34 Best Travel Tips For Egypt: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Magical Egypt is packed with awe-inspiring ancient sites, vibrant markets, unique landscapes, stunning family-friendly waterparks, and so much more. But make no mistake: navigating this historically rich and culturally diverse country can be daunting for even the most seasoned globetrotter.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the iconic Pyramids of Giza, discovering Egyptian history in the Valley of the Kings, learning about the ancient Egyptians in Luxor, or relaxing on a Nile River cruise, I’ve got you covered with tips to help you make the most of your Egyptian adventure.

I’ve been to Egypt multiple times over the last 30 years—on group tours and as a solo traveller. I’ve also made some rookie mistakes!

This Egypt travel guide is crammed with everything I wish I’d known before I visited Egypt for the first time, including safety tips, what not to do, packing tips, and how to deal with harassment.

How does that sound? If it’s just what you’re looking for, let’s dive straight into these Egypt travel tips!

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Practical Travel Tips For Egypt

Let’s get started with the absolute basics 🙂

1. Never (Ever) Drink The Water In Egypt!

Of all the travel tips for Egypt, this is the top one – and you need to be very clear about it. Tap water in Egypt is unsafe for human consumption everywhere – on swanky cruise ships, in posh hotels or anywhere else.

No one drinks it, and it will likely make you as sick as a dog if you do – even if you only use it to brush your teeth in your hotel room.

Of course, you could rely on buying bottled water while visiting Egypt. But, I must tell you that the quality (and taste) of the bottled water brands available in Egypt is variable – while some are palatable, some are pretty horrid. And then there’s the environmental cost of plastic bottles!

Good to know: With a built-in, three-stage filter, Water-To-Go Bottles filter out 99.99999% of water-borne contaminants, including bacteria, parasites, toxins, chemicals, microplastics and heavy metals. It’s your best defence against getting sick in Egypt from the water. I carried mine everywhere 🙂

🤮 Need tips on what to do if you do get sick while visiting Egypt? Head to How to Deal With Delhi Belly

2. Get Travel Insurance for Egypt

Egypt is a fantastic country to visit, but it’s not a great place to be if something doesn’t go according to plan or you get sick! I don’t mean to scare you — just to make you think about these crucial things.

One of the most important travel tips for Egypt is to protect yourself from potential pitfalls on your vacation with travel insurance.

Just as you insure your car, home and health, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while travelling – and you absolutely should do this when travelling to Egypt!

3. Check Your Passport

To visit Egypt, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive. If you need to renew your passport before your trip, apply for a new one in good time.

4. Pre-Book Your Tours in Egypt

UK Government travel tips for Egypt warn of a risk that “tourists at high-profile sites like the Giza Pyramids may be confronted aggressively for money or business, even while travelling by car or taxi.”

They also say that “visitors using a pre-booked guide or taking an organised tour to visit the Giza Pyramids are likely to face fewer difficulties.”

➡️ The best places to book your Nile cruise or tour of the great pyramids are Viator and GetYourGuide. Each tour carries a user rating, so it’s easy to see which ones other visitors have enjoyed the most – and you can read all the reviews before making your booking.

5. Sort Out Your Egyptian Visa Before You Travel

If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or any other country, you need a visa to enter Egypt.

How to get your visa for Egypt

1. Apply before you travel using the official Visa2Egypt e-visa system. Your Egypt visa will be valid for a maximum of 3 months and will cost US$25 for a single entry to the country as a tourist.
2. If you love standing in a queue after a long flight, you can get a visa on arrival in Egypt from one of the approved bank kiosks in the airport arrivals hall just before immigration. These visas cost US$25 (payable in US dollars) and are valid for 30 days. Be prepared for a long wait….

⛔️ Do not buy a visa from an agent at the airport!! They will sting you with an additional fee of more than US$25 for your visa.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY THIS.

Good to know: If you feel harassed, it’s easy to report any agent’s behaviour to the tourist police officers at the airport.

Travel to Egypt requirements for visitors to South Sinai resorts

👀 If you’re visiting the Red Sea resorts of Dahab, Nuweiba, Sharm el Sheikh, or Taba for up to 15 days, you receive a free entry permission stamp when you arrive. If you plan to stay longer than 15 days or want to travel out of these areas, you will need a visa!

👀 If you change your plans mid-trip and want to travel beyond one of the South Sinai resorts, you can usually buy a visa at Sharm el Sheikh airport, allowing you to travel beyond the Sinai Peninsula.

⚠️Leaving Egypt with an out-of-date visa is problematic, to say the least. You’ll likely have to pay a fine if your visa is more than 14 days out of date.

➡️ Contact the Egyptian Consulate in your home country for further information and enquiries.

Safe Travel Tips For Egypt

6. Pre-book Your Transport From Cairo International Airport

One of the most important things to book before you arrive in Egypt is your airport transfer from Cairo Airport.

It’s the best way to avoid the masses of scammy taxi drivers badgering you for the chance to drive you to your hotel. In my experience, a pre-booked transfer is the safest way to travel as a female traveller. 

7. Stay Safe Online & Protect Your Data With a VPN

Whenever you use an open network to access your information on the web, you’re sending out an invitation for others to steal your data – from any device you use to connect to the web. This includes passwords, debit card and credit card info, and many other things you need to keep private.

This is why you need a VPN!

👀 What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is essential in preventing cyber criminals from stealing your online and personal information. NordVPN is a trusted name in VPNs.

👀 How does a VPN work?

With a VPN, you create a secure (private) connection when you use a shared connection, such as a coffee shop, airport, or hotel lobby WiFi. Without a VPN, you’re digitally connected to everyone else on the same shared network, and that’s risky!

⚠️ As you’ll likely need to use free, shared WiFi more when you’re travelling than at home, the risk of your information being accessed by criminals is higher – unless you use a trusted VPN.

I use and recommend NordVPN because it’s one of the biggest and most-used VPNs, to keep your data safe while travelling.

▶︎ Get started now and protect your data with NordVPN – it’s easy to set up 🙂

8. Take Care On Microbuses

Egypt generally has a low crime rate, but some visitors have been victims of crime – especially petty crimes. If you’re travelling alone, it’s sensible to be cautious. Here are some of the things you can do to reduce the risk of unwanted attention or harassment:

✔️ Sit at the front of the bus or with other women.

✔️ Don’t be the last passenger left on a bus or microbus.

✔️ Be vigilant when travelling alone in taxis and microbuses, particularly at night.

✔️ Report any crimes to the tourist police immediately.

9. Don’t Swim in the Nile!

“Can you swim in the Nile?” is one of the questions I’m most often asked about visiting Egypt! The simple answer is a resounding NO! The Nile River is contaminated with industrial, animal and human (!) waste. It’s also home to more than a few deadly snakes.

Read More: How Safe is Swimming in the Nile River?

10. Wear a Hat/Headscarf and Sunglasses

Most Egyptian women cover their hair, so you’ll attract less attention if you wear a long, lightweight scarf that covers your hair and neck. I forgot to pack a scarf on my first visit to Egypt, but I found buying one from a local market easy and cheap.

😎 Top Tip: Sunglasses will help to disguise the colour of your eyes (not many Egyptians have blue or green eyes), and, like a mask, sunglasses can help you avoid eye contact.

11. Wear a Wedding Ring

Whether you’re married or not, wearing a simple gold band (or an inexpensive “fake wedding ring“) is a simple, inexpensive deterrent against unwanted male attention. I wore one on every trip to Egypt!

12. Respect Local Customs and Laws

I managed to get arrested in Siwa Oasis for swimming at the wrong time of day! It was a pretty scary time.

Fortunately, it was sorted out very quickly. Still, it was frightening at the time, and it made me realise how important it is to be aware of local customs and laws to stay safe.

Egyptians can’t share a room with someone of a different gender (other than a spouse), as sex outside marriage is illegal! Don’t be surprised if your host(s) conduct room checks in rural areas!

13. Look After Your Valuables

Leave valuable jewellery at home and be careful with your camera, phone and other valuables. I use an ancient Kipling cross-body bag and an anti-theft Pacsafe backpack with a zip closure and a clip to keep my valuables safe.

TIP: In crowded places, I wear my backpack on my front and my cross-body bag with the strap across my body. I also have an RFID travel belt to stash my cards, cash, passports, and important documents.

14. Be Careful with Your Cash

One way to keep your cash safe is to hide it in an RFID bra wallet! Remember you’ll need somewhere discreet, like a public loo or changing room, to extract your secret stash.

❌ Never put valuables in your pockets, even ones with a zip! It’s much too tempting (and easy) for pickpockets and thieves. You don’t want to attract that sort of attention!

Read also: Discover How to Keep Your Cash Safe On Your Travels

15. Security Before and On Your Trip

Security has been a problem for tourists in Egypt; however, there is a robust and visible police presence. You’ll also see special “tourist police” hired to protect tourists. Bag checks and scans at tourist sites and hotels are also there to keep you safe, although these can be a bit haphazard.

While Egypt remains volatile, with some areas unsafe to visit, almost 14.9 million tourists visited the country in 2023, mostly without any problems.

Check the latest travel advice for Egypt here and purchase comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel. I always use Travel Insurance Master because their rates are competitive. I love that you can extend coverage if you travel longer, and making claims online is easy.

Egypt Travel Fit Tips

16. Check Whether Your Medications Are Legal in Egypt

Egypt’s rules about prescribed and over-the-counter medicines differ from those of many other countries.

Some widely used medications are considered controlled substances in Egypt. You can’t take them to Egypt without permission from Egypt’s Ministry of Health. You risk prosecution under Egyptian law if you arrive in Egypt without the necessary documentation.

⚠️ Travelling with prescription meds? Get an official letter from your physician confirming that the medicine is for a medical condition. This should include details of your condition and how much medication you will be carrying. The letter should also state that the medicine is for your personal use only.

➡️ Contact the Egyptian Embassy in your home country for more information and to find out which medicines are not permitted in Egypt.

17. Pack Plenty of Bug Spray

The mosquitoes in Egypt mean business and will soon make your life miserable if you’re not prepared for them!

I’ve always used Jungle Formula spray combined with this plug-in mosquito killer for my room.

If those nasty, itchy bites do happen, this inexpensive cream has been my go-to relief for decades, and I always pack anti-histamine tablets (just in case).

18. Stock Up On Sun Protection Cream

Egypt is hot, with temperatures often soaring well above 40°C (104°F) in summer. You’ll want lashings of high-SPF sun cream, to cover up and wear a hat 🙂

Cultural Tips For Travelling in Egypt

19. Pack Culturally Appropriate Clothes

With my pale Northern European skin, blue eyes, and light-coloured hair, I was a magnet for unwanted attention in Egypt. Many Western women are and it’s not fun.

From the irritating (constant offers of taxi rides, to change money or to buy things, and the never-ending catcalls) to the offensive (blatant staring and leering, creepy handshakes, touching, and “accidental” brushing up against your breasts or bottom), there are lots of things to watch out for.

I remember looking at handmade rugs in a crowded souk, only to realise that the man behind me was rubbing his erection against my bum! Many people saw what he was doing, but no one did anything…

⚠️ You need to rethink your wardrobe for Egypt to avoid being harassed. Dressing modestly is important if you go outside the main tourist areas.

✔️ Leave tight, revealing, or form-fitting clothes at home. Forget the strappy tank tops and shorts for anywhere outside of the main tourist resorts

✔️ Think conservative, loose, and floating, with everything covered up from your neck to below your knees.

✔️ Covering up shows respect for the local culture and will help you avoid attracting unwanted attention.

❌ Don’t flash any bare flesh or “show off” the shape of your body.

While I found the unwanted attention annoying, I never felt unsafe, and most of the local people I met were delightful, welcoming, and kind.

Read next: The Perfect Travel Packing List for Egypt

20. Learn a Few Words in Arabic

Learn a few essential words in Arabic as a courtesy and to summon help.

✔️ Google Translate usually helps; however, I always feel safer when I have a few local words imprinted in my brain for emergencies.

Here are a few useful words of Arabic:

• Hello—[marhaban]
• Goodbye—[ila al’likaa’]
• Please—[min fadlak] …
• Thank you—[shukran] …
• You’re welcome—[a’afwan] …
• Yes—[na’am] …
• No—[la’a]

21. Carry Small Bills For Tipping in the Local Currency

The custom of tipping or “baksheesh” is firmly embedded in Egyptian culture, and you should expect to tip a few Egyptian pounds in small change for most services.

While tipping isn’t mandatory in Egypt, it is customary as a way to say thank you for great service. As a rough guide, here’s what to consider leaving when tipping in Egypt:

• Restaurants: leave a 10-15% tip
• Tour guides: Leave 10-15% of the tour price for the tour guide and 5-10% for the driver
• Hotels: Leave 10-15 Egyptian pounds per day for housekeeping staff, 5-10 Egyptian pounds per bag for porters and bellhops, and 10-15% of the bill for room service.

Practical Egypt Travel Tips

22. Copy Important Documents Before You Travel

Before any trip, make copies of all essential travel documents.

✔️ Save a scanned copy of the documents online to access them while travelling if necessary. Just in case! Leave copies with trusted contacts at home and take one copy in your carry-on bag.

✔️ If your hotel has a safe space, consider using it for important documents.

✔️ Save a scanned copy of the documents online to access them while travelling if necessary. Just in case!

23. Make a Contacts List

What would you do if your phone got lost or stolen? I’d be pretty lost! Making a copy of your key contacts is an excellent way to protect yourself if your phone does get broken or goes AWOL.

✔️ Save your complete contact list online, including the contact details for your Embassy.

✔️ Carry a paper copy of your contacts list in your hand luggage.

Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but being prepared is good 🙂

24. Watch Out If You’re Offered Egyptian Bananas

Watch out if a man offers you “Egyptian bananas”. While bananas are grown in Egypt, they may not be talking about the fruit but being suggestive!

25. Bring Earplugs (Egypt is Noisy)

Egypt is a fantastically vibrant Muslim country, which means it can be loud! You’ll likely hear muezzins calling the faithful to prayer from the minarets of multiple mosques – five times a day, from (very) early morning until late.

Then there are the street vendors touting their wares, the incessant blaring of horns, and general traffic noise! You get the idea, but if (like me) you like a good night’s sleep, you’ll need good noise-cancelling earbuds to cope with Egypt’s cacophony!

🎧 These noise-cancelling earbuds have thousands of positive reviews on Amazon and work perfectly! If you don’t have wireless headphones yet, travelling is the best time to treat yourself and upgrade.

26. Always Carry Toilet Paper

It’s a massive understatement to say that public conveniences in Egypt are not up to Western standards.

Restrooms/loos in museums, on coaches and on trains range from the tolerable to the downright grim. You’ll want to have TP and wipes each time you leave your hotel!

27. Camel and/or Donkey Rides

Animal welfare is not the same in Egypt as it is in most Western countries. You simply cannot be sure that any animals you’re offered a ride on are well-treated. In a horrifying number of cases, they are not.

Here are a few highly-rated more ethical ways exist to get out and explore this amazing country:

• This incredible tour includes a hot air balloon ride and a felucca sailing boat adventure,
• On this tour, you could also have a magical ATV adventure into the desert.

28. Snake Charming is Not Charming At All

I don’t love snakes (I’m scared of them), but there is nothing charming about this barbaric practice, which is almost entirely driven by tourist interest.

Some (not all) snake charmers make their living by capturing wild cobras, ripping out their venomous fangs and then sewing their mouths closed. The snakes suffer horribly for months before dying of starvation – only to be replaced by newly caught victims.

Please don’t support this animal cruelty on your trip to Egypt. There are much better things to post on Instagram.

Read Next: Perfect (Snake-free) Egypt Quotes & Captions for Instagram

29. Don’t Take a Minibus Tour to Abu Simbel

Seriously, this was one of my worst travel mistakes in Egypt! Lured in by a cheap ticket, I handed over my cash. I spent over four miserable hours (each way) travelling through the baking desert from Aswan to Abu Simbel in a bone-shaker minibus without air conditioning.

While the Temple of Abu Simbel is one of the best tourist landmarks in Egypt, I was almost too dehydrated when I arrived to really appreciate it!

Here are the three best ways to visit Abu Simbel:

• Fly to Abu Simbel and join this 3-night/4-day cruise from Lake Nasser to Aswan for a more comfortable and relaxing trip. [Highly recommended]
• Pick a private tour, including direct flights from Aswan to Abu Simbel and mercifully short transfers from the airport [Likely to sell out]
• Choose this highly-rated tour and make the road trip from Aswan to Abu Simbel in a safe, private, air-conditioned car. [Best budget option]

30. Egypt Swelters in the Summer – Other Times Are More Pleasant

To help you plan your dream trip to Egypt, here’s a quick look at what the weather is like for each season:

Spring (March-May)

Spring in Egypt is a delightful time for exploring as temperatures are moderate and pleasant. With warm days that average around 25-30°C (77-86°F), you can comfortably discover attractions like the Pyramids of Giza and Luxor’s temples or cruise along the Nile without enduring extreme heat. At this time of year, blooming flowers add splashes of colour to various regions across Egypt.

Summer (June-August)

Egypt’s summer brings scorching temperatures that might be challenging for some visitors, but there will be fewer crowds and lower prices. While daytime temperatures soar above 35°C (95°F) in most parts of the country, coastal cities like Alexandria or Hurghada provide some respite with slightly milder conditions due to sea breezes.

If you choose to visit Egypt during the summer, stock up on sun protection essentials such as hats and sunscreen.

Autumn (September-November)

Autumn is an ideal time to explore Egypt’s wonders, with more comfortable temperatures returning after summer’s blistering heat subsides.

Average daytime temperatures range between 25-30°C (77-86°F), making it an excellent season for sightseeing at popular destinations like Cairo or Aswan without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

Winter (December-February)

Winter in Egypt provides ample warmth for outdoor activities. Daytime temperatures hover around 15-20°C (59-68°F) in most regions, making exploring sites like the Valley of the Kings or Abu Simbel pleasant.

Evenings can be cooler, especially in desert areas and Upper Egypt, so you’ll want to pack a light jacket or sweater.

31. Expect to Pay To Take Photographs at Key Tourist Destinations

Whether you’re visiting the Egyptian Museum, the Pyramids of Giza or the vast temple of Abu Simbel, be prepared to pay a small fee for the right to photograph at or on the site.

Camel drivers and others will likely also demand a fee if you want to take their photograph.

Best Food in Egypt Tips

32. Try The Incredible Street Food

Egyptian food is sublimely tasty. It’s well worth venturing out from your hotel to see what’s on offer from the local street stall street vendors and local restaurants. Kushari, baba ghanoush and hummus are all delicious!

In addition to the well-known sweet mint tea, why not sip some karkadeh (hibiscus juice)? It’s a very refreshing alternative!

33. Cover Up When Visiting Religious Sites

While some of Egypt’s ancient mosques allow tourist visits, it’s important to be respectful if you do visit.

When can I visit an Egyptian mosque?

Muslims pray five times a day, so it’s not appropriate to visit mosques during these times or to take photographs. 

How should I dress to visit a mosque in Egypt?

All visitors should remove their shoes before entering, and women should cover their hair with a scarf. A long-sleeved shirt is useful to cover up shoulders and arms, and you should wear a modest skirt or trousers.

What about visiting a Coptic monastery in Egypt?

The rules for entering an Egyptian Coptic monastery are similar in that you should dress conservatively and remove your shoes before entering. In addition, it’s not appropriate to visit during the Lent period.

Read also: Discover the Most Famous Landmarks in Egypt

34. Always Pay in Local Currency When Making Digital Payments

Whether you’re using debit or credit cards to make payments when visiting Egypt, it’s important to make sure you always choose the option to pay in the local currency, not in your home currency.

Why?

If you choose to pay in the local currency, eg in Egyptian pounds, you will likely be stung with a worse currency exchange rate than your bank would charge you.

Final Thoughts on Travel Tips for Egypt

Whether this is your first trip to Egypt or you’ve been before, these are my best travel in Egypt tips: I hope they help you when you visit Egypt.

Egypt is a remarkable destination offering travellers rich historical and cultural experiences. By following these travel tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to this fascinating country.

From planning your itinerary to respecting local customs and traditions, being aware of safety precautions, and embracing Egypt’s unique sights and sounds, you can make the most of your journey.

So pack your bags, immerse yourself in the wonders of ancient Egypt, explore bustling markets and tranquil oases, indulge in delicious cuisine, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy travels!

More tips for your trip to Egypt:

• Plan Your Trip: 9 Top Things You Must Do 
• Pack For Egypt: The Ultimate Women’s Packing List For Travel To Egypt
• Where to go: 35 Most Famous Egyptian Landmarks
• Hidden Gems: Siwa Oasis
• Travel Safety: How to Avoid Holiday Tummy When Travelling
• The Nile River: 10 Facts About The Nile River
• Essential Pre-travel Viewing: 11 Best Movies About Egypt
• Captions For Your Instagram: 56 Awesome Egypt Quotes

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