Egypt is a country with a thousands of years old civilization that makes it a unique tourist destination . The Pyramids of Giza , the Great Sphinx , the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Abu Simbel are some of the most famous monuments in the world, and visiting them has been one of the best experiences we recommend as locals. It has a stunning natural landscape , with the Sahara Desert , the Nile River and the Red Sea The wonders of marine life and coral, to the northern coast of the Mediterranean where the clearest beaches in the world are in El Alamein in the world , offering a variety of activities for all tastes. In our article Complete guide to traveling to Egypt: what to see, where to go and how to organize your trip, we tell you everything we Know so you can also know it in your trip through these lands , so that you take with you the essence of this great country.
The MUST-SEE of EGYPT
If you’re planning a trip to Egypt, we’ve written an article about our 17-day itinerary.
1. Complete guide to traveling to Egypt: what to see, where to go, and how to organize your trip
In the following section, we provide the most relevant information for your travel planning to Egypt.
best time to travel to Egypt
The best time to travel to Egypt is spring or fall , when temperatures are milder . The months from March to May and from September to November are the best time to travel to Egypt and for visiting the country’s main tourist sites, such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Abu Simbel.
In summer , temperatures can easily reach 40 degrees Celsius (not always and not in all sites, the north is cooler) , which can make visits very exhausting. However, this is the season with the fewest tourists, except in coastal areas.
In winter, although the weather is usually warm, it can feel cold in unheated accommodations or on desert nights if you are camping.
The best time to travel to Egypt is in October and you will have a wonderful experience. The temperatures , although hot, weren’t extreme , and in terms of the number of tourists, except for the times you will be visiting some temples (Edfu and Luxor) with other cruisers, you will not feel overwhelmed .
What is the currency of Egypt?
The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound .
Is it necessary to carry cash when traveling to Egypt?
I still remember a Brazilian tourist stopping me and asking if I could change $5 for her. Well, basically you can do that at some ATMs. Since some of these machines don’t offer paper currency exchange, you’ll need to go to a bank branch (just type “bank branch” in Google Maps). Or you can save yourself the trouble and get the change at the airport or at an exchange office. Most restaurants and stores also accept credit cards.
Based on our own experience, it’s not necessary to carry local currency from your home country, as it’s very easy to exchange euros/dollars at both exchange offices and banks. You can also withdraw money from ATMs (in this case, it’s advisable to have a fee-free card).
Cash
What we do recommend is to carry cash in euros if you will carry cash. You can easily exchange it, and some excursion payments are requested in euros. On the other hand, there is no longer a black market in Egypt with a much more favorable exchange rate than the official one. Keep in mind that this method of exchange is illegal.
Cards
On the other hand, throughout the 15 days you can spend traveling through Egypt, you can make many of our payments (hotels, some restaurants, entrance fees to temples and pyramids, excursions, etc.) directly with credit cards. So, as you know, it’s advisable to bring cards that don’t charge fees and always bring more than one, since both hotels and excursions always mark up the price by 3% to cover the transaction costs.
For tips (very common throughout the country) it is necessary to carry cash in local currency (always small denomination bills of 5, 10 or 20 Egyptian pounds).
Is a visa required to travel to Egypt?
A visa is required to travel to Egypt . You can obtain one at the airport of entry to Egypt or online at the following link .
Our recommendation is to obtain it electronically . The process is simple and saves you from having to wait in long lines upon arrival in Egypt, allowing you to go directly to passport control.
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2. Complete guide to traveling to Egypt: Egypt with children
If we were to be honest, we owe our trip to Egypt to our son . During our trip to South America, our youngest began reading a trilogy by Rick Riordan, set primarily in Egypt. He loved it so much that he soon told us his dream trip was to visit the country, its pyramids, temples, and obelisks, and, of course, to sail the Nile. So we thought, why not visit it now?
We believe Egypt is a fascinating destination for traveling with children , not only for the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the pharaohs, but also because Egyptian society is very friendly to the little ones ; they always have a smile on their faces. Plus, children up to about 12 years old pay half price on excursions, and most hotels offer free admission .
However, it’s important to plan your trip in advance and keep some tips in mind to make the experience as pleasant as possible.
Tips for traveling to Egypt with children:
- Temperatures in Egypt can be very high in the summer , so knowing your little ones, it may be best to visit the country in spring or fall.
- The route you take each day should be flexible, so that breaks can be taken.
- It’s always good to think of some activities that would be a plus for them (hot air balloon rides, feluccas, snorkeling, traveling on a sleeper train, or going into the desert and spending a night there).
- Of course, don’t forget to bring water and sunscreen , the sun in Egypt is no small feat.
What to see and do in Egypt with children:
- The pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, and Dashur: The pyramids of Dashur can be visited inside for free and with fewer crowds.
- Spend a night in the desert in the company of a campfire, foxes, and the stars.
- The Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
- The temples of Karnak and Luxor .
- Traveling on a sleeper train (It’s a bit of a torture for adults, but they have such a good time)
- The Valley of the Kings and enter some of its tombs.
- Take a cruise on the Nile .
- The temple of Abu Simbel .
Egypt can be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Is Egypt Safe?
After 17 days of exploring the country independently or with a group you will feel how safe it is. In fact, Egypt is a police state, and the police worship foreigners more than citizens hehe (It’s true baby) with police officers in strategic locations (airports, train stations, tourist spots, etc.), but they will be also frequently seen on every corner. so you might also notice a large number of secret police.
Even if you are harassed in the street by someone, as soon as you say the word police or Shorta (means police in Arabic) , he will be scared and move away. It is true that this is Nasty, but your safety is more important, Azooz. Most likely, you will not find anyone to harass you, and if someone harasses you, you will find many, many people who will scold them and love to help you until you feel safe. People in Egypt are sociable and friendly, and for this reason, Egypt is now home to more than 10 million refugees from the various wars taking place in the Middle East. They integrate, sell, and live without discrimination.
How many days does it take to travel to Egypt?
To visit Egypt’s most important and popular sites, you’ll need a full 8 days. If your budget or time allows, 17 days is ideal . This gives you the opportunity to visit other places and soak up the essence of this ancient country . You can also visit the Red Sea to relax and enjoy its waters teeming with coral fish, or venture deep into the Sahara Desert to experience beautiful landscapes and Berber culture.
What is the best way to travel around Egypt?
Organized Trips
Without a doubt, for those travelers who want to see the country’s main attractions without having to worry about organizing their trip, a good option is organized egypt tours , as they usually include the following services:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Guided tours
- Internal transport
Prices for package tours to Egypt vary depending on the length of the trip, the type of accommodation, and the activities included. Prices generally range between €1,000 and €2,000 per person. Here are three all-inclusive package tour options .
Travel on your own
If you have more time and want to explore the country at your own pace, you can opt for a solo trip . In this case, you’ll have to organize your own itinerary, flights, accommodations, and transportation . That’s what most parole do, and you will have a good experience . To organize your trip, you can consult travel guides and websites of people who have made the same trip, like ours.
Extra: Nile Cruise
What we do recommend is a Nile cruise . Although it has some of the drawbacks of this type of trip (we all visit the attractions at the same time zone), it’s a comfortable and relaxing way to see the main attractions in the Nile area. These cruises typically include the following activities:
- Guided tours of the main temples and monuments in the area
- Boat trips on the Nile
Regardless of which option you choose, traveling to Egypt is an unforgettable experience. The country boasts a history and culture that spans thousands of years and will leave you speechless.
Photo 4: Night in the White Desert, next to a bonfire and in the company of the stars.
Guide to traveling to Egypt: Egypt How to Dress
Egypt is a country with a conservative culture,Egypt was not like this, but an Islamic awakening and a wave of conservatism unfortunately struck Egypt after the departure of many Egyptians to the Arabian Gulf and then returned and brought back with them a difficult desert Islam, but Egyptians, by nature, might exercise this conservatism towards an Egyptian person, not a foreigner, so rest assured.
So it’s important to know that you can wear whatever you want. In fact, we encourage you to break this wave of conservatism by wearing what you love, not conforming to it. With the rise of social media, the country has already begun to combat these conservative ideas.
In summer
Summer in Egypt is very hot , so it’s important to wear light, breathable clothing . Natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, are a good option. Believe it or not, it’s advisable to wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt or T-shirt to protect yourself from the sun better if it was linen fabric. It’s also important to bring a hat and sunglasses. If you’re planning on going to the desert, it may get cool at night.
In winter
Winter in Egypt is mild, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius . During this time, you can wear warmer clothing, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and jackets. It gets cold in the desert at night.
In sacred places
In sacred places, such as mosques, it is mandatory to remove your shoes cause muslims don’t enter mosques wearing shoes . However, if you don’t want to pay a tip to have them looked after, you can carry them in your hand. Women must also wear a headscarf to cover their shoulders and chest if they went inside a mosque and a long skirt.
On the beaches
Egypt’s beaches are frequented by a rather educated class, who have no problem with any form of dress at the beach, so feel free to wear whatever you want if you are a woman, but we suggest that when you get out of the beach, you take a large cover with you to place around your upper body if you are comfortable with that.
Tips
- If you are unsure of how to dress, it is best to err on the side of modesty .
- You can wear a scarf or bandana to cover your shoulders and chest if you feel uncomfortable.
- We recommend wearing long-sleeved shirts with UV protection (they came in very handy during our stay at the Red Sea and in the desert, where there is no shade).
Egypt : complete guide to traveling there
After traveling to Egypt, you will see how Egypt is well-prepared for exploring from one end to the other without a package tour. Below, we offer you a series of tips to visit egypt that we believe will be very useful whether you’re traveling independently or on egypt tour packages. These tips are based on our own experience as citizens, but also on the anecdotes of other tourists we’ve met.
Tipping in Egypt
Tipping is a cultural issue in Egypt, and except in places where tourists tend to concentrate, it’s not usually a big problem. The truth is, before traveling, many tourists ask a question… Should we be tipping left and right? Our experience is no you don’t have to tip. and you can only tip on a few occasions, when you feel you need to.
As a local person, I’m telling you it’s not mandatory. There will be very kind people you will meet and they will help you with an open heart not just without asking for anything in return but without expecting anything in return. Our recommendation is to go with your intuition. Remember that 10 to 20 pounds may not be a small amount, but for a waiter in a restaurant or a taxi driver, it is something that helps him in the difficult and sudden economic conditions that Egyptians have been living in for years.
Abusive Practices
If you are going to visit places of interest with a large concentration of tourists, you have to keep in mind that there may be abusive practices.
In general, tips are asked for everything and without even doing anything to you, just point away and say Shorta (police) if you were asked obsessively for money. , but you should be alert for two main practices : the first is when people who seem to be security guards at tourist spots ask you where you’re going and immediately offer to walk you (even if you don’t need it). Once there, they ask for a tip, and if you don’t give it, they can become aggressive.
Tip: Don’t let them take you, even if they insist and you may seem rude (always smile, of course). The second very common practice is offering to take your photo (even police officers and security guards at tourist spots). Once they take the photo, they demand a tip, and until you give them what they consider appropriate, they won’t return your phone. So, it’s better if you want to take a photo to let a tourist photograph you, or an Egyptian young local tourist like you.
Anecdote about Tips
A curious anecdote happened to many people on the sleeper train. While you go to Aswan and Luxor, The person in charge might demand a 300+ Egyptian pound tip with a smile and without moving from the door. When you might be incredulous at his demand, after smiling back, I told him there was no more tip, and he left with a smile, but we spent a minute staring at each other, Western-style hehe, in any case refuse and tell him (Shorta) as police If he insisted.
Visits to Holy Sites. Mosques of Egypt
You have to take off your shoes in mosques , but you don’t have to leave them at the entrance for someone to look after them and then pay for them, just put them in a plastic bag with you inside and keep them in your hands. You can carry them with you, hanging them from your backpack like a lot of people do , or in your hand. It’s a small fee like 10 pounds, but why pay if it’s not necessary?
Uber in Egypt
Uber is very useful for getting around Cairo, you can have an uber bike if you are in crowded places like wast elbalad (downtown) but it’s not considered safe for many tourists, so you can take a care instead, sometimes there are scams. Some have canceled on us before picking us up when we refused to pay in cash cause a lot of those drives , and we didn’t understand why until some Mexicans told us they agreed to do it and raised the price when they arrived at their destination.
They live day by day, which is why they refuse to pay online because it can take time to process. I don’t excuse their refusal, but it’s important to understand their reasons.
If the driver asks you to cancel your ride, refuse. If they insist, get out and file a complaint with Uber.
If you want to save even more, there are other ride-hailing apps besides Uber, such as Indrive and Didi.
Download the Uber app (Android – iPhone)
Download the Andrive app (Android – iPhone)
Download the Didi app (Android – iPhone)
Private Guides in Egypt
Guides aren’t always top-quality . So you can book guides online. find someone who is recommended for being knowledgeable, explaining things well, and taking great photos. The reality is that most tour guides are in such high demand that their prices have gone up significantly , but the worst part is that they then subcontract to others and don’t go themselves , so things change a lot. If you choose to hire a private guide, be sure to check who’s going with you.
Prices of Services in Egypt
When you arrive at tourist sites , such as the Giza Pyramids, Abu Simbel, Sharm el Sheikh, and so on, there are people who offer to take you around. Make sure the amounts and currencies are clear for everyone .
We know many cases, but some people told me about a family of three travelers agreed on a price with a taxi to tour the pyramid complex, and when the trip was over, they were asked for triple the price, it happens but if you dealt with uber, this won’t happen, because, according to the taxi driver, the price had been quoted per person.
A family, also at the Giza pyramids , told us that a camel owner offered them a photo for 25 Egyptian pounds. The Egyptian man put his son on the camel, and the father got on too so he wouldn’t leave his 3-year-old son alone up there. The camel owner walked 15 meters for them to take the photo. When he finished, he asked them for $50 because he said he’d asked $25 for the photos and that they had to pay another $25 to get on the camel and take the ride. In short, a photo that will be forgotten on their cell phones over time cost them $50. We have many more anecdotes like this, but we’d never finish.
Conclusion: Make the total price and currency clear and don’t be afraid to repeat it as many times as necessary.
Haggling in Egypt
Haggling , like tipping, is widespread, and as always, in places crowded with tourists, it’s not entirely appropriate . Our advice: if you don’t intend to buy anything, don’t look at it, much less point it, and above all, don’t play the game they start.
What is bargaining like?
Generally, the way souvenir sellers act is to first tell you to just come in and look around without any hassle , and that there’s no need to buy anything.
Inside the store, the situation changes. If you stop to look at it for more than 5 seconds, they approach you and tell you a price (so inflated it seems like it’s about to explode). When you tell them you’re not interested, they lower the price and suggest you tell them how much you’re willing to pay … and then you’ve fallen into the cobweb . Added to this, they make it seem like you’re paying them at cost price, but they’re fine with it and start wrapping it up for you (they put on a sad face as if they’re losing money, a look worthy of a Hollywood actor). Most likely, it will end up in your hand without you realizing it, and then when you tell them you don’t want it, the mess is over. They get angry, and many people, trying to avoid this conflict, end up buying.
Tip: If you’re not going to buy, just smile and walk on by … don’t go into the store. If you do want to buy , be aware that you’re about to enter a world of bargaining that they’ve already returned to by the time you even started.
Internet in Egypt
You can have a great experience with your E-Sim from the start, It’s important to have it before you travel just in case you had problems with our plane being delayed, so you can be able to contact your driver. It’s perfect for contacting guides, Uber, hotels … even in the desert, be connected with no data limits!
Go as unnoticed as possible
If you want to go as unnoticed as possible by street vendors when you’re out and about in cities or towns, avoid carrying a backpack with a thousand zippers and shorts . Instead, bring a plastic or cloth bag and long pants. Even if you still look like a tourist, they’ll think you’ve been in Egypt for a while and won’t attract as much attention .
Photo 5: Temple of Hatshepsut.
Complete Guide to Traveling to Egypt: Preparations
Once we’ve decided we’d like to travel to Egypt and how many days we’ll be there, it’s time to start planning the trip. Below, we’ll show you step-by-step how to organize your trip to Egypt.
The MUST-SEE of EGYPT
If you’re planning a trip to Egypt, we’ve written an article about our 17-day itinerary.
Booking links
Maintaining the ad-free website has an annual fee , which we’re happy to cover because we believe our blog helps people find inspiration and plan their own trips to egypt. But if you think we’ve helped you, you can always support our maintenance by booking activities or products using our links. It won’t cost you anything extra (instead you will have discounts), and we receive a very small commission on your booking. Thank you very much.
1. Buy flights to Egypt
The first thing is to assess the time of year in which we are going to travel to Egypt.
If you plan to fly during the winter months (high season) or during typical holiday periods (Easter, Christmas, etc.), it’s a good idea to book as early as possible, as this can save you a lot of money. In any case, airline ticket prices tend to drop during the mid- and low-season . Summer is usually a good time if you want low prices, although the heat can be stifling.
>> The best flights to Egypt HERE <<
2. Buy Travel Insurance for your trip to Egypt
Once we’ve purchased the flights, the next thing we’ll do is purchase travel insurance.
We always travel with Travel Insurance , which is essential and, in summary, covers private healthcare, the costs of a return flight to the country of origin in certain cases, rescues or repatriation, transfer of a family member in case of hospitalization or the loss or theft of belongings .
If you purchase the policy from this website, you’ll receive a 5% discount off the regular price, and we receive a small commission that helps us maintain the website . Thank you very much!
From this website, you can check which insurance company is best for you based on the characteristics of your trip.
For Egypt , we recommend:
Mondo Temporary Policy. With this policy, you can customize your travel insurance to the specifics of your trip by adding additional coverage or adjusting coverage limits.
IATI
We recommend IATI Backpacker, which provides 24-hour assistance in your language, offers excellent medical coverage, covers adventure sports (hot air ballooning, hiking in the Sinai, or snorkeling in the Red Sea), and covers lost luggage and theft . Get
If you’re traveling with children , IATI Family may be more interesting for you, as it provides 24-hour pediatric telephone support.
3. What to See in Egypt
It’s time to put down on paper the different places we want to visit and have a basic idea of how long we want to stay .
We propose a 17-day itinerary through the land of the pharaohs, perfectly adaptable to your trip.
4. Book Accommodation
Accommodations in Egypt are very affordable , and it’s always possible to find a good value , but you have to bear in mind that you won’t find the same quality standards as those found in Spain. We stayed in various types of accommodations; since we basically slept and showered, we didn’t ask for anything more from the hotel. If, on the other hand, you know you’ll be spending time in your room, we recommend looking for places that offer extra comfort.
We leave you the link of the places where we stayed throughout the trip:
- Accommodation in Sharm el-Sheikh .
- Accommodation in Giza .
- Accommodation in Cairo .
Find the best accommodations at the best prices HERE .
If you want to lower your budget , you have the option of staying through HomeExchange.
5. Hire an E-Sim
Traveling to Egypt with an E-SIM card was a great help to you . you will be able to resolve a problem with the driver who might be supposed to pick you up at the airport. It helps us contact guides, Uber, and hotels , even from the desert.
6. Book an Activity
Once you have a trip planning overview for the places you will visit and the approximate dates you’ll be there, it’s time to book one of the many experiences Egypt has to offer.
On the other hand, if you want to experience traveling on a sleeper train, make your reservation through this link .
Remember that during high and mid-season , there may be more demand than supply, so if you’re sure, book as soon as possible . Keep in mind that booking an Activity or Experience may affect your itinerary, so if you’re not sure about the dates you’ll be in the area, make sure they offer free cancellation .
We definitely recommend spending one or two nights in the desert and taking a Nile cruise . There are two cruise options, listed below:
Some of the most popular excursions are:
Complete guide to traveling to Egypt: what to see, where to go, and how to plan your trip
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