Your Complete Guide to Traveling To Egypt Tips :

Are you planning your trip to Egypt and are full of enthusiasm, but still have many doubts about the country? Don’t worry, in our article Egypt Travel Tips, you will find all the answers to the questions that come to your mind.

Remember! Before going anywhere, it’s always a good idea to find out what to expect so you don’t get caught off guard.

If you want to enjoy a memorable trip in Egypt, check out our Egypt Excursions with our certified Egyptologist and Egypt travel guide.

Is it safe to visit Egypt?

safe to visit Egypt
Stunning security photos from the Pyramids of Giza

According to the report “Global Law and Order 2019”, Egypt ranks eighth in the ranking of the safest countries in the world. So definitely yes, Egypt is safe.

What are the best places to visit in Egypt?

Egypt Travel Tips
Amazing pictures of the sound and light show from the pyramids of Giza, Egypt

You are spoiled for choice. Here are the places not to be missed: the white desert, Aswan, Luxor, Abu Simbel, St Catherine, Marsa Alam, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Siwa, Cairo, and Alexandria.

What can’t I do in Egypt?

Egypt Travel Tips
Pictures of Cairo at sunset showing the Cairo Tower and the Nile River from the top

Despite being a safe country, we are happy to make you some recommendations :

  • Avoid going for excursions without a guide and/or expert driver.
  • Avoid traveling at night, given the drivers’ habit of driving with headlights off.
  • Do not exchange effusions in public.
  • Respect places of worship by adopting the recommended clothing and keeping silent.
  • Avoid talking about politics or religion.
  • Do not remove corals from the Red Sea and avoid any contact with them, even small trauma can damage them.
  • Do not take photos without the permission of the premises and never take photos of the police, army, and government buildings (you will recognize them for the guards placed in front of them).
  • Do not visit the sites not recommended by both the travel agencies and the Traveling safe site (eg North Sinai, the desert on the border with Libya).
  • Avoid eating too much street food, especially avoid raw vegetables, they may not be sufficiently clean or washed with contaminated water.
  • As fascinating as it is to avoid bathing in the Nile, you could contract diseases or catch parasites (better avoid).
  • Do not travel without having carried out the recommended vaccines and without travel insurance.
  • Don’t forget to always bring your passport with you.
  • Don’t forget to always have cash with you (still not all businesses have card payments).

What injections do I need for Egypt?

What injections do I need for Egypt
A picture of a doctor preparing an injection

Cases of hepatitis A, B, and C are common across the country. After medical advice, vaccination against hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and typhoid fever is recommended. (From the site travel safe).

Can I enter the pyramids?

Giza Egypt pyramid entrance
Great picture of the entrance to the Great Pyramid

Absolutely yes, upon purchase of a special ticket.

How much does it cost to visit the pyramids?

Egypt Travel Tips - Your Guide to Traveling To Egypt.
A wonderful picture of the middle pyramid with the Sphinx

The entrance fee to the Giza pyramids area is 380 EGP, and the entrance to the great pyramid ( Khufu ) is 400 EGP, for the other two ( Khafre and Menkaure ) you pay 100 EGP.

How much do you tip in Egypt?

How much do you tip in Egypt
A picture of a few dollars

Tipping is a common thing in Egypt and it’s not a mandatory thing though it’s a way of appreciating the service offered during visits to the country, so don’t forget to tip your guide, driver, servants, and waiters. It is advisable to have Egyptian currency to tip during the tour.

The following table summarizes a mirror of hypothetical tips depending on the situation:

  • At the entrance of restaurants and public toilets 5 EGP
  • Driver USD 5 per day
  • Tour guide USD 10 per day
  • Suitcase service From USD 1 to USD 3
  • Housekeeper USD 2
  • Photos with Bedouins, locals, and camels 1 USD
  • Cruise crew USD 30
  • Any assistance provided From 5 to 20 EGP
  • Waiter 10% of the total account

Can I drink alcohol in Egypt?

Drink Alcohol
Pictures of alcoholic drinks

Of course, you can drink alcohol but only inside the premises where alcohol is served or in private homes. Let’s not forget that a part of the population is Coptic Christian, so it is easy to find stores that sell alcohol. Always remember not to drink in public places or on the street.

Can you hold hands in Egypt?

Egypt Travel Tips
A picture of a couple from the Temple of Hatshepsut in Egypt while holding hands

Of course, nothing prevents you from strolling holding hands, the exchange of effusions, especially kisses, in public is not recommended.

Can we brush our teeth with tap water in Egypt?

Egypt tips
A picture of a girl brushing her teeth

It is always preferable to avoid direct contact with tap water. But more and more effective water filters are spreading.

Can I eat Egyptian food?

Egypt Travel Tips
Koshary, a famous Egyptian food

Yes, you can, the Egyptian cuisine is one of the most wonderful kitchens in the Middle East, and trying Egyptian dishes is one of the great experiences that you should try during your visit to Egypt.

See our article on Top traditional Egyptian food & drinks

Can I drink water in Egypt?

Egypt tips
A picture of a tourist while drinking water in Egypt

It is very and very disheartening. In Egypt, there is a high chance of getting an infection in the gut. We suggest thoroughly washing the food, especially fruits and vegetables, and paying special attention to how clean the places where meals are eaten are. Also, you should only drink mineral water and drinks that come in bottles, without adding ice.

What to wear in Egypt?

Egypt Travel Tips
A picture of a couple wearing whatever clothes they want from Egypt

There are no particular restrictions, except when visiting places of worship of course. If you visit places of worship, it is important to wear loose-fitting clothing (both for men and women). Preferably with long sleeves and covering the ankles; it is also important for women to cover the head (hair) with a scarf. Outside public places, it is preferable to adopt modest clothing, rather opaque but there is less rigidity, it is not necessary to cover the garment.

Don’t miss to check our guide about the best time to visit Egypt.

Can I wear leggings in Egypt?

wear leggings in Egypt
A picture of a tourist wearing leggings at the pyramids

Yes, it is a garment that is also widely used by Egyptian girls, who however always pay attention to wearing a very long shirt over their leggings.

Can I wear shorts in Cairo?

shorts in Cairo
A picture of a visitor to the pyramids wearing shorts

Nothing forbids it, but you will certainly give a lot of attention and it could be very annoying to be constantly under everyone’s eyes.

What to buy in Egypt?

Egypt Travel Tips
Some souvenirs and gifts that you can buy from Egypt

Be careful not to be fooled by buying gadgets made in China. We recommend preferring local crafts: mother-of-pearl, ceramic, and alabaster objects (always check with the traders that they are local products). Try to buy Egyptian cotton (among the best in the world). Take advantage of your trip to Egypt to buy spices, scented oils, essences, and soap (olive oil is particularly good). You can also buy henna.

Note: If you planning your trip to Egypt, don’t miss checking our Egypt vacation packages to choose your favorite travel package.