🇪🇬 Egypt Travel Guide — Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Egypt
Egypt is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations—home to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Red Sea’s coral reefs, ancient temples, and vibrant modern cities. Before you go, here are the key things every traveler should know, based entirely on your attached guide.
🛬 Arrival & Visa Information
Egypt offers a 30‑day visa on arrival for $25, valid for the entire country. As your document states:
“You can actually get a 30‑day all Egypt visa for 25 dollars per person… with that Visa you can go to Alexandria… Cairo… Luxor.”
If you only get a regional visa (e.g., Sharm El‑Sheikh), you’ll need a new visa to leave that district.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Egypt
The ideal travel season is October to April, when temperatures are comfortable.
Your document notes:
“From October to April is the best time because that’s the best weather… July the hottest month for sure.”
Avoid midday heat when visiting outdoor sites like the pyramids.
🏙️ General Facts About Egypt
- Population: 102 million
- Language: Arabic
- Currency: Egyptian Pound
- Culture: One of the world’s oldest civilizations
Your guide highlights:
“Please realize this is one of the cradles of civilization… two parts to Egypt… old Cairo and New Cairo.”
🔐 Safety Tips
Egypt is generally safe during the day, especially in busy areas.
From your document:
“We are walking around… people have been very friendly… but I’m not going to say that Cairo is entirely safe.”
If you feel unsure, hire a professional tour guide—it reduces stress and avoids risky situations.
🧿 Avoiding Scams & Hustlers
Expect aggressive sales tactics at the pyramids and bazaars.
Your guide warns:
“They always say we don’t need to talk about price until after… then there’s hidden fees.”
Always pre‑negotiate prices and confirm “no add‑ons” before agreeing to anything.
Booking tours through your hotel is the safest option.
🍽️ Egyptian Food & What to Expect
Egyptian cuisine includes kebabs, shawarma, stuffed vegetables, salads, hummus, falafel, and many types of bread.
Your document notes:
“Egyptian food is diverse… kebabs, shawarma… grape leaves, hummus, falafel.”
Street food caution: Water sanitation varies—stick to cooked foods if you have a sensitive stomach.
Hotels offer Western‑style breakfasts, but don’t expect pork bacon.
🏨 Accommodation in Egypt
Tourism is Egypt’s second‑largest industry, so hotels are abundant.
From your document:
“Many of them are resort style hotels… Hyatt, Marriott, Saint Regis, Four Seasons.”
Budget travelers can find Airbnbs for $20/night, but research the neighborhood for safety and transport access.
🚗 Transportation Tips
Long distances (Cairo ↔ Luxor) can be done by plane or sleeper train.
Shorter routes (Cairo ↔ Alexandria) are best with a private driver.
Your guide states:
“Buses in Egypt are hit or miss… I recommend talking to your hotel about getting a private driver.”
For local sightseeing, private tours are more reliable than big bus tours.
🌊 Activities & Things to Do
Egypt offers a huge variety of activities:
Red Sea Adventures
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Parasailing
- Boat tours
Your document emphasizes:
“The Red Sea is one of the best places in the world for diving and snorkeling.”
Ancient Egypt Highlights
- Pyramids of Giza
- The Sphinx
- Valley of the Kings
- Luxor Temple
- Abu Simbel
- Temple of Horus
Nile River Experiences
- Felucca rides
- Nile dinner cruises with entertainment and buffets
Religious & Historic Sites
- Mount Sinai sunrise hike
- Aswan High Dam (affects Upper Egypt routes)
🏖️ Best Beach Destinations
- Sharm El‑Sheikh
- Hurghada
- Dahab
- Marsa Alam
Your guide mentions:
“Beach towns… Sharm el‑Sheikh, Hurghada… many different beach towns in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.”
🧳 Final Thoughts
Your document ends with a clear message:
“If you’re on the fence about going, I would say definitely go enjoy yourself.”
Egypt is a destination full of history, culture, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.
