Egypt Travel Guide

• Nile Valley & Upper Egypt: Explore the Pyramids and Sphinx, visit Karnak and Luxor Temples, tour the Valley of the Kings, take a Nile cruise, see Philae and Abu Simbel.
• Cairo, Giza & Delta: Tour the Egyptian Museum, wander Khan el-Khalili bazaar, visit Coptic Cairo, sample street food and stroll Alexandria’s Corniche.
• Red Sea Coast: Scuba and snorkel reefs from Hurghada and Marsa Alam, liveaboard dive trips, beach relaxation and kitesurfing.
• Sinai Peninsula: Dive and freedive in Dahab, climb Mount Sinai at sunrise, jeep or camel trips in the desert and relax in seaside Nuweiba.
• Western Desert & Oases: Visit the White Desert, soak in Siwa’s springs, and do multi-day 4x4 desert tours.

Most travellers arrive at Cairo International (CAI), with significant international services also into Hurghada (HRG), Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) and Luxor (LXR) for Red Sea and Nile tourism. Regional hubs in the Middle East and Europe provide frequent connections to Egypt. From Jordan, a ferry crosses the Gulf of Aqaba from Aqaba to Nuweiba in Sinai, avoiding Israel altogether. Overland, the Taba crossing from Eilat is the usual land route; the Sudan border is open in principle, but most governments advise against all travel to Sudan during its civil war.

Typical daily spend $30-90; Cairo and Red Sea resorts are the priciest, while basic hostels and local food keep costs low inland.

• Hostel dorm bed: 400-900 EGP
• Basic guesthouse room: 900-1,800 EGP
• Mid-range hotel: 1,800-5,000 EGP
• Upscale hotel or resort: from 6,000 EGP
• Market or street-stall meal: 40-120 EGP
• Bottle of local beer: 40-80 EGP
• Organised tour or activity: 200-1,000 EGP
• Taxi across town: 50-200 EGP

For current prices on hundreds of everyday items, see Numbeo’s Egypt cost of living, a crowd-sourced database that is updated often.

Ways to save

• Buy local transport tickets in advance: Book long-distance trains and domestic flights early for lower prices and better seats.
• Eat where locals eat: Koshari and ful shops and juice stands charge a fraction of tourist-street prices; check the bill for service charge and VAT before adding a tip.
• Pay site tickets by card: Major monuments no longer take cash at the ticket window, so a card with no foreign-transaction fee saves money on every entry.
• Negotiate prices: Haggle politely in markets and for taxis without meters to reduce costs, but know typical prices first.

Full trip budgets are in Egypt Itineraries.

Currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). Cash is important outside major hotels and tourist sites; cards are accepted at many hotels, larger restaurants and shops in cities. ATMs are available in urban and tourist areas but may be limited outside them.

• Tipping: Tipping (baksheesh) is common for many small services. Sit-down restaurants usually add a 12% service charge and 14% VAT to the bill, but the service charge rarely reaches staff, so leave 5-10% in cash for the waiter as well. Keep a stash of small notes (10, 20 and 50 EGP) for toilet attendants, porters and drivers.
• Cards & Cash: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels and larger businesses; smaller vendors, markets and many local services are cash-only. Carry local currency for taxis, markets and small purchases. The opposite applies at monuments: ticket offices at the pyramids, Luxor, Aswan and most big museums are card-only, or you can buy ahead on the official egymonuments.com site.
• ATMs & Mobile Payments: ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas but may have daily limits and charge fees; bring some cash for remote travel. Mobile payment adoption is growing domestically but remains limited for foreign visitors.
• Banknotes: E£1, E£5, E£10, E£20, E£50, E£100, E£200
• Coins: E£0.25, E£0.50, E£1

Modesty and respect for religious practices matter: dress conservatively in public and avoid public displays of affection. Egyptians are generally tolerant of foreigners but expect polite behaviour, bargaining and hospitality in everyday interactions.

Egypt provides good connectivity in major cities with average mobile speeds around 20-30 Mbps; fixed broadband is adequate in urban areas but can be slow in outlying regions. Tourism zones are generally well served for short stays.

• Electricity: 230V, 50 Hz; plug types C, F.

Mostly safe for tourists who stay in main tourist areas and follow local advice; the biggest risks are petty crime, chaotic roads, heat and specific security zones.

Staying healthy is straightforward with common-sense precautions: avoid tap water and risky food, protect against heat and sun, and use reputable operators for rural or desert activities.

Egypt’s identity is shaped by an ancient Nile-centered civilization layered with Greco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic histories; modern national identity also draws on 19th-20th-century reform and anti-colonial movements. Travelers encounter monumental archaeology, lively urban life and Nilotic rural rhythms.

Egyptians eat late. Breakfast is often ful and ta’ameya from a street stand, lunch is the main meal and runs from about 2pm to 5pm, and dinner rarely starts before 9pm, especially in Cairo and Alexandria. During Ramadan, many local restaurants close by day and then fill up for iftar at sunset; hotels and tourist restaurants keep serving.

• Where to eat: Koshari shops, ful-and-falafel counters and juice bars are cheap, fast and busy all day. In Alexandria and the Red Sea towns, pick your fish at the counter and pay by weight; ask the price per kilo first.
• The bill: Sit-down restaurants add a 12% service charge and 14% VAT, so the total can be a quarter higher than the menu. Leave 5-10% in cash for the waiter on top. Ask for a menu with prices before ordering in tourist areas.
• Alcohol: Only licensed hotels, bars, restaurants and specialist shops sell it, and many local places are dry. Stella and Sakara are the local beers. Avoid unbranded spirits, which can be adulterated.
• Vegetarians: Easy to eat well. Koshari, ful, ta’ameya, mahshi and many salads are meat-free, and Coptic fasting periods mean lots of vegan dishes.
• Water and hygiene: Drink sealed bottled water and check the cap is unbroken. Peeled fruit and freshly cooked hot food are the safest choices for a sensitive stomach.
• Must-try: Koshari, fiteer (layered pastry, sweet or savoury), hamam mahshi (stuffed pigeon), molokhia, fresh sugar-cane juice and karkade (hibiscus tea) in Luxor and Aswan.

Egypt’s world‑class archaeological sites and sensitive marine and desert environments require respectful behaviour, licensed guides, and avoidance of the illicit antiquities trade.

• Respect Antiquities & Site Rules: At the Pyramids, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, follow signage, avoid touching reliefs and mummies, and hire licensed Egyptologists or guides recommended by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
• Responsible Nile & Red Sea Travel: Choose Nile cruise operators and Red Sea dive centres that manage sewage and waste responsibly and follow no‑anchor and no‑feed rules around coral reefs to protect marine life.
• Desert & Bedouin Visits: When visiting Sinai or Western Desert communities, respect local dress and customs, use local guides and camps that employ Bedouin staff, and avoid disturbing pastoral lands.
• Avoid Buying Illicit Antiquities: Do not purchase ancient artefacts or fragments from street sellers; report suspicious offers to site authorities and choose museum‑quality reproductions instead.
• Support Local Craftspeople: Buy textiles, papyrus art and hand‑made goods from established cooperatives or licensed shops in Cairo and Luxor to ensure artisans receive fair payment.

Long‑term life in Egypt suits people drawn to low living costs, history, and warm weather - typically remote workers, retirees, and expat professionals. Many move for job postings, teaching, or to tap lower rental prices and coastal resorts. Expect a mix of modern city life and slower provincial rhythms.

Long-Term Visas: Residence permits available via work, family, or investment; tourist e‑visas for many nationals (30 or 90 days).

Working There: Work permits are required and employer‑sponsored; freelancing requires local registration or contracts with foreign entities.

Cost of Living: Cairo one‑bedroom city‑center rent around USD 300-500/month; single person’s monthly budget commonly USD 600-900.

Health & Wellness: Private hospitals in Cairo and Alexandria offer high standards; public care is variable, private insurance recommended.

Banking & Finance: Banks open accounts for residents, ATMs widespread but cash still commonly used; international transfers via banks/agents.

Taxes: Tax residents after 183 days, taxed on worldwide income with progressive rates up to about 25%.

Popular Places to Live in Egypt

The choice comes down to whether you want the energy of a big city, Mediterranean coastlines, or quieter historical towns. For nightlife and services head to Cairo, for cooler summers and sea access head to Alexandria, and for diving or a slower pace head to the Red Sea resorts.

• Cairo - Vibrant capital, best for jobs and services, heavy traffic and air pollution tradeoff
• Alexandria - Mediterranean port city, cooler summers, calmer pace with historical character
• Sharm El Sheikh - Resort town for diving and tourism, seasonal crowds and pricier holidays
• Hurghada - Red Sea resort with diving community, more affordable than Sharm but fewer nightlife options
• Luxor - Nile valley heritage town, quiet atmosphere, limited international connectivity and fewer amenities

Egypt’s remote‑work scene centers on Cairo and Red Sea resort towns - a mix of freelancers, academics, and expat professionals. Community spaces and coworking are growing but smaller than major nomad hubs; many balance city conveniences with relaxed coastal living.

Nomad Visa: None exists; common workaround is tourist e‑visa (30 or 90 days) or employer‑sponsored work/residence permit.

Long Term Rentals: Long‑term furnished rentals common in Cairo and coastal resorts, monthly leases standard, cheaper outside main cities.

Internet: City internet generally solid, fibre expanding; mobile 4G provides reliable backup for remote work.

Monthly Cost: Typical monthly budget for a nomad ~USD 600-1,000 depending on city and lifestyle, lower outside tourist towns.

Coworking: Coworking in Cairo and Alexandria, day passes common, growing network of independent spaces in major hubs.

Fitness & Wellness: Gyms and outdoor running plentiful in cities, diving and watersports on Red Sea for fitness lovers.

Community: Small but active expat and digital‑nomad pockets in Cairo and the Red Sea resorts, meetups occasional.

Time Zone: Eastern European/Arab time zone, EET (UTC+2), useful overlap with Europe and the Middle East.

Popular Nomad Hubs in Egypt

Nomads split time between the fast pace of Cairo, the Mediterranean calm of Alexandria, and Red Sea resort towns for diving and relaxed living. Choice depends on whether you prioritise nightlife and amenities, beachfront leisure, or historical atmosphere.

• Cairo - Bustling capital, best for jobs and services, heavy traffic and air quality tradeoff
• Alexandria - Mediterranean coast, cooler summers, quieter than Cairo but fewer international services
• Sharm El Sheikh - Tourist resort hub, diving and nightlife, higher seasonal prices and tourist crowds
• Hurghada - Red Sea beaches, diving community, quieter than Sharm with growing expat amenities
• Luxor - Historic Nile city, calm and inexpensive, limited international connectivity and services