Egypt is a destination that has truly captured my heart. Unfortunately, it often gets a bad reputation when it comes to tourism, which I find unfair and saddening. Before my trip, I was nervous because of the negative perceptions many people have. Most people who I told about my trip looked very concerned or uncomfortable when I mentioned Egypt. But I felt completely at home there! Egypt exceeded my expectations in many ways, and I want to share my experience to help future travellers. If you’re planning a trip, here are some important things to know before visiting Egypt.
I understand that every city in Egypt has its own unique atmosphere, so my observations are based mainly on Sharm El Sheikh and a little bit on Cairo, as these were the two places I visited on this trip.
1. The People Are Incredibly Friendly
One of the first things I noticed was how warm and welcoming Egyptians are. My first taste of their humor came from the immigration officer stamping my visa at the airport, and this sense of humor continued throughout my trip. Egyptians are social, talkative, and very funny. I had conversations with people about all types of things—food, culture, and life in general.
2. Egyptian Men & Safety as a Woman
Egypt doesn’t always have the best reputation when it comes to the behaviour of men, but my personal experience wasn’t as bad as I had feared. Yes, I encountered a few men making silly comments, but they usually stopped when I ignored them or gave them a dirty look—just like in many other countries. I felt safe walking around on my own, and nobody tried to touch me. Of course, everyone’s experience is different, but I wouldn’t let this stereotype stop you from visiting Egypt.
3. Plan Everything in Advance
Booking things in advance will save you money and hassle. I used Booking.com to arrange my airport transfers for just £5 (GBP), whereas my hotel and other providers were quoting me four times the price. The same applies to tours; book them ahead of time to avoid getting overcharged. Egypt is facing economic challenges, and tourism is a major source of income. Some locals will significantly overcharge tourists because their salaries are low. I would advise anyone visiting to be mindful of this and always compare prices before buying something.
4. Tipping Culture
Tipping is a huge part of Egyptian culture, and it’s appreciated in restaurants, hotels, taxis, and tours. However, be careful when tipping street beggars, especially children. I was warned that some are controlled by others who take the money from them. If you want to tip, stick to service workers like hotel staff, waiters, taxi drivers, and tour guides. I felt like tips were expected a lot more in Cairo than in Sharm-El-Sheikh, but being a busy capital city, the service was understandably not as good there.
5. High Security Everywhere
This actually made me feel safer. There are frequent police checkpoints on the roads, and my hotel had a metal detector at the entrance. They even checked underneath every car with a metal pole device, which I assume was to detect explosives. Whenever I left my hotel, the security staff would write down the number plate of my taxi/tour bus and the name of my driver, who also had to show ID.
6. The Old Market is Overpriced – Shop Smarter!
The Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh is a popular tourist attraction, but I found it ridiculously overpriced. Some items were actually more expensive than in England! Haggling is expected, but it can be exhausting if you have to negotiate at every single shop. The only thing I sat down and negotiated for was a bottle of oud (oil based perfume), because I really wanted it. If you want fair, fixed prices, I highly recommend Fix Price Market. They sell everything—souvenirs, snacks, spices, clothes, beauty products, and essentials. Everything is affordable, and you don’t have to negotiate, which makes shopping easier and stress-free.
7. Beware of Fake Papyrus
Papyrus is one of the most popular and unique souvenirs in Egypt, but not all of it is authentic. Many shops/ stalls sell fake papyrus made from banana leaves. If it’s real, it will have vertical and horizontal lines when you hold it up to the light. It should also have a rough texture and feel slightly stiff. Water should slowly absorb into real papyrus, while fakes will repel it. I learned all of this from the Papyrus Institute in Cairo.
8. Sharm El Sheikh Airport is Extremely Slow
If you’re flying from Sharm El Sheikh Airport, arrive at least three hours before your flight. The security process at this airport is painfully slow. There are multiple security checks, and all solo travelers seemed to go through an additional security screening at the boarding gate.
9. Dress Conservatively
Egypt is a conservative Muslim-majority country, so dressing modestly is important. In Cairo, it’s a lot more traditional, and I’d strongly recommend covering your shoulders and knees to avoid unwanted attention and show respect for local customs. In Sharm El Sheikh, which is a resort city, wearing shorts and sleeveless tops is generally fine, but it’s best to limit this to the beach and hotel areas. I noticed that showing arms felt more accepted than showing legs.
10. You Can Pay in Multiple Currencies
The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), but many businesses accept Euros (EUR), British Pounds (GBP), and US Dollars (USD). A lot of places will quote prices in USD by default because they prefer it. If you pay in a foreign currency, make sure to check the exchange rate to avoid being overcharged.
Egypt is an incredible destination and I really enjoyed my trip. It was a welcoming, interesting, and safe place to explore. Like any country, it has its challenges, but with good planning and awareness, you can have an amazing experience.
I hope this has helped highlight some important things to know before visiting Egypt. Am I going back there? Absolutely!
I haven’t been to Egypt yet but I always heard it isn’t safe. It’s great to hear you had a good experience and your tips. I will definitely like to visit in the future. I find Egypt a very interesting place to visit.
I feel like they have put a lot of measures in place to protect tourists. Yes there are unfortunately some scammers in tourist hotspots, but most of the Egyptian people are really kind and welcoming. It’s definitely worth a try 🙂
These are some excellent, helpful tips for visiting Egypt. I have heard that some local men can be full-on but your advice is great on how to handle than.
They can be annoying, but I found that they have enough respect to back off if you give them dirty looks. Egypt also has their own designated “tourist police” and officers hover around main tourist attractions for safety.
Great post & it’s changed my mind about visiting the great country of Egypt! I would love to experience the culture and historical sites. Maybe one day… putting it on the neber ending bucket-list haha!
It’s definitely worth a visit. I’m itching to go back there 🙁
I really want to visit Egypt but I’m nervous about visiting as a solo traveler. So I appreciate your positive perspective on the country! Were you traveling solo when you went?
Yes, I was solo for most of the trip. I understand your fears because I was also very scared before I got there.
Great tip about testing for real papyrus…things most of would never think about or know to look for.
Yes I never would have guessed that papyrus could be fake.
I felt very safe when I visited Egypt on my own as well. Most of the people were really nice and helpful, and I was often invited to join for a cup of tea. The thing that bothered me though is the tipping culture, which seems to apply only to tourists. I hated it.
Yes exactly, I found the locals to be very friendly and helpful too 🙂 The tipping culture can be annoying sometimes, so I was very selective with who I gave tips to.
Egypt and parts of the Middle East that I have not yet been to are on my list. Your insights will help me decide future travel plans.
Yes you should definitely visit Egypt! It’s interesting as it’s actually part in Africa and part in the middle East 🙂
I would never have thought that there would be fake papyrus, given that this is one of the top souvenirs. Thanks for the heads up on this!
Yes I wouldn’t have guessed this either, so I’m glad that I was warned about it in Cairo.
Egypt has been on my bucket list for a long time. You have a lot of great tips here that make it sound a little less daunting. Good to know about the airport in Sharm El Sheikh.
Yes I think it’s definitely worth a visit 🙂 Maybe go during the low season like I did, to have a more peaceful experience.
Literally every Reddit post I see, people are saying that Egypt is one of their least favorite destinations. And while I have not been to Egypt yet, I just have a really hard to understanding the amount of hate a country can get for being “too touristy.” I mean the last Wonder of the Ancient World is here, of course it’s going to be touristy and overcrowded because people appreciate history and the amazing landscape that Egypt has to offer! So, I’m really that that you highlighted some of the good things about Egypt.
Thank you Alex! I felt like I had to write this post because too many people have ignorant, small-minded views about Egypt. Yes there are dodgy people at the sites who want to make money, but Egypt is not the only country with this. Yes, some men will catcall women, which happens in every country! The things people are demonising Egypt for happen in many tourist locations all over the world. Italy (another country I really like), has these same problems with scammers and creepy local men, but it doesn’t get the same hate as Egypt. My advice to everyone would be to visit Egypt first before forming an opinion.
Super helpful information – especially insights on money and tipping! That kind of information helps people feel prepared. Would love to go to Egypt!!
You’re welcome. I hope you get to visit Egypt some day 🙂
Great guide! I visited Egypt a few years ago, and this really brings back memories. Your tips are spot on, especially about cultural norms and local etiquette. Wish I had this before my trip—thanks for the inspiration!
You’re welcome, I’m glad you resonated with everything I wrote, based on your own experience as well 🙂
Egypt has long been on my bucket list. I really want to see the Pyramids and sail down the Nile. But after reading your post there is obviously so much more to discover.
Yes, Egypt is more than just the Pyramids. I am eager to go back there and explore some places in the south.
This is such helpful advice!!
Thanks 🙂