26 January

12+ Cairo Travel Tips - The Ultimate Guide to Enjoy Your Visit to Egypt

First time to Egypt?

You most probably wonder “What I need to know before visiting this country?”

You might ask your friends and family members who have been to Egypt before, or even search the internet.

One thing for sure is that you will find countless answers and recommendations.

That’s why we gathered the most important tips you need to know before travelling in one place.

These Egypt travel tips will help you to have a comprehensive overview of all you should know before your visit including the best time to visit Egypt, how to get around Cairo, where to stay as well as the Egyptian culture, language and food.

Safety tips are the most important you should know about to have a wonderful trip without any disturbance.

Visiting Egypt will leave a lasting awesome impression on you; especially, if you consider these tips which will make you safely enjoy.

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Airport Tips

Firstly, when you arrive at Cairo Airport, you should get your visa if you have not got it before; you will get it easily and smoothly. It is recommended to have a local SIM card to enjoy free calls and good internet speed. Thus, you will find at the airport, out of the arrival hall, the booths of the three mobile phone providers in Egypt: Vodafone, Etisalat and Orange. Secondly, you should know how to get out of the Cairo airport to the center, you will find some buses linking Cairo airport to the downtown and you will find also taxis but it will be better if you agree with the driver on a fair price for this journey.

Excellent Time to Visit Egypt

You should choose a perfect time to visit Egypt. It is known that December and January are often the peak months of tourism; however, it is suggested to visit Egypt from October to April because the weather is a delight as the sun is not hot but shining and the air is fresh and pure.

Read Further: Why You Should Travel to Egypt in These Times

What to Visit in Egypt/Cairo?

There are many impressive historical and monumental places in Egypt such as Pyramids; your visit to ‎Egypt cannot be completed without visiting pyramids which are the most magnificent landmarks in ‎Egypt. You can also go to museums such as the Egyptian Museum and the Coptic Museum. In addition, visiting Khan El Khalili and wondering in al Moaz Street will seduce you to buy some souvenirs such as Pharaonic objects in marble and alabaster, Egyptian cotton sheets, clothing and, papyrus. You can completely ‎depend on your trusted tour guide to help you enjoy visiting different wonderful places around ‎Cairo. You can go around Cairo by using the metro because it is fast, easy and inexpensive; so that, you can download ‎the Cairo metro map to help you find what you want. If you want to travel around Egypt, ‎trains will be a good means for their comfortability and reliability. ‎

Where to Stay?

Accommodation, of course, is an important thing you are searching for. There are a number of decent hotels you can stay; they are at a fair price, the rooms are clean and the service is full board. For example, you can stay in al-Azar Hotel (Boutique hotel); it is located in downtown, close to the metro station. The Windsor Hotel also is a perfect place to stay amidst the downtown; it is near to many prominent attractions such as the Egyptian Museum, Opera Square, Khan al Khalili Bazaar, Abdine Palace and the River Nile.

Language in Egypt

The official language in Egypt is Arabic. It will be better if you learn some Arabic words before traveling; this may give you some protection when dealing with others; especially, money dealings. Moreover, you will be more appreciated and respected by the people there. Try to learn some Arabic numbers to help you when riding a taxi because the license plates in Egypt are in Arabic. If you cannot learn any of these, do not worry because in Egypt; predominantly, in Cairo, many people know English well. Hence, you will always find who helps you and guide you to your destination.

Read More: Egyptian Language 101

People in Egypt

People in Egypt are helpful, warm and friendly; they are enjoyed with hospitality especially with foreigners. You will find them smile to you and try to help you if you ask them. Some of them, in the touristic places, may ask you for a picture with you as a kind of greeting and to be memorable for them. Do not hesitate to talk to people in Egypt.

Food in Egypt

Egyptian cuisine is characterized by different special and delicious types of food. Whether you are vegetarian or not, you will find what enjoys your taste buds including local popular food in Egypt such as ful, falafel, Koshry, etc. Most of the Egyptian food types are accessible as there are many street shops wherever you go. Moreover, local food in Egypt is affordable.

Getting Money in Egypt

The local currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound. You can easily exchange your money through the ATM. There are many ATMs everywhere; therefore, do not be worry about running out of money as long as you have them on your account.

Safety Tips in Egypt

One of the most important things sought by the tourists is being safe in the place they go to. Nowadays, Egypt is safer than after 2011 events; security is everywhere and no one can enter any touristic attraction or metro station or train station without going through the security appliance. Being safe also includes avoiding any disease and being healthy.

Read More: 12+ Tips to Stay Secure in Egypt

General Safety Tips for Traveling to Egypt

There are general precautions you can take in your trip to Egypt/Cairo:

Avoid assembles
Check government travel warnings regularly
Follow the Foreign Ministry on Twitter and Facebook
Register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and to be easily followed in an emergency state.

Health Considerations & Vaccinations

Do not forget to have the first aid kit to use them if necessary. Be careful about the up to date vaccines. Vaccines for typhoid and hepatitis A are highly recommended.

Women’s Safety When Travelling to Egypt Alone

There is a question always raised in females’ minds when traveling; Is it safe to travel as a solo? In Egypt, yes, it is safe. You can go around and wander without any worries; however, try to follow the cultural etiquette and customs of the country. For example, according to the clothes, because Egypt is a Muslim country, it is better for women to dress conservatively. For instance, they can wear long pants or dresses rather than shorts or mini-skirts and long or half sleeves rather than tank tops. On public transport, try to sit next to another woman or family to feel more comfortable. If you are exposed to any kind of harassment, do not worry because you will find all the people around you help you.

Travel tips are very essential before traveling to Egypt; they help you much to determine the best time to visit Egypt, the accommodation places and the sites that deserved to be visited. Besides, you obtain a comprehensive outline of the country, its people, its language and its food; hence, you save much time when you make your trip. Considering your safety tips following the rules of security also helps you enjoy your travel without any troubles.

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      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 434 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Marwa Ahmed 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. شركه � حتر� ه وبتوفر ناس � حتر� ه للتعا� ل والتعا� ل � عاه� سهل و� ريح ولو كل� ته� ف اي وقت بلاقيه� 
  
 
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   Ash D 
 79 days ago
 
 
 Verified 6/5 stars 6/5 stars GAT tours took care of every detail and were amazing in every way. Would highly recommend them
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ihor George C 
 148 days ago
 
 
 Verified Trip of a lifetime We just got back from a family "trip of a lifetime" to Egypt: 3 couples arrived in Cairo from different parts of US and Canada, at different flights and times, and yet the reception and arrival coordination and documents arrangement could not have been smoother. All was arranged, and the trip was custom designed by Ahmet from GAT Tours. We were a bit apprehensive considering the issues in the Middle East, but really there never has been a moment of concern and a complete feeling of safety as we were chauffeured, flown and sailed to the various destinations of this great country of Egypt. We visited the important sites around Cairo : the fantastic, new, Grand Egyptian Museum, the pyramids, the Sphinx, Civilization Museum, the market, Citadel, and other sites. Our hotel was first class. Our voyage down the Nile from Luxor was in upgraded suites (courtesy of GAT) on top of the line Sonesta Cruise line : gourmet meals in absolute comfort! We were lucky to have Asmaa in Cairo and Simon in Luxor and Aswan to guide us through the exhilarating sites of Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Kim Ombo, Edfu, Abu Simbel etc. in a very knowledgeable and entertaining fashion. WOW !! What a trip. GAT Tours made it happen. George C.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Andrew C 
 154 days ago
 
 
 Verified Fantastic family trip to Cairo and Luxor. GAT tours was great Our tour guides Asmaa and Simon made our trip to Cairo and our Nile cruise so much more meaningful.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Marc C 
 154 days ago
 
 
 Verified Cairo and Nile Cruise This was an excellent tour! GAT Tours planned every detail and was very accommodating. We were initially going to cancel the tour considering the recent instability in the Gulf Region, however, the tour manager (Ahmed Omar) ensured our safety. We felt very safe in the hands of our tour guides (Asmaa - in Cairo and Simon in Luxor/Aswan). Both tour guides were extremely knowledgeable, personable, engaging, and advised us well on how to save time and money at the various sites and markets. Strongly recommend Asmaa and Simon as tour guides! Our travel/logistics person (Seif) was also great. He ensured our transportation, pick-ups, and meals were all on time. Everyone operating the tour was accessible and responsive via iPhone. The tour guides really showed us how rich their culture (ancient or modern) is. Highly recommend this tour: Six adults (incl. 2 seniors). My personal favorites: Valley of the Kings, GEM, and any of the evening tours of the temples!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Angustias R 
 155 days ago
 
 
 Verified Una agencia muy fiable Fue todo excelente desde Dina hasta Omar el representante de la agencia , los guías auténticos profesionales , nos sentimos muy agustos y protegidos
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Neil91 
 157 days ago
 
 
 Verified Good experience overall It’s a mixed review of the tour and I will divide it into office staff and guide & drivers. Ahmed Omar in Cairo office helped us with our 5 days-Nile cruise and associated sightseeing. He was very prompt, polite and professional. As we didn’t get the morning flight on the day of our cruise, Ahmed helped us book a Luxor hotel for the night before. He also asked us for a personal favour and we obliged. Ahmed was thoughtful and offered to arrange ‘meet and greet’ at Cairo airport, in addition to the pick up on our return to Cairo after the cruise. Mr Mina met us at Cairo airport for helping with visa, Sim and money exchange. Despite Ahmed’s assurance that we would be helped with exchanging money, Mr Mina was walking out without doing that. When my wife pointed that out, he tried to blame us for not reminding him, which was not very nice! At Luxor airport, we were expecting My Ayman, but someone else came, which is fine. He was helpful and went to the hotel with us and next morning picked us up from hotel and dropped us at the cruise. We chose Sonesta star goddess for our trip and Ahmed had arranged everything. The guide Mohamed Refaat met us at 3pm. He said was a freelancer, and that he was given to us because he is a close friend of Mr Ayman. We found difficult to understand his English initially and his knowledge was just ok. He spent 20 minutes outside the Karnak temple talking about canals etc and as a result we had to rush at the end. He didn’t offer to take photos, but obliged whenever we asked. He repeated himself a lot and was not very interesting or engaging. We did think of calling the office to change him but didn’t. In Aswan, he said that we should pay for the felucca ride which was included. And then went on to say that we should pay the driver as he is not paid well and that we have to spend a lot during our Abu Simbel trip. On the final day, Mohamed went to our cruise reception and asked the person to give us an envelope and then turned around and told me to give them tips, before he leaves. That was very disrespectful behaviour and we were angry. Then we went to Abu Simbel and throughout the journey, he mostly chatted with the driver or slept. The driver, Kareem, was holding his phone with his left hand and talking while driving on the highway, which we found quite scary. Despite clearly telling Mohamed that we will not take out money using our card and that we will exchange money when we return to Aswan, after our trip finishes, he kept asking us to take money out throughout the day whenever he saw an ATM, very irritating behaviour. It left us with a bad taste. On the positive side, he was always on time, was friendly and did the basics. There were other little negative things like the car didn’t have water or tissue box, though it was sorted after informing Ahmed twice. It would have been good if someone from Gat tour contacted us directly to see if we were ok. We had to keep texting Ahmed for all minor issues, and he was always prompt. The representatives for Aswan airport and then again at Cairo airport were all on time and professional. So overall it was good. Gat tours is recommended but the guide Mohamed is definitely not.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Malau M 
 190 days ago
 
 
 Verified Agence au top Agence vraiment au top gestion des visites, transports, choix des hôtels malgré des changements d’horaires causer par les avions, une personne était là à chaque étape au moment de notre arrivée. Un grand merci à Dina qui nous a organisé un séjour sur mesure en famille dont nous garderons de merveilleux souvenirs
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Anne 
 193 days ago
 
 
 Verified The best! Highly recommended! 10 out of 10 The best. Seamless from start to finish. Nothing is too much. Excellent communications. We did the Renaissance 5 day river cruise from Luxor to Aswan. 4 of us. We had our own knowledgeable and very solicitous guide who accompanied us throughout the cruise. GAT also met us at the airport and in Luxor to take us to the boat and introduce us to our tour guide. Everything on time, with clear communication. GAT also booked us the Elite sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor. Their cost was was very reasonable and it was a fabulous experience: a wonderful, clean and well designed compartment with excellent service, they even provided slippers! Mr Omar, one of the managers, based in Cairo, was superb in choreographing our entire trip. Thank you GAT
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ehab Marzouk 
 200 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. شركه في غايه الاحترا� .� واعيد � حتر� ه وأسعار � ناسبه جدا ..بصراحه � كنتش شايل ه� اي حاجه وانا � عاه� 
  
 
 
  
 
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12+ Cairo Travel Tips - The Ultimate Guide to Enjoy Your Visit to Egypt

You will read in this article

Feeling Lost ?

Airport Tips

Excellent Time to Visit Egypt

What to Visit in Egypt/Cairo?

Where to Stay?

Language in Egypt

People in Egypt

Food in Egypt

Getting Money in Egypt

Safety Tips in Egypt

General Safety Tips for Traveling to Egypt

Health Considerations & Vaccinations

Women’s Safety When Travelling to Egypt Alone

Your Journey, Your Way

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