Egypt go reward first-time visitors with pyramids, temples and warm hospitality, but small preparation go make di trip smooth well. Na dis be wetin you actually need to know before you fly go Cairo.
Plugs and voltage
Egypt dey use 230V at 50Hz with di round two-pin Type C and Type F plugs, di same one wey most of Europe dey use. Travellers from UK, US, Canada or Australia go need adapter. US and Canadian devices still need voltage check, though most phone and laptop chargers dey handle 100-240V automatically. Hotel sockets fit loose, so small power strip go help.
Language basics
Arabic na di official language, but English dey widely spoken for tourist areas. Few words of Egyptian Arabic go open door and bring smile:
- Salam aleikum mean hello
- Shukran mean thank you
- Aywa na yes, la na no
- Bekam? mean how much?
- La shukran na polite no thank you, e useful with vendors
Wetin to pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothes wey go cover shoulders and knees for mosques and conservative areas
- Scarf for women to cover their hair for religious sites
- Strong sunscreen, sunglasses and hat, di desert sun dey intense
- Comfortable closed shoes for dusty ruins
- Refillable water bottle and rehydration salts
Staying connected
WiFi for hotels fit dey hit or miss, so local data plan go dey invaluable for maps, ride apps and translation. eSIM go let you arrive online without you dey hunt for SIM kiosk for airport.
Quick tips
- Carry small cash. Egyptian pounds for small notes go make tipping (baksheesh) and taxis easier well.
- Agree taxi fares first or use Uber and Careem apps for Cairo and Alexandria.
- Drink only bottled water and avoid ice for cheaper spots.
- Haggle gently for bazaars like Khan el-Khalili, start around half di asking price.
- Visit pyramids early, gates go open around 8am and crowd and heat go build fast.
- Tip small everywhere, for bathroom attendants, porters and guides.
- Keep your passport copy and entry visa close, you go often need dem for SIM and site tickets.
- Respect Ramadan hours if you dey visit during di holy month, plenty cafes go close by daytime.
Stay connected for Egypt
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