Egypt Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

One of the most mysterious and unique countries is Egypt. The country is famous for its rich history, temples, pyramids and culture. Whether you’re passionate about history or just want a beach vacation, Egypt has something for you. Planning a trip can feel overwhelming, which is why I’ve created this summary of Egypt travel tips: to make it easier for you to plan everything and to answer all your questions.

Egypt Places to Visit

Weather in Egypt

16 Useful Travel Tips For Egypt

I’ve put together some of the most common questions people should ask when they travel to Egypt. This will help you visit the country safely and learn about the visa, weather, culture, main tourist attractions, and the best way to organize your entire trip.

How to Plan a Safe Vacation in Egypt

Egypt is relatively safe for tourists, especially in the main destinations like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea resorts. However, the wider region has ongoing conflicts, and some border areas are best avoided, so check your government’s travel advisory before booking.

One of the safest and best choices is to book a tour with an agency. There are many agencies to choose from. You can book through an agency in your own country or directly through an agency’s website.
We used MTS Global, which was perfect. We had a really great time and felt very safe during our visit. For us, the best option was to book through an agency from Romania.

Egypt Travel Tips: The Best Way to Visit Egypt

There are many ways to visit Egypt, depending on your budget and the kind of trip you want.

I think the most beautiful way is by cruise. You’ll have the opportunity to see the real side of the country: its beauty, but also its more difficult parts, which can be hard to take in because some places are not very good maintained and there is a lot of poverty.

Another option is to stay in a resort in Hurghada. It has many benefits: all-inclusive accommodation, a gym, spa access to the Red Sea. You can book trips from Hurghada to Cairo or Luxor while still enjoying luxury, relaxing days, and snorkeling or scuba diving.

Can You Visit Egypt Without a Guide?

Egypt can also be visited without a full guided tour. For example, settle in one city and then book all the trips via GetYourGuide. Still, I don’t consider Egypt a beginner-friendly country to travel without a guide, so you should do thorough research before going.

There are several cities you can visit without a guide, for example Hurghada, Cairo, Aswan. Still, I think has many benefits, even if you won’t have enough time to visit the bazaars because the guides will rush you. It depends a lot on how many days you have and how many places you want to visit. Be sure to check with the agency that the itinerary includes the places you want to see.

Do You Need a Visa?

Yes, but don’t worry. At the end of your flight, you’ll receive a form to fill in with the information the flight attendants ask for. At the airport, the visa costs around €30, so be prepared to have cash with you.

How Many Days Are Enough?

I think 8–10 days is enough. If you want to spend some time at the beach, feel free to add a few extra days to your schedule to enjoy the Red Sea.

Do You Need Travel Medical Insurance?

Yes. Wherever you go, you should buy travel medical insurance. You shouldn’t travel without it because you never know what might happen.

Should You Buy an eSIM?

My suggestion is to buy an eSIM so you have internet as soon as you land. It’s the most convenient option because you can install it before your trip, so you don’t have to look for a stand at the airport or wait in line. You’ll be online from the moment you arrive, which is useful for contacting your driver or guide, using Uber, and navigating.

There are plenty of eSIM providers, but I recommend Airalo(affiliate link), which for us worked perfectly. You choose a data plan for Egypt, install it on your phone, and activate it when you arrive. Before buying, check that your phone supports eSIM.

Is Tap Water Safe?

No, don’t drink tap water. It’s not safe, and you may need medical attention if you drink it. Drink only bottled water, and brush your teeth with bottled water too.

Do You Need a Vaccination?

I researched this before our trip, but I would still suggest checking your country’s official website for the current requirements. It’s the best way to check all the entry conditions, including vaccinations.

What Medication Should You Bring?

I suggest bringing basic medication for stomach pain, motion sickness, and headaches, plus some vitamins or minerals. For stronger medication, speak with your family doctor and ask for their recommendations. Other essentials are disinfectant, tissues, and wet wipes.

Egypt Travel Tips: Is Tipping Necessary?

Among all the Egypt travel tips, this is one of the most useful: include tipping in your budget. We discussed it with our agency, and they told us a guide should receive a minimum of 5€ per day per person, a driver 2-3€ per day per person, and others 1€, depending on what they do. Don’t hesitate to give more if you think people are doing a great job.
For example, we really liked our guide, so we gave more than 5€ per day, and the same for our driver. I won’t say how much, because you should give what you feel is right, but be aware that tipping is expected.
For every favor, picture in the temples, piece of advice, or bit of help, people will ask for a tip. So pay attention to what you accept from locals, as you can be scammed.

How to Get Around

If you booked through an agency, it’s easier because you can choose which trips you want to do, but make sure to clarify this with them before leaving for Egypt.

If you didn’t book in time, or if you’re on your own, there are several ways to get around.

• You can check Klook if you want a trip to another city.
• Another option is to ask the hotel reception to book a driver. Expect this to cost more than the next option.
• One of the best ways to travel around Cairo and Hurghada is Uber, using the app. It’s cheaper than booking a driver through your hotel. In other cities, such as Aswan, Luxor, you can use Careem, which works in a similar way. It’s cheaper than booking a driver through your hotel.

What Clothes to Wear

To respect the culture, women should wear long, non-transparent trousers and tops that cover the shoulders, or a long dress. You should also wear a cap against the sun. It’s very hot, so be prepared.

Is Bargaining Really a Cultural Thing?

Yes, it’s part of Egyptean culture. You’ll need to bargain for everything because the first price they give is usually too high. I don’t know how to do it; I only know how to say “no.” Luckily, my boyfriend is very good at it. Because we went with a guide, we didn’t have much time in the bazaars. We just passed through and looked around quickly to see what to buy, but I can say that in Luxor the people are very pushy. So be aware of that: if you want a magnet, a statue, or a vase, most likely the people around you will come to negotiate.

Can You Be Easily Scammed?

Yes, there are a lot of tourist traps everywhere. If someone offers you help of any kind, they will expect money. Even on the boat, something happened that we didn’t expect.
As I said, we went on a Nile cruise. One night there was a galabeya party, and when we arrived, someone took pictures of us. We thought he was from the boat company, but the next day he asked for money. It was so annoying. Another example is in Cairo at the pyramids: with camel riding, again, if someone helps you, you’ll need to pay.
If you’re going with a guided tour, I have something to add. In Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, they will take you to local shops where you may feel somewhat forced to buy something, especially if you’re in a small group.

Will You Be Affected by the Food? How to Avoid Food Poisoning

To avoid food poisoning, avoid tap water and brush your teeth with bottled water. Also avoid salads, because they may be washed with tap water.

My Honest Opinion About Egypt

Egypt has two faces. First, it has a rich history and many remains of the past that are very well preserved. If you’re passionate about history, you’ll have the opportunity to visit temples dating back thousands of years. One of the best ways to see them is a Nile cruise with all the most important attractions included. You’ll also have the chance to see everyday life in different Egyptian villages on the drive back from Aswan to Hurghada.

On the other hand, Egypt is known for its all-inclusive hotels in Hurghada, which has access to the Red Sea. Hurghada is more of an international city with a totally different style. It has become so popular simply because it’s cheaper and the facilities can be very good.

After seeing both sides, I can say it’s shocking to see the contrast within the country. It’s very hard to process and describe how some people live there. Overall, I really recommend visiting Egypt to learn more about its history. The experience is unique and very beautiful.

Final Thoughts on Egypt Travel Tips

Thank you for reading to the end! Even though I travelled with a guide, I still did some research beforehand, and I’m glad I did. My top Egypt travel tips: visit between October and April, start sightseeing early to avoid the heat and crowds, carry small bills for tips, drink only bottled water, and dress modestly outside. Egypt has a beauty all its own, and you’ll get to see the Great Pyramid of Giza, the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. I hope these Egypt travel tips help you plan your trip!