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Planning on stepping back into ancient times with a trip to Egypt? Egypt is a magnificent country filled with some of the worlds most mind-blowing landmarks! Although it has so much to offer, there are a lot of things to consider before planning any travels throughout Egypt.
In fact, there are some details often left out by tour companies and other travelers that I really think you should know. Going into your Egypt trip as prepared as possible will only make it more memorable! So read on to find out what no one tells you about traveling in Egypt.
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Book Tours With A Reputable Company or Guide When Traveling in Egypt
My biggest piece of advice for traveling in Egypt is to hire a guide. In fact, I wrote an entire blog post on the reasons why hiring a guide is important! Like many people, I was hesitant about a guide at first. I typically enjoy exploring on my own and was worried it may be expensive. However, I can tell you from first hand experience that my trip to Egypt would not have been the same without my incredible guides. (And they’re pretty cheap!) Not only did my guides share so much knowledge about all the landmarks we were visiting, but they also helped curb everyday stresses such as finding a taxi or ordering food. It also really helps to have a local with you to help you feel like less of a target in more chaotic areas.
If you aren’t sure where to find a reputable guide, visit Get Your Guide. They will set you up with experiences that include a guide they know is from a trustworthy company.
Tipping Is Expected
Tips or “baksheesh” are very much expected in Egypt… for EVERYTHING. If someone brings your bags to your room, gives you a gift, or even takes your picture they will expect to be tipped. You’ll also find that most Egyptians are not shy about asking for their tip.
The reason I’m telling you this information isn’t a way to paint Egyptians as greedy humans. I just want you to be prepared so you aren’t surprised when you run into someone pushy! In Egypt, cash is KING. You will pay for almost everything in cash, and it’s good to have small bills and coins for tipping purposes. You also don’t HAVE to actually tip for everything. Even if someone asks, you can say no.
Here are the things that are customary for tipping in Egypt: guides, bartenders, waiters, drivers, cruise staff, housekeeping, baggage handlers, and bathroom attendants. I also created a tipping chart below to help give you an idea of what is typical for each of these services. I always suggest tipping more for service that goes above and beyond.
The Water Is Not Safe To Drink In Egypt
It is highly recommended not to drink water from the tap in Egypt. Unless you are looking to get sick, avoid it at all costs. (Yes, this includes for brushing your teeth.) If you want to be extra careful, avoid any food that could potentially be washed in their water and stick to fruits that can only be peeled.
Don’t forget to stay stocked up on bottled water. Many tour groups and guides will have water available for you when you start your day. I highly recommend purchasing some hydration multipliers to keep hydrated in Egypt. It’s easy to get overheated when visiting all the tombs and temples, and hydration is key!
Stock up and get 15% off Liquid IV hydration multipliers here!
Haggling & Scams Happen All The Time
Haggling in Egypt can be pretty intense. When going to markets or bazaars, local vendors will often chase after you and try to sell you things. If you don’t want to buy anything, my suggestion is to keep your head down and not make eye contact. Keep moving and eventually they will leave you alone.
If you actually do want to purchase something, you should haggle on pricing. The first price named is never the fair price. Having a guide when shopping for souvenirs can be super helpful. They know what is a fair price and can even bargain on your behalf. My suggestion is to keep small bills on you at all times. If someone sees you have lots of cash, they will try even harder to get you to buy something.
Drones Are Illegal When Traveling in Egypt
When traveling in Egypt, be sure to leave your drones at home. It is illegal to possess, import, collect or even sell drones in Egypt unless you receive a special permit from the Military of Defense. This law is so serious that if you bring a drone into Egypt you could be fined 5,000-50,000 Egyptian Pounds and even face jail time.
I’ve known travelers who have had to completely throw out their drone prior to arriving in Egypt and others who ship their drones to the next country they will be traveling to. Be sure to make plans in advance!
You Do Not Want To Rent A Car
Driving in Egypt may be the craziest out of any country I’ve ever been to. To quote my guide, the lines on the road are “merely suggestions.” Trust me when I say you do not want to rent a car in Egypt. The traffic is insane, and you will be glad to have hired a driver!
It’s Super Easy To Get Your Visa On Arrival
Don’t stress about getting your Egyptian Visa. The process is super easy and if you have a guide, they may even handle it for you. All you have to do is stand in a line after landing in Egypt, show your passport, hand over your money and you’ll be good to go! There is a way to get an e-visa, but the website only works sometimes, and I promise it’s not worth it.
The only requirements for your Egyptian Visa are that you stay for less than 30 days, and that your passport has 6 months validity beyond your return date. The cost is $25 USD (roughly 25 Euros) and the visa will be stuck in your passport and stamped with approval. Keep in mind, the cost of the visa MUST be paid in cash. Have your cash ready before standing in line. There are ATM’s at the airport if you need to take out cash.
You Should Dress Conservatively When Traveling in Egypt
Because Egypt is a Muslim country, you will see most women dressed very modestly. Typically this means their shoulders, knees and hair will be covered. It’s respectful to dress similarly while traveling in Egypt, especially when visiting religious sites or temples. In more touristy areas, you will find it’s not as expected.
As a woman, dressing risqué will often draw some unwanted male attention in Egypt. I highly recommend following the local customs and covering up a bit to ensure you feel more comfortable while also respecting the country’s customs.
Tip: As a woman, I highly recommend purchasing a light scarf that you can keep with you during the day. This way if you enter a religious site, you can make sure to cover your hair before.
Find out exactly everything you will need for traveling in Egypt with my Egypt Packing Guide!
It’s Not Uncommon To See A Lot Of Military Presence
When traveling in Egypt it is very common to see police or military presence at markets, temples and tombs. They will also be holding large rifles. This is normal.
Many hotels will also have security measures prior to entering. This includes metal detectors, bag searches and more. You may even have a dog search around your car before you are able to get out. Just know, this is only there for protective measures, which actually made me feel safer.
The Summer Months Are Extremely Hot
I traveled to Egypt in February because I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle the heat from May-September. During the summer months, Egypt has extremely high temperatures. Depending on where you are traveling within the country, it will range from 75-110 degrees Fahrenheit (23-43 Celsius.)
Keep in mind, especially if you are exploring crowded markets, temples, and tombs it can feel sweltering. Stay hydrated!
Egypt’s Landmarks Are Mind-blowing In Every Aspect
I have had an obsession with Egyptian history since I was a kid. Because of this, I had such high expectations going into my trip to Egypt. I was worried I may be let down by the Pyramids, Valley Of The Kings, or other important landmarks. I can tell you I was only impressed even more by the sheer size of the Great Pyramid and the brilliant color and detail throughout the tomb of Ramesses IV. The Egyptians were extremely passionate and precise in their craftsmanship.
Security & Safety Should Be Considered When Traveling in Egypt
Egypt has been known to get a reputation for being a dangerous country to travel to. I don’t feel as though I have the authority to say it’s completely safe to travel anywhere in the world. You never know what can happen in any country at any given time. However, I will say that I never felt unsafe during my time in Egypt. My advice is to just make sure you are prepared, and have done research on reputable guides, and follow the rules.
If you are coming from the United States, visit the US Department of State’s website for updates on travel to Egypt. (Although they do sometimes error on the side of caution. Egypt was labeled as “level 3 – Reconsider Travel” when I visited.)
Also, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment (STEP) Program. This will keep you updated on important information you may need to know, and will inform the US embassy where you will be in case of emergency.
Nile Cruises Are Mostly Spent At Ports And Landmarks
If you’re booking a Nile cruise because you love the idea of kicking back and relaxing for a couple of days as you make your way down arguably the most famous river in the world, think again. Cruising from Luxor to Aswan (or Aswan to Luxor) you’ll be able to stop in Edfu and Kom Ombo. It’s by far the best way to explore all the most famous landmarks in a short amount of time! However, there isn’t a lot of down time spent sailing. Many of the days you’ll be docked and transported in the morning to a site with your guide.
With that being said, I still highly recommend it! I loved our Nile Cruise and much preferred transportation on a boat than a sleeper train or in the car.
Book your Nile River Cruise here!
You Should Do Research On Tombs & Temples prior to traveling in egypt
There are so many temples and tombs throughout Egypt. Before visiting, know which ones you really want to see and are most important to you! I didn’t realize prior to visiting the Valley of the Kings, that you are allowed entry into three tombs with your basic ticket. (You have to pay to see more.) I wish I had looked up all the options prior to know which were the best, and most extravagant. If you’re like me, you like to get the most bang for your buck! Guides will definitely be able to shift you in the right direction, but I recommend researching beforehand to know exactly which ones you want to see most.
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As you can see, there are some key things to know prior to traveling in Egypt that will make you feel a lot more prepared. So, be safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy this once of a lifetime experience you are about to embark on. Once you see the Pyramids for the first time, it will be worth every ounce of planning, I promise!
Need to learn even more about traveling in Egypt? Read this Ultimate Egypt Travel Guide!
BEST EGYPT TRAVEL RESOURCES
1. BOOK FLIGHTS WITH SKYSCANNER
2. BOOK ACCOMMODATION WITH BOOKING.COM or HOTELS.COM
3. BOOK ACTIVITIES AND TOURS WITH GET YOUR GUIDE or VIATOR
4. BOOK TRAVEL INSURANCE WITH WORLD NOMADS
Need help planning your travels? Go to my travel resources page for my favorite travel companies to save you money, time, and headaches!
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