Discover the captivating allure of Cairo attractions. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Egypt as you explore iconic landmarks such as the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, and more. Unlock a world of wonders in Cairo that will leave you awe-struck. Start planning your unforgettable journey today.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not advise against visiting Cairo, Alexandria, the Nile tourist areas, or the Red Sea resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada, as well as the area between the Nile and the Red Sea is also regarded as relatively safe, in fact Gallup Ranked Egypt no 8 in top 10 safest places in the world.
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Egypt as a tourist. Visas are easily attainable on arrival at Cairo airport for most nationalities for US$30 paid in cash, but please check with your travel agent or embassy before departure. On arrival at Cairo airport you buy your visa at any of the banks before proceeding to immigration. You’ll be given a stamp that you then need to put into your passport yourself. A single entry visa is valid for three months from date of issue and entitles the bearer to one month in Egypt. Multiple entry visas are not available at the airport or any border crossings
Applicants must fill out an online visa application form and pay a fee using a credit or debit card to apply for a single or multiple-entry Egypt eVisa, Applicants should submit their applications at least 7 days prior to their trip, Applicants will receive approved Egypt eVisas via email once they have been processed.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
ATMs are common in large cities such as Cairo and Alexandria and are found in and near shopping centres, tourist areas and 5-star hotels. ATMs are far less common in rural areas and smaller towns so you’re advised to be prepared for this by having enough cash before travelling out of the city.
You will have to adjust to different standards of hygiene and sanitation while in Egypt. The standard toilet is of the squat variety, and this may take some getting used to, although western-style toilets can be found in some tourist areas.
Egypt is a relatively cheap place to visit, although visits to monuments and museums – while worthwhile experiences – can be expensive. Here’s what you can roughly expect to pay for a:
Pastry = 20 EGP
Cup of coffee = 20 EGP
Short taxi ride = 30 EGP
Drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Egypt. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found, some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It’s also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating, know more about Eating and Drinking in Egypt
The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), and its symbol is £. Each pound is made up of 100 piastres.
Bills and Coins In Egypt, there are notes of 25 and 50 piastres as well as 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 pounds. The coins are 5, 10, 25 and 50 piastres and 1 pound (1 pound = 100 piastres).
Egypt receives a lot of sunshine and very little rain. The hottest time is June to August, the coolest time is January, and the most precipitation occurs during winter months.
No matter what you’re doing this summer, hotter days can be a challenge. This is when people in Egypt usually enjoy a good snorkelling session while the souqs in these cities consist of streets and markets that can be crowded during these warmer months.
If you travel to Egypt in the summer months, it can be very hot. Traveling between March and May or September and November maximizes your ability to avoid crowds, as well as experience milder weather and festivals such as Ramadan.
In Egypt, 90% of the population is Muslim and Islam is its established religion. Dress code in Egypt is naturally conservative for both men and women. Muslim women may wear a hijab (a headscarf covering the head and neck but not the face), a niqeb (a veil covering the face but leaving the eye area clear), or don’t cover their heads at all. Tourists are not legally required to follow the dress code, but dressing conservatively and modestly shows your respect and may deflect unwanted attention from Egyptian men. Clothes recommended are high-necked and sleeved blouse, loose cotton or linen trousers, or a below knee skirt that’s perfect for formal occasions. Tight or transparent clothes should be avoided with anything made of cotton or linen being best.
Males can wear long trousers, sleeved shirts and T-shirts. However, in some areas, these items may not be accepted. Short shorts and sleeveless tops are usually acceptable in beach or resort areas.
It’s best to wear closed-toe shoes with your feet from the dirt, sand, or mud. You should also avoid going barefoot while out in the dirt unless you’re at the beach.
It may be a good idea to bring a casual coat or shawl with you when travelling. Temperature differences can range up to 20°C.
Major credit cards are widely accepted in tourist shopping areas and large hotels, but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases since credit cards aren’t always an option in Egypt.
