Egypt

Egypt feels instantly larger than life: pharaohs on temple walls, the Nile sliding past palm groves, and the call to prayer echoing over chaotic streets. To keep it from feeling overwhelming, start with a loose plan.

Many travellers build a classic route: Cairo → Aswan → Nile cruise or train → Luxor → Red Sea (Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh). Allow at least 8–12 days for this, more if you like slower travel. Use Hello’s trip planning to pin dates for key sights like the Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel, and the Valley of the Kings, then fill gaps with markets, cafés, and downtime by the Nile.

Internal flights between Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and the Red Sea save time, while overnight trains are a memorable alternative. Try to cluster temple visits in the cooler hours (early morning or late afternoon) and keep one or two buffer days for inevitable changes.

Before you land, activate a Hello eSIM so you can check ride‑hailing apps, train times, and opening hours as soon as you touch down. A bit of structure plus room for spontaneity is the sweet spot here.

Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP), and cash is still king for small shops, tips, and markets. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Keep a mix of small notes (5–50 EGP) for tips and street food.

Everyday prices vary, but as a rough guide:

• Simple koshari meal: 40–80 EGP (around US$1–2.50)
• Mid‑range restaurant dish: 150–300 EGP (about US$4–9)
• Museum or temple ticket: often 200–600 EGP (roughly US$6–18)

Tipping (baksheesh) is part of daily life. Small amounts are appreciated for hotel porters, drivers, and local guides. Instead of fumbling at the last minute, you can use Hello’s budget tracking to set a daily cash allowance that includes tips.

Travelling with friends? Big group dinners and Nile cruise extras can add up. Use Hello’s expense splitting so everyone logs their share on the spot and settles up later without awkward math. Keep a separate wallet section for larger notes and a small front pocket for everyday cash, especially in busy areas like Khan el‑Khalili in Cairo.

Cairo traffic is legendary, but moving around Egypt is easier once you know your options. In cities, ride‑hailing apps and metered taxis are the most straightforward. Agree on a rough price beforehand if there’s no meter, and have your destination written in Arabic for clarity.

For longer distances:

• Domestic flights connect Cairo with Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea hubs, saving precious time.
• Overnight trains between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan offer a classic Nile experience. Book private cabins if you value sleep.
• Nile cruises (typically 3–4 nights) run between Luxor and Aswan, doubling as both transport and sightseeing.

Activate a Hello eSIM before you land so maps, translation, and ride‑hailing work from the airport onward. It also helps you keep important tickets and hotel confirmations accessible in the cloud.

Inside sites like the Pyramids, Luxor Temple, or Karnak, you’ll walk a lot over uneven stone and sand, so wear sturdy shoes, carry water, and avoid midday sun where possible. Add transport times and transfer notes into your Hello trip planning so you’re not sprinting between temples and trains.

Egyptian hospitality is generous, and sharing food is a big part of it. Don’t miss koshari (a comforting mix of pasta, rice, and lentils), ful medames (slow‑cooked fava beans), taameya (Egyptian falafel made with fava beans), and grilled fish in coastal towns. Street food is delicious; choose busy stalls, watch dishes being prepared fresh, and carry hand sanitiser.

Dress codes are relaxed in resort areas but more conservative in cities and rural towns. As a guideline, cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques or traditional neighbourhoods. A light scarf is handy for both modesty and sun protection.

A few cultural tips:

• Ask permission before photographing people, especially in markets.
• Friday is the main prayer day, so expect slower mornings and busier mosques.
• Public displays of affection are best kept discreet.

Reliable connectivity helps with real‑time translation and navigating local customs; a Hello eSIM keeps you online without worrying about roaming charges. Use Hello’s budget tracking to monitor your café stops, dessert splurges on om ali (a local bread pudding), and last‑minute souvenir buys so you don’t burn through your trip funds too early.