The Do's and Don'ts of Egypt

Explore the essential do's and don'ts for travelers to Egypt with our expert guide. Learn how to respect cultural sites, dress appropriately, manage health and safety, and navigate local customs for a memorable Egyptian journey. Get practical tips on preparation, interaction, and enhancing your travel experience.

Written by ETP TEAM

Published Jun 27, 2020 Updated Feb 05, 2024 12 min read

Summary

This article provides comprehensive advice and guidelines for travelers visiting Egypt, covering the dos and don'ts to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable journey.
It emphasizes the importance of respecting cultural norms, managing health and safety, and navigating local customs and logistical considerations effectively.
It stresses the importance of treating Egypt's archaeological sites with care, dressing modestly, especially in religious places, and engaging respectfully with local customs and traditions to enrich the travel experience.
It advises on the benefits of carrying cash in less touristy areas, the importance of staying hydrated, and the joy of capturing memories through photography.
The piece outlines essential social interaction tips and safety precautions, such as learning basic Arabic phrases and being cautious with street vendors.
Finally, the article encourages travelers to immerse themselves in the Egyptian experience through food, local engagement, and adventures.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Egypt is a marvelous chance to explore Egypt with great ease. This article's main goal is to provide a clear explanation of all the things that every traveler can do & things to avoid in Egypt. This article was written by a group of Egyptian travel consultants, tour guides, and tour operators.

The experience of witnessing the Wonders of ancient Egypt with your own eyes is a majestic phenomenon. The do’s and don’ts of Egypt were written to help you have a more safe and relaxing journey across Egypt. Here is a list of the most important do's and don'ts of Egypt:

1. When in Egypt, you must respect all the archaeological monuments and sites by not touching, scratching, or sitting on them as they are what remains of the ancient Egyptian heritage.

2. You should dress correctly despite the fact that there is no specific dress code in the cities. It is known that women will feel much more comfortable if they cover their shoulders and do not wear shorts; this becomes very relevant when visiting mosques and churches. You can read more about what to pack for Egypt.

3. Drink a lot of water and apply sun cream to stand the heat and the sun.

4. Despite the fact that hotels and main shops in the tourist areas would accept credit cards and foreign currencies, smaller restaurants, and stores are unlikely to do so, especially when you go further into the tourist areas and the desert.

5. Buying souvenirs in Egypt will be the highlight of your holiday as it will be a great reminder of your stay in Egypt, where the most incredible collection of perfumes, jewelry, and handicrafts is made from alabaster, textiles, and glass.

6. Always carry your camera with you so you won't miss your amazing moment with your loved ones.

7. Always keep your professional tour guide and driver with you when you go on a desert excursion.

8. Always check the time of the ensa time lock during your Nile River cruise booking.

9. Don't miss your chance to attend a sound and light show in Luxor along with the archaeological spots through the Nile River. 10. Keep your mind focused on having a good time, and don't take long to return to Egypt.

The Do's in Egypt

Do spend time chatting with people.
Do learn some basic Egyptian Arabic during your trip.
Do ask when you don't understand something.
Do savor as much Egyptian food as you can.
Do stay in a central location.
Do dress modestly.
Do be careful of public displays of affection.
Do ask for directions from at least three different people.
Do ask for help when crossing busy streets.
Do take taxis rather than public transportation.
Do ask locals about the fare for your destination before taking a taxi.
Do avoid off-road destinations.
Do carry small change and coins.
Do leave tips in cafés, restaurants, hairdressers, shops, and almost everywhere; learn more about tipping in Egypt!
Do bargain in souvenir shops and bazaars.
Do respect Egyptian temples and monuments.
Do enjoy the country as much as you can.

The Don's in Egypt

Don't even think about renting a car unless you have driven in India or Egypt before.
Don't get frustrated when someone is late.
Don't wear shorts and vests or tank tops.
Don't talk to people who approach you in public areas.
Don't follow someone trying to "help" you.
Don't drink the tap water.
Don't drink alcohol in the street.
Don't be intimidated by market vendors.
Don't take photos of locals without permission.
Don't visit mosques during prayer time.
Don't be surprised to see Egyptian men holding hands.
Don't put your feet on a table or point the soles of your shoes at others.
Don't pet street dogs and cats.
Don't use drones in Egypt.

Rules of Egypt

Egypt could be one of the most beautiful and complete travel destinations on earth where everyone can enjoy the most amazing vacation. Before traveling to Egypt, be aware of all the rules and guidelines, which include checking your country's visa requirements. Ensure your passport's validity extends six months past your planned exit. Understand all the rules and customs restrictions for items like medications and electronics. Note limits on the Egyptian pound movement. Always prioritize health precautions, like vaccinations and water intake, and watch street food. Stay updated on safety alerts and respect historical sites' guidelines.

The rules and customs of being in Egypt exist to make every traveler experience total comfort and tranquility for example, make sure to react correctly to greetings, appropriate dress codes, especially in religious sites, and dining etiquette. Always make sure to ask for permission, especially when taking pictures. Make sure to carry the local currency for tipping and small purchases. Ensure that all your belongings are safe and the surroundings are entirely magical. Learn some Arabic phrases before arriving in Egypt so you can easily communicate with your driver, tour guide, and the public. These rules ensure safety, respect, and a smoother Egyptian journey.

Entry and Departure in Egypt

All the visitors need a single-visit visa so they can enter Egypt. The Egyptian visa is valid for 90 days, and obtaining one is very simple by applying for one at the Egyptian consulate in your country or purchasing a visa on arrival from the Egyptian airport if you belong to one of the countries accessible for a visa on arrival.

All travelers must have a passport that is validated on the date of entry. Egypt, like all other countries, applies strict rules when bringing items like alcohol and cigarettes into the country, so it's advisable just to buy them from an airport shop.

Language of Egypt

The official and primary language in Egypt is Arabic, and the most common foreign language in Egypt is English, which is spoken in most of the tourist areas. Besides English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish are also spoken by those working in the tourism industry and educated individuals. Egypt's rich historical tapestry and cultural legacy are deeply intertwined with its languages, reflecting a blend of African, Arabian, and Mediterranean influences.

The use of modern standard Arabic is widespread in official settings, education, and the media. The Egyptian Arabic dialect, known colloquially as Masri, serves as the lingua franca among the general population. This dialect is distinct from other Arabic dialects and is known for its unique expressions and idioms, making it an integral part of Egypt's cultural identity.

Health in Egypt

There are no vaccinations needed to visit Egypt, making it accessible for travelers from around the globe. However, visitors should take precautions against common environmental factors such as dehydration and sunburn, which can be mitigated by using plenty of sun cream, wearing a hat, and dressing in light cotton clothing. These precautions are particularly important given Egypt's hot, sunny climate, especially during the summer months when temperatures can soar.

In addition to these precautions, travelers are strongly advised to have health insurance before coming to Egypt. While Egypt boasts a range of healthcare facilities that provide good services, having health insurance ensures that travelers can access the necessary medical care without facing significant out-of-pocket expenses. This is especially critical in case of emergencies or unforeseen medical needs.

Currency of Egypt

The main currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP), which is a crucial piece of information for travelers planning a visit to this culturally rich country. For convenience, cash can be obtained very easily from ATMs, which are widely available across all towns and cities throughout Egypt. This widespread availability of ATMs ensures that accessing local currency is straightforward for tourists, regardless of their point of entry or their travel destinations within the country.

All the major hotels and stores in Egypt are quite accommodating when it comes to payment methods. They accept a variety of credit cards, including international ones like MasterCard and Visa. This flexibility is beneficial for travelers who prefer the security and convenience of cashless transactions. In addition to credit cards, these establishments also accept cheques and, of course, cash payments in foreign currencies such as US dollars and euros. This wide range of accepted payment methods underscores Egypt's openness to international visitors and its preparedness to cater to their needs, enhancing the overall ease of travel and commerce within the country.

Climate of Egypt

Egypt weather is very vast, and the weather can differ very considerably from the coast of the north in Alexandria to the further south in Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel. The Nile valley stretches to about 1532 km, and the climate across all that distance is very moderate, with sunshine and very rainy days, unlike the desert areas that have higher temperatures.

Average temperatures in Cairo are about 25-35°C (95°F), while in Aswan at 31-42°C (107.6°F) and in Luxor are 30-40°C (107.6°F). The best time to be in Egypt is in May, April, and in the winter months from August to March when the temperatures are much lower, and in June and July, the climate is the hottest.

Transportation in Egypt

There are countless ways to travel across the vast city of Cairo, for the people who have a limited amount of time to travel by air. There are also trains & long-distance buses which are the cheapest choices, but not as fast as airplanes. Travel within cities is best done by minibus, taxis, and private cars.

Hiring a car with a private tour guide is always the best option if you have a tight schedule for all the sights inside a certain city. In Cairo, the subway or a private car is the fastest option. If you want to wander in the desert, you must have your tour guide at all times.

Time and Electricity in Egypt

The Egyptian time is two hours ahead of GMT, except from the start of May and the end of September, where it shifts to being three hours ahead, aligning with the end and beginning of British summertime. This seasonal time adjustment is important for travelers to note, especially when planning flights, tours, and activities to ensure synchrony with local time and avoid any scheduling conflicts.

Regarding electricity, Egypt utilizes a 220v system, and the sockets are of the two-pin European mainland variety. This is a crucial piece of information for travelers who rely heavily on electronic devices such as smartphones, cameras, laptops, and tablets during their travels. The difference in socket types means that visitors from countries with different plug standards, including the United States, United Kingdom, and others, will need to pack an adaptor to ensure their electronic devices can be charged and used without interruption.

Business Hours and Public Holidays

All the government, administrative offices, and banks are open from 9 am to 2 pm each day, except for Fridays, Saturdays, and public holidays. All historical sites and museums are open daily. All the shops are open from 10 am to 10 pm every day except Sunday. In Ramadan, all these times can change. Here are famous festivals and public holidays in Egypt:

On January 7 "Coptic Christmas"
On May 1 "Labour Day".
On July 23 "Revolution Day".
On October 6 "Armed Forces Day".
The Islamic New Year.
The Birth of the Prophet and Ramadan.

Communications in Egypt

Egypt, like any modern country, has embraced Internet services, making it easy for residents and visitors alike to stay connected. WiFi is readily available in most public places, including hotels, cafes, restaurants, and even in some public transportation areas. This widespread availability of internet services ensures that travelers can easily access online maps, information, and social media or stay in touch with friends and family back home.

Egypt's telephone system is efficient and robust, capable of connecting you anywhere in the world. This is particularly reassuring for international travelers who may need to make urgent calls or arrange international communications during their stay. The country's telecommunications infrastructure supports a variety of services, including mobile phone networks that offer extensive coverage across urban and most rural areas, ensuring connectivity even when on the move.

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Tags: Things to do Before You Travel

ETP TEAM

Egypt Tours Portal is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history, culture, and mysteries of ancient Egypt, helping travelers and history enthusiasts explore Egypt’s most iconic destinations and monuments. The team consists of experienced Egyptologists, archaeologists, historians, travelers, content creators, marketers, consultants, and explorers with 5–20 years of expertise in their respective fields.

The website provides accurate, regularly updated information developed by qualified experts and supported by trusted sources to ensure reliability and educational value. Drawing on more than 39 years of industry knowledge and resources, Egypt Tours Portal offers a wide range of travel services, including Egypt tours, Nile cruises, day tours, shore excursions and multi-country tours. Their services have earned positive reviews from travelers, recognition through awards, and mentions by respected news outlets and travel blogs, delivering both educational and memorable travel experiences across Egypt.

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Erin W

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

"We had a great experience touring Aswan, Edfu, and Luxor with Mahmoud. I would highly recommend him as a guide. He adapted to our needs (2 teenagers) and kept everything interesting. He was always prompt, professional, and easy to communicate with. He was also very prompt answering questions via WhatsApp"

Estelle V

"We would like to share our wonderful experience with Egypt Tours Portal. From the very first quote to our final airport drop-off, we were impressed by the professionalism, organization, and excellent communication from Walaa and the entire team. Our tour guides in both Luxor (“Habibi” was the best!) and Cairo were incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and passionate about sharing Egypt’s history and treasures with us. We especially appreciated how thoughtfully the itinerary was planned — allowing us time to rest in the afternoons, scheduling visits during the cooler hours, and remaining flexible to accommodate our needs. Everything was smooth, well-organized, and made our trip truly memorable. We wholeheartedly recommend Egypt Tours Portal to anyone looking to discover the incredible history, culture, and wonders Egypt has to offer."

Tim K

"We had an outstanding time touring Luxor with our guide, Essra. She was knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly kind throughout the entire experience. Her explanations of Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon brought Egypt's history to life. What really set her apart was her thoughtfulness. She made sure we stayed comfortable in the heat, surprising us with water and refreshments. She also took us to an excellent local restaurant that we never would have found on our own. Her attention to detail, genuine care, and passion for sharing Egypt made this one of the highlights of our trip. We highly recommend her to anyone visiting Luxor. On another note, the drivers we had each day were great. So professional, always on time and personable."

Will S

Bluff Park, Alabama

"We had a great vacation. Omar Haridi did our Nile Cruise and Zizi did our Cairo tour. They were amazing and very knowledgeable."

Mira F

"The best experience of my lifetime! Nour, the tour guide was absolutely amazing! Went over and beyond thinking about every little thing. I had a mishap and Egypt Air overbooked my flight and bumped me to a later flight causing me to miss an entire day of activities. Nour made sure I got to do every single thing I missed that first day. But that’s not all: his knowledge of old Egypt is unparalleled, he truly brings Egypt (Aswan Luxor) alive. I’ve traveled all over the world and met many tour guides: Nour stands apart from all of them. He’s also considerate, caring and genuinely wants his guests to enjoy the trip and learn the most about the incredible history of Egypt. He’s also funny and genuinely great to be around. Please, do yourself a favor when booking a trip in Upper Egypt and ask for Nour. Hands down the best guide ever!"

Paul B

Hook, United Kingdom

"Excellent guide Mr Mohamed Osman, who was incredibly knowledgeable and very informative. Couldn't ask for more. Food on day 1 was ok, but much better at lunch on day 2. Hotel was excellent. Also our driver was excellent. All in all a great experience. Would highly recommend."

Marianna A

"Our experience in Egypt, especially in Luxor and Aswan, was truly unforgettable, and a huge part of that was thanks to our incredible guide Omar. We cannot recommend him highly enough. From the moment we met him, it was clear that he was exceptionally knowledgeable, professional, and deeply passionate about Egyptian history and culture. What made our tour extraordinary was that our guide is not only a master’s in Egyptology but is also currently pursuing a PhD in Egyptology. His depth of knowledge was absolutely remarkable. He is also very creative and artistic. Every temple, tomb, monument, and historical site came alive through his explanations. He did not simply recite facts, he explained the historical context, symbolism, religious beliefs, architecture, and fascinating stories behind everything we saw. It truly felt like we were traveling through ancient Egypt with a real scholar and expert by our side. He brought ancient Egyptian history to life by assigning us the roles of Egyptian gods and legendary heroes. Through these interactive mini-plays, we were able to experience, understand, and truly connect with the stories he shared. In Luxor, visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut Temple became an unforgettable educational and emotional experience because of the way he explained the history in such an engaging and easy-to-understand manner. In Aswan, his insights about Philae Temple, Nubian history, and ancient Egyptian civilization added so much depth to our trip. He answered every question thoughtfully and with incredible detail, and you could genuinely feel his passion for Egyptology. Beyond his academic expertise, he was one of the kindest and most caring people we met during our travels. He constantly made sure we were comfortable, safe, hydrated, and enjoying ourselves. He was patient, attentive, organized, and always willing to help with anything we needed. His warm personality and kindness made us feel welcomed not just as tourists, but as friends. He also paced the tours perfectly, allowing us enough time to truly appreciate each site without ever feeling rushed. His professionalism, friendliness, and genuine care created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the trip. Thanks to him, our visit to Egypt became far more than a vacation. It became an unforgettable journey into history and culture. If you are planning to visit Luxor, Aswan, or anywhere in Egypt, choosing this guide will be one of the best decisions you can make. He is truly exceptional, and we feel incredibly lucky to have had him as our guide. Thank you again for such an amazing experience. We will never forget it. Marianna and Khris"

James H

"This has been a tour agency and guides I can’t wait to give a glowing review to and to recommend to friends and family. Both Riham and Walid were happy to help coordinate excursions and share a wealth of knowledge. 10/10 experience"

H D

"We had a wonderful experience with the 5 day cruise. The price is wry reasonable. The best part is that the visits are done in very small numbers with a guide. It is almost like having a private guide. The food was good with lots of variety and all the staff members are very friendly and helpful. Omar Haradi, our guide was very knowledgeable and very generous with his time and with sharing his knowledge."

Marlina

West Palm Beach, Florida

"We just returned home from an incredible trip to Egypt, and we cannot say enough good things about Egypt Tours. From the moment we booked our trip until the day we flew home, their communication, organization, and attention to detail were outstanding. Our adventure began in Cairo, where we were warmly welcomed at the airport by our guide, Abdulrahman Mosbah. He immediately made us feel comfortable and at ease, and our Nile River sunset cruise was the perfect introduction to Egypt. Abdul’s warm personality and infectious enthusiasm made our first day both fun and memorable. The following day, we toured with Reda Elgendy, who brought the pyramids to life with fascinating stories and historical insights. Seeing the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) was truly breathtaking and a highlight of our time in Cairo. In Aswan, we were greeted at the airport by Ahmed Haggag, who guided us over the next two days. Ahmed was incredibly knowledgeable, thorough in his explanations, and always kept us entertained with his great sense of humor. We learned so much while enjoying every moment of our time with him. Our final stop was Luxor, where we met Ghada Kamel. Saving the best for last, Ghada was absolutely exceptional. Her passion for Egypt’s history and culture made our visits to the temples and the Valley of the Kings unforgettable. She was engaging, informative, and truly outstanding. This trip exceeded all of our expectations. Not only did we experience some of the world’s most amazing historical sites, but each of our guides also shared valuable insights into Egyptian culture and daily life. We returned home with wonderful memories, a deeper appreciation for Egypt, and gratitude for the amazing team at Egypt Tours. We highly recommend Egypt Tours to anyone planning a trip to Egypt. It was truly the trip of a lifetime!"

Alejandro M

"We loved it, great experience and treatment. Our guide Noah had great knowledge of the subject. Thank you very much."

Jeff T

"Our trip in May 2026 was fantastic! We saw all the major wonders of Egypt! Our incredibly knowledgeable guide Walid Ahmed met us at the hotel and was great at explaining all the particular uniqueness of each tomb and temple, inserting background myths and stories, keeping our tour on track, taking and sharing so many pictures so we could be in them as a couple and helping us navigate local customs. We strongly recommend Egypt, the tour and Walid!"

Joe P

"We had a wonderful week long vacation in Egypt, split between Cairo and Luxor. The tour was very professionally run with excellent communication starting weeks before our arrival and then nearly daily while in Egypt. A highlight was our English-speaking guide in Luxor, Walid Ahmed, who was extremely knowledgeable and exceptionally kind. The tour was flexible and accommodating, allowing last minute special detours and restaurant choices. Overall, it was one of the best vacations of our life."

Damien B

"We had Ahmed Refaat as our family guide in Cairo, and he truly made our trip to Egypt unforgettable. His positive attitude, passion for Egypt’s history and culture, and incredible patience made all the difference throughout our stay in Cairo. Ahmed brought every site to life with fascinating explanations and was always attentive to our needs, making the experience enjoyable for both adults and children. We especially recommend him for visits to Saqqara and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where his deep knowledge and enthusiasm greatly enhanced our understanding and appreciation of these extraordinary places. Without any hesitation, we highly recommend Ahmed Refaat to anyone visiting Egypt. Thank you again for helping create such wonderful memories for our family!"

Departure20554993605

"Knowledgeable guide, clean vehicle, interesting stories about the sites. Tour guide: Muhmmed Abd El-aal was very nice to be in the company of, dry attentive and honest."

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