Egypt Travel Tips

Egypt Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

By Egypt Guide Team 3 min read

In short

Practical, no-nonsense Egypt travel tips for first-timers: money and tipping, dress, staying healthy, getting around, and travelling respectfully.

A traveller in a blue headscarf looking up at the Great Sphinx of Giza, Egypt

A first trip to Egypt is exciting, occasionally overwhelming, and far smoother when you know a few basics in advance. These Egypt travel tips focus on the practical things first-time visitors ask about most (money, dress, health, getting around and travelling respectfully) without the fluff.

Use this as a checklist

Skim the headings below before you fly. None of it is complicated, but knowing it ahead of time saves a lot of small stresses on day one.

Money, cash and tipping

  • Carry some local cash. Card acceptance is growing, but many small purchases, tips and local services are easier with cash.
  • Keep small denominations. Tipping (baksheesh) is woven into daily life for small services, so small notes are genuinely useful.
  • Tip for service. It is normal and appreciated for help with luggage, guiding, and good restaurant or hotel service.

Stash small notes

Keep a dedicated pocket of small notes for tips and minor purchases so you are not breaking large bills all day.

Currency and costs change

Exchange rates and typical prices shift over time. We deliberately do not quote exact amounts here. Check current rates and budgets from a reliable source close to your travel date. See our planning guide for how to think about budgeting.

What to wear

Egypt is generally conservative, and dressing modestly is both respectful and practical in the heat.

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover shoulders and knees work well.
  • A scarf or light layer is handy for sun, air-conditioning and covering up at religious sites.
  • Comfortable, closed walking shoes make a big difference at dusty archaeological sites.

Staying healthy and comfortable

The most common traveller complaints are sun and stomach related, and both are largely preventable.

  • Drink plenty of water and favour bottled or filtered water; be cautious with ice and raw foods early on.
  • Use strong sun protection and a hat. The sun is intense, especially at open-air sites.
  • Pace yourself; mornings are cooler and better for big sightseeing days.

Get personalised health advice

Health needs are individual. Talk to a travel clinic or doctor well before you travel for advice on vaccinations, medications and anything specific to your health and itinerary.

Getting around

  • Cities like Cairo are busy and traffic is heavy; allow generous time for transfers.
  • Pre-arranged transport through your hotel or a trusted operator removes a lot of friction, especially for airport runs and day trips.
  • Domestic flights and Nile cruises are common ways to cover the longer distances between Cairo and Upper Egypt. See our Nile cruise guide.

Culture and etiquette

A little awareness goes a long way and is warmly received.

  • Ask before photographing people, and respect signs about photography at sites and museums.
  • Dress modestly at mosques and religious sites, and follow any guidance on shoes and covering up.
  • A friendly, patient manner (including with persistent vendors) keeps interactions relaxed. A polite, firm “no, thank you” is perfectly fine.

Learn a couple of words

A simple shukran (“thank you”) is always appreciated and tends to bring a smile.

A simple first-timer packing shortlist

  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sun protection
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Modest layers and a scarf
  • Comfortable closed walking shoes
  • A small day bag for water, sun gear and a power bank

Where to go next

For more on the practical side of a first trip, browse our full Egypt travel tips hub. When the basics click, the fun part begins: building your route. Start with the Egypt travel planning guide, check the best time to visit, and browse a sample 7-day Egypt itinerary.

Frequently asked questions

Is tipping expected in Egypt?

Tipping (often called "baksheesh") is a normal part of daily life in Egypt and is commonly given for small services such as help with bags, guiding and good restaurant service. Carry small denominations of local currency so you can tip easily.

What should I wear in Egypt as a first-time visitor?

Egypt is a conservative country overall. Lightweight clothing that covers shoulders and knees is a practical and respectful choice, especially at religious sites where modest dress is expected. Bring a scarf or light layer you can use to cover up when needed.

Can I drink the tap water in Egypt?

Many visitors choose bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach upset, and are careful with ice and raw foods early in the trip. Speak to a travel health professional before you go for advice tailored to you.

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