When to Go
The best time to visit Cairo is during the shoulder seasons, which are Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November), as you’ll experience comfortable temperatures with fewer crowds and more affordable hotel prices compared to the hot summer months
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Getting Here
Air travel is the most popular way to reach Egypt, with major international airports located in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and several coastal cities. For those arriving by sea, cruise ships frequently dock at ports such as Alexandria and Safaga, providing a scenic and leisurely entry into the country.
Getting Around
- Metro: Clean, affordable subway with three lines; runs daily from 5 AM to 1 AM.
- Buses: Cheap but crowded; private lines like Mwasalat Misr offer more reliable options.
- Taxis: Plentiful and metered; confirm the meter is on or agree on fare in advance.
- Ride-hailing apps: Uber, Careem, and Didi offer safe, convenient rides with cashless options.
- Tuktuks: Handy for short trips; always agree on the fare before riding.
- Walking: Walkable areas like Zamalek are pleasant, but traffic can be hectic during rush hour.
Egypt’s currency is the Egyptian Pound abbreviated to EGP or E£. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Egypt’s larger towns and cities, but cash, U.S. or Egyptian, is still preferred in many areas. It’s best to carry both cash and cards to be fully prepared. Consider withdrawing cash from an ATM upon arrival.
Safety
Cairo, Egypt is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, but you should still exercise some caution
- Crowded Areas: Be extra careful in busy areas, especially at night when walking alone.
- Lower Income Areas: Avoid these areas, especially after dark.
- Tourist Areas: Be aware of scams and overcharging, and watch out for aggressive vendors. Some vendors may offer “free” gifts that lead to money demands. Most sites have tourist police to help in uncomfortable situations.
- Petty Crime: Petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Keep valuable secure and hidden when touring, especially in crowded areas.
Tipping
Tipping is an important part of Egyptian culture, and it’s expected in many situations, including at restaurants, historic sites, and with tour guides – below are helpful hints on tipping in Egypt:
- Restaurants: A 10% tip is standard, even if a service charge is included on the bill.
- Historic sites: Tip local guides or helpers at major sites like the Pyramids or Valley of the Kings.
- Tour guides: Tip guides 10–15% of the tour cost, or around 250–1000 EGP depending on the tour length – America Egypt tours has a set amounted listed for each guided tour we offer – you will want to tip for other day tours arranged outside of your tour with AET.
- Other situations: Tip drivers, handlers, and hotel staff; amounts vary from 10–20% or $2–15 depending on the service.
