Egypt Travel Tips: 20 Things I Wish I Knew

I made mistakes on my first trip to Egypt.

I packed the wrong clothes. I carried too much cash. I didn't know how to say "no thank you" in Arabic. Small things that made my first few days harder than they needed to be.

By the end of my 6 months, I had figured it out. And now I'm sharing everything with you.

This guide covers Egypt travel tips for first time in Egypt – the things I wish someone had told me before I got on the plane. Read this before you go. Your trip will be smoother, cheaper, and more fun.

Before You Go: What to Know Before You Book

1. Check your passport expiration date NOW

Egypt requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date. I almost learned this the hard way. Check today. Renew if needed.

2. Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival

US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and most European passports can get a 30-day tourist visa at the airport. Cost: $25-30 USD. Pay at the bank booth before immigration. Keep the sticker – don't lose it.

3. The e-visa is also an option

If you want to skip the airport line, apply online before you go. The official Egyptian e-visa website is easy to use. Approval takes 3-7 days.

What to Pack: Egypt Essential Tips

4. Pack light, breathable fabrics

Linen, cotton, and light synthetics are your friends. Egypt is sunny. You'll sweat. Dark colors show less dirt. Light colors keep you cooler. Bring both.

5. Bring a scarf or shawl

A light scarf is the most versatile thing in my bag. Cover your head when entering mosques. Cover your shoulders in conservative areas. Use it as a towel. Use it as shade. Don't leave home without one.

6. Comfortable walking shoes – broken in before you go

You will walk. A lot. The Pyramids, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings – all require hours on your feet. Don't bring new shoes. Break them in at home first.

7. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat

The Egyptian sun is strong. I wore sunscreen every day. Wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses made outdoor exploring comfortable.

8. A reusable water bottle with filter

Tap water is safe to brush your teeth with – but stick to bottled water for drinking. A filtered bottle saves you money and plastic waste. I used one for 6 months with zero issues.

9. Power adapter (Type C or F)

Egypt uses European-style plugs (two round pins). Bring a universal adapter or buy one at the airport when you land.

Money Tips: What You Need to Know

10. Carry cash in small denominations

Vendors, taxis, and small shops prefer cash. Big bills can be hard to break. I carried 10, 20, 50, and 100 EGP notes. Also, keep 50-100 EGP in a separate pocket for tips and small purchases.

11. ATMs are everywhere – but use ones inside banks

ATMs in tourist areas are safe. But for extra security, use ATMs located inside bank lobbies. Avoid standalone ATMs on quiet streets.

12. Notify your bank before you go

I forgot once. My card got frozen. It took an hour on the phone to fix. Call your bank. Tell them your travel dates. Save yourself the headache.

13. Credit cards work at hotels and nicer restaurants

Don't expect to use credit cards at street stalls, small shops, or with taxi drivers. But hotels, airlines, train tickets, and mid-range restaurants all take cards.

Internet and Communication Tips

14. Get a local SIM card at the airport

Orange and Vodafone have booths right after baggage claim. I paid $10 for 20GB of data. It lasted my whole trip. Google Maps, Uber, and WhatsApp will work everywhere.

15. Download offline Google Maps before you go

Download Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan maps while you have Wi-Fi. You'll still be able to navigate even if your data isn't working.

16. Learn these 5 Arabic phrases

A little effort goes a long way:

Salaam alaykum – Peace be upon you (hello)
Shukran – Thank you
La, shukran – No, thank you
Kam? – How much?
Ma'a salama – Goodbye

Transportation Tips: Getting Around Egypt

17. Use Uber and Careem – not street taxis

This is my number one tip. Uber and Careem give you fixed prices before you book. No haggling. No confusion. The app tracks your route. In Cairo, I never paid more than $5 for a ride across the city.

18. Book domestic flights in advance

Cairo to Luxor flights can be half the price if booked 2-3 months ahead. EgyptAir and Nile Air are reliable. The 1-hour flight beats the 8-10 hour train ride.

19. The sleeper train is an experience

Cairo to Luxor or Aswan overnight. Private cabin. Dinner and breakfast included. It's not luxury – but it's fun. I did it once for the experience.

20. Share private drivers with other travelers

From Luxor to Aswan via Edfu and Kom Ombo, a private driver costs the same whether you're 1 person or 4. Ask at your hotel – there are almost always other travelers looking to share.

Culture and Etiquette Tips

21. Dress modestly in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan

Knees and shoulders covered. In resort towns like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, swimwear is fine at the pool or beach. When in doubt, cover up. Respect the culture and locals will respect you.

22. Say "La, shukran" to vendors you're not interested in

"La, shukran" means "no, thank you" in Arabic. A polite smile and a firm "la, shukran" works every time. Then keep walking. Vendors will move on to the next person. No drama. No confrontation.

23. Tipping (baksheesh) is part of the culture

20-50 EGP ($0.40-1) for porters, bathroom attendants, and small services. 100-200 EGP ($2-4) for guides and drivers for a full day. Tips are expected and appreciated – but you'll never be chased or pressured.

24. Fridays are different

Friday is the Muslim holy day. Many shops close in the afternoon. Museums and tourist sites stay open – but some close for Friday prayers between 12:00-2:00 PM. Plan around it.

Health and Comfort Tips

25. Start your day early

The Pyramids at 7:00 AM are magical – and empty. Luxor temples at 8:00 AM are cool and quiet. By 11:00 AM, tour buses arrive. Beat them.

26. Stay hydrated – bottled water only for drinking

Bottled water is everywhere and costs 5-10 EGP (10-20 cents). Drink often. The dry heat dehydrates you before you feel thirsty.

27. Pack hand sanitizer and wet wipes

Not all public restrooms have soap. Hand sanitizer is your friend. Wet wipes are great for dusty hands after touching ancient stones.

28. Don't eat salads from street vendors

Street food is delicious and safe – but stick to cooked food. Falafel, koshari, grilled meat, and bread are all fine. Raw vegetables washed in tap water can upset your stomach.

Bonus Tips (Because 20 Wasn't Enough)

29. Visit during shoulder season if you can

October-November or March-April. Fewer crowds. Lower prices. Still beautiful weather.

30. Book your Nile cruise in advance

Good cruises sell out weeks ahead, especially in peak season. Don't wait until you arrive in Luxor.

31. Don't try to see everything

Egypt is huge. Pick 2-3 regions and go deep. You'll enjoy it more than rushing through 10 cities in 7 days.

32. Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs

You will buy things. Papyrus. Alabaster. Perfume oil. Spices. I filled half my suitcase by the end.

The Bottom Line: You're Ready Now

Before my first trip, I was nervous. I didn't know what to expect. I made mistakes. I learned the hard way.

Now you won't have to.

Egypt is waiting for you. The Pyramids. The Nile. The Red Sea. The people. Go. Enjoy. Make memories that will last a lifetime.

And when you come back, come find me. I want to hear about your adventure.

What's Your Best Egypt Travel Tip?

Have you been to Egypt? Share your own advice in the comments – what do you wish you had known before you went?

Planning your first trip? Ask me anything. I read every comment.

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