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Planning your first trip to Egypt? Get ready for an adventure like no other! From ancient wonders to bustling bazaars, Egypt offers a wide range of experiences. Before you take off to the land of pharaohs and pyramids, there are a few things you need to know to make the most of your journey.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything from the friendliness of the population to the tipping culture, the nuances of pricing for historical sites, navigating Egyptian traffic, the art of crossing the street, and more! So, grab your passport and join us as we uncover the essential tips and insights that will ensure your first trip to Egypt is smooth, memorable, and filled with unforgettable experiences.
In this Article:
Beat the Heat
Visiting Egypt in Spring and Summer? Always carry with you more water than you think you can drink and double that! The Egyptian climate can be extremely hot and dry, especially during these seasons, and staying hydrated is crucial. We visited in May for 3 weeks and we had pikes at 47 degrees Celsius in the shade. I would not recommend going between start of June to start of September if you do not want to literally roast. When exploring the bustling markets of Cairo, the awe-inspiring pyramids of Giza, or the ancient temples of Luxor, you’ll quickly realize how the heat can sap your energy. Lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat are essential to protect yourself from the intense sun. It's also wise to plan your sightseeing excursions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak heat of midday.
Egyptian Welcoming Mindset
People are extremely friendly and welcoming, making visitors feel right at home as they explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Egypt. Egyptians take great pride in their hospitality, often going out of their way to assist and engage with tourists. Whether you're wandering through the bustling streets of Cairo, sailing on the Nile, or exploring the stunning temples and tombs of Luxor, you'll find locals eager to share stories, offer guidance, and ensure you have a memorable experience. They may invite you to share a cup of tea or a meal, showcasing their renowned generosity and making you feel like an honored guest. We've experienced this first hand and were offered tea, desert or even a whole full meal once after a very interesting conversation with a restaurant owner. At the end of our bus ride from Hurghada to Cairo, a man we briefly spoke with negotiated and paid for our taxi to Cairo Aiport. Yes, it is real and yes, it seems out of this world coming from Europe or the US.
The Tipping Culture
However, be prepared for a very high tipping culture. Tipping, or "baksheesh," is expected in many situations, from dining in restaurants to receiving assistance with your luggage or tipping tour guides and drivers. The usual rate is around 10% but you can also just improvise depending on what you have on hand, if it's too little they will tell you very quickly. We highly recommend to carry small bills in Egyptian pounds, to accommodate these frequent tipping opportunities and avoid, like we did, having to give way too much money at the bathroom or elsewhere because you don't have smaller. Once you give the bill, it is final they won't give you change even if it's 10 times more than the usual amount. Understanding and embracing this custom will not only show respect for local practices but also ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience. Despite this, the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Egyptian people mentioned above will undoubtedly enhance your visit, creating lasting memories and connections.
Dual Pricing System
Be aware of the different pricing system for foreigners and locals, which is common at many tourist attractions, such as museums, archaeological sites, but also train tickets. When this system is in place, foreigners are always charged higher prices than locals, from 2 to 10 times more depending on the location / train ride. To give you an idea, we paid $90 for our night train while locals had to pay $17. This dual pricing system is designed to support the local economy while making it accessible for residents to enjoy their heritage or railway system. To avoid any surprises, it's helpful to research entry fees ahead of time and budget accordingly. The entry fees may vary depending on the exchange rate of the Egyptian Pound.
Ask for the Price
As we're talking about money; always ask for the price upfront. Most shops and stores do not display any sticker price on products. This practice is especially common in markets and smaller shops where haggling is part of the shopping experience. By inquiring about the price first, you can avoid misunderstandings and ensure a fair deal. It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with typical prices for items you intend to buy, whether it's souvenirs, food, or services. Bargaining is expected and can be a fun way to interact with locals, but always do so politely and with a sense of humor.
Egyptian Traffic and Crossing the Road
Traffic in Egypt is chaotic; always follow an Egyptian as they are crossing the street or ask someone from the traffic police to help you out (they are positioned at all big crossroads and usually very nice).
Navigating the bustling streets can be overwhelming for first-time visitors due to the constant flow of vehicles, honking horns, and fluid traffic rules. Pedestrian crossings are often ignored, and traffic lights are often more of a suggestion than a rule. To safely cross the road, look for a local and mimic their movements, as they are accustomed to the rhythm and patterns of the traffic. Patience and attentiveness are key; wait for a gap in traffic and cross with confidence, but always stay alert and 'look into the driver's eyes' our friend Kareem told us in Alexandria.
You can see below a reel we've made, fully dedicated to the challenge of crossing the road in Egypt:
No PDA in Egypt
When planning your first trip to Egypt, it’s important to understand that public displays of affection (PDA) are not culturally accepted. This means avoiding kissing, even on the cheek, and hugging in public places. Such gestures, which are commonplace and benign where Cyrill and I are from (Switzerland and France), can be seen as inappropriate and disrespectful in Egypt. The country has a conservative social fabric, and maintaining decorum in public spaces is crucial. Instead, save affectionate displays for private settings, if travelling with your partner, it needs a bit of getting used to. Being mindful of this cultural norm not only shows respect for local customs but also helps you blend in and avoid unwanted attention.
Avoid Traditional Taxis
I would recommend avoiding using traditional taxis and instead opting for ride-hailing services like Uber, Careem, or InDrive, you can find a detailed description of these apps and more in this article. Traditional taxis in Egypt often do not use meters and expect you to haggle over fares, which leads into overcharging you 2 to 3 times the price on average. Ride-hailing apps offer a safer, more reliable, and transparent alternative, providing you with upfront pricing, GPS tracking, and cashless transactions. If haggling is not your thing or you just arrived and do not feel confident enough yet, using an app will make your experience smoother and stress free.
Taking Pictures
Be cautious about taking photographs of people or animals, such as camels and horses. Many locals consider it intrusive or disrespectful to be photographed without their consent. Additionally, some individuals, including those managing animals, may expect payment for allowing you to take their picture, which can lead to uncomfortable situations if not handled appropriately.
Drinking Alcohol on the Streets
It may seem obvious but worth mentioning that drinking alcohol on the streets is not accepted socially and depending on where you're located it can be simply illegal and can get you in trouble, some hotels or hostels can also forbid you from bringing alcohol into your room. Some restaurants and bars serve alcohol, just stay in one of these to consume alcoholic beverages.
