Know This Before You Go

Language - the main language is Arabic, but most people, especially in the tourism industry, speak pretty good English.

Currency - Egyptian pound (EGP) is the official currency, however, US dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas and hotels.

How to Pay - credit cards (Visa & Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops, but smaller businesses, markets and local spots may only take cash.

Getting Cash - ATMs are common in cities like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and tourist hubs (Red Sea resorts, airports).

Bonus tip: ATM withdrawals are typically capped at around 2000–4000 EGP (~$40–80) per transaction with foreign cards, so it’s best to withdraw enough, especially before heading to remote areas or sites.

Visas - a visa is required for most travellers and can be obtained online (e-visa) or upon arrival at major airports. However, e-visa processing can take time, so many opt for visa on arrival.

Bonus tip: currently the visa costs around $25–$30 (often in USD cash), I highly recommend bringing exact cash as card payments may not work at immigration and exchange rates there are poor.

Insurance - travel insurance is not compulsory but strongly recommended (and often required for activities like diving or Nile cruises). Get comprehensive coverage including medical evacuation before your trip to avoid issues.

Plugs - European-style plugs (Type C and F - two round pins, sometimes with grounding) are generally used. However, I recommend bringing a universal adapter just in case.

Getting around - best ways to get around - domestic flights for long distances (Cairo–Luxor–Aswan), private taxis or Uber/Careem in cities and feluccas or boats on the Nile.

Bonus tip: for trains between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, book sleeper or first-class in advance for comfort; driving requires an international permit - consider a driver/guide for safety and ease.

Connectivity - Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, but speed may be slow. The best for connectivity is getting an eSIM or local SIM card—we used Airalo or Orange/Vodafone and it worked really well. They offer data packages starting from around $10–20 for a week.

Mosquitos - bring mosquito repellent, although risk is low in most tourist areas (Egypt is malaria-free per WHO), they can be more active around dusk/dawn near the Nile or oases. There is very small risk overall, so assess personally and use protection.

Drone - bringing a drone into Egypt is prohibited for tourists without special permits (very difficult to obtain). Drones are often confiscated at customs - best to leave yours at home to avoid issues.