Things To Know Before Traveling to Egypt – A Travel Checklist

Just like traveling to any country, there are certain things you should know before planning a trip to Egypt. Being one of the oldest civilizations in the world, Egypt has a rich cultural heritage and a unique blend of ancient and modern influences.

From iconic landmarks like the Great Pyramids of Giza to cities like Cairo, there’s no shortage of things to see and experience in this North African country. However, there are some important things to keep in mind before you set off on your Egyptian adventure.

Keep reading if you want to make the most out of your trip to Egypt.

Before you travel, check if you need a visa in advance and ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip. Check the official websites of Egyptian embassies or consulates to get detailed information about the visa requirements, application procedures, and other documents.

It’s important to keep both digital and physical copies of your visa safe for a smooth entry and exit.

Upon arriving, one crucial step to keep everyone safe is to fill out the required health declaration forms.

Be ready for customs luggage inspections, too. Also, exchange a small amount of currency at the airport because you’ll need it for initial expenses like transportation.

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites in Egypt to show respect. Always remove your shoes before entering mosques. Remember, taking photos inside sacred areas might not be allowed.

Buy tickets in advance during busy tourist seasons to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable trip. You should also respect barriers around ancient artifacts to protect them. A guide can offer deep historical insights into these places.

Egypt is hot, so wear loose, lightweight clothing. Bring a scarf or shawl for visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing outfits to respect local customs.

Traveling to Egypt is an adventure, but health should be your top priority. Drinking only bottled or purified water to prevent many health issues.

Always avoid raw vegetables and fruits you can’t peel yourself. Why? They might carry germs that your body isn’t used to.

Choose meals that are freshly cooked over street food for safety reasons. Street food may look tempting, but it’s not always safe.

Staying safe means being aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places. Crowds can sometimes lead to uncomfortable situations or even danger.

Keep your valuables like passports and money in hotel safes rather than carry them all day.

Walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas isn’t recommended either. It’s better to stay where more people are around or use a reputable taxi service if you need to go somewhere after dark.

For women traveling alone, blending in helps a lot. Dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention from locals or other travelers.

It’s also wise to share your daily travel plans with someone you trust back home or even with the hotel staff.

Using reputable transport services at night is important for female solo travelers’ safety.

The Cairo Metro is the quickest and cheapest way to travel around the city and is also relatively safe, especially for women.

Trains are a great way to get between cities, with several classes and options available.

Buses are another affordable option, but can sometimes be crowded and uncomfortable.

However, driving in Egypt with a rented car allows you to explore at your own pace. Just be prepared for hectic driving conditions and always follow traffic laws.

Just bring your international driving permit to Egypt to legally drive there.

Book your flights early, especially during busy tourist seasons like Christmas or Easter.

Airlines have different baggage rules. Check these before you pack to avoid extra fees.

Online check-in makes airport visits quicker. Use it to skip long lines.

Arguably one of the best things to do in Egypt, Nile cruises offer a unique way to experience the country and visit famous landmarks along the river. They also provide all-inclusive packages for an easy and stress-free vacation.

However, it’s important to research and choose a reputable cruise company to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. It’s also recommended to book in advance, as Nile cruises can fill up quickly.

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx is a must. Go early in the morning to avoid large crowds. This way, you’ll enjoy a quieter, more personal experience.

Luxor is another treasure trove of history. The Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings are breathtaking. Each tells ancient stories through its ruins.

For something different, try a felucca sail on the Nile at sunset. It’s peaceful and beautiful.

Egypt’s tombs and temples are fragile and have survived thousands of years.

Respect no-touch rules and no-flash photography to preserve the sites for future visitors.

A tour guide helps understand the ancient hieroglyphs and stories behind these incredible structures.

Balancing your itinerary is key when traveling.

• Mix historic site visits with relaxation by the Red Sea, giving you time to reflect on what you’ve seen.
• Spend enough time at each site to appreciate it fully.
• Consider adding lesser-known places like Siwa Oasis or Dahshur to your trip.

Before you start exploring Egypt’s landmarks, knowing some basic Arabic phrases can be helpful. Learning how to say hello (“Salam”), thank you (“Shukran”), and please (“Min fadlak”) makes a big difference because it shows respect for the local culture.

Downloading a translation app on your phone is also a great idea to help you find directions or buy something. Many apps work offline, so you don’t always need the internet.

Practicing pronunciation with locals is another good idea. Egyptians are friendly and appreciate it when visitors try to speak their language. Even if you make mistakes, they’ll likely help you with a smile.

Understanding tipping is important, too. Tipping (known as “baksheesh”) is expected in many places like restaurants or during tours. Carry small bills so that you can tip easily without needing change.

It’s best to exchange your money at official banks or hotels where the rates are more reliable than street vendors or less formal exchanges might offer. Always compare rates before exchanging to ensure you get the most value for your currency.

Informing your bank about your travel dates prevents card issues while abroad. Sometimes, banks block transactions from foreign countries, thinking they’re fraudulent unless they know beforehand that it’s you.

Knowing about the weather is key before you pack your bags for the trip. The sun in Egypt can be intense so it would be best to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. These items help protect your skin and eyes.

During the day, it gets scorching hot so try not to be outside too much between noon and 3 PM. This is when the sun is at its strongest. You can visit museums or have a relaxing lunch inside instead.

Drinking lots of water keeps you from getting thirsty because of the heat. Having said this, carrying a reusable water bottle makes this easy. You can fill it up throughout the day.

The best time to visit Egypt is during winter, from October to April when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. However, specific locations may have different peak seasons depending on weather patterns.

• The Nile River area is best visited during the cooler months of October to March.
• Luxor and Aswan are also ideal to visit in winter, as temperatures can reach over 100°F (37°C) in summer.
• If you plan a trip to the Red Sea, avoid the summer months when temperatures can be unbearably hot and humid. Winter is the best time for diving and snorkeling.

Traveling to Egypt offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient history and culture. However, it’s crucial to consider the environmental impact of your visit.

Carrying reusable bags, straws, and water bottles can greatly reduce plastic waste. You may think this has little impact but this small step helps protect the natural landscapes you’ve come to see.

Furthermore, staying on designated paths at natural sites is vital for ecosystem protection. Straying off these paths can harm plant life and disturb wildlife habitats. By following this simple rule, you contribute to conservation efforts.

Supporting eco-friendly tours is another excellent way to make a positive impact. Look for educational tours that promote conservation efforts to ensure that tourism benefits the environment.

Upon arrival in the country, familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers. Having these numbers handy can be critical in unexpected situations.

Avoid political demonstrations or large gatherings during your stay because such events can quickly escalate into unrest without visible warning signs. Better be safe than sorry by staying away from these situations.

Maintain a low profile by not displaying expensive jewelry while exploring Egypt’s wonders to avoid unwanted attention.

When planning your trip, picking reputable companies for tours and activities is crucial. Look for tour operators that have many positive reviews on independent platforms. These reviews give you a good idea of what to expect.

Before booking adventure activities, ask about safety protocols to ensure that the company takes your well-being seriously. Also, check if transportation companies are licensed and insured.

Like any other tourist destination, Egypt has its fair share of scams. A common one is taxi drivers charging higher rates for foreigners. Researching proper fare prices beforehand helps you avoid such situations.

Beware of people offering guided tours or promising special access to sites at a lower cost than usual. These are typically fake guides who may lead you to places where they receive kickbacks instead of providing authentic experiences.

You may also come across locals offering to take pictures with their camels or offer camel rides for a price. Avoid these situations, as the animals may not be treated well, and you could pay more than advertised.

Traveling to Egypt requires a bit of preparation, here are other things to consider. The country uses Type C/F plugs and operates on 220V electricity which is different from many other countries. So, it’s a good idea for visitors to pack an adapter or converter to ensure your devices can plug in without any issues.

Besides knowing what plugs to use and the electricity level, remember that sudden increases in power happen sometimes. These can damage things like your computer or phone. It’s smart to bring devices that protect against these power jumps to keep your electronics safe.

Another practical aspect of traveling involves dealing with restroom facilities. Public restrooms often do not provide toilet paper, so carrying your own is essential for comfort and hygiene.

Some public toilets might require a small fee for use—usually just a few coins. Keeping change handy avoids any awkward situations when you need to go.

Outside major cities, be prepared to encounter squat toilets rather than Western-style ones. Familiarize yourself with how these work ahead of time to make the experience less daunting.

Undoubtedly, Egypt offers a wealth of historical and cultural wonders to explore. From the best places to visit in Egypt, such as the Pyramids, Sphinx, or Valley of the Kings, to the bazaars and bustling streets of Cairo, there’s something for everyone.

Remember to stay hydrated, protect yourself from heat and sun exposure, and be mindful of your environmental impact.

Following these tips ensures a safe and unforgettable trip to this incredible country. Have a safe travel!