Egypt rewards the prepared traveller. The country is vast, layered, occasionally overwhelming, and utterly magnificent — but arriving without the right knowledge can turn a dream trip into a stressful scramble. After years of guiding travellers from every corner of the world, our team at Egyptian Vibe has distilled the most important practical wisdom into these 25 tips. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning after years away, these will serve you well.
Visa, Entry & Documents
Get your visa online before you fly
Egypt's e-Visa portal allows most nationalities to apply online in advance. It's faster, cheaper, and avoids the queues at Cairo airport's visa-on-arrival desks. Apply at least a week before departure.
Your passport needs 6 months' validity
Egyptian immigration requires at least 6 months of passport validity beyond your entry date. Check yours well before booking — renewing a passport last-minute is stressful and expensive.
Keep printed copies of key documents
Print your visa confirmation, hotel bookings, and tour confirmations. Some checkpoints and hotel check-ins will ask for paper copies. A phone screen is not always accepted.
Money & Currency
Egyptian Pounds are the currency — but USD is widely accepted
Most tourist sites, hotels, and restaurants in tourist areas accept US Dollars. However, you'll need Egyptian Pounds (EGP) for local markets, street food, and tips. Carry both.
ATMs are plentiful in cities — less so in remote areas
Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan all have reliable ATMs. Withdraw cash before heading to Fayoum, the White Desert, or smaller sites where ATMs are scarce. Notify your bank before travelling.
Tipping (baksheesh) is deeply embedded in Egyptian culture
Tip your guide (USD 10–20/day), driver (USD 5–10/day), hotel porters, and restaurant staff. Small notes in local currency are appreciated. A little baksheesh opens doors — sometimes literally.
Bargaining is expected in markets — not in shops with prices
Khan el-Khalili and local bazaars expect negotiation. Start at 40–50% of the asking price. Fixed-price shops and supermarkets are not for bargaining. Read the context before you start haggling.
Health, Safety & Practicalities
Drink bottled water only
Tap water in Egypt is not safe for tourists to drink. Buy sealed bottled water from reputable shops and supermarkets. This includes avoiding ice in drinks unless you're at a high-end hotel.
Bring a quality sunscreen — and reapply constantly
The Egyptian sun is intense even in winter. SPF 50 minimum, apply before leaving your hotel, and carry it with you. Sunburn at the Karnak Temple complex on day one ruins the rest of the trip.
Travel insurance is not optional
Comprehensive travel insurance — covering medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage — is essential. Medical costs for serious illness without insurance in Egypt can be very significant.
Pack basic medications
Bring anti-diarrhoeal tablets, rehydration sachets, antacids, and antihistamines. Travellers' diarrhoea is common in the first few days as your digestive system adjusts. Pharmacies in Egypt are good, but bring your essentials.
Egypt is generally very safe for tourists
Tourist areas are heavily policed. Petty theft is the primary concern — keep valuables secure in busy markets. Follow standard travel precautions and trust your guide's read of any situation.
Egypt is visited by hundreds of thousands of solo female travellers every year. Unwanted attention can occur, particularly in markets and busy streets. Dressing modestly (shoulders and knees covered) significantly reduces this. Having a private guide with you eliminates it almost entirely — your guide acts as a cultural buffer and local presence.
Culture, Etiquette & Religion
Dress modestly at religious and archaeological sites
Shoulders and knees should be covered when entering mosques and Coptic churches. Lightweight linen or cotton trousers and a loose shirt are ideal — you'll also be more comfortable in the heat.
Remove shoes when entering mosques
Always remove footwear before entering a mosque. A pair of easy-slip-on sandals makes this much smoother. Some mosques provide plastic bags for your shoes — bring your own just in case.
Ask before photographing people
Always ask permission before photographing locals, particularly in markets, villages, and religious settings. A smile and gesture is usually enough. Some people expect a small tip for being photographed.
Learn a few Arabic words
"Shukran" (thank you), "La, shukran" (no, thank you), "Min fadlak" (please), and "Salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you) go a very long way. Egyptians light up when visitors make the effort.
Getting Around & Logistics
Use private transfers — not public taxis at tourist sites
Unmarked taxis at airport arrivals and tourist sites frequently overcharge visitors. Book a trusted private transfer in advance. With Egyptian Vibe, all transfers are included and pre-arranged.
Domestic flights save enormous time
The train journey from Cairo to Luxor takes 9–12 hours. A domestic flight takes 1 hour. For trips longer than 5 days, incorporating at least one domestic flight is highly recommended.
Book major sites in advance
The Valley of the Kings, Egyptian Museum, and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) all benefit from advance booking, especially during peak season. Queuing on the day wastes precious morning hours.
Arrive at outdoor sites as early as possible
7–8am is ideal for Karnak, the pyramids, and the Valley of the Kings. You'll avoid the heat and the tour groups simultaneously. The light is also extraordinary at that hour for photography.
Packing Essentials
Layers for winter, breathable fabrics for summer
Winter mornings in Luxor can drop to 8°C. Summer days in Cairo reach 42°C. Pack accordingly: a warm layer for winter evenings, and loose-fit linen or moisture-wicking shirts for summer exploration.
Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable
You'll walk several kilometres a day on uneven ground, cobblestones, and sand. Bring well-worn, comfortable walking shoes — not sandals for temple sites, not new boots that cause blisters.
Bring a small daypack with essentials
Water bottle, sunscreen, camera, snacks, medication, and a light scarf (for covering up at religious sites). A small, secure daypack worn at the front in busy markets is also good theft deterrence.
Photography & Technology
Check camera rules at each site
Photography policies vary significantly. The Egyptian Museum prohibits cameras in many rooms. Some tombs charge an extra photography fee. Flash photography damages ancient pigments — most sites ban it. Follow posted rules.
Get a local SIM card on arrival
Vodafone Egypt and Orange Egypt both sell tourist SIM cards at Cairo airport arrivals hall. A data SIM is inexpensive and gives you reliable Google Maps access throughout your trip — invaluable even with a private guide.
The Single Most Valuable Tip of All
- Travel with a licensed Egyptologist guide who has studied the history, speaks the local language, and has spent years building relationships at every site. The difference between reading a plaque and hearing your guide explain — in vivid, expert detail — what happened in that very chamber 3,000 years ago is the difference between a holiday and a life-changing experience. This is why private tours with Egyptian Vibe are so consistently described as transformative rather than merely enjoyable.
One Final Thought
Egypt has a way of defying expectations. Travellers who arrive nervous about the chaos depart talking about the warmth and generosity of the people. Those who expected tourist kitsch discover one of the most intellectually profound civilisations the world has ever produced. And those who worried about the practicalities — visa, currency, transport — realise, usually within the first hour on the ground, that it all works out fine.
With the right preparation, a knowledgeable guide, and an open mind, Egypt doesn't just meet expectations. It exceeds them entirely.