10 Things to know when visiting Egypt

Egypt was the furthest that I have traveled and slightly over-whelming to plan. While planning my trip to Egypt I spent hours upon hours watching Youtube videos, reading blogs, googling questions, and texting my guides. I will admit…I may almost enjoy the planning and researching pre- trip more than the actual trip. Below I’ve compiled a list of ten things that will help with planning a visit to Egypt.

1. Arabic is the primary language of Egypt. But most people working in tourism will speak English. I highly suggest learning “thank you” in Arabic which is “shukran.” Also, if you can learn to say “As-Salaam-Alaikum” which is a popular greeting meaning “peace upon you” your effort will be met with compliments from the locals. They will even teach you other simple Arabic sayings if you’re interested.
   
2. The currency is Egyptian pounds. Here is a link for current exchange rates https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/Amount=1&From=USD&To=EGP. I recommend carrying cash but make sure you have small bills. People will often say they don’t have change. Credit cards are accepted in some shops and restaurants, but internet connection can be unreliable.

1. 3. Islam is the primary religion in Egypt. Women should dress modestly to reduce the amount of attention. I highly recommend wearing knee- maxi length dresses or skirts, pants, and shirts that cover your shoulders. Women only need to cover their hair when entering mosques.

4. Egypt is a tipping- based country and you will be expected to tip for everything. For example, depending on the area and location you may be expected to tip the attendant in public restrooms. Individuals working at tourist sites will offer to take your picture for “free” but before handing your phone or camera back will request money. For photos, I typically tipped 20 Egyptian pounds ($1.25 USD.) In restaurants it’s recommended that you tip 10% but if you receive excellent service tip more as the exchange rate is so high.

5. Never take the first price that you are given when shopping. If you have a tour guide they will help you get a fair price. Rule of thumb is to agree to pay 50% of original price quoted so barter, pretend to walk away and I guarantee you the price will come down. But if you are approached and don’t want to purchase say no firmly and keep walking. Don’t engage as that will only make vendors push more.

6. Uber is accessible in the larger cities and I highly recommend it to avoid being over charged. If you do have to take a taxi, make sure you agree on a price before you get into the vehicle, again barter. For example, on my last day in Hurghuda on the way to the airport my Uber app would not work so I had to use a taxi. Before the driver and I could agree on a price the hotel staff had already put my belongings in the trunk. The driver was trying to charge me twice what the Uber app quoted me. I ended up having to call an Egyptian friend to spoke to the driver in Arabic to agree on a more fair price as he wouldn’t budge on the price with me.

7.To transfer between larger cities like Cairo, Luxor, and Hurghada you can catch one- hour flights through Egypt Air for approximetly $50 USD. Buses are available but can eat into your time and you don’t save that much.

8.Catcalling is AWFUL in Egypt. I expected it as I experienced it in Morocco but it becomes exhausting no matter how used to it you are. Having a tour guide will reduce the amount of it but it will still happen. Again, don’t engage continue to look forward and keep walking. Men will shout at you and even offer you marriage proposals. I never felt unsafe as in tourist attractions there is a heavy police/ military presence.

9.Food poisining is very likely in Egypt. Avoid tap water and ice unless in a hotel that is known to have an adequate water purification system. I even used bottled water to brush my teeth. Bottled water is super cheap in Egypt, approximately $0.50. Unless I was eating in a restaraunt in my 4-5 star hotels I avoided uncooked veggies/fruits that aren’t peeled and avoided meat from street vendors. I recommended packing Pepto Bismol, Imodium, and pro-biotics (take daily.) *side note I recommend packing Tylenol and an allergy medication, the dust is unreal.

10.Since coming back from Egypt I’ve spoken with others that are planning trips to Egypt with Cairo as their sole destination. Quite a few people only think of the pyramids and the Sphinx when planning trips to Egypt. Get out of Cairo, check out the temples in Luxor and go spend a few days relaxing at the Red Sea in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh. Before going to Egypt I never knew snorkeling or diving were excursions there. I loved Hurghada and it reminded of Miamia, FL without all the craziness. I didn’t have enough time but if you can fit it in head south to check out Abu Simbel and the Nubian Village. I definitely plan to head south next time in Egypt.

Have you been to Egypt? Was there something you wish you had known? Any questions about something I didn’t share?