Top tips for travel in Egypt

Last updated August 23rd, 2023.

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There’s more to Egypt than the Pyramids and Sphinx. A felucca journey down the River Nile is still one of the most evocative out there. And Egypt’s Red Sea coast offers extraordinary diving opportunities. Centuries-old monasteries dot the Sinai Peninsula. Meanwhile, Cairo proudly holds its nickname of ‘the city with a thousand minarets’. But western travellers might be concerned about how to behave in this majority Muslim country. That’s where these top tips for travel in Egypt come in!

The Land of the Pharaohs is also synonymous with the desert. A trip to an oasis, such as that at Siwa, demonstrate that at heart Egypt remains a country with a rural outlook. Here birds chirrup among babbling brooks and swaying date palms. Family and community are as important as liberty and democracy.

In many ways, Egypt is a country of both tradition and contradiction. Hawkers of prickly pears rub shoulders with high-end cafes. Car horns compete with the call to prayer. The young enjoy MacDonald’s and rap before undertaking Friday prayers. This is just some of the cultural melee you can expect on the ground in Egypt.

On the ground in Egypt

Egypt is firmly forward thinking in many ways – not least its relations with Israel. Yet by nature Egypt is a conservative society rooted in the traditions of Islam.

It is a religion followed by around 90% of the country’s 110 million people. The remaining 10% follow the Coptic church, a branch of orthodox Christianity.

The most obvious manifestation of Egypt’s Islamic influence is that the weekend occurs over Fridays and Saturdays. Do your banking by Thursday at the latest. Many cafes, restaurants and bars also temporarily shut down during the fasting month of Ramadan.

Dealing with people in Egypt

Connecting with locals is a great top tip for travel in Egypt.

Egypt’s traditions means you should show respect to elders and those in authority to you. This is the best way of dealing with any official in any case.

One way of showing respect is to dress conservatively away from tourist beaches. The generally rule is to cover the upper arms, shoulders, and upper legs. T-shirts and knee-length shorts or skirts are fine.

Women do not need to wear a head scarf or shawl in Egypt except in mosques. However, you should be aware that women in Egypt do not have equality with men. This will be most obvious in rural areas, away from big cities like Cairo and Alexandria.

As a result, male travellers might find instances when women will (politely) refuse to talk or deal with them.

When it comes to communicating, the official language of Egypt is Arabic. But you will find plenty of people who speak English. Both England and the US are seen in great esteem despite former differences (the nationalisation of the Suez Canal among them). It’s unlikely any anti-western sentiment will be directed towards you as an individual.

Hassle in Egypt

There’s a fair amount of hassle at tourist sites – not least the Pyramids. But in my experience this is relatively half-hearted when compared to that of the medinas of Morocco. A firm ‘no thank you’ will usually do the job. Try no in Arabic – it’s simply ‘la’ – for it to have even more impact.

Away from major tourist sites, Egyptians are almost universally polite and welcoming. You shouldn’t be surprised if you have your tea purchased for you, or if you’re invited to someone’s home for a meal. In such circumstances, it’s standard practice to take a small gift such as a box of good-quality dates.

What to eat and drink in Egypt

When it comes to food in Egypt, there is no shortage of fresh fish to enjoy. This is thanks to coastlines on the Red and Mediterranean Sea, as well as the Nile. Baked Nile perch is a common menu addition.

Roasted meats are also common, especially chicken and rabbit. You won’t find pork or pork products anywhere in the country.

Meals are generally begun with a plethora of side plates. These are usually included in the price and may consist of hummus, salad, and freshly-baked bread.

If you’re missing home, there are no shortage of burgers and pizza in big cities. Here you’ll also find Chinese restaurants.

Tea remains the drink of choice, with street-side cafes found in even the smallest of villages. Coke and other soft drinks are widely available.

While most of the population doesn’t drink alcohol, beer is readily available. The best is probably Stella (unrelated to Belgium’s Stella Artois).

Dealing with money in Egypt

You’ll find banks in towns of any significant size, especially if close to a tourist site.

ATMs are an increasingly popular method for withdrawing money and avoiding lengthy queues inside. Meanwhile, traveller’s cheques are just a pain to exchange in Egypt. You’re better off taking a stash of US dollars instead for larger purchases. British pounds sterling and euros are also well-recognized.

It’s illegal to exchange money on the black market. That said, this is where you’ll get the best rates. The authorities turn a blind eye to tourists dealing with touts.

The national currency is the Egyptian Pound, which can often be obtained before travel. There are around 40 Egyptian pounds (LE) to one British pound (30 to the dollar). The big international hotels will also accept credit cards.

Transport in Egypt

Distances can be quite large for someone like me coming from Europe. The road network is good, although this does lead to excessive speeding by almost everyone.

The remnants of the colonial rail system, running north-south along the Nile, remains a popular method of transport for many. Seats on trains are actually quite spacious and comfortable.

The popularity means you’ll need to book tickets a couple of days in advance if travelling independently. Otherwise you might face a long day or night in an uncomfortable vestibule at the end of a carriage (again, like me).

The iconic Wadi Halfa ferry docks weekly in the southern city of Aswan having crossed Lake Nasser from Sudan. It’s not quick, but a great experience. Make sure you have a visa for Sudan or Egypt before even thinking about stepping aboard.

On boarding, your passport will be taken away to be processed, and returned some time before docking.

Did I miss any top tips for travel in Egypt?

Mystical, exciting, and loaded with attractions, Egypt has been on people’s bucket lists since the dawn of tourism. Despite recent troubles, the country remains both open and welcome to visitors eager to explore its litany of famed attractions. Follow these top tips for travel in Egypt, and you’re sure to feel at one with this extraordinary destination!