Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | E£300–700 | E£1,000–2,500 |
| Food | E£100–250 | E£400–800 |
| Transport | E£50–150 | E£200–400 |
| Activities | E£500–800 | E£1,000–2,000 |
| Drinks | E£30–60 | E£100–200 |
| Daily Total | E£980–1,960 | E£2,700–5,900 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Most nationalities get visa on arrival ($25 USD, paid in cash at the airport). E-visa also available at visa2egypt.gov.eg
- Passport must be valid for 6+ months. Keep your visa sticker — you may need to show it at hotels
- Cairo International Airport (CAI) is 20km northeast. Uber to downtown E£150–250. Airport bus 356 to Tahrir Square E£10
Health & Safety
- Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines recommended. Don't drink tap water — bottled water E£5–10 everywhere. Avoid salads washed in tap water
- Cairo is generally safe but scams targeting tourists are common at tourist sites. Stay firm and confident. Petty theft in crowds — watch your pockets
- Summer heat (Jun–Sep) exceeds 40°C. Carry water constantly. Air pollution can irritate lungs — consider a mask on heavy traffic days
Getting Around
- Cairo Metro: 3 lines, E£8–12 per ride. Clean, fast, and covers key areas. Women-only carriages available (front two cars)
- Uber is essential — far cheaper and more reliable than taxis. Cross-city rides E£50–150. Download the app before arriving
- Traffic is legendary — allow 2–3x the estimated journey time. Avoid rush hours (8–10am, 4–7pm). The metro avoids traffic entirely
Connectivity
- Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat sell tourist SIMs at the airport — E£200–400 for 10–30GB data. Vodafone has the best coverage
- WiFi in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Speed varies — downtown is faster than older neighbourhoods
- WhatsApp and social media work fine. VPN not usually needed but handy for occasional blocks
Money
- Egyptian Pound (EGP/E£). ATMs everywhere in central Cairo. Bring fresh USD bills — useful for visa on arrival and some tourist payments
- Cash is essential — many smaller restaurants, taxis, and markets don't accept cards. Carry E£500–1,000 daily in small notes
- Tipping (baksheesh) is deeply embedded — E£10–20 for small services, 10% at restaurants. Carry lots of small notes
Packing Tips
- Light, breathable clothing covering shoulders and knees. Conservative dress for mosques — women should carry a headscarf
- Comfortable walking shoes — the streets are uneven and dusty. A hat, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and sunglasses are essential
- Carry tissues/toilet paper (not always provided in public facilities), hand sanitiser, and a refillable water bottle
Cultural tips
Haggling Culture
Bargaining is expected everywhere except supermarkets and restaurants with menus. Start at 25–30% of asking price. Stay friendly and patient. Walking away often brings the best price.
Mosque Etiquette
Remove shoes, cover shoulders and knees. Women should cover their hair — carry a scarf. Don't enter during prayer times. Most historical mosques welcome respectful visitors of all faiths.
Baksheesh (Tipping)
Tipping is a way of life in Egypt. E£10–20 for bathroom attendants, museum guards who open areas, and helpful locals. 10–15% at restaurants. Carry lots of E£5 and E£10 notes always.
Photography
Ask before photographing people. Some sites charge extra for cameras. At the pyramids, unofficial "helpers" who pose for photos will demand money — decline firmly if you didn't agree to pay.
Tourist Scams
Common: "the museum is closed" (it isn't), fake guides at pyramids, taxi meters "broken." Stay firm, use Uber, and never follow strangers. Politely decline unsolicited help at tourist sites.
Dress Code
Egypt is conservative. Cover shoulders and knees in public — especially in Islamic Cairo and mosques. Beachwear is only for resorts. Women: a headscarf for mosques. Loose, breathable fabrics are most comfortable.
