Apart from looking for information on what places to see and where to sleep and eat, it is advisable to have some travel tips in mind before organizing your trip to Egypt. There are many important details when organizing a trip that can sometimes be overlooked, from what documents to bring, to how to have internet on a trip to Egypt. But they can make the difference between a smooth and easy trip and a trip full of unexpected events.
For this reason, in Passporter we have prepared this article to answer these questions and many others, so that you do not miss anything, and travel prepared and well-informed of everything you need to know. This way, you will only have to enjoy the trip you have been planning for so long. Read on and discover the best travel tips for Egypt.
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What are the best travel tips for Egypt?
1. What documents do I need to travel to Egypt?
As before any trip, to visit Egypt you will need to have certain documents in order. First, make sure you have a passport valid for at least another six months from the date of entry into the country. In addition, it is necessary to obtain a visa or e-visa to enter Egypt, which can be obtained at the embassy, or simply at the airport when you arrive or online prior to your trip. It is also advisable to carry a copy of your important documents, such as your passport and visa, in case of loss or theft.
Remember that requirements may vary, so it is essential to check with the Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country for up-to-date information on the documents needed for the trip.
2. Money tips for a trip to Egypt
When it comes to money on your trip to Egypt, it’s important to keep a few key points in mind. First, be aware of currency exchange. Be sure to exchange your currency into the local Egyptian currency, the Egyptian pound (EGP), at authorized exchange houses or banks to get a fair exchange rate. In addition, we recommend avoiding some places such as airports to exchange your currency, as the price is usually quite expensive.
Also, it is highly recommended to carry cash in Egypt, as not all establishments accept credit cards. Ask your hotel for information on reliable ATMs where to withdraw cash, and be aware of withdrawal limits and associated fees.
Also, be prepared to bargain when shopping in Egyptian markets and bazaars. Haggling is a common practice and negotiating price is part of the experience. Keep a friendly attitude, be respectful, and don’t be afraid to negotiate to get a fairer price.
3. Respect cultural norms, one of the key tips for a trip to Egypt
Egypt has a rich cultural tradition and it is important to be aware and respectful of its customs. When visiting religious sites such as mosques or churches, be sure to dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs. It is also advisable to show consideration for other social norms and avoid excessive displays of affection in public. Learn some basic Arabic phrases, such as “hello” (marhaba) and “thank you” (shukran), to show appreciation for the local culture.
Maintaining a respectful and tolerant attitude towards Egypt’s cultural traditions and practices and willing to learn and adapt during your visit are just a few examples of how you can show your respect for the local culture. We assure you that by following these travel tips for Egypt, you will enjoy an enriching and respectful experience as you explore the fascinating Egyptian culture.
4. Try the local gastronomy of Egypt
One of our tips for your trip to Egypt is to try the country’s delicious and varied cuisine. Start by treating yourself to the koshari, a signature dish that combines rice, lentils, pasta and fried onions, all topped with a tasty spicy tomato sauce. Accompany your meal with a falafel, delicious fried croquettes made from chickpeas, served with pita bread and a selection of sauces.
Fish lovers can’t miss the opportunity to try fresh fish from the Nile, prepared in a variety of ways depending on the region. If you prefer meat, don’t miss the tasty kebabs and koftas, served with rice and salad. And to sweeten your palate, try exquisite Egyptian desserts, such as baklava. Explore the local markets and sample traditional dishes that will immerse you in the culture and history of this fascinating country.
5. Getting an eSIM is among the best travel tips to Egypt
During your trip to Egypt, it’s essential to stay connected at all times to make the most of your experience and ensure you stay in touch with your loved ones. An excellent option is to get an eSIM, a virtual SIM card that allows you to access the Internet and make local and international calls. This will give you the freedom to browse maps, search for information and share your experiences in real time, without worrying about roaming charges or searching for local SIM cards.
In addition, having an eSIM will allow you to use translation applications, get information about nearby places of interest, and stay up to date on weather conditions and current events. To get an eSIM, you can do it before your trip so you won’t have to worry about it when you arrive.
The installation of some eSIMs, such as Holafly, is very simple. Once you have chosen and purchased the eSIM card for Egypt, you will receive an email with a QR code and instructions on how to activate the card. The instructions are perfectly detailed for all operating systems and devices. Scan the code from your cell phone settings, turn on mobile data and you’re ready to use the internet in Egypt. Without a doubt, this is one of the best tips for a trip to Egypt we can give you.
6. Cover yourself against unforeseen events: buy health insurance
When planning your trip to Egypt, it is essential to consider taking out medical insurance. Although we expect everything to go smoothly during our trip, unforeseen events can occur and it is best to be prepared.
Medical insurance will give you peace of mind and protection in case of illness, accident or any medical emergency that may arise during your stay in Egypt. Make sure your insurance covers medical, hospital and repatriation expenses, as well as coverage for trip cancellation or lost luggage.
Before buying the insurance, carefully review the terms and conditions, making sure you understand the clauses. Compare different insurance options and choose the one that best suits your needs and intended activities during your trip.
7. Use Passporter to organize your itinerary and keep documents up to date
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
- Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
- Add your friends, so that they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
- Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
- Add the stops that most interest you, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
- Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
- Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation.
- Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
- Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you will be able to share your own travel tips to Egypt.
- Enjoy your trip to Egypt!
If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Egypt
The climate in Egypt is mainly desert, with high temperatures and low rainfall. In general, Egypt has two main seasons: a long, hot summer and a milder winter. The temperatures are extremely high, especially in southern Egypt. In summer, daytime temperatures can easily reach 40-50°C in areas such as Luxor and Aswan. In the north, near the Mediterranean coasts, temperatures are somewhat more moderate. During the winter, temperatures are milder and more pleasant, especially in the north. Daytime temperatures range from 15-25°C in the north and can be slightly lower in the south. Nights can be cool, with temperatures of 5ºC.
The best time to travel to Egypt is from October to April, when temperatures are milder. Avoid summer (June-August) due to the extreme heat.
–Street markets: Always use caution! Drink only bottled water. Markets where to eat in Cairo are: Khan El Khalilior the stalls of Dokki Street
–Narguib Mahfouz Cafe: A mythical restaurant in Cairo in the heart of Khan El Khalili. Its menu is very varied and is full of delicious and hearty purely Egyptian dishes.
–Horus Guest House Pyramids View: The charming Horus Guest House is located just a two-minute walk from the majestic Great Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx. Average price: 30€ per night
–Champollion Hostel: just 400 meters from the iconic Tahrir Square, within walking distance are the Egyptian Museum, the Cairo Tower and the Al-Azhar Mosque. Average price: 50€ per night.
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