Egypt for First-Timers: Essential Travel Tips

Egypt rewards first-time visitors with pyramids, temples and warm hospitality, but a little preparation makes the trip far smoother. Here is what you actually need to know before you fly to Cairo.

Plugs and voltage

Egypt uses 230V at 50Hz with the round two-pin Type C and Type F plugs, the same as most of Europe. Travellers from the UK, US, Canada or Australia need an adapter. US and Canadian devices also need a voltage check, though most phone and laptop chargers handle 100-240V automatically. Hotel sockets can be loose, so a small power strip helps.

Language basics

Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. A few words of Egyptian Arabic open doors and smiles:

• Salam aleikum means hello
• Shukran means thank you
• Aywa is yes, la is no
• Bekam? means how much?
• La shukran is a polite no thank you, useful with vendors

What to pack

• Lightweight, breathable clothes that cover shoulders and knees for mosques and conservative areas
• A scarf for women to cover their hair at religious sites
• Strong sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, the desert sun is intense
• Comfortable closed shoes for dusty ruins
• A refillable water bottle and rehydration salts

Staying connected

WiFi in hotels is hit or miss, so a local data plan is invaluable for maps, ride apps and translation. An eSIM lets you arrive online without hunting for a SIM kiosk at the airport.

Quick tips

• Carry small cash. Egyptian pounds in small notes make tipping (baksheesh) and taxis far easier.
• Agree taxi fares first or use the Uber and Careem apps in Cairo and Alexandria.
• Drink only bottled water and avoid ice in cheaper spots.
• Haggle gently at bazaars like Khan el-Khalili, starting around half the asking price.
• Visit pyramids early, gates open around 8am and crowds and heat build fast.
• Tip a little everywhere, for bathroom attendants, porters and guides.
• Keep your passport copy and entry visa handy, you often need them for SIM and site tickets.
• Respect Ramadan hours if visiting during the holy month, many cafes close by day.

Stay connected in Egypt

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land for maps, translation and bookings, with no expensive roaming fees.