Middle East and North Africa

The Middle East and North Africa is a mosaic of countries rather than one uniform destination, so build an itinerary around a few well-connected stops. Pair Marrakech with the Atlas Mountains, Cairo with Luxor, or Amman with Petra and Wadi Rum. For longer distances, compare total travel time: a low-cost bus may involve remote terminals and several transfers, while a short flight can save a full day. Morocco and Egypt offer useful rail routes, while buses, shared taxis, and domestic flights fill the gaps elsewhere. Hello trip planning can keep flights, hotel addresses, border details, and activity reservations in one place. Check entry requirements and current local advisories for every country, especially if crossing land borders, since rules and transport schedules can change quickly. Download maps and essential booking confirmations before leaving reliable coverage, and save your accommodation address in both English and the local script. Build in slower days too—an afternoon mint tea in a riad, a sunset over the desert, or a quiet souk wander often becomes the most memorable part of the trip.

Transport ranges from modern metro systems in Dubai, Doha, Cairo, and Riyadh to mountain roads, desert tracks, and informal shared taxis. In cities, use official taxis or reputable ride-hailing services where available; if a taxi is unmetered, agree on the fare before getting in. Carry small notes for quick payment, and confirm whether a market price is per person or for the whole vehicle. Trains are especially practical in Morocco and Egypt, while buses connect many places that railways do not. Renting a car can be rewarding in Morocco, Oman, or Tunisia, but allow extra time for winding roads, sudden traffic, and limited fuel stops outside towns. In historic medinas, walking is often faster than driving, though comfortable shoes matter on uneven paving. Keep your passport, tickets, and hotel details accessible but secure. An active Hello eSIM, purchased and activated before landing, helps with maps, translation, ride bookings, and family updates without relying on expensive roaming charges.

Arrive hungry: the region’s food culture is one of its great rewards. Try falafel and ful medames in Egypt, tagine and couscous in Morocco, mansaf in Jordan, mezze across the Levant, shakshuka in Tunisia, and fragrant machboos in the Gulf. Busy cafés and family-run restaurants are often good signs, and asking what is freshest can lead to an excellent local dish. At shared tables, bread may be used to scoop food, and meals can unfold slowly—accepting tea or coffee is a gracious way to join the rhythm. Carry water during hot-weather sightseeing, choose reputable vendors for raw foods and juices, and be cautious with seafood that has not been properly chilled. Check the bill for a service charge before tipping; customs vary, but rounding up or leaving around 5–10% is common where service is not included. Travelling with friends? Use Hello expense splitting to divide a mezze spread, taxi fare, or cooking class fairly while budget tracking keeps spending organized in each country’s local currency.

Small gestures make travel smoother. Dress modestly at mosques, shrines, villages, and conservative neighbourhoods; covering shoulders and knees is a useful general guideline, though expectations differ by country. Remove shoes when asked, wait for local cues before physical greetings, and always request permission before photographing people. Avoid photographing military, government, or sensitive infrastructure. Cash remains essential for souks, taxis, small cafés, tips, and rural areas, even where cards are common in hotels and shopping centres. Carry modest amounts in small denominations and exchange money through banks or authorized offices rather than informal street exchanges. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking openly during daylight may be disrespectful or restricted in some places, while evenings become lively with iftar and late-night gatherings. Learn a few words such as “shukran” (thank you) or “salam alaykum” (peace be upon you); sincere effort is usually warmly received. Keep a little flexibility in every day—hospitality, prayer times, weather, and local rhythms can change plans in the best possible ways.