Egypt

Egypt can feel intense at first glance—crowded streets, assertive touts, and sensory overload—but it quickly becomes rewarding once you understand the rhythm. Cairo, Giza, Luxor, and Aswan are the classic first-time circuit, with many travellers adding Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh for Red Sea beaches and diving. Use Hello’s trip planning tools to map out your days around opening times and travel distances; traffic in Cairo can be heavy, so always build in extra time between sights.

On arrival, expect to buy a visa-on-arrival at major airports like Cairo and Hurghada (check your nationality requirements in advance). Immigration queues can be slow, so having a Hello eSIM activated before you land keeps you online immediately for ride-hailing, translation, and hotel directions while you wait. Dress modestly, especially in mosques and rural areas: shoulders and knees covered, and a scarf for women when visiting religious sites.

Egypt is generally safe in tourist areas, but keep valuables tucked away, use hotel safes, and agree prices before accepting services like horse or camel rides. A friendly "la, shukran" (no, thank you) goes a long way in declining offers. Most Egyptians are welcoming and curious—learning a few phrases of Arabic can spark warm conversations and make your journey feel more personal.

Moving around Egypt is part of the adventure. In cities, white taxis, ride-hailing apps, and metro lines (in Cairo) are your main options. Always make sure the taxi meter is on or negotiate a fare before you get in; if the driver refuses, politely step away and find another. For longer journeys, domestic flights between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts save time and are often reasonably priced. Sleeper trains between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan offer a more atmospheric experience—book in advance, especially in high season.

Traffic can be chaotic, so cross roads with locals rather than solo; they know the rhythm of the cars. If you’re taking a felucca (traditional sailboat) on the Nile in Aswan, confirm the duration and price beforehand and bring small bills in Egyptian pounds. Use Hello’s budget tracking to log transport costs in EGP so you can see how much you’re really spending on taxis, trains, and flights.

Signals can be patchy on rural routes, which is where a preloaded Hello eSIM helps you keep maps, bookings, and emergency contacts at hand without worrying about roaming charges. For day trips to sites like Saqqara or Abu Simbel, consider joining small group tours: they simplify logistics, include guides, and can be easier to coordinate using Hello’s trip planning with your travel companions.

Egyptian food is hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly diverse. Look for koshari (lentils, rice, pasta, crispy onions, tomato sauce), ta’ameya (Egyptian-style falafel made with fava beans), and ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans) at local restaurants and street stalls. A filling koshari lunch in Cairo might cost around 40–70 EGP (roughly 1–2 USD), making it easy to keep food costs low while still eating well. Use Hello’s budget tracking to keep an eye on how these small daily meals add up.

Tap water is generally not recommended; stick to bottled water and avoid ice in more basic places. In hotter months, carry a reusable bottle and buy large jugs of water from supermarkets to refill it. When eating street food, look for busy stalls with high turnover—freshly cooked and popular is usually safer.

Egypt has a mix of traditional coffeehouses serving strong ahwa (coffee) and modern cafes. Alcohol is available in many hotels and some restaurants, but not everywhere, and prices are higher than for local drinks. When you’re dining with others, Hello’s expense splitting feature makes it easy to divide bills, whether you’re sharing a feast of grilled meats in Luxor or seafood in Alexandria. Don’t forget to try baklava, basbousa, or om ali (a comforting bread pudding) with mint tea to end your meal on a sweet note.

Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP), and cash is still king, especially for small purchases, tips, and markets. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist hubs, but rural areas may have fewer options, so withdraw enough before heading out. Many hotels and upscale restaurants accept cards, but always carry backup cash. With Hello’s budget tracking, you can set a daily cap in EGP and quickly see if you’re overspending on souvenirs or café stops.

Bargaining is part of the culture in markets and some souvenir shops. Start at about half the initial price and negotiate toward a middle ground, keeping the tone light and respectful. If you’re unsure, walk away—often the price will drop. For fixed-price items like groceries, metro tickets, or museum entries, there’s no haggling. Museum and site entry fees can range from 100–600 EGP (around 3–20 USD), with extra charges for special areas or camera use.

Tipping ("baksheesh") is common: small tips for porters, drivers, and guides are appreciated. Keep a stash of 10–20 EGP notes handy. When you’re traveling with others, Hello’s expense splitting makes it easier to share costs for Nile cruises, guides, or desert excursions so everyone contributes fairly without awkward calculations. Coupled with a Hello eSIM for instant currency checks and translation, managing money in Egypt becomes much smoother and less stressful.