗 Embassy Info
• Embassies and consulates in Egypt
🛂 Visa Requirements
• Do I need a Visa?
💉 Vaccine Requirements
• Vaccine Information
✈️ Major Airports
• Cairo International (CAI) is the main hub. Also consider Luxor (LXR), Hurghada (HRG), and Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) for regional access.
🍽️ Food to Try
• Try baba ghanoush and don’t skip a traditional mezze platter. Koshari (a carb-lover’s dream) and grilled kofta are also local favorites.
📍 Must-See Spot
• Besides the obvious pyramids, tour the Egyptian Museum to see King Tut’s treasures or visit Coptic Cairo where Jesus is said to have stayed.
🏞️ Our Favorite Location
• We came for the pyramids — and honestly, they lived up to the hype. Seeing them up close is an unforgettable moment.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
• October to April is ideal — sunny and warm without the brutal summer heat.
🚌 Transportation Tip
• Cairo has a metro system, but Uber is usually safer and more convenient for tourists.
🚰 Water Safety Info
• Tap water is not recommended. Stick to bottled water, even for brushing your teeth.
📶 Wi-Fi & Connectivity
• Get a local SIM card at the airport or Vodafone store. Google Maps works well offline in major cities.
🚻 Bathroom Availability
• Public restrooms are limited and often charge a small fee — carry tissues and coins.
🤝 Cultural Custom Tip
• When visiting religious sites, women should cover their shoulders and knees to avoid unwanted attention or confrontation.
🤯 Fun Fact
• Cleopatra lived closer to the invention of the iPhone than to the construction of the Great Pyramid.
Visiting Egypt was one of the most memorable travel experiences we’ve had—and it helps to know a few things before you go. We booked a private driver from the airport, which made arrival smooth and stress-free. Security is serious here. Some hotels had bag scanners and guards that made the airport feel relaxed by comparison.
Scams can happen near major sights. Expect fake “tour guides,” overpriced camel rides, and pushy shopkeepers. Booking a reputable tour acts like a human spam filter—our guide casually waved off scammy vendors like it was his job (it was). He even added a few surprise detours we weren’t sure about but ended up loving.
Driving yourself in Cairo? Hard pass. The roads are chaos—bumper cars with no lanes, horns as the local language, and pedestrians treating highways like sidewalks. We were terrified just being passengers in a taxi from the airport. Just… don’t.
Most locals were warm and welcoming, especially when we tried a little Arabic. English works in tourist zones, but in local areas, communication gets tricky, so a translation app helps. Carry small bills—Egypt runs on cash. Card use outside of hotels and major chains is hit or miss.
Egypt is doable with kids but can be intense. If visiting as a family, go slow and don’t overpack your schedule. For solo travelers, well-trafficked areas felt safe during the day.
Between the sheer scale of the pyramids, those unexpected back-alley gems our guide insisted on showing us, and the buzz of Cairo’s streets, Egypt made a lasting impression. It’s bold, ancient, chaotic—and absolutely worth the trip. Just leave the driving to someone else.
