Are the pyramids worth visiting?

Absolutely unmissable. Go at sunrise to avoid crowds and heat. Hire a licensed guide from your hotel (not from touts at the gate). Budget 2-3 hours.

Tourist areas (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea resorts) are safe with heavy security presence. Avoid Sinai border areas and Western Desert without permits. Follow travel advisories.

Very affordable. Budget: $30-50/day. Mid-range: $80-150. Luxury: $200+. Street food: 20-50 EGP per meal.

Egypt

Travel guide & places to visit in Africa

Plan Your Visit Explore Regions Mark as visited

Capital: Cairo
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Language: Arabic (official), English, French widely spoken
Best time: October, November, December

About Egypt

Largest economy in North Africa. Suez Canal revenues, tourism, oil/gas, remittances.

Geography

Area: 13,960 sq km

• Mediterranean coast: hot dry summers
• Saharan interior: extremely hot, arid

Government

Type: presidential republic

Capital: Cairo

Economy

GDP: $404.1 billion

Per Capita: $3,900

textilesfood processingtourismchemicalspetroleumconstructioncementmetals

Demographics

Population: 106,437,241

Languages: Arabic (official), English, French widely spoken

Religions: Muslim 90% (mostly Sunni), Coptic Christian 10%

Explore Egypt's Regions

Discover 27 distinct regions, each with unique landscapes and culture.

Major Cities in Egypt

Explore 50 cities with unique attractions and experiences.

CairoNational Capital

capital

9.6M

AlexandriaRegional Capital

Shubrā al KhaymahRegional Capital

admin_capital

1.2M

Port SaidRegional Capital

Al MansurahRegional Capital

TantaRegional Capital

admin_capital

577K

AssiutRegional Capital

admin_capital

529K

Al FayyumRegional Capital

admin_capital

519K

Places to Visit

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Travel Essentials

Contact & Emergency

Phone Code: +20

Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)

fire: 180

police: 122

ambulance: 123

touristPolice: 126

Practical Info

Electricity: 220V / 50Hz / Type C, F

Driving: Right

Water: Bottled only

Tipping

• 10-15% in restaurants
• Baksheesh (small tips) expected everywhere: 10-20 EGP
• Tour guides: 100-200 EGP/day
• Temple/tomb guards who show you things: 20-50 EGP

When to Visit Egypt

Best Months

October, November, December, January, February, March

Peak Season

Dec-Feb (pleasant weather, Christmas/NY tourism)

Off Season

Jun-Aug (extremely hot 40-45C, but cheapest)

Jan
Coptic Christmas (Jan 7)
Feb
Abu Simbel Sun Festival (Feb 22)
Apr
Sham el-Nessim (spring festival)
Oct
Abu Simbel Sun Festival (Oct 22)

Top Destinations in Egypt

1Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx
2Luxor (Valley of the Kings, Karnak)
3Abu Simbel
4Cairo (Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili)
5Nile River cruise
6Aswan (Philae Temple)
7Hurghada & Red Sea diving
8Sharm el-Sheikh
9Alexandria
10White Desert
11Siwa Oasis

Cultural Tips

Dress modestly, especially women (cover shoulders and knees)
Bargaining is expected in souks and with taxi drivers
Baksheesh (tipping) is a way of life — budget for small tips everywhere
Remove shoes when entering mosques
During Ramadan, avoid eating/drinking in public during daylight
Left hand is considered unclean — use right hand for greetings and eating

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the pyramids worth visiting?
Absolutely unmissable. Go at sunrise to avoid crowds and heat. Hire a licensed guide from your hotel (not from touts at the gate). Budget 2-3 hours.
Is Egypt safe?
Tourist areas (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea resorts) are safe with heavy security presence. Avoid Sinai border areas and Western Desert without permits. Follow travel advisories.
Daily budget?
Very affordable. Budget: $30-50/day. Mid-range: $80-150. Luxury: $200+. Street food: 20-50 EGP per meal.

What to Buy in Egypt

Papyrus alabaster essential oils spices cotton products cartouche jewelry hookah/shisha scarabs

Countries Bordering Egypt - Cross-Border Travel Guide

Plan seamless cross-border travel to countries bordering Egypt. Discover visa requirements, border crossings, and multi-destination trip opportunities.