Egypt travel tips for first-time visitors: Cairo and Giza, with official sources

Egypt travel tips: the short list

These Egypt travel tips are for a first visit to Cairo and the Giza pyramids. Many travel sites give long lists of tips. This page is short. Each tip comes from an official source. We read each source on the date in the source list. If you are not sure about the trip, read Is Egypt worth visiting?.

1. Check your visa rules early

Visa rules for Egypt depend on your nationality. Do not use a list from a travel blog. Do these steps:

1. Read the advice of your own government. For example, the UK advice applies only to British passport holders.
2. Check the official e-visa portal. The Egypt e-Visa Portal is visa2egypt.gov.eg. It lists the nationalities that can apply online.
3. Apply early. The portal says to apply at least 7 days before your departure.
4. Check your passport. The UK government and the portal say that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive.

The UK government says that some airports also sell a visa on arrival. It says that you do not need to buy a visa from an agent. We do not give visa fees on this page. Check the current fee on the official portal.

2. Read the safety advice for your country

The UK government says that most visits to Egypt are trouble-free. It also says that terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt. The US gives Egypt Level 2: "Exercise increased caution". Canada and Australia tell visitors to exercise a high degree of caution.

Some governments advise against travel to some areas of Egypt. Check the list of areas in the advice of your own government. To report a crime, call the tourist police on 126.

For the advice of each government and the security at the plateau, see Is it safe to visit the pyramids?.

3. Carry your ID

The UK government says that police check ID regularly. They can detain you if you cannot show your ID and your visa. The advice says that you can also show a digital or paper copy. Keep a photo of your passport and visa on your phone.

4. Prepare for your health

• See a doctor before you go. The US CDC says to visit a doctor at least one month before your trip. It recommends a hepatitis A vaccine for unvaccinated travelers and a typhoid vaccine for most travelers.
• Drink bottled water. The Irish government says that tap water is not safe to drink. It recommends bottled water.
• Check your medicines. The UK government says that some medicines are controlled in Egypt. You can need permission from the Egyptian Ministry of Health before you arrive.
• Get travel insurance. The UK government tells visitors to get insurance for treatment and medical evacuation.
• Plan for the heat. The Irish government says that summer temperatures reach more than 40 °C (104 °F). Drink a lot of water.

For an ambulance, call 123.

5. Carry some cash

The local currency is the Egyptian pound. The Canadian government says that US dollars are preferred at tourist sites. It also says that many merchants accept only cash.

• ATMs. The Australian government says that ATMs are available in most established areas.
• Limit. The UK government says that you can bring up to 5,000 Egyptian pounds into or out of Egypt.
• Small notes. Keep small notes separate from your main money. You use them for tips and small purchases.

Tipping is common in Egypt, but we found no official tip amounts. For who to tip and how to decide, see Tipping in Egypt.

6. Buy tickets only from official sellers

The official ticket site for historical sites is egymonuments.com. You can also buy tickets in the Experience Egypt app or at the ticket office. The official site says that all these channels accept Visa and Mastercard.

The Giza plateau ticket costs EGP 700 for a foreign adult. The inside of each pyramid needs a separate ticket.

7. Use a licensed taxi or a rideshare app

The Australian government says that scams and overcharging occur with taxis hailed on the street. It tells visitors to use licensed, metered taxis or reputable rideshare apps. Before you get in, check that the car and the driver match the details in the app. The Canadian government says that many taxis do not have working meters.

Uber says that its app is available in Cairo at all hours. For how to use it, see Uber in Cairo.

8. Dress modestly and ask before you take photos

• Dress. The UK government says to dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and markets.
• Photos of people. The UK government says that you must get written permission from an Egyptian citizen before you take their photo. Photos of children are prohibited.
• Military areas. The UK government says that photos of or near military property are illegal.
• Drones. Do not bring a drone. The UK government says that you need permission from the Ministry of Defence before you import or use one.

The official ticket site says that you do not need permission to use your phone camera at the historical sites.

9. Respect Ramadan

Ramadan is the Muslim holy month. Its dates change each year. The UK government says that it is culturally insensitive to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours. Check the opening hours of shops and restaurants during this month.

10. Agree prices first and say no calmly

The UK government says that scammers and touts sometimes target foreign visitors at tourist sites. The US government tells tourists to beware of overcharging and scams in tourist areas.

Agree the price of a camel or horse ride, a photo or "help" before you accept. If you do not want it, say "No, thank you" one time. Then continue to walk. For the tricks that visitors report at the plateau, see Egypt scams at the pyramids.