12 Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors to Egypt

If you are going to Egypt for the first time, three things will make life easiest: knowing that tipping is a normal part of everyday life, agreeing the price up front in bazaars and with street vendors, and drinking bottled water. On top of that, dressing modestly, shifting your schedule to the mornings because of the heat and carrying small banknotes will make your trip easier from day one.

Egypt is a hospitable country, but its pace, crowds and customs can surprise first-time visitors. We have arranged the tips below according to the situations you are most likely to encounter on the ground.

Money and shopping

1. Tipping (baksheesh) is part of everyday life

In Egypt it is common to tip for small services: the porter carrying your suitcase, the toilet attendant, someone showing you the way or the hotel staff cleaning your room. In restaurants, too, it is customary to leave a small tip on top of the service charge added to the bill. On group tours, discussing how tipping will be handled in advance avoids surprises.

2. Carry small banknotes

Coins and small banknotes make tips and small purchases much easier. Getting change for large notes can sometimes be difficult.

3. Bargaining is expected

Bargaining with vendors in bazaars such as Khan el-Khalili and at tourist sites is normal. The first price quoted is usually a starting point. Talk with a smile and without rushing; a good rule is not to start bargaining for something you do not want to buy.

4. Agree the price before the service

For every service, such as a camel ride, having your photo taken, a horse-drawn carriage or a taxi, agree the price and duration up front. Remember that if you accept an item held out to you as a "gift", you may be asked for money in return.

Health and comfort

5. Bottled water instead of tap water

Choose sealed bottled water for drinking. Many people use bottled water even to brush their teeth. Paying attention to hygiene with fruit and salads you eat out also reduces stomach problems.

6. Do not underestimate the heat

The sun is strong even in winter. Keep a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen in your bag every day. We explain what to expect in each season in our article on when to go to Egypt.

7. Comfortable shoes are a must

The pyramid plateau, temple courtyards and the Valley of the Kings are all sand, stone and uneven ground. As you will be walking all day, choose comfortable, closed shoes.

Culture and etiquette

8. Dress modestly

In Egyptian cities, and especially when visiting mosques, clothes covering the shoulders and knees are preferred. Women should carry a headscarf for mosque visits. At tourist facilities and hotel pools, expectations are not as strict.

9. Ask permission before taking photos

Ask permission before photographing local people, especially women. Military and official buildings are not suitable for photos. Some museums and tombs may require a separate permit or ticket for photography.

10. Be mindful of Ramadan

If your trip coincides with Ramadan, be discreet about eating and drinking in public during the day. After iftar (the evening meal that breaks the fast), you will see the streets come alive and the bazaars stay open late into the night.

Food

11. Try Egyptian cuisine

Egypt's street food and home cooking pleasantly surprise first-time visitors:

• Koshari: A filling dish of rice, lentils, pasta and chickpeas topped with tomato sauce and fried onions. It is often called Egypt's national dish.
• Ful medames: Slow-cooked fava beans; a breakfast essential.
• Ta'ameya: Egypt's own falafel, made with fava beans.
• Molokhia: A thick soup made with a leafy green plant, usually eaten with rice or bread.

Choosing busy places with a high turnover helps ensure the food is fresh.

12. Take a break with tea or karkadeh

Sitting in a café in the middle of the day with a sweet tea or karkadeh, made from hibiscus flowers, both cools you down and is a good chance to watch local life.

The ease of going on an organised tour

For first-time visitors to Egypt, not having to deal with details such as intercity transport and museum and site entries is a great relief. TatiliYakala's Egypt tour: Cairo and Luxor programme covers Cairo, Giza, Saqqara and Luxor over 5 nights, 6 days. As it is a new programme not in the catalogue, we confirm the details with you at the quote stage. To get an idea of the stops, see also our article on places to visit in Egypt.

For visa, passport and health requirements, check the latest situation with Egypt's official sources and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you travel.

Pre-trip checklist

• Keep a copy of your passport and entry documents on your phone and in a separate bag.
• Prepare small banknotes, sunscreen, a hat and wet wipes.
• Bring stomach medicine and any medication you take regularly.
• Carry a shawl or headscarf for mosque visits.

Frequently asked questions

Is tipping compulsory in Egypt?

It is not compulsory, but it is very common and is expected in return for small services. Carrying small banknotes makes things easier.

Can you drink tap water in Egypt?

We recommend using sealed bottled water for drinking. Those with sensitive stomachs may prefer bottled water for brushing their teeth too.

How should women dress in Egypt?

In the cities, light, loose clothes covering the shoulders and knees are the most comfortable option. Carry a headscarf for mosque visits.

Do you bargain in Khan el-Khalili?

Yes, bargaining is expected. Calm, good-humoured bargaining is a natural part of the bazaar experience.