Top 11 Tips for Traveling Egypt

Egypt and Morocco are usually the starting point for mainland Africa for most travelers, and for good reasons! They’re rich in diversity, cheap, and abundant in history. Plus, they both have relatively well-established tourist industries, which also make them ideal for inexperienced travelers.

I spent one month in Egypt during late Autumn/Winter 2020, and there was a lot I learned during that time. Some of which has proved very useful for later trips. So, below I would like to share with you my top tips for traveling around Egypt.

1. Take some basic over the counter medications with you

I didn’t and both my friend and I caught food poisoning from an unknown source. Every country has its own food standards, and when you are eating out you don’t always know where that food came from, nor how it was prepared.

Since such occurrences are not uncommon in some countries, it would have been wise for me to take Imodium with me. Luckily, most pharmacies are readily stocked so we found some without issue – which quickly relieved our symptoms. So, come prepared, but don’t panic if haven’t You should be able to find what you need from any nearby pharmacy.

2. Carry cash

Cash is king in Egypt. Almost nowhere takes card, and I mean almost nowhere. My advice is to purchase a travel card prior, so that you can readily withdraw the cash you need from ATMs without incurring any unnecessary international fees.

3. Spend no more than 2 days in Cairo

I found 2 days in Cairo more than enough time. The city is overwhelming; the streets are expansive labyrinths , crossing the street can sometimes feel like taking your life in your hands (crosswalks aren’t a thing there), and upon realizing you are a tourist you are likely to get hustled from all sides. Thankfully my friend gave me ample warning beforehand.

It really depends what you want out of your trip, and how much the above wouldn’t faze you – but, I would recommend a visit to the Egyptian Museum (though the newer Grand Egyptian Museum will soon open, with many artifacts being transferred over), and of course the Giza Plateau (home to the world famous Pyramids). I also had time to check out the Cairo Tower. It has the most incredible night views over the River Nile as well as views of greater Cairo.

There is no need to book any of this in advance, you can just pay upon arrival. A regular ticket at the museum costs 60 Egyptian Pounds ($3.82). Cairo Tower also costs the same price. General site entrance to the Giza Plateau is 200 EGP ($12.72), with additional fees to go inside the pyramids. I chose not to, but the cost is 100 EGP ($6.36) for the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, and 400 EGP ($25.44) for the Great Pyramid.

4. Avoid the Sinai Peninsula if on a budget

I found Sharm-El-Sheik to be the most expensive area I visited in Egypt. Long established as a resort town, I guess prices have been driven up at a faster rate than the rest of the country . Similarly, Dahab is now established as a tourist/diving hub, so you will find prices a bit higher than the mainland of Egypt

5. Be firm with rejections

Peddlers are everywhere in Egypt. Unfortunately, some can be a bit more aggressive than others (not physically, but they will push you hard to buy whatever product/service they are offering). The best way to get around this is with a firm ‘no’. If the peddler persists, then don’t feel like you need to keep repeating yourself. Sometimes, the best thing to do is just to ignore them completely. This may seem like a very rude thing to do but it can quickly get you out of the firing line, with most taking the hint and moving on very quickly. Don’t be afraid to clearly state “I’m not interested” if they persist beyond this point. Harassing tourists is apparently a crime in Egypt, and you are under no obligation to buy anything.

6. Don’t worry if you are vegetarian/vegan

Veganism/Vegetarianism may not be common concepts in Egypt yet, but don’t let that distract you from the fact that many local dishes actually happen to be vegetarian or vegan anyway! Some of my favourites include; mulukhiyah (Jute Mallow soup – make sure they don’t add meat stock!), tamiya (fried fava bean fritters), fūl (fava bean stew), baba ganoush (aubergine/eggplant dip), and of course Hummus (I’m sure everyone will know what this one is). If you are ever unsure, don’t be afraid to double check!

7. It gets cold at night, bring warm clothes

The majority of Egypt is desert, and if you know a desert climate – it can be very hot during the day and then temperatures can drop very low at night. If you plan on staying out all day until after it gets dark, then it is very wise to pack a jacket or take a change of clothes if you are wearing shorts etc.

8. Make sure to ask the taxi to turn on the meter

This rule should always be applied when traveling anywhere that offers a meter service, so that you won’t be overcharged. Sometimes drivers will try to charge you more by setting a fixed rate higher than what the meter would cost. If you encounter this, then you must be assertive. If they refuse, then simply turn down the ride and search for another.

9. Go to Dahab and Hurghada to relax

If you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway then either of these two spots are for you! Both boast turquoise clear waters, pristine beaches, and world- renowned diving is available in both locations. I found Hurghada to be significantly cheaper than Dahab, but I honestly found both to be well worth the visit regardless!

10. Get someone local to buy your train ticket in advance

This applies if taking a train from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan. Getting a train from Cairo is a lot harder than it needs to be. The ticket office was a stressful place to be. On top of that, there is apparently a tendency for tourists to be charged the insanely more expensive sleeper train. Thankfully, there were some Egyptians in front of us who were kind enough to order our tickets for us, and before we knew it we were on our way. I would recommend going a step above this and requesting your hotel or hostel to arrange the tickets for you at least a day or two in advance. Be sure to check the latest ticket prices online as well so that you know what you should be paying.

11. Use GoBus when traveling between destinations

Most countries offer some form of inexpensive coach service for traveling. In Egypt, that service is GoBus. It’s a standard coach service so don’t expect anything luxurious, but you can travel to pretty much any major destination in the country (I think Siwa might be the only exception) for a fair price. You will of course have to bear a long desert journey when going between spots, so be sure to stock up on snacks and drinks (you will make several stops along the way as well). Also be aware that there are numerous military checkpoints throughout the country that your coach will have to stop at. There was never any issue however, at most it was a quick scan of my passport.

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