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Egypt Travel Tips: Things to Know Before You Travel to Egypt

Tim Last updated: January 28, 2024 Egypt 68 Comments

If you are planning a trip to Egypt, there is no doubt that you have a lot of questions. Should you hire a guide? What places should you visit? What do you need to pack? And the most popular question of all…is Egypt safe to visit?

We spent 12 days in Egypt at the end of December 2019. During this time, we visited Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Abydos and Dendera, Aswan, and Abu Simbel. For various reasons, we chose to drive along the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan, rather than taking a cruise, which I will address in this article. We learned a lot during our visit and have a lot of valuable information to share with you.

Since arriving home, we have received an overwhelming number of emails about safety and the expectations of a trip to Egypt. Tim has been answering these questions in great detail and we decided that it would be worth writing an article with answers to all of your questions.

Here are our Egypt travel tips. If you still have questions, let us know in the comment section at the end of this post.

Table of Contents

Egypt Travel Tips

Where should you go.

Egypt contains some of the oldest, grandest sites in the world. Sure, everyone is familiar with the great pyramids on the Giza Plateau , but there is a lot more to Egypt than just the pyramids. The lesser known and more fun to visit pyramids in Saqqara and Dahshur are well worth the day trip from Cairo. You can also spend a day or two visiting the churches and mosques in Cairo , walking through Old Cairo, and getting a history lesson at the Egyptian Museum. 

Alexandria, with its location on the Mediterranean Sea, makes a nice day trip from Cairo.

In Luxor, not only can you visit the exquisitely decorated tombs of the ancient kings and queens of Egypt , but there is also the enormous Karnak Temple and the Temple of Luxor. The West Bank contains so many tombs and temples that it takes days, yes days, to see all of them. It is one of the largest open air museums in the world.

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut on the West Bank of Luxor

In Aswan , drift on the Nile in a felucca and visit the beautiful Philae Temple.

Philae Temple

Abu Simbel , a temple that is located near the border with Sudan, is well worth the time. This temple is dedicated to the Ramesses II. In the 1960’s the entire temple, including the mountain of rock it was carved into, was painstakingly disassembled and moved to higher ground, as water levels rose after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Tim and Tyler at Abu Simbel

If you want some chill time, check out the opulent resorts in Hurghada.

Finally, add some adventure to your trip by visiting an oasis in the Sahara Desert.

We didn’t have enough time to get to everything on this list, so hopefully you’ll see us back in Egypt within the next few years to explore some new places.

LEARN MORE:   25 Amazing Things to do in Egypt

The tomb of Ramesses V and VI in the Valley of the Kings

When Should You Visit Egypt?

The best time to visit Egypt is the cooler months of the year: November through March. In the southern part of the country, at Luxor and Aswan, rain is unlikely. In Cairo, haze can be an issue in the morning during the winter months, so it’s best to time your visit to outdoor sites (such as the pyramids of Giza) to the afternoon hours. During the winter months, it can rain in Cairo and Alexandria.

Expect the biggest crowds in December and January.

During the summer months, temperatures can be oppressive. Temperatures can range from 40 to 55°C (104 to 130°F). In Luxor and Aswan, this is a dry heat, but up north around Cairo and Alexandria, the humidity can make the heat feel even worse.

Luxor Temple

Visa on Arrival

Most visitors to Egypt will need a Visa.

If you are a citizen of the USA, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Norway, Russia, and a handful of other countries, you can obtain a Visa on Arrival at the airport.

We recently received an update that Canadian citizens have to apply for a Visa with the consulate before arrival.

In the Cairo International Airport, just before passport control, there is a bank window where you will purchase your visa. It costs $25 USD and you will pay cash. Take the visa and your passport to passport control. The officer will add this visa to your passport and stamp your passport. It’s a very easy process.

If you want a SIM card for your trip to Egypt, there is an Orange kiosk in the Cairo International Airport (near baggage claim) that can provide you with a SIM card. The process is fast and relatively cheap. You will need to show your passport and make sure that your phone is unlocked before your trip to Egypt. We had great cellular service throughout Egypt with Orange.

We have also had very good luck using Airalo , which is a company that sells e-SIM cards, in various countries in Europe. You can purchase your e-SIM prior to your trip and activate once in Egypt. This saves you time, since you don’t have to buy a SIM card once you arrive in Egypt. We have not used Airalo in Egypt but our experience in Europe has been fantastic, even in more remote areas.

Inside Karnak Temple in Luxor

Is it Safe to Drink the Tap Water?

Do not drink the tap water, brush your teeth with the tap water, or eat uncooked foods that may have been washed with tap water (such as lettuce, uncooked fruits & vegetables, etc.). We used bottled water for drinking and to brush our teeth.

Bring Your Own Toilet Paper

The bathrooms at the tourist sites are not typically stocked with toilet paper, so it is a very good idea to bring some with you.

Be Prepared to Tip the Bathroom Attendant

In Egypt, most bathrooms have an attendant, a person who keeps the stalls clean, provides a small amount of toilet paper, and hands you a towel to dry your hands (in some cases). It is customary to tip this attendant before or after you use the bathroom. It doesn’t have to be much, 5 EGP is sufficient. But small change can be hard to come by, so save this for when you need to use the bathroom.

Be Prepared to Tip… A Lot

There are numerous scenarios when you will be expected to tip for a “service” that was provided.

When visiting tombs and temples, the attendants will offer to take a photo of you. If you agree, you are expected to give him a small tip in return. If you take a photo of a camel or if you take a photo of a tomb attendant, you will also be expected to give a tip. After camel rides, felucca rides, etc., it is also expected that you will give a small tip at the end of the experience.

Tipping is always optional, but there is an expectation for it.

How much you tip depends on the service provided. For things like photos, we gave the person our spare change or 5 to 10 EGP. For tips after meals and things such as a camel ride, 5 to 10% of the price what you paid is customary.

Tipping is not expected but it is appreciated in restaurants.

Pyramids of Giza

Using Cash in Egypt

In Egypt, the currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). $1 USD is equivalent to 31 EGP (as of January 2024).

Until 2023, all tourist attractions and activities needed to be paid for in cash. Now, attractions are only accepting credit cards. I still recommend having some Egyptian pounds, for tipping and to make purchases in markets, but visitors no longer need to carry huge amounts of cash.

We withdrew all of our Egyptian pounds from ATM’s in Egypt. There are ATM’s in the Cairo International Airport, so this is a great place to make your first withdrawal. Our hotels in Luxor (the Hilton ) and Aswan (the Movenpick ) had ATM’s and we used these every day to withdraw more money.

The maximum any ATM would ever allow us to withdraw per transaction was 3,000 EGP. On some occasions, we had to use the same ATM card multiple times in order to have enough cash for the day.

Mosque of Muhammed Ali in Cairo

Discounts on Entry Tickets for Children and Students

If you are traveling with children, they might qualify for a discount ticket. One of our guides told us that at most tourist sites (museums, temples, tombs, pyramids, etc.), kids 5 years and younger can get free entry. Children ages 6 years to 12 years get a 50% discount. And those aged 12 to 30 can qualify for a student discount (50% discount) if they have a valid International Student Identification Card (learn more here ).

You must bring the plastic card with you because a copy or a photo of the card is not typically accepted.

We did not know about this Identification Card before our visit. Tyler and Kara were 16 and 15 years old during our visit. Sometimes, the attendant would accept their passport as identification, but it didn’t always work so sometimes we had to pay full price.

If you are traveling with kids under the age of 12, it might be a good idea to bring a passport or another form of identification to prove their age. Some attendants were very strict with offering discounted tickets.

Tyler and Kara at Bab Zuwayla in Cairo

Luxor Pass and Cairo Pass

The Cairo Pass is a ticket that allows you to visit all of the main sites in Cairo and Giza. The Luxor Pass is ticket that allows you to visit all of the archaeological sites on the East Bank and West Bank of Luxor.

These are expensive passes (costing $130 to $250 USD, depending on the pass) so they are not worth it for everyone. But if you plan to spend a lot of time in either Cairo or Luxor, they could save you some money.

For full details on these passes, read our post Luxor Pass and Cairo Pass: Are They Worth It?

Photography Passes

The rules for this change constantly.

Recently, the rules have changed, allowing tourists to take photos with their cellphones in most tombs and temples for free without a photography pass.

We have also heard reports in 2023 that photography passes might be a thing of the past. Many people have been writing in that DSLR cameras are now allowed and no photography passes are necessary.

For most people, taking photos with a cellphone is sufficient. We typically purchased the photography pass at each site (this was in 2019), since it’s important to capture great photos for this website, but honestly, in some tombs, our iPhones were almost as good as my DSLR.

If you plan to use a tripod, there is an additional fee for this (typically 20 EGP).

Inside the tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Egypt?

Traveling through Egypt is similar in price to traveling through Southeast Asia. If you are a budget traveler, you can see and do a lot in Egypt without spending a lot of money. And if you like the idea of adding in upscale hotels and a cruise on the Nile River, you can do so without spending a small fortune.

For more information, take a look at our article How Much Does it Cost to Visit Egypt?

Should You Rent a Car in Egypt?

We do not recommend driving in Egypt.

The roads in Egypt are congested and chaotic. Traffic rules are different in Egypt than in places like the United States and Europe, and at times, it almost seems as if there are no rules.

The streets of Cairo and Giza are so congested and chaotic that it is not worth the stress of navigating them yourself. Cars fill every available space on the road and there is no effort to paint lines on the road, since they would be ignored anyway. It is not unusual for tuk-tuk’s or motorbikes to drive against traffic on these roads, adding to the chaos.

All the while, it is an almost constant cacophony of car horns. The horn plays a vital role in friendly communication between drivers. There is no road rage here, everyone seems to be very patient even though they are sitting in some of the worst traffic we have seen.

There is a different flow and rhythm to the traffic in Egypt, and if you are not accustomed to it, driving can be stressful and difficult.

On the rural roads, there are security checkpoints and you need to be able to effectively communicate with the officers. We had a driver and a guide. Our guide conversed with the officers at these checkpoints in Arabic. It did not seem as if the police at these checkpoints spoke much English, so if you were on your own, getting through these checkpoints would be much more stressful than if you had a guide and driver.

Finally, the rural roads are just as crazy as the city roads, but in a different way. Congestion is lower but speeds are higher. These two-lane roads are treated as three lane roads. The center of the road is the passing lane, for both directions of traffic. That means you will play a lot of games of “chicken” with the oncoming cars. Meanwhile, you or your driver are keeping a lookout for donkeys, tuk-tuks, motorbikes, tractor trailers, and pedestrians.

We highly recommend hiring a driver, rather than renting a car, for your trip to Egypt.

Tuk-tuk in Old Cairo

Should You Hire a Tour Company/Egyptologist?

Typically, we prefer to travel independently. Rarely do we book a tour. And never do we take packaged, multi-day tours when we travel.

However, with concerns about safety and hearing “horror” stories about how independent visitors felt like they were constantly hassled for tips, we decided to hire a guide.

After a lot of research, we hired the company Egypt Tailor Made, based on their impeccable reviews on Trip Advisor. Basically, we took nine of their day tours and strung them together to form a customized itinerary. They exceeded all of our expectations. One of the reasons our trip to Egypt was so positive is because of the exceptional service this tour company provided.

For each day of our trip in Egypt (with the exception of our day trip to Abu Simbel, which we did independently), we had a guide and a driver. This took away all of the hassles of transportation, negotiating fees for certain services, and knowing the best times to visit each place. Our guides would shoo away persistent shop owners and introduce us to local foods that we would never have tried, had we been on our own.

We could just sit back and enjoy the trip and let our guides handle the logistics. 

Since we traveled in a small group (it was just the six of us…the four Earth Trekkers and our moms), we got personalized attention and we could easily customize what we did each day.

If you like the idea of taking the hassle out of getting around Egypt and want knowledgeable guides to teach you about the places you are visiting, it is worth the small extra expense to hire a guide and driver in Egypt.

Is a Nile Cruise Worth It?

We did not cruise the Nile River for various reasons.

For one thing, it’s expensive, especially to cruise with a company that gets good reviews. Plus, on a cruise, you have very limited time at each location. Most of your time is spent drifting along the Nile River, which I am sure is an amazing experience, but we wanted more time at each site.

On a cruise, you tend to do your sightseeing on a set schedule with a large group of people, and that was not the experience we wanted.

Feluccas on the Nile River in Aswan

We booked hotels in Luxor and Aswan with views of the Nile River, so that we could still get the “Nile experience.” In Aswan, we frequently rode the motorboats on the Nile River and we took a sunset felucca cruise. These boat trips, along with our hotel stays, made us feel like we had a great Nile River experience. Plus, we got to spend as long as we wanted at each site, in our private group.

We don’t feel like we missed out on anything by not taking a Nile Cruise.

Is Egypt Safe?

Safety is a big concern for most people when deciding whether or not to visit Egypt. We were no different.

In recent years, tourism to Egypt has increased and more and more visitors are coming home with reports of how safe they felt while in Egypt.

So, we booked our trip with a little bit of trepidation. During the months leading up to our flight to Cairo, we kept an eye on the US State Department website and we wondered, once here, how safe would we feel?

Never once did we feel unsafe. Yes, there is a big police and military presence. Seeing guards with rifles and driving past numerous police checkpoints on the roads can be unnerving at first. Every time you enter a hotel or enter a tourist site, you will pass through a metal detector.

But all of this is being done to keep tourists safe. Tourism is a very valuable industry in Egypt so a lot is being done to protect tourists.

The Egyptians are some of the friendliest, most welcoming people we have met. They would approach us, ask us how we were enjoying our visit to Egypt, and ask us to spread the news on how safe we felt.

Egypt is a big country, and safety depends a lot on the area that you will be visiting.

If you stick to the main tourist areas, which include Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel, Egypt is safe. During our visit, we never felt unsafe in Egypt. However, we did stay in the popular touristy regions and we traveled with a guide and driver.

Places to avoid include the Sinai Peninsula and the western Sahara Desert, near the border with Libya.

Here are some things to be aware of when traveling through Egypt:

Security Checks: As you enter most sites, as well as many hotels, you will go through security. You will put your bags through an x-ray machine and you will walk through a metal detector (similar to airport security but not quite so rigorous).

Military and Police Presence: It is common to see armed guards and armored vehicles at the sites you will be visiting and along the roadways. They are there to protect you and the site you are visiting.

Convoys: Prior to our trip I had read that when hiring a driver for road trips, for example from Luxor to Abydos (or Luxor to Aswan, or Aswan to Abu Simbel), you have to leave at designated times in order to travel with other vehicles, all in a convoy escorted by police. That no longer applies and tourists no longer travel in convoys. They now rely on the security checkpoints along the roads to help ensure your safety. However, we did still receive a police escort several times on the drive between Luxor and Abydos.

Hathor Temple in Dendera

A Few Essentials for Your Packing List

Here is a quick checklist of things to pack for your trip to Egypt. Some of these might be obvious (such as sunscreen), but some of these may not be things that you have thought of.

• Backup Cash: bring some backup cash in USD or Euros just in case you have any issues with the ATM’s or if you run out of EGP. Include small bills like $1 USD that you can use for tipping, if you run out of small Egyptian bills.
• Snacks: especially if you have long driving days and for big sightseeing days, such as on the West Bank of Luxor
• Power Adaptors: we brought type C and type E/F and we primarily used Type E/F
• Toilet Paper
• Extra Toothbrushes: just in case you rinse one with tap water 

The Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara

In Conclusion

Egypt is a wonderful country to add to your travel wish list. Go now, while tourism is still relatively low. Take advantage of lower crowds and lower prices…tourism is picking up and I expect that trend to continue for the next few years.

If you have any questions that we did not address in this article, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to Egypt

EGYPT ITINERARY: With 10 days in Egypt , visit Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel.

PYRAMIDS OF GIZA: Plan your visit with our article How to Visit the Pyramids of Giza. We also have an article about where to get the best views of the pyramids.

LUXOR: Get on overview on what to do in our article Best Things to Do in Luxor. We also have detailed guides to the East Bank of Luxor , the West Bank of Luxor , and the Valley of the Kings.

ASWAN: For a list of the top experiences, read our article Best Things to Do in Aswan. We also have a guide on how to visit Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Esna while driving between Aswan and Luxor.

ABU SIMBEL: In our guide to Abu Simbel, we cover what you need to know to plan your day trip.

Read all of our articles about Egypt in our Egypt Travel Guide.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.

All rights reserved © Earth Trekkers. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.

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Comments 68

We traveled to Luxor, Cairo, and Sharm El Sheikh in September 2023. It was a phenomenal trip! We attributed our incredibly positive experience in Egypt to hiring Egypt Taylor Made per your recommendation. I was sorry to hear about the other traveler’s experience. We have nothing but positive to say about this tour company. They showed up on time each day with an Egyptologist guide and driver in a nice, comfortable, air-conditioned minivan for our group of four. They were flexible with our itinerary so we could see what was most important to us each day. They were highly educated in Egyptian history (one had two master’s degrees in Egyptology) which made it fascinating for all of us especially our 8-year-old who loves all things Egypt. Egypt Taylor Made took all of the stress and hassle out of our trip and added to the experience so richly by all of the education they provided to us along the way. The service was also very affordable averaging about $250 per day for all four of us for what seemed like a first class, private, tour experience. We have said so many times that we are so thankful we read your recommendation and found out about this tour company! I wish there was a tour company like this for the historical sites of Italy and Greece – do you have any recommendations?

Hello Rachelle. Thank you for taking the time to write in and share your experience with Egypt Tailor Made. Unfortunately, I do not know of tour companies in Italy or Greece that offer a similar, well-priced experience for a multi-day trip. We have visited both Italy and Greece independently so we haven’t researched or used a tour company. However, in Italy, we took tours of historical sites and walking tours. We booked many of these through GetYourGuide and LivItaly and have had favorable experiences with both of them. Cheers, Julie

we spent two weeks in Egypt this February, and hired ETM for a large part of it (Days 2-12) upon your recommendation, so I wanted to check back with our experience, and a (lot of) word(s) of caution to anyone considering ETM; things have changed at this company since your trip/the pandemic, and I hesitate to recommend them.

This was our itinerary: Day 1: (mid-afternoon) Arrival in Cairo Day 2: Saqqara, Dahshur, Memphis, Giza plateau Day 3: Cairo (Citadel, Al-Azhar mosque, Khan el Khalili, Egyptian Museum) Day 4+5: Overnight excursion into the Western desert; overnight train to Aswan Day 6: Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk, Felucca ride, Nubian village (this is where we stayed, rather than Aswan proper) Day 7: Abu Simbel Day 8: Aswan to Luxor drive with stops at the temples of Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Esna Day 9: Luxor West Bank (Valley of Kings, Howard Carter House, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon) Day 10: Luxor West Bank (Medinet Habu, Valley of the Nobles, Deir el Medina, Ramesseum) DAy 11: Luxor East Bank Day 12: Day trip to Abydos and Dendera; overnight train back to Cairo Day 13-14: Alexandria Day 15: back to Cairo; departure

People should stick to what you did; the desert excursion was uncomfortable and time-consuming, and Alexandria was frankly terrible, a waste of time and money. Day 8 was my personal favorite. The overnight train was a pleasantly delightful experience, better than any I’ve ever taken in Europe.

Our first guide with ETM (days 2-5) was so terrible that we almost rebooked our flight and returned home after four days. I’m not going to mention his name, nor even my complete list of grievances, but here’s the top five: a) I primarily hired a guide to avoid harassment. Instead, he deliberately brought us into uncomfortable situations where there was pressure to buy things we didn’t want. After Saqqara, Dahshur, and Memphis (he was aware that I was excited for Giza and wanted to maximize my time there), he took us for an unscheduled stop at a “papyrus museum”, which was nothing but a glorified gift shop. When we didn’t buy anything and he missed out on a commission, he cut our time at the Giza pyramids short in what I am sure was retaliation. He didn’t take us to all the panoramic points, and only up close to the Great Pyramid, despite my specifically requesting to be taken to the other ones as well—so much for “tailor made”. We left the plateau with over an hour to go until closing time… to be taken to a perfume shop. Again, not on the agreed upon itinerary, but apparently standard practice not just for this unfortunate guide, but ETM, judging by reviews I read later—I’m surprised you didn’t mention it/weren’t subjected to it. In this shop, we were isolated and taken upstairs, and they succeeded in talking us into buying a bottle of perfume—the sampler was admittedly lovely. Back at the hotel, I checked the bottle because it looked larger than 100ml to me, and since we were traveling with hand luggage only and there was no indication in regards to the 100ml capacity, I was worried that it would get confiscated at the airport. So I googled the place, with the intention of checking the reviews for “export problems”, and oh boy, the things I found. I broke the seal, and sure enough, what we were sold was not the same product we had been presented with. We contacted our guide (we didn’t accuse him of being in on the scam, but he definitely earned a commission on the sale), and he apologized and we eventually got our money back the next day… but not before he had given the lady at the store our phone number, unasked, and she’d contacted us, which is just all sorts of not okay. b) The next day, the provided water bottle in the car was not sealed. My partner took one sip, and that was enough, he caught a gastrointestinal infection that lingered for the rest of the holiday. Our guide had zero empathy or understanding, he huffed and puffed when I asked him to be taken to a pharmacy, he came inside with me but was no help whatsoever with the clerk (I was aware that I was getting overcharged but just wanted the damn medicine). He guilted my sick partner into eating two massive meals he didn’t want out in the desert because “not eating would be rude”. c) The desert excursion was supposed to be a get-away from chaotic Cairo, to enjoy the starry night sky and the remote desert silence. Our guide sat in the tent watching an Arabic sitcom on his phone without earphones. d) As a guide, he was both contemptuous and useless—lovely combination. I had done my research, and it was clear that this bothered him, he would’ve preferred guests he could lead around blind to what they were missing. I would ask questions, and he wouldn’t be able to provide an answer to a single one, despite having introduced himself as a PhD in Egyptology/Archeology, I forget which. He was visibly annoyed at any question, let us explore the Egyptian Museum on our own, playing on his phone on a bench, and huffing whenever we rejoined him. (as an aside, the Egyptian museum felt dated and half-empty; a lot (including all but two mummies) has been moved to the National Museum of Egyptian civilization, which opened in 2021, and to the GEM, which is set to maybe open later this year) e) After four days of this crap, he had the audacity to demand a higher tip than what we were willing to give. I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried, and this is but the tip of the ice berg. It was so uncomfortable, we couldn’t wait to be rid of him and the driver both; by the end, we definitely weren’t feeling super safe in their hands.

Our second guide in Aswan and Luxor was a former teacher, and much, much better, on both a human and knowledge level. He actually took note of what we were interested in, adjusting the itinerary accordingly, and had a great gift for taking us to each place in a way that perfectly avoided the influx of crowds. Both guides were not salaried ETM employees, but freelancers.

Even though the second guide was fine, even great, I personally did not enjoy the experience of a fully guided holiday. This was our first after having only traveled independently, with maybe a hired guide for a day trip here and there. We were mostly back at our hotel by 2PM or even noon, so there was a lot of time spent poolside doing nothing, which some people may appreciate, but it’s really not for me. At the same time, I felt rushed at each site—if we’d been on our own we would’ve filled the days up nicely, because we would’ve spent more time at each. I am pretty unhappy with my resulting photos, and feel like we missed out on things.

I had been dreaming of visiting Egypt since I was five years old, almost thirty years, and a large part of our holiday was disappointing and/or frustrating, in large part due to ETM. All things considered, I would not recommend them—what we got was in no way proportionate to the amount we paid. If I were to do it again, I would only hire a driver to take us from place to place while we visit each site at our own pace, and 7-10 days in Egypt is plenty.

That’s all; I hope it helps anyone reading. I’ll put a price list below so you can add them/double-check if everything is up to date, these are from mid-February 2024. Every one of these was exclusively cashless; the Temple in Abydos was the only one that required cash. The first guide additionally made us pay for the car/parking ticket wherever required (they ranged from 10-40 EGP, but I’m not sure as I didn’t get to keep those tickets); the second guide/driver covered the parking themselves. – Saqqara: 450 EGP – Dahshur: 150 EGP – Memphis: 150 EGP – Giza Pyramids/Sphinx: 540 EGP – Salah el din Citadel: 450 EGP – Egyptian Museum: 450 EGP – Philae Temple: 450 EGP, plus 200 EGP for the panorama. I paid 200 EGP roundtrip for the boat ride for both of us based on your post, but I have no idea if this was appropriate. I saw no signs, and our guide tipped separately as well. – Unfinished Obelisk: 200 EGP – Abu Simbel: 615 EGP – Kom Ombo temple: 360 EGP – Edfu temple: 450 EGP – Esna temple: 150 EGP – Valley of the Kings: 600 EGP, 20 EGP roundtrip for the buggy (Additional Tombs: Ramesses V & VI: 180 EGP; Aye: 150 EGP) – Howard Carter House: 200 EGP – Temple of Hatshepsut: 360 EGP. 20 EGP roundtrip for the buggy – Valley of the Nobles: Sennefer & Rakhmire tombs: 100 EGP; Ramose, Userhat and Khaemhat tombs: 150 EGP (plus tips for each tomb guardian…) – Ramesseum: 180 EGP – Deir el Medina: 200 EGP (plus tips for each tomb guardian…) – Medinet Habu temple: 200 EGP – Temple of Abydos: 200 EGP – Temple of Dendera: 240 EGP (Catacombs: 100 EGP) – Alexandria Citadel: 150 EGP – Alexandria Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa: 150 EGP – Library of Alexandria: 150 EGP

Hello Tanya. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this comment. It’s great to hear other’s experiences and thank you also for the updates on pricing. I’m sorry you had a less than positive experience with ETM. It’s the first I’ve heard of that but it is good for others to know, as they plan their trips. Cheers, Julie

Hello all, I like some advice of safety traveling to Egypt now. I have a trip in 2 weeks and hesitating if we need to cancel? We were so looking forward to this trip and with all the activities happening now , we are undecided:(. I am wondering if there are some touring there now ? Thanks.

That’s a good question. I recommend checking the US State Department’s website for recommendations as to whether or not it is safe to travel to Egypt right now. Cheers, Julie

Thanks for sharing your experience. I am heading to Egypt at the end of the month. I was wondering if it was safe to bring Laptops? I read somewhere that when flying out of Cairo you need to check the laptop into your hold luggage and can not take it carry on.

Additionally is there s reputable site for Egypt E-Visa Purchase?

Hello Blythe. In 2019, we took our laptops with us in our carry on luggage without any problems (all 4 of us, since we all have a laptop). I don’t know if something has changed since our visit but that sounds like a very strange rule and I have never heard that, not in Egypt, or in any other place we have traveled to around the world. We bought our visas in the airport on arrival and it was fast and easy. I don’t have any e-visa sites to recommend. Cheers, Julie

The official e-visa site is visa2egypt.gov.eg

I’m concerned about packing . I know your family travels a lot. Did everyone take their own roller bag or backpack? What did you pack for ten days in Egypt? We’re in our 70’s and I’m a photographer I want to take the lightest amount as possible. What do you think about one lens 24-200 on a mirrorless & an iphone 14. Should I leave camera home I don’t sell or blog.

Hello Vicki. Between me, Tim, Tyler, and Kara, we probably had 2 medium suitcases and one small suitcase (I can’t quite remember since it has been a few years but that’s typically what we do for a trip of that length). All of the photos we took were either with an iPhone or a Canon 5D Mark IV with a 24-70 mm lens. If you’re a photographer, it’s worth bringing a camera and using the iPhone as backup for places where cameras aren’t allowed or very expensive. I think one lens on a mirrorless camera is great (we now have a mirrorless Canon and I love it). Have a great time in Egypt! Cheers, Julie

Really informative article, thank you! PS: Egypt has changed its visa policy for Canadians as of October 2023 and Canadians now have to apply for a visa with the consulate before arrival.

Thanks for the update! Cheers, Julie

Thanks for this informative article. Lots of questions come to mind when planning a trip like this but one quick question about water. You mentioned not using tap water even for brushing. I see you stayed at some good reputable hotels. Can you still not use their tap water for brushing? And what about showers? I suppose you could possibly ingest some water while showering. Little curious and confused about this whole water to use. Thanks.

Some people are more “sensitive” to the tap water than others. However, Tyler, Kara and I brushed our teeth with the water and were fine. But I have heard that other visitors get diarrhea from using the tap water to brush their teeth, so it partly has to do with your flora and what your body is accustomed to. We all took showers without precautions and had no issues. So, if you want to play it safe, brush your teeth with bottled water. If you aren’t so worried about it, then use the tap water. Cheers, Julie

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The Partying Traveler

Survival of the littest.

The Backpacker’s Crash Course Guide to Traveling Egypt

Egypt is one heck of an experience. Roaming in ancient temples, following the footsteps of the pharaohs, gazing at the same vast deserts they did, it all felt surreal at times. Sometimes I had to pinch myself to remind me that I was actually there. Of course, that immersion was broken as soon as you set foot in the bustling cities, the air filled with the sound of car horns and shouting street vendors. Egypt is perhaps the most polarizing country I’ve ever backpacked through.

At its best, Egypt was in a league of its own. No other country can boast the heritage and monuments that Egypt has in abundance. It is truly adventure at its rawest, from overnight trains along the Nile, epic sunrise summits over its vast deserts, and diving full on into the chaos of its big cities. Looking back, Egypt was unbelievable and its easy to romanticize my time there based on the pictures of sandstone temples basked in the golden sun and the turquoise waters of the Red Sea.

Living it, on the other hand, had its fair share of challenges and frustrations. I’m here to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes I did. Here is everything you need to know before backpacking Egypt.

And hey, if this post helps you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by  buying me a beer ! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows me to keep providing free travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world.

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Table of Contents

Is egypt worth visiting, is egypt safe to visit.

• Things To Know Before Going to Egypt
• How To Get To Egypt

How To Travel Around Egypt

• Accommodation in Egypt
• Sample Itinerary For First-Time Visitors To Egypt
• Closing Thoughts on Egypt

Buy Me A Beer!

There aren’t many countries out there that can boast the heritage and history of Egypt. For a seasoned traveler, the chaos of its cities and forced immersion in the unique culture can be an exciting experience. Backpacking through Egypt is without a doubt, one of the greatest adventures I’ve had throughout my travels. Egypt has countless experiences that one won’t find anywhere else in the world.

While everyone has different interests and travel styles, I do think Egypt has many destinations that will wow any traveler. I can’t say that history or archaeology are my top travel interests, but it’s hard to deny the sheer shivers down my spine as I took my first step underground to roam through a pharaoh’s tomb, or the admiration and befuddlement at monuments that withstood thousands of years of a changing planet. Despite its roadblocks and culture shocks, Egypt is objectively an incredible destination. For all of the challenges and frustrations I felt in Egypt, it just simply is an awe-inspiring place. The energy of its cities are electric and its various cultures will leave their mark on you.

It depends on how you define safe. For the most part, I think Egypt is safe for travelers, albeit uncomfortable and frustrating at times. Even a seasoned traveler will run into their fair share of discomforts and sticky situations. There is a reason why most visitors to Egypt do so on a guided group tour.

In short, do I think anything will happen to you while traveling Egypt? If you are respectful of the culture and religion, I think you’ll be fine. But, will it be smooth sailing and enjoyable all throughout? Probably not. There will be times where you’ll be frustrated by the constant harassment on the streets and overwhelmed by simple acts such as crossing the street during rush hour where traffic laws seem not to apply. Egypt is a vastly different country than the home country that you’ll likely be visiting from.

As always, I can only speak for my own experience. Many people have breezed through Egypt with nary a roadblock, and many would scoff at my tribulations as minor inconveniences compared to their own journey. I was frequently scammed and lied to, occasionally harassed and hassled on the streets, and on a few occasions, found myself in a hostile confrontation. Having traveled full-time for the better part of a decade, I’d go as far as to say that my skin is as thick as it gets, but one can only take so much.

For the most part, I enjoyed and felt safe in Egypt, but there were some moments where I felt defeated and just wanted to hide in my room, avoiding going out simply because I did not enjoy being there. This is not true for all of Egypt, and I would say it was just exceptionally bad in Luxor, Giza, and some parts of Cairo. Elsewhere in Egypt, I was fine and rarely bothered for the most part. Again, respecting the culture and religion, dressing modestly, and avoiding drawing attention to oneself will help with your experience.

For a solo female travelers’ perspective, here is what it’s like to visit Egypt as a solo female traveler .

Travel Insurance For Egypt

Of course, it’s important to have travel insurance whenever you’re off adventuring across the world. I use  SafetyWing  to keep me covered throughout my travels for as low as $45 a month, and their coverage includes Egypt among the 190+ countries that they cover.

What To Know Before Going to Egypt

Before heading out, there are a few things to know before going to Egypt. If you plan on diving fully into the Egyptian experience, it can be vastly different than any country you’ve been to before. Even having visited other Middle Eastern and Islamic countries before, Egypt felt like a different level of travel. Here are a few of the basics to get your feet set when you arrive.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Egypt?

Most countries are able to get a visa on arrival when landing at the airport. For U.S. citizens, you can obtain a single-entry 30-day tourist visa on arrival for $25 USD. One can also get an e-visa ahead of time, but simply finding the official website for it is a headache. There are loads of websites that’ll overcharge you or just straight up scam you. I’d recommend just bringing some cash and getting it at the airport. There were only three people in line when I went to grab mine. Once you pay for it, they’ll give you the visa and immigration will stick it in your passport and stamp it.

Currency in Egypt

The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound, although most people working in the tourism industry will be more than happy to accept U.S. Dollars, Euros, and British Pounds. While some places do accept credit cards, I typically kept small amounts of cash on me. Egypt is quite affordable, so even heading out for the day with $20 worth of Egyptian pounds meant that I could cover all daily expenses and have some left over. Carrying large amounts of cash or flashing what you have can be a bad idea. Whenever bargaining for a souvenir or haggling for a taxi, never let them know how much you actually have.

Staying Connected in Egypt

I used an eSIM throughout my time in Egypt and found it to work just fine.  I used Airalo and the plans were relatively affordable. I unfortunately have a phone with locked SIM card so I had to rely on eSIMs. If you opt for an eSIM with Airalo, you can get $3 off your first eSIM with my code ELIJAH933. Otherwise, here’s more on getting a prepaid SIM card in Egypt .

Language Barrier in Egypt

The official language of Egypt is Arabic, and it will be helpful to know a few Arabic phrases. I’d say there is a huge benefit of knowing Arabic when traveling through Egypt, although it’d be hard to recommend you to learn Arabic on a whim. It’s a challenging language, but showing even a little proficiency in the language can go a long way. People will appreciate being approached with an as-salaam-alaikum as opposed to a “Do you speak English?”

That being said, most tourist destinations will have an abundance of English speakers. Speaking English or other languages is often a gateway to earning more money for Egyptians in the tourism industry, including the more dubious types. Honestly, I have to hand it to the Egyptian hustlers. In the U.S., it is a badge of honor to even have a faint grasp on anything besides English. Meanwhile, the hustlers here will know how to scam you in seven different languages. It is very doable to get by knowing just English in Egypt, but even getting a grasp on the numbers and basics will help you avoid paying tourist prices.

Cultural Norms for Egypt

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, and it is advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees, and women may consider carrying a scarf to cover their heads when entering mosques or religious places. Egypt is home to a significant Muslim population, and it is important to be respectful of Islamic customs. During the holy month of Ramadan, be mindful of those who are fasting, and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Here’s my full guide on visiting Egypt during Ramadan .

In many Middle Eastern cultures, the left hand is considered unclean, so it’s important to use the right hand for eating, giving and receiving items, and gestures of greeting or respect. Public displays of romantic affection, such as kissing and hugging, are not commonly practiced in public in Egypt. For simplicity’s sake, just don’t do it. Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals, especially women and religious figures. Some sites may have restrictions on photography, so be sure to respect any posted guidelines.

It is important to approach conversations and interactions with cultural sensitivity. Avoid controversial topics such as politics and religion unless initiated, or even when initiated. Always try to be open to learning about and understanding the local customs and traditions.

Tipping is a common practice in Egypt, especially in the service industry. It is customary to tip hotel staff, tour guides, and drivers. A small tip is appreciated for services such as carrying luggage, providing directions, or serving meals. Unfortunately, you’ll often not have a choice. I would walk into a train station and someone would immediately grab my luggage and carry it for me no matter how much I refused. It leaves an awkward situation when they demand a tip at the end and refuse to leave. In this case, it’s good to have a few small bills on hand. You’ll also notice that the locals won’t be asked for tips for loading your luggage on a bus or getting directions. It is frustrating, but I’d rather part with a dollar here and there than let things escalate into hostility and ruin my trip.

How To Get to Egypt

The best way to get to Egypt is by flying into its capital city, Cairo. Other airports that might have cheap international flights are Alexandria and Sharm-el-Sheikh. However, with Cairo being an essential stop with some otherworldly places to visit, I’d recommend any first-time traveler to Egypt to start there. If you’re on a budget, use  Skiplagged  to find the cheapest flights. It’s free to use and I’ve saved thousands of dollars on flights since I started using it religiously.

Ferry from Jordan

There is a ferry from Jordan that takes you across the Red Sea to Egypt. I did this in the reverse, taking the ferry from Taba to Aqaba. It was not worth the hassle, considering the price would have been similar as a flight. Both ferry ports are outside anywhere a traveler would reasonably find themselves in, and the taxis to and from the ferry ports will add up. If you’re insistent on going this route, you’ll need to take a taxi from Aqaba to a ferry station about 30 minutes south of the city, catch it to Taba, and then take a two-hour taxi from there to Dahab, or the main highway and pray that a bus or minibus will come.

Traveling Overland into Egypt

I don’t have any experience with this, and it’s hard to find reliable sources on the internet. Since Egypt borders Libya, Sudan, and Palestine, very few travelers would find them in this situation. I met a friend who traveled overland from Palestine/Israel and the process was not easy. Tensions and security are high at the border crossing, and there aren’t many convenient options for public transportation. Here’s a guide on crossing from Israel to Egypt and vice versa, although if flying is an option, I’d recommend that instead.

The best way to travel around Egypt largely depends on your preferences, budget, and the specific destinations you plan to visit. Egypt offers various transportation options to cater to different travel needs.

Domestic Flights in Egypt

Egypt has a well-established domestic flight network, making it convenient to travel between major cities such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, and Sharm El Sheikh. Flying will save you a lot of time because the distances between Egypt’s main attractions can be vast.

Bus Travel in Egypt

Despite flying being the convenient option, there is a charm to chugging along the Nile in a musty bus or sleeper train. Bus services are available throughout Egypt, connecting various cities and towns. While buses are the most economical option, they take much longer to reach destinations compared to other modes of transportation. Weigh your options. I had plenty of time to travel in Egypt, so I didn’t mind the long journeys of reflection and Netflix. Go Bus is the main bus that I used in Egypt, as it was easy to book tickets online.

Trains and Overnight Trains in Egypt

Egypt’s railway system connects many cities and towns, offering an affordable and comfortable mode of transportation. The overnight sleeper trains between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan are a popular choice for travelers who prefer to cover longer distances while sleeping. Here was the guide that I used extensively for train travel in Egypt .

Where To Stay in Egypt

Accommodation in Egypt varies from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Despite there being many travelers in Egypt, the majority of them weren’t backpackers. The hostel scene was quite limited, and outside of one or two hostels in each town, many of them were lacking atmosphere or a social scene altogether.

Here are my hostel recommendations for Egypt.

Dahab Hostel in Cairo was the best hostel I stayed at in Cairo. It was affordable, with dorms being under $10 and privates being around $20. They had a great rooftop, free breakfast, and plenty of cats roaming around to cuddle with. They organized tours and activities and were very helpful with anything you needed. The social atmosphere was lacking, but it was possible to meet people through their tours or in your dorm.

Rafiki Hostel in Dahab was the best hostel I stayed at in all of Egypt. Staying there was definitely a highlight of my trip. They organized tons of social activities, from hiking Mount Sinai to secret bonfire parties in the mountains and along the beach. They had a pool to relax in and the aesthetic of the hostel was gorgeous. I loved everything about this hostel, and despite not having opened the 7,000+ unread messages in the hostel’s WhatsApp group chat, I can’t bring myself to leave it all these months later.

Few backpackers make it up to Alexandria, but Ithaka Hostel was a great hostel right along the Corniche. The hostel had beautiful common areas and the kindest staff of any hostel I stayed at in Egypt. The rooms were basic and quite noisy being along the street, but I can’t imagine there being a better hostel in Alexandria.

Besides those three, I can’t fully recommend the ones I stayed at. Happy Land Hostel in Luxor was basic but had a nice rooftop and served as a good enough home base for exploring the area. Seko Kato Hostel on Elephantine Island was a relaxing hostel with a gorgeous view of the Nile, serving as a nice respite from the noise of the cities. However, it was very basic and secluded from the rest of Aswan. It’s a quick boat ride, but still might not be desirable for those who prefer to be in the heart of a city.

The Must-Visit Destinations of Egypt: Sample Itinerary

There’s a tried-and-true backpacking route for Egypt that I’d recommend following for first-timers. This was the route that I followed.

Cairo: 3 Days

Start your adventures in Cairo, spending about three days in the sprawling city. A day tour will help you visit Memphis, Saqqara, and Giza all in one go. There will be mandatory stops at over-priced tourist trap shops selling things like fragrances and papyrus scrolls. Just hold strong and don’t buy anything and the cost of the guided day tour is well worth it. Having a local guide was huge in adding context to the ancient things we were seeing, and the convenience of transportation from place to place made the price worth it. While I also prefer figuring things out on my own and the freedom to explore at my own pace, Egypt can be overwhelming and the price was very reasonable.

Another day can be spent visiting the museums of Cairo, specifically the Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of artifacts including King Tut’s tomb. Spend a few hours here, leaving some time in the evening to explore the historic Khan el Khalili district. You can also squeeze in a visit to Saladin’s Citadel, walk along the Nile, and visit Coptic Cairo if that piques your interest. The last day can be spent taking a day trip to visit the Bent Pyramid and the other, lesser-visited pyramids of the Dahshur area.

Luxor: 2 Days

After Cairo, follow the Nile south to Luxor. If you have time, stop at some of the smaller towns and lesser-visited temples on the way. Known as the world’s greatest open-air museum, Luxor is home to the Karnak and Luxor Temple complexes, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and the Temple of Hatshepsut, all of which provide insights into ancient Egyptian history and architecture.

One can see the highlights of Luxor in two days, especially if you are arriving early in the morning on the overnight train from Cairo. The first day can be spent visiting Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. The second day can be a day tour to Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, and the other temples of the Nile’s West Bank. You can book a guided day tour or negotiate with a taxi to take you from place to place.

Aswan: 3 Days

After Luxor, take the train down to Aswan. This picturesque city is located on the Nile River and is famous for the Philae Temple, its Nubian villages, and being the gateway to the Abu Simbel. The temples of Abu Simbel are known for their massive statues and impressive architecture, and being on the cover of my favorite Earth, Wind, and Fire album.

Be sure to visit some Nubian villages. There is a famous and very Instagrammable Nubian village that I didn’t visit, but a short boat ride from Aswan can take you to the Nubian village on Elephantine Island. I stayed at a hostel on this island and enjoyed roaming the labyrinthine streets and meeting friendly locals. I truly felt honored when three kids passed by me riding a donkey and remembered my name from the day before, when I hijacked their rowboat while swimming in the Nile. Elephantine Island was definitely a highlight of my time in Egypt.

Most travelers visiting Egypt will stick to these three highlights, but there is much more to see. Once you find yourself back in Cairo, the options are limitless.

Recommended Detours from Cairo:

From Cairo, one can detour to Siwa Oasis , a remote hidden gem known for its natural beauty and ancient ruins. You’ve probably seen all those Instagram influencers floating in those natural turquoise pools.

Another potential detour from Cairo is a camping trip to the White Desert , characterized by its otherworldly landscapes of chalk rock formations. Most tours from Cairo will involve camping overnight, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of this hardly-visited region of Egypt. On a clear night, the stargazing here is breathtaking.

Alexandria: 3 Days

From Cairo, or Siwa Oasis, one can head up to Alexandria. The coastal city was great to visit if you’d like to see another side of Egypt’s urban areas. It had a lively atmosphere that was more relaxed than that of Cairo. Alexandria offers a blend of ancient history and modern charm. Highlights include the not-so-ancient Library of Alexandria, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the Citadel of Qaitbay, and the beautiful Corniche overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. I was particularly fond of just roaming around aimlessly and admiring the aesthetic architecture of its old buildings and feasting on the fresh seafood and local cuisine.

Dahab: 4 Days

From Alexandria, take the bus to Dahab, perhaps stopping at Sharm El Sheikh for a day on the way. I didn’t spend any time at Sharm, but there is an extravagant mosque and some impressive shisha cafes that I wish I had a chance to visit. Dahab is a laid-back beach town favored by backpackers and divers. It has a much more relaxed and bohemian atmosphere. Dahab is renowned for its beautiful beaches, excellent diving sites like the Blue Hole, and its proximity to the stunning landscapes of the Sinai Peninsula. Summit Mount Sinai while you’re in Dahab, and then take the bus back to Cairo or catch the ferry to Aqaba, Jordan to continue your journey through the Middle East.

All in all, this took me about a month, although I did spend quite a few days doing nothing and just relaxing. Elephantine Island near Aswan and Dahab were perfect chill out spots. I also added a few extra days in Cairo and Alexandria just to enjoy exploring the massive cities at a slower pace. They can be quite intense, so instead of pushing myself to do as much as I can in a day, I’d often go do one or two things before catching my breath back at the hostel.

Closing Thoughts on Backpacking Egypt

Egypt can be a wild ride, but if you come prepared for the challenge, it can be an unforgettable one. It’s been half a year since I’ve visited Egypt, and I still don’t know if I can fully find the words to describe my experience there. Although the negative experiences and emotions have became naught but a distant memory, I still find it hard to write about my experience without an occasional flashback of arguing in a dungeon-y room with a tour operator trying to scam me, or the train station employees laughing as they charged me for three tickets and told me there was nothing they could do about their mistake.

At the end of the day, I came out of it unscathed and with an abundance of adventures that I’ll remember for a lifetime. Egypt is not for the faint of heart, but approach it with the resolve of a seasoned traveler and an open heart, and it can be one of the most incredible destinations you’ll ever visit.

If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by  buying me a beer ! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.

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Egypt Travel Guides & Articles

Our team of passionate travel experts has compiled a comprehensive collection of guides & articles to assist you in planning an unforgettable trip to Egypt. Whether you’re fascinated by the ancient wonders of the pyramids or the stunning views of the Sinai, our insider tips and intriguing guides will help you make the most of your Egypt adventure. Explore our extensive selection of articles to find advice on specific cities, activities, and topics, all crafted with a deep love and understanding of Egypt. At the bottom of this page, you can find all of our articles, or you can filter the results by choosing the topic you’re interested in to read about a particular city, activity, or subject.

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• Ultimate Egypt City Guides & Maps
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6 Best Beaches in Egypt

Things to Do in Egypt in October 2023

How to Get from Cairo to Aswan

Things to Do in Egypt in September 2023

How To Get From Egypt To Jordan

How To Get From Cairo To Alexandria

How to Visit Saint Catherine Monastery and Sinai

Things to Do in Egypt in August 2023

Aswan, Egypt: The Ultimate Guide

Things to Do in Egypt in July 2023

Best Diving Spots in Egypt

The Valley of the Kings, Egypt: What To Know

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