Egypt is one of those destinations that is an absolute must-see. Not only for the ancient wonders but also for the friendliness and culture of the people. It is important to remember, however, that Egypt is a country full of its own unique customs which might differ greatly to typical American or European customs. That’s why Expat Explore has put together a handy guide to prepare for your journey to Egypt! 

Here are some things to take note of before embarking on your Egypt adventure: 

Visas for Your Visit

When planning your trip to Egypt, you might be wondering about visa requirements. The good news is that, for most of our travellers, obtaining a visa is a straightforward process. You can either apply for an e-visa or get it upon your arrival at the airport. The cost for a visa on arrival is US$25, and you can easily take care of this at one of the bank kiosks.

Passengers from countries including the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and South Africa can obtain an e-visa or visa on arrival. 

For other countries, check here. We recommend contacting your local Egyptian embassy for more information regarding the visa requirements for your nationality. It is important to note that as of 1 October 2023, Canadian travellers will now need to apply at the Egyptian embassy for a visa. 

What to Wear

When preparing for your Egyptian adventure, it’s essential to keep the climate and cultural norms in mind. 

Modesty is valued, and it is recommended to avoid overly revealing clothing to ensure access to all the fascinating places of interest. Packing t-shirts that cover the shoulders and shorts or skirts that cover to or below the knee can help you have a more comfortable experience. We also recommend packing a light scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders and arms in more conservative areas such as places of worship. It is also essential to opt for good-quality walking shoes or sturdy hiking sandals for exploring.

Pack according to the season

Winter (December, January & February): Egyptian winters are comparatively mild, often resembling European spring temperatures. For your winter adventure, pack lightweight shorts, trousers, T-shirts, and a light jacket or windbreaker to keep warm if the wind picks up or in the cooler evenings.

Spring (March, April & May): Spring is generally warm but can be windy. Pack long pants and both short and long-sleeved t-shirts for the changeable weather.

Summer (June, July & August): Prepare for the intense summer heat by packing lightweight and breathable clothing such as thin pants and T-shirts. Don’t forget essentials like comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing, sunglasses, a hat, foldable umbrella, sunscreen, and a bathing suit for the hotel pool. 

Autumn (September, October, November): Autumn tends to be the busier season in Egypt because the weather is very temperate. Days will be warm, so pack T-shirts and thin pants but also pack trousers and a jacket for the cooler evenings. It is still recommended to bring a hat and sunscreen at this time of year.

Keep in mind that our tours have a 20kg luggage restriction per person. Also take note that hotels will provide towels and soap, however, shampoo and hair dryers are not guaranteed so it is recommended that you bring your own if you anticipate needing these. If you plan to bring electronics, remember to purchase a suitable plug adapter before your tour.

Related: For more tips, take a look at this pro packing advice. 

Money, Money, Money

The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), but due to the fluctuating exchange rate, our suppliers typically prefer transactions in US dollars (USD). Optional excursions and the tipping fee are payable in USD, while EGP should be your choice for day-to-day spending and for paying entrance fees into the pyramids, temples and other sites.

While credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most establishments in the larger cities, you cannot solely rely on using them, and should ensure you always have some cash with you in USD or EGP. There will be instances when having cash on hand is essential.

It is important to note that withdrawing USD in Egypt can get quite pricey so it is a good idea to bring some cash USD with you. Exchanging your money into local currency (EGP), however, is a breeze once you arrive in Egypt. Your tour leader will be more than happy to assist you, or you can easily make a withdrawal from a local ATM in the larger cities. Opting for an ATM withdrawal often secures a better exchange rate compared to foreign exchange shops or kiosks. 

It’s wise to avoid carrying large sums of cash while travelling. Fortunately, most of our accommodations are conveniently located near cash machines where you can withdraw EGP money using your debit or credit card. To ensure smooth transactions, don’t forget to notify your card issuer of your travel plans, preventing any potential issues with cash withdrawals.

Tidbits about Tips

When travelling to Egypt, it’s crucial to understand the significance of tipping in the local culture. Many workers in Egypt rely heavily on tips as their primary source of income. While we recognise that tipping customs vary across nationalities, in Egypt, it’s considered a way of life. You might find requests for tips to be persistent, but it’s an integral part of the culture here. To make things easier for our travellers, your tour leader will collect US$40 from each traveller to cover tipping for various services throughout the tour, including drivers, waiters, porters, hotel staff, and the crew on Nile cruises and Nile feluccas. We recommend that you bring this in cash from home as withdrawing or exchanging to USD in Egypt can become very expensive.

Additionally, we recommend a separate tip for your tour leader at the end of the adventure. We suggest budgeting around £4/$5 per person per day. Embracing this tipping culture helps support the local workforce and ensures you have a smoother and more enjoyable experience during your visit to this fascinating country.

Food, Glorious Food

When it comes to dining on Egypt tours with Expat Explore, you can expect a mix of buffet-style and packed lunch meals. While these may consist of simple foods, there are still opportunities to enjoy local flavours.

Breakfast: You’ll start your day with a daily inclusive continental breakfast, generally featuring a spread of bread, cheese, cereal, yoghurt, coffee, and tea. Some hotels may include fruits, croissants, and eggs (usually boiled).

Lunch & Dinner: Lunch and dinner isn’t included every day, but when we do include it, we make an effort to introduce you to local flavours. For travellers on our 5-star cruise, buffet dinners await, allowing you to choose from a variety of Western dishes infused with Egyptian influences. If you’re embarking on the felucca adventure, you’re in for a taste of tradition. Expect meals featuring the likes of hummus, tahini, falafel, hearty soups, pasta, rice, fava beans, lentils, grilled chicken, lamb, and fish. 

Related: See more reasons to consider a trip to Egypt.

Star Standards

Egyptian hospitality is known for its warmth and friendliness, ensuring that guests feel welcome and at home as they explore the wonders of this enchanting country. However, it’s important to note that the standards of hotels in Egypt may differ from what you’re accustomed to. While you can expect clean and comfortable rooms, they may not meet the typical Western standards associated with a similar star rating that you might be familiar with. For example, a 5* hotel or resort in Egypt may be more aligned with a 3* of 4* hotel in the USA. 

Embracing this unique aspect of Egyptian travel adds to the charm and authenticity of your experience. If you wish to stay longer in Cairo, before or after your tour starts or ends, have a look at booking.com for affordable accommodation options.

Enthusiastic Entrepreneurs

When you visit Egypt, you’ll quickly notice the enthusiasm of the local vendors, hawkers, and shop owners who are eager to sell their goods to tourists. Their hands-on sales approach might catch some travellers off guard, especially if you’re not accustomed to such persistence. It’s crucial to be polite but assertive if you’re not interested in making a purchase. Your tour leader will do their best to prepare you for these interactions, but the experience can still feel overwhelming at times. 

With a little patience and a firm attitude, you can navigate these encounters while enjoying the unique charm of Egyptian markets.

Related: Spend time exploring the Street Markets of Cairo. 

Staying Safe

Travelling to a distant country like Egypt may raise safety concerns, but rest assured that the areas you’ll explore on our Egypt tours are generally safe. However, like anywhere in the world, it’s wise to remain vigilant and keep general safety practices in mind. Leave valuable jewellery at home, exercise caution when using expensive camera gear, and keep your wallet secure. Egypt maintains a significant police presence to ensure tourist safety, but it’s essential to heed your tour leader’s advice and follow any warnings they provide. 

Your tour leader, licensed with many years of experience and a wealth of local knowledge, will be with you at all times to ensure your safety and provide an educational tour. 

Your well-being is a top priority, and by being mindful and attentive, you can ensure your Egyptian adventure is hassle-free. Additionally, we recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance before your trip. 

Vaccinations for Your Vacation

When planning your trip to Egypt, you need to check with your healthcare provider to see if you require any vaccines and make sure you are up to date with your routine injections.

Yellow Fever: There is no risk of contracting yellow fever in Egypt, however, if you are coming from a country where yellow fever is prevalent, then you will need a vaccination certificate. 

The two recommended vaccines for your journey are Hepatitis A and Typhoid.

These vaccines are not mandatory, but they can provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind as you embark on your Egyptian adventure. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine what’s best for your specific travel plans.

When travelling to Egypt, it is important to keep an open mind. Remember to pack your curiosity and sense of adventure, and get ready to immerse yourself in the ancient and modern wonders of this country.

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If Egypt is on your bucket list and you haven’t already ticked it off, book a tour with us at Expat Explore.