Egypt: Basic Travel Guide

Egypt

📍 Destination

Egypt is a captivating destination where ancient landscapes, Pharaonic culture, and modern life converge. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the Nile-side temples of Luxor and the bustling streets of Cairo, Egypt offers a truly unforgettable experience - especially for travellers interested in history, archaeology, and natural beauty.

— ℹ️ General Information

• Official Name: Arab Republic of Egypt

• Capital: Cairo

• Official Language: Arabic (English is widely spoken in tourist areas)

• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)

• Exchange Locations: Airports, banks, hotels, and official currency exchange offices

• Main Religion: Islam

• Time Zone Difference:

  • UK (GMT): +2 (winter), +1 (summer)

  • USA (Eastern Time): +7 (winter), +6 (summer)

— 📄 Entry Requirements

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date

• Visa is required for UK and US citizens:

  • Apply online (e-visa): https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg

  • Or obtain on arrival at major airports

• Travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially with medical coverage

— 📅 Best Time to Visit

• Climate: Hot desert climate – extremely hot summers (June–August) and mild winters (December–February)

• Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November), when temperatures are more pleasant

• Rain is rare, except in Alexandria and some coastal areas

— 🕐 Opening Hours

• Government Offices: Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 3 PM

• Banks: Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 2 PM

• Shops/Malls: Open between 9–10 AM and close by 6–8 PM; tourist restaurants and cafés stay open later

— ✈️ Getting There

• Flight time: ~5 hours from the UK (direct flights from London); ~10–12 hours from the US (typically with a stopover)

• Major Airports:

  • CAI – Cairo International

  • HRG – Hurghada International

  • LXR – Luxor International

  • HBE – Borg El Arab (Alexandria)

• Airport to Hotel Distances:

  • CAI → Central Cairo: 22 km (~45–60 mins)

  • HRG → Hotel zone: 18 km (~30–35 mins)

🚖 Transport: Use official airport taxis. Always agree on the fare in advance. — 💊 Health & Medication

• No mandatory vaccines, but ensure routine vaccinations (e.g. tetanus, hepatitis A/B) are up to date

• Bring any prescribed medication, ideally with a copy of your prescription

• Local pharmacies may have restrictions on specific medicines

— 💰 Money & Costs

• Cards (Visa, MasterCard) widely accepted in urban and tourist areas

• In rural areas and local markets, cash is essential

• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)

  • Exchange rates fluctuate. (~1 GBP ≈ 60 EGP / ~1 USD ≈ 50 EGP – check up-to-date rates)

• Tipping is expected: 5–10% in restaurants, to guides and drivers

— 🧳 What to Pack

• Light, breathable clothing (cotton or linen)

• Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes

• Reusable water bottle (essential for desert heat)

• Plug adapters: Type C or F (Egypt uses 220V, 50Hz)

• Light scarf or shawl (for sun protection or religious sites)

— 🏨 Where to Stay

• Luxury with a view: Marriott Mena House (Giza Pyramids)

• Historic charm: Sofitel Winter Palace (Luxor)

• Red Sea resorts: Meliá Hurghada, Steigenberger Aqua Magic

• Great value: Golden Tulip chain, 3-star hotels in Cairo or Luxor

🎯 Tip: For pyramid visits, staying in Giza or central Cairo saves time

— 🚕 Transport & Accessibility

• Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem) available in major cities

• Nile cruises (Luxor–Aswan) offer a scenic way to visit ancient temples

• Car hire is possible but driving in Cairo is chaotic

• Tourist buses are available for intercity travel

— ⚡ Electricity

• Voltage: 220V, 50Hz

• Plug types: C & F (same as much of Europe; bring an adapter if needed)

— 📞 Communication

• Country code: +20

• Local SIM cards (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat) available at airports and shops

• Internet domain: .eg

• Wi-Fi widely available in hotels, cafés, and malls

🎯 Tip: Avoid hassle on arrival, get your eSIM before you travel (click this link) — 🏖️ Public Holidays

• Jan 1 - New Year’s Day

• Jan 25 - 2011 Revolution Day

• Apr 25 - Sinai Liberation Day

• May 1 - Labour Day

• Jul 23 - Revolution Day

• Oct 6 - Armed Forces Day

• Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday - Islamic calendar (varies)

— 🍽️ Local Cuisine

• Koshari - national dish (lentils, pasta, rice, crispy onions)

• Ful medames - seasoned fava beans

• Ta’ameya - Egyptian-style falafel

• Molokhia - green leaf soup

• Chai with mint and traditional Turkish coffee

• Alcohol is available in hotels and licensed venues

— 🕌 Religious & Cultural Etiquette

• Egypt is a Muslim-majority country; modest dress is expected, especially at religious sites

• Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques or conservative areas

• During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours

• Handshakes are common, but let men initiate with women

— 🕵️‍♂️ Safety

• Generally safe, especially in tourist areas

• Be cautious of scams in markets and taxis

• Do not photograph police, military, or government sites

• Always show respect in religious settings

— 🚑 Emergency Contacts

• Police: 122

• Ambulance: 123

• Fire: 180

• Embassy of the United Kingdom (Cairo): +20 2 2791 6000

• US Embassy (Cairo): +20 2 2797 3300

— 🔗 Useful Links

• Official Tourism Website: https://www.egypt.travel

• Egypt e-Visa Application: https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg

• UK Foreign Travel Advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt

• US State Department – Egypt Travel Info: https://travel.state.gov