EGYPT

TRAVEL GUIDE

Get to know your destination via our Egypt Travel Guide.

From weather to culture, mobile phones to ATM’s, Ramadan to suggested packing list - you’ll find it here.

  • Currency

    Egyptian Pound (EGP)

  • Power & Travel Adaptor

    220 V

    Adaptors C & F

  • Religion

    Approx 90% Muslim

    10 % Coptic Christian

  • Language

    Egyptian Arabic

  • Tourism 2024

    15.7 million visitors

    (record number)

Culture

Egypt is a mix of modern and traditional cultures

Egyptian people are approx 90% Muslim and 10% Copts. (Christian). They are considered extremely friendly and love their food, music and leisure activities. During the evenings, the streets, cafés and outdoor restaurants are filled with families and friends wanting to enjoy a night out. It is especially lively during the weekend which is a Friday and Saturday.

The people of Egypt are generally very welcoming toward tourists, however paying respect to their culture is important as well.

Etiquette

  • Avoid public displays of affection - hand holding acceptable

  • Dress with a degree a conservativeness (except Red Sea Resorts)

  • Public drunkenness and drinking in public areas is illegal

Weather

Egypt experiences a dry heat and is not as harsh, nor does it burn like it does here in Australia.

  • Winter: December, January, February (peak season)

  • Spring: March, April, May

  • Summer: June, July, August (low season)

  • Autumn: September, October. November

Weather facts

  • Egypt is considered a dry and arid country with 96% being desert landscape

  • The average annual humidity levels are 55.8%

  • Egypt receives on average 12 days of rain per year (mainly in Alexandria)

  • Temperatures in Aswan & Luxor regularly hit 40 degrees Celsius during the height of summer

  • the Sinai Mountains are known to receive snow during winter periods

  • the Red Sea has a temperature range from 22 to 29 degrees Celsius

Cairo weather 600.jpg
Alexandria weather 600.jpg
Luxor weather 600.jpg
Aswan weather 600.jpg
Hurghada weather 600.jpg

Money

The local currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound or EGP (also known as LE) It comes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200.

ATMs: ATMs are widely available in tourist areas, cities, and even some smaller towns. Please note there is a daily limit. t's a good idea to let your bank know you'll be traveling to Egypt to avoid any card issues.  

Preferred Payment Method: While credit cards are accepted in some hotels, larger shops, and restaurants (especially in tourist areas), cash is king in Egypt. Smaller shops, markets, and taxis almost always prefer cash. Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted

What Currency to Carry: It's best to carry a mix of US dollars and local currency, but don't take too much cash with you; instead exchange it as you need it. It's also a good idea to have some small Egyptian Pound notes on hand for tipping and small purchases as soon as you arrive.

Mobile phones and internet

Mobile phone coverage is generally very good in Egypt

The three big mobile phone companies:

Vodaphone, Orange and Etisalat.

You will find al three providers at Cairo International arrivals lounge just passed baggage claim. You will also find them throughout main cities.

Many of the big hotels and some restaurants offer free internet to keep you connected. However you will not find free internet readily available throughout Egypt. Most Nile Cruises provide free internet also.

Using apps such as WhatsApp, Viber and even Facebook Messenger will help you make free calls to home.

Another alternative is seek out an E-Sim provider online so you can pre purchase your Sim before you arrive in Egypt.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in Egypt and is a token of your appreciation for a service you have been provided.

Tipping is included in all our group tours.

For private and tailor made tours - we provide guests with a tipping guide before their travels.

Tipping can be paid in USD (for higher amounts of $10) or in EGP

Tour Guide – USD 5 to 10 per person per day

Driver: USD 2 to 3 per person per day

Tips for airport reps, city reps, porters, cruise attendants, waiters and more is provided in our client pre departure document.

Taxi and Uber

TAXIS

Taxis in Egypt are generally black or white. Many don’t have metres are simply won’t use them.

Negotiating your ride before you get in is important to avoid overcharging. Sometimes the driver will still continue to overcharge at your destination - stand firm.

UBER

  • UBER is available in the cities of Cairo, Alexandria and Hurghada (and some smaller locations)

  • Airport pick up is available

  • there are over 80,000 UBER drivers in Cairo alone

  • payment is card and cash

  • Be prepared for cancellations from drivers not wanting to accept card payments.

Ramadan is the highlight of the Islamic calendar where Muslims will abstain from eating, drinking and smoking from sunrise to sunset. This month long event is held at different times each year.

Ramadan 2026: Feb 17th to March 19th

Should travellers avoid visiting during this time?

During this time certain restaurants and other vendors may temporarily close throughout the day. However, you will find your tour will not be directly impacted and tourist attractions will run as per usual. Depending on the establishment, alcohol purchases may or may not be mildly impacted but only during the day.

There is no need to avoid visiting Egypt during Ramadan. In fact, the atmosphere throughout the country is very different to other times of year. The nightly gathering of people out on the streets celebrating is a unique event.

Ramadan

Traditional Bazaars & Souks (Best for Bargaining!)

  • Khan El Khalili (Cairo) – Egypt’s most famous market, selling souvenirs, jewelry, spices, and handicrafts.

  • Aswan & Luxor Souks – Great for Nubian crafts, perfumes, and textiles.

  • Hurghada & Sharm El Sheikh Old Markets – Best for souvenirs, papyrus art, and traditional Egyptian clothing.

Modern Shopping Malls (Fixed Prices)

  • Mall of Egypt (Cairo) – International brands and local designers.

  • City Stars Mall (Cairo) – One of the largest malls in the Middle East.

What to Buy in Egypt

  • Papyrus Artwork – Make sure it’s real and not banana leaf!

  • Alabaster & Stone Carvings – Especially from Luxor.

  • Egyptian Cotton & Scarves – Egypt is famous for high-quality cotton.

  • Gold & Silver Jewelry – 18k and 21k gold pieces inspired by Egyptian designs.

  • Perfumes & Essential Oils – Pure & alcohol-free from traditional perfumers.

  • Spices & Herbs – Saffron, hibiscus, black cumin, and Egyptian mint.

  • Handmade Rugs & Carpets – Egyptian wool carpets

When to Haggle

Start Low – Offer 50% of the asking price and negotiate from there.

What to wear

Dress requirements while travelling in Egypt are varied and dependent on location. If in doubt, dress conservatively. Headwear is not necessary.

Tourist attractions such as Pyramids: shorts, t-shirts and sleeveless tops are acceptable. The key is not to expose what would be considered offensive and instead, be modest.

Local streets: dress conservatively. Covered shoulders and attire to at least the knees is acceptable in traditional areas such as Old Cairo. Modern precincts are more relaxed, more so at night.

Places of worship: Cover shoulders and legs. Men should also wear full length pants.

Red Sea Resorts: Resort wear, bathers are all acceptable in the Red Sea Resort areas.

Food - Water - Allergies

Can you drink the water?

Drinking tap water is not recommended. Also, be mindful of drinks with ice. Brushing teeth with tap water can also be an issue for some, so if in doubt, use bottled water.

Egyptian Cuisine

Egypt’s cuisine uses ingredients much like what you find here at home.

With plenty of fresh fruit and a variety of vegetable, vegetarian dishes are easily found in restaurants. Meat cuts include beef, lamb & chicken.

Dishes such as Shawarma, Falafel, Vine Leaves, Hawashi, stuffed pigeon and charcoal BBQ are all delicious foods you should try.

Food allergies

Egypt can cater to most food allergies. On tour, we can help relay information to restaurant chefs, including on the cruise and at the resorts. Lactose & gluten free, as well as vegan options catered to a degree that suits most.

Medications & Vaccinations

It is important for those bringing medication, prescription or not, to keep in original packaging.

If you need to refrigerate your medication, please let hotel reception know in case your room does not have a fridge or isn’t cold enough. It is also important to speak to us if you need refrigeration’s on the go as well, as not all vehicle will automatically carry a cooler.

It is the responsibility of each traveller to check current vaccination requirements to enter Egypt. Also note, not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in your home country are available in these countries. Consider bringing enough medication to cover your entire trip. Some medications may even be considered illegal. Please seek advice from your local GP if unsure. 

See the medication requirements for Egypt by the Egyptian Ministry of Health.

Suggested packing list

·       Sunscreen

·       Sun hat and sun glasses

·       Anti gastro tablets

·       Electrolytes to avoid dehydration

·       Comfortable & sturdy walking shoes

·       Bathers/swimmers

·       Light loose-fitting clothes for warmer times of year

·       Winter jacket for colder months

·       Portable charger

·       Travel adapter

·       Day pack

·       Hand sanitiser

·       Camera

More Handy stuff

·       Passport copies

·       Power board for those with multiple things to charge

·       Letter from GP on prescription medications, what they are used for and active ingredients.

·       Sarong - perfect as a cover up

Additional things for locations and times of year

·       Head torch & sneakers (for those doing the Mount Sinai climb)

·       Cooling towel (for the hotter months)

·       Reef shoes (for Sharm El Sheikh and Red Sea snorkel trips.)

·       Overnight bag/backpack for White Desert Camping Safari