Trip to Egypt: a complete guide for independent travelers

Egypt is a country where pyramids stand 20 minutes from Cairo, and the Red Sea offers one of the planet's best snorkeling spots. Here, for 50,000–80,000 rubles you can spend an eventful week with flights, accommodation, and food included. I've compiled everything you really need to know before your trip.

🌤 When to Go

The best season is October to April. In Cairo in November it's +25°C, and the Red Sea has comfortable +28°C for diving. In summer, Luxor temperatures reach +45°C — moving around the ruins is physically demanding.

• October–November: ideal for both beach and sightseeing
• December–February: cool (+18–22°C), few tourists, cheaper
• March–April: blooming season, but khamsin sandstorms begin
• June–August: heat over +40°C, suitable only for the sea in Hurghada

Over the New Year holidays, hotel prices in Sharm El-Sheikh rise 40–60% — book 2–3 months ahead or choose dates January 3–8.

🛂 Visa

Russian citizens' visa on arrival costs $25 USD (approximately 2,225 rubles) — paid in cash, dollars or euros directly at the airport. Valid for 30 days. An e-visa can be obtained at visa.egyptonline.gov.eg for $25, but the queue at the counter is usually faster.

🚌 Transportation and Accommodation

Flights Moscow–Hurghada cost from 18,000–26,000 rubles round trip with luggage. Within the country, Go Bus and GoBus connect Cairo, Luxor, Aswan — a Cairo–Luxor ticket costs around 800–1,100 rubles. Taxis via Uber and Careem are cheaper than street taxis: a ride around Cairo is 200–400 rubles.

• Hostel in Cairo: from 1,200 rubles per night
• 3-star hotel in Hurghada: 3,500–5,500 rubles with breakfast
• Apartment rental via Airbnb in Luxor: from 2,200 rubles

In Cairo, stay in the Zamalek or Dokki districts — safer, cleaner, and closer to main attractions than near Ramesses Station.

🍽 Food and Places

Street food is Egypt's main discovery. A plate of koshari (rice, lentils, pasta, tomato sauce) costs 50–80 Egyptian pounds (approximately 140–225 rubles). A falafel sandwich costs 20–30 pounds (55–85 rubles). At a mid-range restaurant, dinner for two will cost 1,200–1,800 rubles with drinks.

• El Tahrir koshari in Cairo — an iconic spot, expect a line
• Khan El-Khalili market: spices, souvenirs, street food
• Luxor Temple lit up in the evening — entry 450 pounds (approximately 1,260 rubles)
• Diving in Ras Muhammad (Sharm): from 3,500 rubles per dive with an instructor

💼 Practical Tips

MIR cards don't work in Egypt — bring cash dollars or euros and exchange them for Egyptian pounds at banks (better rates than the airport). Exchanging rubles directly is nearly impossible. For connectivity, get an eSIM through e7m.ru — Egypt plans from 207 rubles, internet works from the first minute after landing.

Dress code: at mosques and pyramids, shoulders and knees must be covered. A light scarf or long-sleeve shirt solves the problem. Don't drink tap water — a 1.5-liter bottle costs 25–40 pounds (70–110 rubles) at any store.