Egypt travel guide

Getting there

Cairo International Airport is the main gateway, with other international airports at Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh and Marsa Alam. Some travellers also arrive overland or by ferry from neighbouring countries in the region.

Best time to visit: Oct–Apr – warm days and cooler nights.

Tougher months: June–August in Upper Egypt, when temperatures in Luxor and Aswan can be extremely hot.

Weather by month in Cairo

• 19°J
• 21°F
• 24°M
• 28°A
• 32°M
• 34°J
• 35°J
• 35°A
• 33°S
• 30°O
• 25°N
• 20°D

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Africa/Cairo. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 124 of 198 other passports can enter Egypt without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 5 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 69 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of Egypt (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (U.S. Department of State, updated 2025-07-15). Read the advisory.

Source and more: Egypt travel facts on RoamSun

Stay

Most trips to Egypt are based around Cairo and Giza, Luxor or Aswan. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$25–40 for a backpacker and US$60–120 mid-range, per person.

Source: RoamSun Egypt page · Browse hotel guides

Connect

Plug types: C, F. Voltage: 220 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +20.

Mobile data: read the travel eSIM setup guide before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.

Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun

Do

• Cairo and Giza (Capital · pyramids and Islamic Cairo): The pyramids, world-class museums and the medieval mosques and markets of Islamic Cairo in one sprawling city.
• Luxor (Upper Egypt · temples and tombs): Ancient Thebes holds Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple.
• Aswan (Upper Egypt · Nile and Nubian culture): A relaxed river town of feluccas, colourful Nubian villages and the island temple of Philae.
• Abu Simbel (Far south · rock temples): Two monumental temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari overlooking Lake Nasser.
• Alexandria (Mediterranean coast · Greco-Roman city): Seaside corniche cafés, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina and catacombs from the Roman era.
• Dahab (Sinai · diving and backpacking): A laid-back Red Sea town famed for snorkelling, the Blue Hole and trips to Mount Sinai.
• Siwa Oasis (Western Desert · oasis): Palm groves, salt lakes and mud-brick ruins in a remote corner of the Sahara.
• Saqqara and Dahshur (Near Cairo · early pyramids): The Step Pyramid and the Bent and Red Pyramids, often with far fewer crowds than Giza.

Things to do

• Stand before the Pyramids. Walk around the last surviving wonder of the ancient world on the Giza Plateau, guarded by the Sphinx.
• Cruise the Nile. Drift between Luxor and Aswan by cruise boat or traditional felucca, stopping at riverside temples.
• Explore the Valley of the Kings. Descend into painted royal tombs carved deep into the hills of Luxor's west bank.
• Wander Karnak Temple. Lose yourself among the giant columns of the Hypostyle Hall in one of the largest religious complexes ever built.
• Visit Abu Simbel. Gaze up at the colossal statues of Ramesses II, relocated in a feat of modern engineering.
• Get lost in Khan el-Khalili. Haggle for lanterns, spices and brass in Cairo's centuries-old bazaar, then rest at a traditional coffeehouse.
• Dive the Red Sea. Explore vivid coral reefs and wrecks from Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh or Marsa Alam.
• Float over Luxor. Take a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over temples, fields and the desert.

Source: full Egypt guide on RoamSun

Eat and drink

• Koshari – rice, lentils and pasta with tomato sauce
• Ful medames – slow-cooked fava beans
• Ta'ameya – Egyptian falafel made with fava beans
• Molokhia – green jute-leaf stew

Source: RoamSun Egypt guide

Talk

Twenty basic Arabic phrases with a simple sound guide. Say them slowly; a smile does the rest.

Basic phrases: pronunciation is approximate and the list has not yet been reviewed by a native speaker. Capital letters mark the stressed syllable where that applies. Spot a mistake? Tell us.

Money and safety

Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: Expected – about 10–15% in restaurants and small tips (baksheesh) for services.

Emergency numbers: 122 police · 123 ambulance · 180 fire · 126 tourist police.

• The currency is the Egyptian pound; carry small notes for taxis, tips and markets.
• Cards work in larger hotels and restaurants, and ATMs are widespread in cities and resorts.
• Most tourist areas are well policed, but check your government's latest travel advice, as some regions near borders and parts of North Sinai are advised against.
• Expect persistent touts and scams around major sites; agree prices in advance and politely but firmly decline unwanted help.

Source: RoamSun Egypt facts