Egypt is the cradle of civilization with the legendary pyramids, the majestic Nile, and treasures of the pharaohs. The country offers 5000 years of tangible history.
Sights
Cairo is home to the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum. Luxor is the world’s largest open-air museum with the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple.
Aswan offers the Philae Temple and felucca rides on the Nile. Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh on the Red Sea are paradise for divers. Alexandria shows Greco-Roman history.
Tipping
Baksheesh is everywhere. Restaurants: 10-15%. Tour guides: 50-100 EGP per day. Drivers: 30-50 EGP per day. Hotel service: 10-20 EGP. Restroom attendants: 2-5 EGP. Taking photos of locals: 10-20 EGP.
Traffic rules
Highway: 90-100 km/h
Rural roads: 90 km/h
Urban areas: 50-60 km/h
Desert roads: 100 km/h
Reality Check: Traffic rules are theory. Honking is communication. Donkeys and camels on roads. Checkpoints frequent. Alcohol limit: 0.5 per mille.
Currency & Payment
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Cash is essential – especially smaller bills for baksheesh. Card payments in hotels and tourist restaurants. US dollars are often accepted.
Ma’salama! Smaller notes are worth their weight in gold – baksheesh is part of the culture!
Important phone numbers
Emergency: 122 (Police), 123 (Ambulance), 180 (Fire department)
Tourist police: 126
Tourist hotline: 16722
Passport emergency: +20 2 2797 3300
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