Everything you need to know before visiting Egypt: visa procedures, ideal weather, currency & tipping guidelines, dress code, safety, Nile cruises, and expert travel insights curated by Etro Tours.
Etro Tours is a leading licensed Egyptian travel agency specialized in private luxury packages, tailor-made itineraries, and deluxe Nile cruises across Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Alexandria, and Siwa Oasis. We eliminate stress and middleman costs to offer you an authentic, transparent, and unforgettable Egyptian travel experience.
Private, highly knowledgeable English and multilingual guides dedicated exclusively to your group.
Modern air-conditioned private vehicles with professional drivers for door-to-door comfort.
Handpicked 5-star deluxe Nile cruise ships and boutique Dahabiyas with prime riverfront cabins.
No hidden fees, no shopping traps. Clear inclusions with 100% money-value guarantee.
Planning a journey to Egypt is an exhilarating experience. With millennia of history, breathtaking landscapes along the Nile, and world-renowned hospitality, Egypt is unlike any other destination. To help you prepare for a comfortable, culturally respectful, and smooth adventure, our local Egyptologists have compiled these insider tips.
Egypt is warm, welcoming, and safe for international travelers. A small effort to learn local customs and plan your packing will elevate your journey from great to truly unforgettable.
Getting your visa for Egypt is simple and straightforward for citizens of over 70 countries including North America, Europe, Australia, and GCC nations.
Apply online before departure through the official Egyptian Ministry of Interior portal. Your e-Visa will be issued electronically within 3 to 7 business days.
Eligible passport holders can purchase a single-entry 30-day tourist visa stamp at bank kiosks located inside major airport arrival halls (Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm) for $25 USD cash.
Egypt is a year-round destination, but temperatures vary significantly between seasons and geographical regions (Cairo vs Upper Egypt vs Red Sea).
| Season | Months | Weather Overview | Recommended Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season | Oct – Apr | Sunny & Mild (18°C – 28°C). Cool desert nights. | Cairo, Pyramids, Luxor, Aswan & Nile Cruises |
| Shoulder Season | May & Sept | Warm to Hot (28°C – 35°C). Fewer crowds. | Nile Valley tours early morning, Red Sea Coast |
| Summer Season | Jun – Aug | Hot in South (35°C – 42°C). Coastal breezes. | Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab & Resort Cruises |
In Luxor and Aswan, temperatures peak in the afternoon. All Etro Tours temple visits are scheduled during comfortable morning or sunset hours to avoid the midday sun.
Winter nights (December through February) in Cairo and on Nile cruise decks can drop to 10°C (50°F). Remember to pack a warm jacket or sweater for evening strolls.
The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Foreign currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP are widely appreciated for major tours, tipping, and hotel bills, but local currency is best for small markets.
Major credit cards (Visa & MasterCard) are accepted at hotels, high-end restaurants, and official ticket offices. Keep small cash notes for local markets, tipping, and restrooms.
Tipping is a customary part of Egyptian hospitality culture. Below is a realistic guideline for voluntary tipping based on great service:
| Service Provider | Suggested Tip Amount | Notes / Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Private Tour Guide | $15 – $25 USD per day (per group) | Given at the end of each tour day based on satisfaction |
| Private Vehicle Driver | $10 – $15 USD per day (per group) | Handed to the driver upon completion of transfers/tours |
| Nile Cruise Crew | $8 – $12 USD per person / night | Left in a collective tip envelope at reception upon check-out |
| Hotel Porters & Bellboys | 50 – 100 EGP ($1 – $2 USD) per luggage | Paid directly after luggage delivery |
| Restaurant Waiters | 10% – 15% of total bill | Often added voluntarily if not included in service fee |
Wear comfortable, breathable cotton or linen clothing. Smart casual shirts, t-shirts, knee-length shorts, or lightweight trousers are ideal. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are mandatory for unpaved archaeological sites.
Modest dress is required when entering active places of worship. Men should cover shoulders and knees. Women should wear loose clothes covering shoulders, chest, and knees, plus carry a light scarf for head coverage.
Swimwear and shorts are completely fine around resort swimming pools, beaches, and Nile cruise sun decks. Smart casual wear is recommended for dinner inside cruise dining rooms.
Photography with smartphones is free at almost all sites and museums. Professional cameras may require a small ticket. Note: Drones are strictly illegal in Egypt without prior military permits.
A Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan is the highlight of any Egyptian holiday. Follow these expert recommendations from Etro Tours to enjoy a seamless voyage:
Do not drink tap water in Egypt. Always use sealed bottled water or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth. Etro Tours private vehicles carry cold bottled water for guests daily.
Egypt is extremely safe for international tourists, solo female travelers, and families. Tourist police officers are stationed across all major monuments, hotels, and highways to guarantee peace of mind.
Egyptian cuisine is delicious and rich in flavor! Don’t miss trying Koshary, Taameya (Egyptian falafel), Molokhia, Grilled Kebabs, and fresh mango or sugarcane juices at vetted restaurants.
Carry a small personal first-aid pouch with sunblock, lip balm, rehydration salts, antacids, motion sickness tabs for cruises, and any prescription medicine in original containers.
Your entire vacation is designed around your requirements with expert guidance every step of the way.
Speak with our Egypt specialists for your perfect luxury journey.
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