First-Time Visitors Guide to Egypt: Everything You Need to Know

Egypt has been welcoming travellers for millennia, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to navigate on a first visit. The bureaucratic quirks, the enthusiastic touts, the heat - and then the sheer scale of what you’re seeing - can be overwhelming and exhilarating in equal measure. This guide covers everything a first-timer needs to arrive prepared.

Visas: What to Expect at the Airport

Most Western visitors - US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian - do not need to arrange a visa in advance. A tourist visa on arrival is available at all major entry points (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor airports) and costs approximately USD 25 as of 2026.

Here’s how it works: before you reach passport control, find the row of bank counters (usually staffed by Banque Misr or Bank of Alexandria). Pay in cash - USD, EUR, or GBP are all accepted. You receive a sticker visa that goes in your passport. The whole process takes 5–15 minutes depending on the queue.

A few things to note:

• Keep small bills. Bank counters sometimes struggle to make change for large notes.
• The visa allows a 30-day single-entry stay in most cases.
• Israeli passport holders and those with Israeli stamps cannot enter Egypt at most land crossings - check current entry rules before travelling.
• Check your government’s travel advisory for the latest: entry rules can change.

Some nationalities can apply for an e-Visa through the official Egyptian portal before travel, which skips the bank queue entirely. Worth doing if you want to move quickly.

Currency: Egyptian Pounds, ATMs, and Where to Exchange

The Egyptian pound (EGP) has fluctuated significantly in recent years following currency reforms. As of 2026, the official rate is broadly consistent across banks and ATMs - the era of a parallel black market rate has largely ended.

ATMs are widely available in Cairo, Alexandria, and resort towns. International Visa and Mastercard work reliably. Withdraw larger amounts to avoid per-transaction fees - most Egyptian ATMs charge a flat fee per withdrawal regardless of amount.

Airport exchange counters are convenient but offer slightly worse rates than city banks or ATMs. If you need local currency immediately for your visa or taxi, changing a small amount at the airport is fine - then top up later.

Where NOT to change money: avoid street changers offering suspiciously good rates. The risk of counterfeit notes or being short-changed is real. Use bank branches or licensed exchange offices in tourist areas.

Cards: major hotels, upscale restaurants, and tourist-facing shops accept Visa and Mastercard. Outside that, Egypt remains heavily cash-based. Always carry EGP for markets, taxis, smaller restaurants, and site entrance fees.

Safety: Tourist Police and Common Scams

Egypt’s tourism infrastructure is heavily policed at major sites. Tourist police (distinct from regular police - often in white uniforms or wearing “Tourism Police” vests) are stationed at the Pyramids, Luxor Temple, Karnak, and most major museums. They can assist if you’re being hassled.

The practical risks for tourists are almost always financial rather than physical. Common ones:

At the Pyramids, Giza:

• Men on horses or camels approach and offer a “free” photo or short ride - nothing is free. If you accept, you’ll be asked for large sums to get off or be taken away from the entrance.
• Unofficial “guides” approach claiming the entrance is closed, under construction, or that you need a special pass to see something. The entrance is open. Walk to the ticket booth.

Taxis:

• Unlicensed taxis quote fares 3–5× the local rate to tourists. Always use Uber (available in Cairo and Alexandria), which shows the price upfront and charges your card. Outside Uber coverage, agree the fare before getting in.
• Camel and horse operators at Giza can be persistent - a firm “la, shukran” (no, thank you) usually works. Keep walking.

In bazaars (souks):

• Tea invitations in the Khan el-Khalili market are genuine hospitality but sometimes lead into high-pressure carpet or papyrus shops. Enjoy the tea if you like, but know you can say no to any purchase.

General awareness: keep bags closed and in front of you in crowded areas. Pickpocketing exists but is not rampant in most tourist zones.

Getting Around Egypt

Within Cairo and Alexandria

Uber works well in both cities and is the single most reliable way to move around as a visitor. Pricing is transparent, no haggling required, and the app works in English. Download it before you arrive - payment through the app with an international card is seamless.

Cairo’s metro is cheap and efficient for north–south routes along the Nile (Line 1 and Line 2 cover most tourist areas). It’s crowded during rush hour; the first carriage on each train is women-only.

Long-Distance: Domestic Flights vs. Trains

Flights are the fastest way between Cairo and Luxor (about 1 hour), Cairo and Aswan (1.5 hours), and Cairo and the Red Sea resorts. EgyptAir operates most domestic routes. Book through the EgyptAir website or a booking platform - prices vary considerably and advance booking saves money.

Trains connect Cairo to Luxor and Aswan along the Nile Valley and are an experience in themselves - particularly the overnight sleeper service. Egyptian National Railways runs three main classes on the Cairo–Luxor–Aswan route:

• Spanish trains (1st and 2nd class): Air-conditioned, comfortable, used by tourists. Book at the station or through authorised agents. First class has slightly more space and quieter carriages.
• Overnight sleeper: The Watania Sleeping Trains operate a single tourist-class sleeper service (Cairo–Luxor–Aswan). Tickets include dinner and breakfast. Popular - book in advance, especially November through March.
• Ordinary trains: Not bookable for foreign tourists on the main corridor; stick to the Spanish trains and sleeper.

Journey times: Cairo to Luxor approximately 10–11 hours by day train, 9 hours overnight. Luxor to Aswan approximately 3–4 hours.

Getting to the Red Sea

Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are best reached by domestic flight from Cairo. Hurghada is also reachable by road (about 4–5 hours from Cairo) - some travellers take shared shuttles or private transfers.

Tipping Culture: Baksheesh Explained

Tipping - baksheesh in Arabic - is embedded in Egyptian culture and is not optional in many situations. Tourism-sector wages are low and tips are a significant part of income. Budget accordingly.

General guidelines as of 2026:

• Restaurant: 10–15% where a service charge isn’t included. Check the bill - some tourist restaurants add a service charge automatically.
• Hotel bellhop / porter: EGP 20–50 per bag.
• Hotel housekeeping: EGP 20–50 per night, left on the pillow.
• Guided tours: EGP 100–200 per person per day for a private guide; EGP 50–100 for a group tour guide.
• Site attendants: People at temples and tombs who point things out or open areas for you will expect a small tip - EGP 10–20 is sufficient. You don’t have to accept the impromptu “guided” commentary, but if you do, tip.
• Washroom attendants: EGP 5–10.
• Taxi drivers (non-Uber): Round up to the nearest EGP 5 or 10.

Always carry small-denomination EGP notes. A 200-pound note does you no good when you need to tip EGP 20.

Dress Code: What to Wear

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country and dress norms reflect that - outside beach resorts.

Both men and women: At archaeological sites, in cities, and in markets, covered shoulders and knees are respectful. Lightweight trousers and a loose shirt are practical (they also protect against sun).

Women: A headscarf is not required by law in public spaces. However, when entering mosques - which are worth visiting - covering your hair is expected. Carrying a lightweight scarf in your bag covers this and doubles as sun protection.

At beach resorts (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab): normal beachwear is fine on resort beaches and around pools. Once you step off the resort property, the usual dress rules apply.

Practical note: Egypt’s sun is intense. Long sleeves in light fabrics protect far better than sunscreen alone, especially at open desert sites like the Pyramids.

Best Time to Visit Egypt

Egypt is broadly a cool-season destination. Here’s the breakdown:

Month	Cairo	Luxor/Aswan	Verdict
Oct–Nov	20–28°C	25–32°C	Excellent - warm, manageable, sites quieter
Dec–Feb	14–22°C	18–28°C	Peak season - cool, busy, best prices book fast
Mar–Apr	20–30°C	28–37°C	Good - spring colour, slightly warmer
May	28–35°C	35–42°C	Getting hot - still doable for Cairo
Jun–Aug	34–40°C	40–45°C	Very hot - sightseeing is exhausting and risky
Sep	30–37°C	37–43°C	Hot but easing - possible if you’re heat-tolerant

Our recommendation: October through February for first-timers. December and January are the most popular months - book accommodation and tours early.

Ramadan: Dates shift each year. During Ramadan, some restaurants and sites have reduced hours, and daytime food and drink options are more limited outside tourist hotels. The atmosphere, however, is unique - especially in Cairo in the evenings. If your dates overlap, check current Ramadan dates.

Must-See Sites for First-Timers

The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

No introduction needed - but a few practical notes. Entry to the Giza plateau is one ticket; entry inside specific pyramids costs extra (and is worth it for at least one). The site is best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and tour bus crowds. Hire an official Egyptologist guide or book a Giza and Cairo day tour for context that transforms what you’re seeing.

Luxor: Ancient Egypt’s Open-Air Museum

Luxor Temple (in town) and Karnak Temple Complex (2km north) are two of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian sites anywhere. The Valley of the Kings on the West Bank holds the royal tombs - Tutankhamun’s is small but the most famous; KV9 (Ramesses V/VI) is the most impressive to walk. Budget a full day on each bank.

Aswan and Abu Simbel

Aswan is calmer than Cairo and Luxor - a good place to slow down. The Nubian villages, Philae Temple (reached by boat), and the Aswan High Dam are the main draws. Abu Simbel, 280km south, requires an early morning drive or short flight but is a genuine bucket-list site - the scale of Ramesses II’s carved temples is staggering.

The Red Sea

Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are Egypt’s main resort hubs - diving, snorkelling, and beach time. Dahab (north of Sharm) is more laid-back with excellent budget options and world-class diving at the Blue Hole. The Red Sea coast makes a natural addition to a first trip, especially if you want a day or two to decompress after the intensity of the antiquities circuit.

How Many Days to Plan

7 days minimum for a first visit; 10 days is the sweet spot. A workable sample split:

• Days 1–3: Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx, Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square), Khan el-Khalili bazaar, Islamic Cairo mosques, Coptic Cairo.
• Days 4–6: Luxor - East Bank (Luxor Temple, Karnak), West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon). Day trip or overnight to Aswan.
• Days 7–9: Red Sea - Fly Luxor to Hurghada (or Sharm). Snorkelling or diving, beach time, decompression.
• Day 10: Cairo - Buffer day for a missed connection, a final meal, airport.

If you want Abu Simbel, add a day from Aswan. If you’re mainly interested in antiquities rather than beaches, extend Luxor/Aswan to 4 days and skip the Red Sea.

Language Basics

English is widely spoken in tourist areas - at hotels, major restaurants, archaeological sites, and by guides. Away from tourist zones, Arabic is the working language. A few words go a long way:

Arabic	Pronunciation	When to use
Shukran	SHOOK-ran	Thank you - use constantly
Afwan	AHF-wan	You’re welcome / pardon
La	Lah	No - say it clearly and calmly to touts
Aiwa	EYE-wa	Yes
Bikam?	Bee-KAM	How much?
Mish aawiz (m) / Mish awza (f)	Mish AH-wiz / AH-wza	I don’t want it
Salaam alaikum	Sah-LAHM ah-LAY-koom	Hello (formal greeting)

A polite greeting and a few Arabic words earn genuine warmth from Egyptians.

SIM Cards and Mobile Data

A local SIM card is worth buying on arrival. The three main Egyptian carriers - Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt (formerly Mobinil), and Etisalat Egypt (e&) - all have counters at Cairo International Airport arrivals and at Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh airports.

Bring your passport - registration is required. Data packages are inexpensive: a 30-day SIM with several gigabytes of data typically costs the equivalent of USD 5–10 as of 2026. Vodafone tends to have the best coverage in rural Upper Egypt; Orange and Etisalat are comparable in Cairo and the Red Sea coast.

Alternatively, an eSIM (such as Airalo) can be loaded before you travel if your phone supports it - convenient but usually more expensive than buying locally. A local SIM for Egypt sorted before departure removes any arrival-day scramble.

Food and Water Safety

Water: Tap water in Egypt is treated but contains higher mineral levels than most Western visitors are used to, and contamination from ageing pipes is possible. Drink bottled water throughout your trip - it’s inexpensive, widely available, and the standard practice for locals and tourists alike. This includes avoiding ice cubes in drinks at cheaper establishments.

Street food: Cairo’s street food scene is excellent and largely safe when you pick from busy stalls with high turnover. Look for: ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans), ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel), koshary (lentils, rice, pasta, tomato sauce - Egypt’s beloved comfort food), and hawawshi (spiced minced meat in bread). If a stall has a queue of locals, it’s usually a good sign.

Restaurants: Stick to cooked dishes; avoid raw salads at budget establishments if your stomach is sensitive. Peel fruit yourself. Dairy - yoghurt, cheese, eggs - is generally fine at reputable places.

Common sense: Wash your hands frequently (hand sanitiser is useful at sites without accessible washing facilities). Carry oral rehydration salts if you’re travelling in summer - heat and GI issues can dehydrate quickly.

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Egypt rewards preparation. Read this guide, keep small EGP notes on hand, download Uber before you land, and stay patient with the bureaucracy and the touts. Sorting a reliable airport transfer in advance is one less thing to navigate after a long flight. Once you’re standing in front of the Sphinx at sunrise with no crowd and good light, none of the logistics will feel like it mattered.