Egypt travel guide

Overview

Egypt is a country most visitors plan around a handful of unmissable sites — the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx just outside Cairo, the temples of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings further south, and the Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada for a beach-focused trip. Many first-time visitors combine a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with a few days in Cairo, which covers most of the country's ancient history in one loop.

October to April offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing, especially around Cairo and Luxor, where summer heat is intense. The Red Sea coast stays warm and diveable for most of the year.

Getting around

• Cairo International Airport is the main gateway; domestic flights connect to Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts
• Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan are a common way to see multiple ancient sites without repeated overland transfers
• Cairo traffic is heavy and chaotic — private transfers or ride-hailing apps are generally easier than self-driving
• Trains connect Cairo to Luxor and Aswan, though flying is faster for most itineraries

Mobile data and connectivity

Compare live BrisqNet eSIM plans for Egypt before you fly, and install the profile before departure so it's ready when you land in Cairo — useful for ride-hailing apps, translation, and navigating between sites.

• Coverage is strong in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the main Red Sea resorts; more remote desert areas can have gaps
• Nile cruise boats may have limited or no signal for stretches of the journey between ports
• Photography permits are sometimes required at specific historical sites — check current rules on arrival rather than relying on outdated information found online

Practical tips

• The currency is the Egyptian pound; carry cash for markets, tips, and smaller vendors, alongside cards for hotels
• Tipping (baksheesh) is customary and expected for a wide range of services — small notes are useful to carry
• Dress modestly, particularly when visiting mosques and more conservative areas outside resort zones
• Bottled water is the safer choice for drinking throughout the trip

FAQs