Middle East and North Africa

From the maze-like medinas of Marrakesh to the glass towers of Dubai, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is a region of vivid contrasts. One day you might be haggling for spices in Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili, the next you’re watching the sun set over the dunes of Wadi Rum in Jordan. Expect hospitality to be generous and often spontaneous: invitations for tea, extra portions of mezze, and helpful directions are common.

Climate varies more than many travelers expect. Summers can be fiercely hot in places like Abu Dhabi or Riyadh, while winter nights in the Sahara drop close to freezing, so pack layers and a light scarf you can use for sun, sand, and modesty when needed. Dress codes are generally relaxed in coastal cities such as Tel Aviv or Casablanca, but more conservative in rural areas and around religious sites—carry a shawl or long-sleeved top to adapt quickly.

To keep logistics smooth, organize key bookings and routes in advance using trip planning tools, then stay flexible for serendipitous detours—a side-street falafel stand in Amman or an unplanned seaside coffee in Alexandria often become the standout memories.

Distances in MENA can be huge, but moving around is easier than it looks once you understand your options. For long hops, budget airlines connect hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Cairo, and Casablanca. For shorter journeys, intercity buses and trains are solid choices: ONCF trains in Morocco, Egypt’s Cairo–Alexandria line, and buses between Amman and Petra are reliable and affordable.

Inside cities, taxis and ride-hailing apps are common, but meters are not always used. Ask the driver for a fare estimate before getting in, or agree a fixed price. In older city centers like Fes el-Bali or Jerusalem’s Old City, streets are often pedestrian-only, so be prepared to walk and use landmarks rather than exact addresses.

Navigation is smoother when you stay online. Activate a Hello eSIM before landing so your phone connects as soon as you touch down, avoiding airport SIM queues and roaming shocks. With steady data, you can:

• Use maps to find riads in Marrakesh’s alleys
• Translate Arabic, Hebrew, French, or Turkish signs
• Check real-time metro info in Dubai or Istanbul

Download offline maps as a backup, especially for desert areas or remote coastal roads.

Currencies shift every border—Moroccan dirham (MAD), Egyptian pound (EGP), Jordanian dinar (JOD), UAE dirham (AED), and more—so it helps to think in ranges rather than exact conversions. A street shawarma in Beirut might cost around 150,000 LBP (roughly 1.50–2 USD), a mid-range dinner in Dubai Marina around 80–120 AED (22–33 USD), while a simple tajine in Marrakesh can be 60–90 MAD (6–9 USD).

Cash is still king in souks and small cafés, but cards are widely accepted in malls, hotels, and larger restaurants. ATMs are common in cities; in smaller towns, withdraw ahead of time. Tipping is customary: in many places, 5–10% in restaurants and rounding up taxi fares is appreciated.

Markets are built for bargaining. Start at about half the initial price, stay friendly, and be ready to walk away; smiles and good humor go further than hard tactics. To avoid losing track of what you’re spending, use budget tracking tools to log expenses in local currencies and see an approximate total in your home currency. When traveling with others, expense splitting features help you divide the cost of desert camps, car rentals, or that lavish mezze feast without awkward calculations at the end of the day.

MENA’s cultures are layered and diverse, but a few shared threads will make your travels smoother. Hospitality is central: you may be offered mint tea in Morocco, Arabic coffee in the Gulf, or dates in someone’s home. Accepting at least one round is polite unless you have a clear reason not to. Greetings often involve a handshake, sometimes with a light touch to the heart; let locals lead, especially with gendered interactions.

Dress modestly when visiting mosques, synagogues, churches, and shrines: shoulders and knees covered, and a headscarf for women in many mosques. In Istanbul’s Blue Mosque or Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you may be asked to use provided garments. During Ramadan in Muslim-majority areas, eating or drinking in public during daylight is sometimes discouraged; many restaurants still serve, but be discreet.

Food is a highlight: try koshari in Cairo, mansaf in Jordan, hummus and sabich in Tel Aviv, grilled fish in Essaouira, and baklava in Gaziantep. Shared plates are common; use the bread to scoop, and eat with your right hand where that is the norm. Use trip planning tools to bookmark must-try spots and time your days around long lunches and late dinners—many cities truly come alive after dark, when the heat eases and café terraces fill with families and friends.