What do I need to know before going to Egypt?
15 Things to Know About Egypt Before You Go
- You’ll need a visa to enter Egypt.
- You’ll need Egyptian currency.
- There’s more to see than the Pyramids.
- Be careful crossing the street in Cairo.
- Despite what you might have heard, Egypt is surprisingly safe in terms of violent crime.
- Be prepared for desert conditions.
What should I avoid in Egypt?
- Not researching the culture & country before you go.
- You don’t pack culturally appropriate clothing.
- Not booking your Nile cruise first.
- Not hiring a guide for certain tourist sites.
- Travelling without a currency converter app.
- You forget to tip.
- Not haggling for shopping and taxis.
- You’re not prepared for so much attention.
Do you need a tour guide in Egypt?
If you are on the fence about whether or not you need a guide at all, let me be clear: the answer is always yes. Sure, you may know a lot about ancient Egypt, and maybe you don’t consider yourself a big ‘museum’ person. However, having a guide is so much more than having someone to show you around.
What is the best way to see Egypt?
Everything You Need To Know To Plan An Incredible Trip To Egypt
- A Nile cruise boat docks along the banks of the Nile.
- Sailing down the Nile River remains a popular way to explore Egypt.
- Medinet Habu, the temple of Ramesses III, in Luxor.
- The Philae Temple in Aswan.
- A guest room on one of Oberoi’s Nile cruise vessels.
What is considered rude in Egypt?
It is considered impolite to point the toe, heel or any part of the foot toward another person. Showing the sole of one’s shoe is also impolite. Modest dress and presentation is highly valued in Egyptian culture.
Can you kiss and hold hands in Egypt?
Intimate behaviour in public (kissing and cuddling) is a no-no, and even holding hands is disapproved of. Whether you are right- or left-handed, the left hand is used for “unclean” functions, such as wiping your bottom or putting on shoes, so it is considered unhygienic to eat with it.
Can you drink alcohol in Egypt?
Liquor Laws — Egypt is a predominately Muslim nation, and alcoholic drinks are forbidden for strictly observant Muslims. But Egyptians tend to adopt a relaxed and tolerant view towards alcohol for non-Muslims and foreigners — and often themselves.
What should I wear in Egypt?
Must-pack items for Egypt
- Long, baggy skirts and/or pants.
- Long-sleeved t-shirts.
- Bathing suit.
- Wide-brimmed hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- A scarf or shawl for women to cover their hair when visiting mosques.
- A light fleece or jacket if travelling outside of summer.
Can you do Egypt without a tour?
In September 2019, I spent 3 weeks traveling around in Egypt independently without a tour. If you’ve done any research already on a trip to Egypt, you’ll find pricey tour 3–10 day tours, blog posts on how there are lots of scams targeting tourists, and that the country is not safe to do alone without a tour.
Is Egypt expensive to visit?
Egypt is actually a very affordable destination and can be done on a budget. Should you choose, there are plenty of luxury tour options as well. Especially when it comes to Nile River cruises. Overall, it’s one of the cheaper and more rewarding destinations I’ve visited.
Is it safe to visit the pyramids?
So, is it safe to visit the Pyramids in Egypt? Probably, but stick to one very important golden rule: Don’t ever talk to the locals! And never tell them where you are from. It might sound a bit crass, but it’s the only thing that will prevent you from getting scammed – especially around the pyramids (read my guide).
Can unmarried couples stay together in Egypt?
Have a great time! The only people in Egypt who are not allowed to stay in hotel rooms unmarried are Egyptian Nationals… ie: If one or both of you have an Egyptian passport then you cannot stay together unmarried…
Is Egypt a good country to visit for a tourist?
The short answer: Yes, Egypt is still safe! But in this travel guide, I tried to incorporate all my first-hand observations and experiences from my last visit to Egypt (read about it here ). All in the hope to encourage further generations of travelers to visit the amazing country on the Nile.
What is the cheapest way to travel to Egypt?
The cheapest, fastest and the most efficient way to visit Egypt from anywhere is to catch either a direct or connecting flight to Cairo. You can board a direct cheap flights from Madinah to Cairo international airport.
What is the best Egyptian tour?
Your best of Egypt tour itinerary includes the world’s largest temple, magnificent Karnak, followed by the equally impressive Temple of Luxor. From Luxor you also have the unique chance to travel to the Abydos and Dendera temples, where you can learn about the God Osiris and the Goddess Hathor .
Luxor is the gateway to some of Egypt’s most impressive archaeological sights. These include the Temple of Luxor , Karnak and the Valley of the Kings and Queens . You’ll usually spend at least two days in Luxor to see all the sights. How your tour gets you from Cairo to Luxor is an important detail.
