A Trip to Egypt: Everything a Tourist Needs to Know

Egypt is one of those countries that you cannot forget. Ancient pyramids, endless blue sea, the spicy smell of bazaars and incredibly warm people. Every year millions of tourists choose to vacation in Egypt — and it's no wonder. There is everything here: history, nature, gastronomy and beach relaxation. But for a trip to Egypt to go smoothly, it's important to prepare in advance. In this guide I've collected everything you need — from visa issues to safety tips.

Best Time to Visit Egypt

The climate in Egypt is hot and dry, so choosing when to visit is of great importance. The optimal season for traveling to Egypt is from October to April. During this period, the temperature stays between 20–28 °C, which is comfortable both for beach vacations and for excursions to historical sites.

In summer, from June to August, the thermometer in Cairo and Luxor rises to 40–45 °C. If you're going exclusively to the sea in Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh, the heat is easier to bear — the sea breeze helps. But for sightseeing, summer is not the best choice.

Ramadan is a separate matter. During this month, many establishments operate on a reduced schedule, and the atmosphere in the country becomes more subdued. This doesn't bother tourists, but it's worth taking into account.

Visa and Entry to Egypt

Good news for tourists to Egypt: Russians can get a visa right at the border — this is called visa on arrival. It costs 25 USD and is issued for 30 days. Payment is only in cash in dollars or euros, so take care of cash in advance.

You can also get an electronic visa through the official website of the Egyptian government — it will take 3–5 business days and cost the same 25 USD. It's convenient if you don't want to spend time in line at passport control.

• Visa validity period is 30 days from the date of entry
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 more months
• Children are entered in the parent's passport or obtained separately

Important: if you are flying to Sharm El-Sheikh only for the beaches of the Sinai Peninsula (without excursions to Cairo and other regions), you can get a free Sinai stamp — it only works in the Sharm and Dahab area.

Transport Within the Country

For traveling between cities, tourists in Egypt are most comfortable using domestic flights — EgyptAir flies from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada and Sharm. Prices are reasonable, and the flight takes 1–1.5 hours instead of 10–12 hours by train.

Trains are a separate adventure. The night train from Cairo to Luxor with sleeping compartments is quite a pleasant option, especially in first class. Go Bus and GoBus Express buses run between major cities, they are modern and air-conditioned.

Within cities, it's better to use Uber — it works in Cairo and Alexandria, prices are fixed, no haggling. Taxis from the street are a lottery: you must haggle before the trip, otherwise the price will be inflated many times over.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Options

A vacation in Egypt offers options for any budget. Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada are classics of package tourism: this is where 4–5 star all-inclusive hotels are concentrated. This is convenient if you just want to lie on the beach and not think about food.

Cairo is a different story. There are both luxury hotels on the Nile bank and budget hostels in the Tahrir Square area. A great option for independent travelers is apartments via Airbnb or Booking in the Zamalek area: quiet, green, with cafes and shops.

In Luxor and Aswan there are cozy small hotels with a view of the Nile — the atmosphere there is quite special, I recommend staying for at least a couple of nights.

Food and Restaurants

Egyptian cuisine is an underrated pleasure. Tourists in Egypt should definitely try:

• Koshari — a national dish made of lentils, pasta, rice and tomato sauce. Hearty, delicious and costs pennies.
• Ful medames — stewed beans with olive oil and spices, a traditional breakfast.
• Hummus and falafel — classics, which are prepared especially deliciously here.
• Freshly squeezed juices — especially sugar cane and mango.

In tourist areas there are plenty of restaurants with European menus, but that's boring. Go to local establishments — they're tastier and cheaper there. In Cairo, be sure to check out Khan El-Khalili: there you can eat in a traditional setting and drink tea with a hookah.

Alcohol is complicated in Egypt: the country is Muslim, most regular restaurants don't have it. But in hotels and special bars — no problem.

Main Attractions

A trip to Egypt without seeing the Pyramids of Giza is like being in Paris without the Eiffel Tower. The pyramids make an impression even on seasoned travelers — especially at sunrise, before the crowds arrive.

What else you must see:

• Cairo Egyptian Museum — Tutankhamun's mask and thousands of artifacts.
• Luxor — Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut.
• Abu Simbel — grandiose temples of Ramses II on the shore of Lake Nasser.
• Aswan and Philae Island — one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt.
• Dahab — a great place for diving and snorkeling, less touristy than Sharm.

Practical Tips: Money, Safety and Communication

Money. The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). It's best to exchange money at banks or official exchange offices, not with street money changers. Cards are accepted in many hotels and restaurants, but cash is still needed — for taxis, bazaars and small cafes.

Safety. Egypt is generally safe for tourists in tourist areas. The main nuisance is pushy merchants and "guides" who pester you with offers. Just politely refuse and move on. Dress modestly, especially outside resort areas — this earns respect from locals.

Communication and Internet in Egypt. Local SIM cards from operators Vodafone Egypt, Orange and Etisalat are sold right at the airport and in many shops. But it's much more convenient to buy an eSIM for Egypt in advance, at home — activate it right after landing and be online from the first minutes. Tariffs start from 53 rubles, which makes internet in Egypt affordable even for budget travelers.

A few final tips:

• Always haggle in bazaars — the first price is inflated at least twice.
• Drink only bottled water.
• Protect your documents — it's better to keep your passport in a hotel safe, and carry a copy with you.
• Tips (baksheesh) are a mandatory part of the culture. Leave 10–15% in restaurants and 10–20 pounds for service staff.

A trip to Egypt is always an unforgettable experience. The country knows how to surprise, irritate and delight at the same time. Prepare in advance, be open to new things — and Egypt will give you memories for a lifetime.