15 Tips for a Successful Trip to Egypt
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Check, Please!?
1. Always ask for the bill after your finished eating at a sit down restaurant. If you don’t ask, you’ll never get it and you’ll waste your day waiting to pay for your meal.
Everything is negotiable!
2. Learn how to haggle. Egypt is all about haggling, whether it’s for a water at the corner store, a souvenir at the market, or a non-metered taxi fare. Even haggling for hotel room prices, restaurant menu prices is acceptable to a point. After spending a short time there, you’ll realize that almost everything in Egypt is negotiable.
Don’t Forget TP!
3. BYOTP! (Bring Your Own Toilet Paper). You’ll be hard pressed to find toilet paper in most restrooms in Egypt. The toilets here have a built in bidet spray nozzle so if you don’t have toilet paper with you, prepare to walk out of the bathroom with a wet or dirty behind.
Blank Stares
4. Accept that you’re a foreigner and that you will be stared at all day, every day. Literally. What ever you do, do not take offense to this behavior, it’s all out of curiosity!
Genuine guy, or Scammer?
5. Be careful who you trust. You should be able to figure out who is genuine and whose not after the first two minutes of conversation. Liz and I met some of the most genuine people in the world during our trip to Egypt, so I highly recommend that you attempt to initiate conversation with the locals. If a person approaches you and starts to tell you that he owns a perfume shop, or mentions the Arabic word “baksheesh” which means “tip” in English, tell them “La, Shukran” which means “No, thank you.” in English and simply walk the other way.
Wait, how much?
6. Ask the price before buying water, soda, candy, and anything else that you can buy at a convenience store. If you’re used to paying a lower price in other shops for your item, haggle with the shop owner a bit!
Utilize the Metro
7. It’s one of the most efficient metro systems that I’ve ever been on. Be aware, it’s extremely rare that you’ll run into other foreigners on the metro. We took the metro almost every day and not once did we see another tourist or foreigner. Considering you’ll be a minority, expect the train to go silent at times and when you look up, the entire car will be looking at you in awe.
Bring comfy shoes!
8. Walking shoes or comfortable sneakers are best. You can wear flip flops or sandals but just realize that the streets of Egypt and Cairo especially can be very dirty therefore you’ll surely return from your day with two nasty looking feet!
Wash your hands!
9. Carry hand sanitizer! You’ll constantly be touching doors, hand rails and money while you’re in the city. You’re not the only one touching those things! Remember, there’s an estimated 25 million people in Cairo! Think about it.
Watch your step!
10. Watch where you’re walking while exploring the city. The sidewalks, and streets of Cairo are not maintained well. I was really lucky I didn’t break my ankle after I fell into a hole in the sidewalk while walking through the city. This was not your typical pot hole, this was a hole that engulfed my entire leg, all the way up to above my knee! Dangerous isn’t even the word for the streets and sidewalks here.
Drink water, and lots of it
11. Buy bottled water, lots of it! You’ll need it to brush your teeth, to drink during the day and maybe even some to pour over your head after being in the extreme heat all day.
Eat where the locals do!
12. Not only will it be the cheapest food that you’ll encounter during your travels, but you’ll also most likely be eating traditional Egyptian food which is what you should be doing if you’re in Egypt anyway, right? Even as a picky eater, I have to say that traditional Egyptian food is great, and very filling to say the least!
Don’t be afraid to cross the streets
13. The driving and traffic will be shocking when you first arrive. Crossing the streets at first is quite intimidating but after you get used to it, you’ll be crossing the streets with ease. There’s a science to it! Don’t bother getting assistance from the “Tourist Police” when crossing the roads, if you do they’ll most likely want a tip (baksheesh) after they assist you in crossing.
Cover Up
14. If you’re a female and you’re planning on traveling to Egypt please do your research! Many foreigners come to Egypt and dress as they would in their home country. This type of behavior can and will attract much unwanted attention, stares, and even perhaps physical advances by Egyptian men. In order to blend in and avoid these issues, please choose your outfits carefully.
As you may or may not know, Liz and I spent a month traveling around Egypt and we personally never ran into any of the issues listed above. Liz’s outfits generally consisted of the following: Loose fitted Khaki/Navy Pants that reached to her lower calf, and a top that covered the tops of her arms and shoulders. Her footwear of choice were her flip flops which didn’t seem to cause any extra unnecessary attention and she did not wear a head scarf.
Take a Black Taxi
15. If you’re confident with your haggling skills, take a black taxi to your next destination. The black taxi’s are considered private and never have running meters. Most people will tell you to avoid them and use a metered taxi while in Cairo, but we took many black taxi’s during our stay. All you need to do is ask a local how much it should cost to go from point A to B and use that number to haggle with the driver. Make sure you agree on a price BEFORE entering the taxi. Confirm the price 2 or 3 times before actually getting in to avoid any issues. By doing so, you may save yourself a few pounds. Once again, if you’re confident and aware of the true “Egyptian” prices (what Egyptians would pay for something), you’ll most likely have no issues with agreeing on a price and you’ll be able to avoid being ripped off.
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Love these tips! Having literally only left Egypt three days ago, I still find myself doing some of these things…including haggling slightly too low and causing some severe offense to a poor souvenir seller in Jordan! Oops!
Haggling definitely got much easier after a couple of days – though the least I ever paid for a large water was 3 pounds.
My tip for avoiding touts: nod or smile to let them know you’ve heard them, but keep walking!! Never stop…unless you’re interested in what they’re touting, of course :)
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Thanks Megan! Hope you're enjoying yourself there. Great tips! Thanks a bunch for contributing.
Such great tips, thanks!!!
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Why thanks Andi! Glad you enjoyed them.
I have never been to Egypt and I would like to go there some day. These are great tips. Especially the water for 2EGP and the bring your own toilet paper one. You go to do what you to do right? : ) Great post!
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We LOVED Egypt! You should definitely go out of you way to visit there sometime. Yep, you do what you gotta do!
Great tips for not only Egypt, but any place your going to travel to! Crossing the streets will be the biggest adventure in each country you visit!
Thanks guys! You're absolutely right, most of these tips can be used in many countries not just Egypt.
I used the regular sink water for brushing my teeth and never had any issues. From what I was told, that was no problem since you don't swallow. I don't think women necessarily need to cover up in Egypt unless in a mosque or sacred site. No one in my group had any accosting for being uncovered. Now, they were oggled quite a bit, which covering up also helps protect, but they weren't yelled at . I think people in Egypt (and Jordan too for the most part) are pretty tolerant of Western clothing considering 1) its hot and 2) we're tourists and not used to the heat.
I still have fond experiences of my falafel and moussaka pita wrap for less than $1.75 for four massive ones infront of Luxor Temple. Then getting a drink at the McDonalds next door for $1.80. Raaaa.
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16. Pack your sense of humour. Egypt can be a stressful place to visit but I've never laughed so much in my life.
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Thanks Shane! Very true…
I would disagree with trying to "Get away" with dressing in a way that is not acceptable in Egypt. Even if nobody says anything, you will still be offending people as a woman not dressing modestly. You need to remember when you are in a predominantly Muslim country what the expectations are in terms of a woman's place in society, and certainly I would NOT suggest wearing capris if you are a woman alone or a group of women, as laws regarding sexual assault are very different there, as are attitudes.
I understand that it is hot, but if millions of women can handle it while covering their legs, then you can too. If you cannot respectfully follow the traditions of a country while in public there, then perhaps you should not be visiting.
And of course, if you intend to visit any cities that are smaller, less touristy, more religious, then you should bring a hijab (and learn how to put it on well enough to cover yourself) and ask a woman there if you are unsure as to whether or not you need to be wearing it.
I don't understand why everybody gets so hung up on having to carry TP. Water actually cleans you better, you just have to get used to it. And besides, their plumbing systems & sewers are not designed to handle paper.
Hi Sandy, thanks for the comment! I understand your point but I'm curious to find out how you dry yourself afterwards?
In Indonesia, they usually have a little bucket of water and a scoop and you're supposed to use your left hand to clean afterward (and thus using your left hand to pass an item, or to point is considered impolite).
And I think what people do is "air" dry afterward :p
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Yes, the bathroom traditions vary greatly all over the world. I am so much more appreciative of toilet paper these days!
Great tips :))) Speaking of sense of humor – what about the weird sound they make when a woman passes by? It took me ages to understand what was going on…I travel a lot from England to Egypt and since I often end up with a last minute booking I call to confirm my reservation beforehand after having to search for a place in the middle of the night once. It might be pricey to make international calls therefore I use a call service which provides cheap calls to Egypt . Its fast, easy to use and cheap but the most important part is that you won't have any accommodation problems.
That sound is called a “cat call”, it’s a rude and generally offensive call towards women by dirty old Egyptians, and sometimes dirty young Egyptians. Don’t mistake these for GOOD Egyptians, they’re not! Keep walking…
Thanks for the cheap calling tips!
not an exaggeration to say that Egypt the cradle of civilizations and religions
That's for sure!
Great, thorough post! I agree 100% about women needing to cover up. I did and encountered no issues at all while I was there. On the other hand, almost every time I hear a story from someone that they had a bad experience or were harassed, it turns out they were not dressed appropriately. I really feel it’s just a matter of showing respect for their culture.
I would just add – keep an open mind! If Egypt is the first non-Western country you visit, you may see a lot of things you’re not used to. It’s important to remember it’s not bad or weird, it’s just different.
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Thanks Katie. Glad to hear you had no troubling encounters as well. You’re so right about the people who have been harassed. For the most part that is the main reason they were harassed in the first place.
Keep an open mind is an excellent tip! If there’s anything you need to have in a foreign country (especially Egypt) it’s an OPEN MIND!
Thanks so much for your contributions. Keep in touch!
I would love to go to Egypt at some point so I will remember these tips if I do. I think what worries me the most is getting ripped off but it sounds like if you just haggle, that won’t happen.
Suzy, if you ever have any questions regarding travel to Egypt, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I have so many great friends there that will take care of you every step of the way. Keep me posted.
I love Egypt as my 2nd home. I love the Egyptians, they are very friendly and treat me with respect. I do wear capris if I’m out with my husband in the summer. Other wise always am out in slacks or long skirts. My upper arms are always covered. I do not cover my head. I would have no problem doing so though if I were going to a place that required it. I have seen tourists in shorts etc at different places and I do see the many many stares from both Egyptian men and women. I also do see laughs at this kind of dress. I do drink bottled water at all times. I do use the water from fawcett though to brush my teeth. I don’t have any problems from that. I do watch what I eat and from where. I will have trouble once in while from food. But I also have problems with food from USA. My family here tease me and tell me I don’t have a Egyptian stomach. They are used to some things that I know I don’t dare touch.
Come to Egypt and visit. It is remarkable. I love the old buildings and their artwork. There is so much to see.
Ohhh I forgot, I do get looked at even by little kids but it is because I’m different and I realize that. I smile at them and 9 times out of 10 get nice smiles back in return. I wave at the little children and they love it. I have many children as neighbors and friends that will wave and speak to me every time they see me.
Sorry this is so long. I could go on and on about living here. Hope you will come and enjoy it. Just be patient and alert as in any other country or town you go to.
Monique, thank you so much for your comment. It’s great to hear tips from someone who has actually visited Egypt. It seems to me that you and Liz are on the same page when it comes to know what clothing is appropriate and what’s not when traveling in Egypt.
That’s funny about the “Egyptian stomach”. I, too, only drink bottled water and I also brush my teeth with bottled water as well. I was only sick once during my time spent in Egypt and that was due to drinking home made lemon juice. Big mistake!
Yes, you’re right most of the kids that stare are not staring for the wrong reasons. A smile goes a long way in Egypt, that’s for sure!
in Egypt there is political turmoil, so please be careful
Nice list! I wish I had of read this before I went last year, especially the bit about avoiding the perfume sellers, would have saved me a lot of hassle! I agree Egypt can be a pretty stressful place to visit at times but as said above, keep your sense of humor and you’ll have a great time
Nice list! It’s always good to know how to behave and what to expect before traveling. But also remember Egypt is a pretty moderate country used to millions of tourists every year, so you don’t need to wear an higab for example, unless you are entering a mosque!
I am going to Egypt this December and these tips come very handy, thank you. However, I am not sure I am very sure about myself when it comes to haggling, especially in a restaurant or a store. Hope I will get used to it. :)
Congrats! Hope you enjoy your trip and hope the protests settle eventually. As for haggling, it’s a way of life there. You are expected to haggle. Ask a local how much something should be, worst case ask different vendors for prices of the same item you are looking for and you will figure out a common average price. Good luck!!!
Love these tips Ryan! I will never forget the first time I attempted to cross the street in Cairo! I also loved haggling at the souks
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