Ancient marvels, endless sands, and the majestic Nile! Egypt feels like a journey to another era as we explore the iconic Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, glide along the Nile at sunset, or embark on a camel ride into the profound silence of the desert. Welcome to the enchanting land of Egypt.
Capital City: Cairo
Population: 102.3 million (2020 est.)
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Time Zone: Eastern European Time - (UTC/GMT +2)
Language: Modern Standard Arabic
Emergency Number: 122
Outlet: Type C/F
Travel Guide
Egypt: Trip Preparation & Destination Information
Your complete travel guide to Egypt
Overview
Packing List
Active Shoes
Perfect for adventuring through the timeless Pyramids of Giza and tackling those exciting hiking trails.
Conservative Clothing
We suggest packing some modest clothing, especially for visits to religious sites. Generally, this means covering your shoulders and wearing outfits that reach at least to the knee. It's best to leave low-cut tops and short shorts at home for this trip.
Fleece or Sweater
Desert temperatures can really dip, so be sure to pack something cozy to keep you warm.
Protect Your Tummy
We suggest packing Pepto Bismol and Imodium to keep your tummy troubles at bay. If you're someone who often feels queasy on the move, having some Dramamine on hand can be a real lifesaver!
Swimsuit
Desert beaches or poolside relaxation!?
Sunblock with SPF
There's nothing like a nasty sunburn to put a damper on your vacation fun. We suggest packing sunscreen with SPF to keep your skin protected while you're out enjoying the sunshine.
Hat & Sunglasses
Shield your eyes from the sun and keep your face protected.
Day Pack
For toting around cameras, snacks, sunscreen, water, and more.
Hand Sanitizer
Is there anything else to add?
Packing Cubes
We'll be hopping from one hotel to another, and these will help keep everything tidy and in order.
Bug Spray
We recommend using bug spray containing DEET or Picaridin to keep those pesky bugs at bay and ensure you stay healthy throughout your adventure.
Reusable Water Bottle
Keeping ourselves hydrated is key to a successful trip! We'll have plenty of opportunities to refill our bottles with clean water during our stay.
Portable Chargers
Perfect for keeping your batteries charged while you're out and about.
Travel Adapter
We highly recommend bringing a universal plug adapter. It's your best bet for staying connected no matter where your adventures take you!
Towel
We absolutely love quick-dry items!
Ear Plugs
Are you a light sleeper? It's handy to have if you're sharing a room with someone who snores.
Laundry Soap
Individual packets are ideal for quick sink washes when you find yourself short on clean outfits.
Local Currency
We highly recommend grabbing some local currency before you set off on your adventure. If you wait until you reach the airport to exchange money, you might find yourself losing about 15% due to less favorable rates. While you'll find that many spots happily accept cards, those charming little local eateries often prefer cash. It's all part of the authentic experience!
Call Your Bank
Banks sometimes freeze your card if they notice any suspicious activity. We suggest giving them a quick call to inform them about your travel plans, including when and where you'll be heading.
Always pack extra underwear!
Language Information
Language: The official language of Egypt is Modern Standard Arabic.
Common Phrases
Local Weather
Culture Notes
In Egypt, where approximately 90% of the population practices Islam, the religion significantly influences all aspects of society. This cultural backdrop shapes various traditions, including those related to honor, family values, and marriage.
Friday holds special significance as the holy day. On this day, when the main congregational prayer takes place, you'll find that most shops are closed.
Dressing conservatively is important for everyone. We suggest packing outfits that cover both your shoulders and knees. Women, especially, should be mindful to cover cleavage and opt for loose-fitting clothing, such as long flowing skirts or maxi dresses, instead of tight-fitting clothes. It's wise to bring along a scarf, wrap, or light cardigan to cover your shoulders (and hair when visiting a mosque).
For insights on LGBTQ+ travel safety and advice, we've collaborated with EveryQueer to create this LGBTQ+ Egypt Travel Guide. It's designed to help you stay safe and fully enjoy your visit to the country.
We suggest leaving a small amount of food on your plate when you've finished eating as a polite gesture. This indicates that you've been well-fed and are not still hungry.
Pointing might be seen as impolite, so if you need to indicate something, we suggest using an open hand gesture instead.
When you're out shopping, make sure to bring along your top-notch bargaining skills because almost everything is open to negotiation, and haggling is a common expectation.
Your felucca captain might invite you to take a dip in the Nile. While we appreciate that our captains are familiar with the safest and most enjoyable swimming spots, we advise against this activity due to the potential risk of encountering bacterial and other infections.
When embarking on overnight train journeys, we've found that the smaller your luggage, the easier it will be to tuck it away under or above the bunks. Large suitcases might not be allowed on board, so it's best to pack light. Bringing a lockable bag or a small padlock can be really handy, especially when you're navigating public transportation. This way, you can travel with peace of mind knowing your belongings are secure.
Tipping Guide
Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.
Guides USD $10-15 /person/day
Drivers USD $5-10 person/day (ex: $35-70 for 7 days)
Restaurants(full service) 10% of total bill
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the water safe to drink?
Travelers should steer clear of tap water. Whenever possible, refrain from using it for brushing your teeth. Opt for treated water for drinking, which is available at all lodging facilities.
Do I need a Visa?
For details on visas, click here. Ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months beyond your return date and contains at least two blank pages, as some countries might deny entry otherwise.
How much should I pack?
Since we'll be utilizing shared transfers and spaces during our tour, we suggest all travelers pack as lightly as they can. Kindly check our luggage restrictions below.
Is Uber or Lyft available?
You can use Uber or opt for taxis. For