Essential Guide to Travelling in Egypt

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Egypt is from October to April, when temperatures are much more comfortable for sightseeing. If you’re visiting archaeological sites such as Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, or Abu Simbel, start your day as early as possible to avoid both the heat and the crowds.

December and January offer some of the most pleasant weather conditions, but they are also among the busiest months for tourism.

🚗 Getting Around

Domestic flights are the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts.

In Cairo, Uber is affordable, reliable, and widely available. In Luxor and Aswan, hiring a private driver for the day is often the easiest way to visit multiple sites efficiently. For shorter journeys, taxis and local boats remain a convenient option.

Crossing the Nile by local boat is not only practical but also one of the most authentic experiences you can have in Upper Egypt.

📱 SIM Card & Internet

We highly recommend setting up an eSIM before arriving in Egypt, so you’ll have internet access as soon as you land.

For our trips, we usually use providers such as Saily or Revolut eSIM, both of which offer affordable data packages and can be activated in just a few minutes directly from your phone.

In many cases, eSIMs are not only more convenient but also cheaper than purchasing a tourist SIM card at the airport. Airport SIM cards often come at higher prices than local rates, and pricing can vary depending on where you buy them.

If your device doesn’t support eSIMs, local providers such as Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat offer tourist SIM cards at airports and official stores throughout the country.

📶 Mobile coverage is generally excellent in cities, tourist destinations, and most areas of the Nile Valley.

💡 Traveller Addicted Tip: Set up your eSIM before departure. Having internet access immediately after landing makes it much easier to book transport, contact your hotel, and navigate your first day in Egypt.

🍽️ What to Eat

Egyptian cuisine offers far more than just koshari. Don’t miss local favourites such as taameya (Egyptian falafel), shawarma, grilled meats, hummus, traditional tagines, and freshly baked bread.

If you’re visiting the Red Sea coast, be sure to try the seafood. Some of the best seafood restaurants in Egypt can be found in destinations such as Hurghada, El Gouna, and Marsa Alam.

When dining out, bottled water is recommended, and it’s generally best to choose restaurants that are busy with both locals and travellers.

🩺 Travel Health Tip

Many travellers experience mild stomach issues during their first visit to Egypt.

We recommend bringing basic medication from home and considering probiotics before and during your trip. Drink bottled water, avoid swallowing pool water, and be cautious with raw vegetables if you have a sensitive stomach.

These simple precautions can make a significant difference throughout your trip.

🛡️ Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend travelling to Egypt with comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage.

While healthcare is available in major cities and tourist destinations, unexpected medical expenses or travel disruptions can quickly become costly.

For our trips, we personally use Heymondo, as it offers excellent medical coverage and is easy to manage while travelling.

🤫 Local Tips

Egypt rewards slow travel.

Start your sightseeing early, take breaks during the hottest hours of the day, and don’t try to see everything at once. Some of Egypt’s most famous sites are at their best during sunrise and sunset, when temperatures are lower and the atmosphere is truly magical.

Luxor Temple after dark, for example, feels completely different compared to a daytime visit.

🎒 What to Pack

Lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are essential for any trip to Egypt.

Most archaeological sites offer very little shade, particularly around Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.

A portable charger, reusable water bottle, and small backpack will quickly become some of your most useful travel items.

💰 Money & Tipping

Cash is still widely used throughout Egypt.

Always carry small Egyptian pound notes for tips, local transportation, and small purchases. Tipping is part of everyday life and is common for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and anyone providing assistance.

Having small notes readily available will make many situations easier.

🙏 Respect & Safety

Egypt is a welcoming and hospitable country, and showing respect for local customs goes a long way.

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, ask permission before photographing people, and be polite when interacting with local vendors.

Around major attractions, sellers can sometimes be persistent, but a friendly “La shukran” (“No, thank you”) is usually all that’s needed.

A smile, patience, and respect are often rewarded with genuine Egyptian hospitality.

📸 Photography Tips

Egypt is one of the most photogenic destinations in the world.

Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting conditions for photography, while many sites become far quieter outside peak visiting hours.

Photography regulations can vary between archaeological sites, so always check local rules before using professional cameras, tripods, or drones.

💡 Traveller Addicted Tip

Don’t rush through Egypt trying to see everything in one trip. The most memorable experiences often come from slowing down, watching the sunset over the Nile, exploring lesser-known sites, and taking time to appreciate the incredible history that surrounds you.