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Egypt FAQ

Is tipping customary in Egypt?

Tips are appreciated by Egyptians so if you are satisfied with the services provided, tip as appropriate. Generally, add 5-10% to cafe and restaurant bills, whereas loose change is an acceptable tip for food purchases from street vendors and markets. It's also a good idea to tip local guides and drivers - US$2-4 per day is acceptable.

What is the internet access like in Egypt?

Internet access in Egypt is growing, with internet cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots becoming increasingly more common in large cities, especially Cairo.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Egypt?

Mobile phone coverage is good in Egypt, especially in large cities. Coverage may not be available in more remote areas, especially if travelling through the desert. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your mobile carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your mobile while in Egypt.

What are the toilets like in Egypt?

You will have to adjust to different standards of hygiene and sanitation while in Egypt. The standard toilet is of the squat variety and this may take some getting used to, although western-style toilets can be found in some tourist areas.

What will it cost for a…?

Egypt is a relatively cheap place to visit, although visits to monuments and museums - while worthwhile experiences - can be expensive. Here's what you can roughly expect to pay for a:

Pastry = 5 EGP
Cup of coffee = 5 EGP
Beer = 10 EGP
Short taxi ride = 10 EGP

Can I drink the water in Egypt?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Egypt. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found, some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Egypt?

Major credit cards are widely accepted in tourist shopping areas and large hotels, but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases since credit cards aren't always an option in Egypt.

What is ATM access like in Egypt?

ATMs are common in large cities such as Cairo and Alexandria and are found in and near shopping centres, tourist areas and 5-star hotels. ATMs are far less common in rural areas and smaller towns so you're advised to be prepared for this by having enough cash before travelling out of the city.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Egypt?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Egypt?

Jan 9 Coptic Christmas Day
Feb 4 Birth of the Prophet
Apr 15 Sham el-Nassim (Coptic Easter)
Apr 25 Sinai Liberation Day (Sinai Only)
May 1 Labour Day
Jul 23 National Day
Aug 19 Bairam Feast (End of Ramadan)
Sep 11 Coptic New Year
Oct 6 Armed Forces Day
Oct 26 Feast of the Sacrifice
Nov 15 Islamic New Year

Please note these dates are for 2012. For a current list of public holidays in Egypt go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/80/public_holidays/Africa/Egypt.html

Do I need a visa to travel to Egypt?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • EGYPT:
    Most nationalities require a visa to enter Egypt as a tourist. Visas are easily attainable on arrival at Cairo airport for most nationalities for US$15 paid in cash, but please check with your travel agent or embassy before departure. On arrival at Cairo airport you buy your visa at any of the banks before proceeding to immigration. You'll be given a stamp that you then need to put into your passport yourself. A single entry visa is valid for three months from date of issue and entitles the bearer to one month in Egypt. Multiple entry visas are not available at the airport or any border crossings.
  • EGYPT overland from Sudan:
    You'll need to obtain your visa before you travel. Please contact your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate for more information. Alternatively you may choose to get your Egyptian visa in Nairobi. This is relatively straight forward but will involve getting a letter from your country's embassy or representative in Nairobi. There may be a fee for this service. You can then apply for your Egyptian visa. PLEASE NOTE - you MUST have an Egyptian visa in your passport before leaving Nairobi in order to obtain a Sudanese visa while we are in Addis Ababa.
  • Most nationalities require a visa to enter as a tourist into Egypt. Visas are available from Egyptian embassy's or consulate's. It is best to arrive with a full Egypt Visa before the trip begins so please consult your travel agent or embassy before departure. Some nationalities are able to obtain this visa on arrival at Nuweiba ferry port when crossing from Jordan. If you are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival at Nuweiba, we recommend you carry approx $20USD cash to pay for this visa.
    You will be given a stamp/sticker that you need to put in your passport yourself. This stamp takes up a whole page in your passport so ensure you have a full spare page in your passport.
    A single entry tourist visa is valid for three months from date of issue and entitles the bearer to one month in Egypt.
    Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER your entry date into the country or you may be denied entry at the border.

    Entry point into Egypt is Nuweiba on Day 5.
  • PASSPORT PHOTOCOPIES:
    Please bring two (2) copies of your passport. These may be used to assist with hotel check-in, and sometimes at road security points.
  • EGYPT:
    Australia: Yes - on arrival
    Belgium: Yes - on arrival
    Canada: Yes - on arrival
    Germany: Yes - on arrival
    Ireland: Yes - required in advance
    Netherlands: Yes - on arrival
    New Zealand: Yes - on arrival
    South Africa: Yes - required in advance
    Switzerland: Yes - on arrival
    United Kingdom: Yes - on arrival
    USA: Yes - on arrival

    Visas are easily attainable on arrival at Cairo airport or Aqaba ferry port for most nationalities for US$15 to be paid in cash, but please check with your travel agent or embassy before departure. On arrival to Cairo airport you buy your visa at any of the banks before proceeding to immigration. You will be given a stamp that you then need to put into your passport yourself. A single entry visa is valid for three months from date of issue and entitles the bearer to one month in Egypt. Multiple entry visas are not available at the airport or any border crossings.
  • EGYPT overland from Sudan:
    You'll need to obtain your visa before you travel. Please contact your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate for more information.

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Egypt at a glance

  • 32
  • Cairo (population 7 million)
  • 82 million
  • Arabic
  • EGP
  • (GMT+02:00) Cairo
  • Type C (European 2-pin)
  • +20

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