Egypt

This Egypt travel guide has all the resources to set you up for a safe and successful trip!

Egypt sits at the very top of many travelers’ bucket lists – and for very good reason. Home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Egypt is place that most of us studied about during our school years and dreamed about long after.

Egypt jam-packs a positively endless list of things to do. Whether you love vibrant culture, or awe-inspiring nature, or ancient history, there is absolutely something for you here.

If you are planning Egypt travel, this guide will lay out all the basics so that you can explore with ease! Let’s dive in.

When is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?

For the best weather, visit Egypt is from October to April. Temperatures will be pleasant and warm. Mornings may be chilly, but daytime is sunny and pleasant. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, this is the time to visit.

In terms of tourism, the high season runs from approximately October through February. Low season runs from June to August because of the intense summer heat. But if you want to avoid the crowds, this might be the time to go.

If possible, consider the shoulder seasons for the best of both worlds.

Language: What Language Do They Speak in Egypt?

The official language of Egypt is Arabic. However, in touristic places like the Pyramids and museums, or the beach resorts and hotels, English is widely spoken.

Useful Phrases:

‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Arabic: “Assalam Alaikum” – pronounced ah-sa-lam al-eye-kum, and :Shukran” – pronounced shoo-kron.

Currency in Egypt

The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound, or EGP (check current conversion rates here.)

Is the US Dollar accepted in Egypt?

Many places around Egypt accept the US Dollar and even the Euro. I carried small bills for both tipping and small items like waters and snacks from corner stores.

In fact, many shops and tour guides seem to prefer the US Dollar over the Egyptian Pound.

Top Egypt Resources:

Solo Female Travel in Egypt: What It’s REALLY Like

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt

What to Wear in Egypt: A Packing List for Women

Uber in Egypt: Cairo, Hurghada, Alexandria and More

The Best Things To Do in Cairo

The White Desert National Park in Egypt

What NOT To Do in Egypt: Things To Know Before You Go

Egypt Travel Tips

Monica in the Sahara Desert - an Egypt Travel Guide. — My solo trip to Egypt was unforgettable. @thisrareearth

What Do Female Tourists Wear in Egypt?

In general, conservative dress that covers the shoulders, waist and knees is best. For full details, please check out my guide for women on what to wear in Egypt.

Egypt Travel Tips

Hieroglyphics at Saqqara - an Egypt Travel Guide.

What are the best things to do in Egypt?

No trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the Pyramids, of course! But I also highly recommend a visiting the museums of Cairo, the endless Saraha Desert, and exploring further to Alexandria or Hurghada if you have time!

Spend a day walking around the Giza Pyramids Complex
Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to learn all about Egypt’s history (and see mummies!)
Book an epic adventure in the Sahara Desert
Check out Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo in a day
Explore the colorful hieroglyphics at Saqqara

Do US citizens need a visa to visit Egypt?

United States citizens do need a visa to enter Egypt, but it can be obtained on arrival at the Cairo International Airport. A single-entry 30-day tourist visa costs 25 USD cash and the process is simple. Simply pay for your visa at one of the small kiosks before entering the Border Security line.

Is Egypt safe for women?

Egypt has a reputation for being a.. challenging place for women. From catcalls to sexual harassment, Egypt gets a bad rap.

While I’m sure these things do happen, I did not personally encounter as much of this as I expected. Read my full Solo Female Travel in Egypt guide for all the details.

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Transportation

Below is a summary of transportation options in Egypt. For further details, check out this post.

Getting There: International visitors will most likely arrive at the Cairo International Airport. (CAI). However, some travelers may arrive by cruise boat or by crossing land borders.

Getting Around: Generally, most tourists opt to book a tour or use public transportation rather than renting a car.

Alternately, Egypt has a fairly expansive Metro system in Cairo for getting around the city. Uber is also available and I highly recommend using it over taxis.

Buses in Egypt

You can travel just about everywhere in Egypt using Go Bus and Superjet, who drive all over the country. Popular but distant places like Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, and Luxor buses offer air-conditioning and toilets.

Trains in Egypt

Another popular way to get around Egypt is vis the train system. The most popular route for tourists is the overnight sleeper train that runs from Cairo to Aswan. Try to book in advance to ensure your spot!