Egypt isn’t just pyramids and sphinxes—it’s a land where pharaohs’ legacies clash with bustling bazaars and coral-filled Red Sea coasts.

From mastering Arabic greetings to navigating Nile cruises, here’s how to unlock this ancient wonder without missing a beat.

Visa Essentials

Secure a tourist visa for $25 upon arrival, valid 30 days. Avoid airport delays by applying for an e-Visa ahead. For longer stays, extend it at the Ministry of Interior for $30/month. Pro tip: Carry printed itinerary proof—immigration may ask.

Itinerary Wins

Mix iconic sights with hidden gems. Cairo’s pyramids ($200 combo ticket) need sunrise visits to dodge crowds. Pair with Siwa Oasis’s salt lakes (12-hour drive; overnight at $50 eco-lodges). For underwater thrills, book Sharm El-Sheikh diving tours ($45/half-day) or Abu Dabbab dugong snorkeling ($30).

Arabic Bootcamp

Learn key phrases: “As-salamu alaykum” (hello), “Shukran” (thanks), “Kam al-thaman?” (how much?). Bargain confidently in markets—start at 30% of quoted price. At cafes, order “Shay bi laban” (milk tea, $1) or “Asheyya mish mish” (apricot juice, $2).

Climate Survival

Pack layers: Summer highs hit 43°C (109°F), while winter nights dip to 10°C (50°F). Opt for loose cotton clothing and UV-blocking sunglasses. Hydrate with bottled water ($0.50/liter) and apply SPF 50+ sunscreen. Avoid midday desert treks—schedule White Desert tours at sunset ($50–$200 per person).

Dress Code Decode

Modesty matters. Women should wear knee-length skirts and avoid low necklines; men skip sleeveless shirts in cities. At mosques, carry a scarf for head coverings. Beachwear is fine in resorts like Hurghada, but cover up when leaving coastal zones.

Transport Hacks

Use Cairo Metro’s gold-line (2023 expansion) for $0.30 rides. Book Uber Egypt (cheaper than taxis) for airport transfers ($15 from Cairo International). Long-distance travelers can opt for sleeper trains to Luxor ($25 second-class cabin). For Nile cruises, 3-day packages start at $400, including meals and temple excursions.

Tipping Culture

Budget 10–15% at restaurants; $5–$10 daily for hotel staff. At pharaonic temples, $2 per guide suffices. Use small bills—porters rely on baksheesh. Skip tipping museum staff; entry fees fund their wages.

Bargaining Mastery

Master the “walk-away trick” in Khan El Khalili. For a $50 rug, start at $20. Use humor: “This price will make me cry!” Jewelers and spice vendors expect 40% discounts. Fixed-price shops (e.g., Egyptian Museum gift shop) don’t haggle.

Health Safeguards

Avoid tap water—stick to sealed bottles. Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and typhoid. Choose busy restaurants like Abou El Sid (Cairo, $15 meals) over empty stalls.

Conclusion: Egypt Awaits

From desert tours to Nile feasts, Egypt rewards curious travelers. Do you crave ancient echoes or vibrant bazaars? Plan wisely, blend in, and let this timeless land surprise you. Share your bucket-list spots—let’s turn pharaonic dreams into reality!