Egypt

Cairo's traffic is legendary, but navigating it is significantly easier with the right tools. Uber and Careem are the most reliable ways to traverse the capital, offering fixed prices that save you from the stress of haggling with traditional taxi drivers. For a journey between cities, the Abela Egypt sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan is a classic experience, costing approximately 3,900 EGP ($80 USD) for a private cabin including dinner and breakfast. To book these services or check live schedules for the Go Bus network, ensure you have a Hello eSIM activated before you touch down at Cairo International Airport. This allows you to bypass the airport kiosks and stay connected from the moment you land. If you are traveling with a group, use the Hello app's trip planning feature to sync your visits to the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding pick-up times and locations. Having reliable data via your Hello eSIM also means you can use GPS to navigate the labyrinthine streets of Coptic Cairo without getting lost.

Egyptian cuisine is a soulful blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. You must try Koshary, the national dish—a hearty mix of pasta, rice, lentils, and chickpeas topped with a zesty tomato sauce and crispy onions. A generous serving at a renowned local spot like Abou Tarek will cost around 60-90 EGP ($1.25 - $1.85 USD). For breakfast, look for Ful Medames (slow-cooked fava beans) served with fresh baladi bread. When dining out with friends at popular spots like Naguib Mahfouz Cafe, the Hello app’s expense splitting tool is invaluable for divvying up the bill fairly. Remember that 'baksheesh' (tipping) is a deeply ingrained cultural practice; keeping small notes handy for servers, drivers, and site attendants is essential. You can use the budget tracking feature in the Hello app to log these small but frequent cash expenses in EGP, helping you maintain a clear view of your holiday spending. Whether you are grabbing street food or enjoying a luxury Nile-side dinner, tracking your costs in the local currency keeps your finances stress-free.

While credit cards are increasingly accepted in major hotels and malls, Egypt remains a cash-centric society, especially in the souks. When exploring the vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar, bargaining is part of the experience. A good rule of thumb is to counter-offer about 50% of the initial asking price and find a comfortable middle ground. To keep your spending in check amidst the excitement of buying alabaster statues or papyrus art, the Hello app’s budget tracking tool allows you to input your purchases in real-time. Maintaining a Hello eSIM connection is vital here; it allows you to quickly research the fair market value of items or use translation apps to communicate more effectively with vendors. Before you head out, use the trip planning section of the Hello app to mark the locations of reliable ATMs, such as those from Banque Misr or CIB, which generally offer better exchange rates. By staying connected and organized, you can focus on the atmosphere of the market rather than worrying about your data roaming or your remaining budget.