Welcome Traveller,
If you are planning a trip to Egypt here are some important things you should know ahead of your trip – read on for some key takeaways and tips for visiting Egypt so that you know what to expect.
First, there’s no place in the world that quite compares to the wealth of history and artifacts in Egypt. You’ll likely get to explore ancient temples and monuments, gaze at the pyramids, witness the Great Sphinx, connect with Nubian Villages, maybe experience a dinner cruise on the Nile River, or the Royal Mummy exhibit at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Whatever your tour entails, it’s always wise to familiarize yourself with a select number of important Egypt tips…especially for first-time visitors. Aside from the cultural dos and don’ts it’s always a good idea to check travel advisories for the latest updates and developments.
Tips for Traveling to Egypt
Tap water
Avoid tap water unless it has been sterilized. Also don’t eat food, such as salad, which has been washed with tap water and don’t have ice in your drinks.
Sun exposure
Spending long periods of time in the sun can lead to sunburn and dehydration. Use high-factor sun cream and drink plenty of water.
Vaccinations
There are no obligatory vaccinations for Egypt, but you should see you doctor before your Egypt trip. If you are traveling from a country where yellow fever is present you need to show you’ve been vaccinated.
Travelers to Egypt should get the following vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis B and Rabies in some cases
High altitudes
If traveling to high-altitude areas, visitors should take due care. Sunburn, cold exposure, and altitude sickness can cause problems for the underprepared.
Respect the culture
Egypt is a conservative, Muslim country and it can be a culture shock. Visitors from western countries should be aware that public displays of affection, such as holding hands and kissing, are not approved of. Homosexuality is still illegal.
Wearing revealing clothing is also frowned upon and it can draw unnecessary unwanted attention. Dress extra-conservatively when visiting mosques.
Needing a Visa
Very few nationalities can enter Egypt without a visa. The only visa-exempt countries are Bahrain, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Macao, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Every other nationality needs to present the necessary documentation to travel to Egypt.
Be sure to consult your travel advisor/agent regarding travel documents, what to pack, vaccinations, Visa requirements, and cultural awareness.
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Best Time to Visit Egypt
There is a reason why people say to avoid visiting Egypt during summer from May to August. It’s because the temperature is fairly unbearable, and most sightseeing landmarks offer minimal shade. Egypt is known to have dry, intense and oppressive heat during the spring and summer months, so we recommend visiting Egypt when the weather is much milder between September to late March. Though tourist attractions will tend to be more crowded during this peak travel season.
Egypt is a majority Muslim country, which means that many citizens observe Ramadan and fast during the holy month. That being said, visiting during Ramadan can be business as usual, especially for the tourism industry. Be sure to check with your Travel Advisor for more information. Additionally, opening hours may change for many places and you should really avoid eating and drinking in public, but tourist attractions are still fair game, and your trip is unlikely to be affected by the Ramadan festivities. Last but not least, most places will not serve alcohol during Ramadan.
When It Comes to Money
Visitors should keep the following pieces of Egypt travel information in mind…
- Egypt’s currency is the Egyptian pound (LE: Livre Egyptienne)
- Most banks are open from Sunday to Thursday 8:30 – 14:00
- ATMs are common in towns, cities, and resorts
- Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger shops
- Inform your bank before traveling to prevent your card being blocked
- Keep track of your bank balance during your trip to identify any fraudulent activity early
- Tipping is expected so carry change to give away
Getting Around Egypt
With so much to see and do, travelers will want to plan how to get around in Egypt in order to make the most of their trip. Whilst driving in Egypt is possible, many tourists prefer to make use of private and public transportation systems.
It is possible to walk from centrally located accommodations to certain tourist attractions in Egypt. Carrying a map is recommended. In some cities, such as Cairo, guides offer walking tours which are a good way to explore the area and benefit from expert local knowledge.
How Safe is Egypt?
Is Egypt safe? Yes, overall Egypt is a safe country to visit but there are parts where tourists shouldn’t go. Egypt has had its fair share of political instability and security threats in recent years. You should avoid the Governorate of North Sinai, including the Suez-taba road. Also, do not travel within 50 kilometers of the Libyan border due to the threat of kidnapping. Most of the best places to travel in Egypt, such as Cairo and Sharm el Sheikh (where tourism in Egypt is central to the economy), are well-protected, safe locations to visit. no country is completely impervious to bad actors and extremists or 100% safe: safety cannot be guaranteed anywhere in the world. However, violent crime against tourists is considered fairly low and uncommon – you just need to be aware of petty crime (watch your belongings when you’re out in public) and minor scams.
Final Thoughts
Egypt is undoubtedly a once in a lifetime vacation destination. There are dozens of exciting destinations to explore and a myriad of activities to enjoy. Still, it can be difficult for novel visitors of the country to get a handle of things. Nevertheless, the tips mentioned above can help any first-time visitor to Egypt enjoy all that the nation has to offer. We hope these Egypt travel tips were helpful and that you have a better idea of what to expect before your trip!
