Egypt’s climate can be extreme, so timing is crucial:

Best Months: October to April offer pleasant temperatures (20°C–30°C), ideal for exploring ancient sites and enjoying Nile cruises.

Avoid: May to September, when temperatures can soar above 40°C, especially in Luxor and Aswan. Additionally, the Khamsin winds in March and April can bring sandstorms.

Peak Season: December and January are popular but come with higher prices and larger crowds.

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. Most travelers can obtain an e-visa online for $25 USD. You can apply for this document online through the government website and it is valid for 30 days, but it depends on your country of citizenship.

Alternatively, visas on arrival are available at major airports for the same fee. Always check the latest requirements based on your nationality.

Extended visas, or those available to citizens of countries that don’t apply for E-visas or electronic can be obtain via the Egyptian embassy in your country. We do have a post where we talk about this topic in more detail. You can check it here

When packing to go to Egypt, it is important to consider many things such as the weather, culture and activities you plan to do.

• Women: Opt for loose-fitting clothes that cover shoulders and knees. A scarf can be handy for visiting mosques.
• Men: Avoid sleeveless shirts and shorts in non-tourist areas.

Lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal for the heat. However, temperatures tend to drop at night, so some warm clothes will be required as well.

I made the mistake of taking new shoes to my trip, which proved to be a bad idea, as I got a massive blister on my foot. Bring comfortable shoes, as you will be walking a lot if you plant to visit the temples and pyramids. Sturdy sandals are a good option. Don’t forget your sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. I also brought a couple scarfs in case I was entering holy places and needed to be a bit more conservative. Also, a plug convertor if your plug is not the same as the ones in Egypt (The use Type F, which is the same the use in Europe)

Remember that it is important to dress respectfully, especially in rural areas and places of worship. By choosing clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, you will both avoid being seen and show respect for the local culture.

Egypt‘s sanitary conditions are not like in most developed countries, and although I didn’t have any problems (I am originally from south America), some people might. If you feel like you are in this group of people, Drink only bottled water and watch out for street food. Definitely bring some probiotics!

The sun is strong in Egypt, so it is important to use plenty of sunscreen, reapply regularly, and cover your head. Stay hydrated and avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day.

When traveling to Egypt you will not only be able to learn about its ancient history, but also about its culture. Which is why it is vital to respect their customs in order to avoid inconveniences and enjoy the experience.

The main thing is clothing, with modest clothing being the best option to choose, especially if you are going to religious or rural places. As for photographs, many of these sites do not allow the use of flashes, so you must ask permission. If you travel to Egypt during Ramadan, I recommend being respectful of people who fast. If possible, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public or in front of locals.

Another behavior that shows respect is learning basic phrases in Arabic, for example Shukran for saying thank you or As-salaam-alaikum for greeting. Now, if you travel as a couple, it is very important to take care of displays of love in public, since they are not well regarded. Nor is alcohol consumption in most public areas. As for mosques, respect prayer times and take off your shoes before entering.

Bargaining is an integral part of Egyptian culture, especially in markets, as it is considered a social interaction rather than a simple business. It’s important to know the approximate value of the item you’re interested in and set a limit on how much you’re willing to pay.

One of the most powerful methods is to “walk” away, which usually results in a better offer if the seller does not lower the price. Just please keep in mind, Egyptian sellers can be pushy. Negotiating is a skill that improves with practice, so don’t be discouraged if your first try doesn’t go well.

To make the most of your trip to Egypt, it is essential to plan your trip in advance. This will allow you to avoid last minute issues and be prepared, specially if you, like me, are traveling as a solo female.

In my case, I like to plan some things in advance, while leaving some space to do as I please in other cases. I buy my flights, transportation, my hotels and my tours in advance. I do not have an hour by hour plan, except for what’s scheduled by the tour. I plan it in a way that I get some free time every day and sometimes even some days without plans, in case I get to discover something I want to do that I didn’t know about or if I’m too tired.

Getting around Egypt is not complicated, the country offers a variety of options, each with its own advantages. For long distances, internal flights are ideal, while the overnight train between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan provides a scenic experience. Nile cruises are a relaxed way to travel between Luxor and Aswan, usually including meals and excursions.

For medium distances, buses offer an economical option, and within cities, taxis and Uber are convenient. Although it is always important to agree on the price before the trip or make sure they use the meter.

For more authentic or adventurous experiences, local minibuses, although often crowded, offer an immersion into daily Egyptian life.

Camel or donkey rides are common near the pyramids, but it’s crucial to negotiate the price and duration before you ride. It is important to note that traffic in cities like Cairo can be chaotic, so it is recommended to plan extra time for commuting and, if possible, avoid rush hours.

Egyptian cuisine is very fresh and tasy. One of the main dishes is Koshari, a comforting mixture of rice, nuts, pasta and tomato sauce, considered the national dish. Other popular dishes include Ful Medames, a delicious bread bean for breakfast; Ta’meya, an Egyptian falafel made from fava beans; Molokhia, green vegetable soup; and Mahshi, stuffed vegetables.

Traditional drinks such as Karkadeh; Hibiscus tea and mint tea perfectly complete the dining experience.

While it’s important to be careful when choosing where to eat, street food stalls may offer the best flavors. Many restaurants may have different operating hours during Ramadan, which may affect the options available.

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency. Cash is king in many places, especially markets and smaller establishments. ATMs are widely available in cities, but inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid card issues.

While Egypt is generally safe for tourists, it’s essential to stay updated:

• Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
• Stay alert in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing.
• Check travel advisories from your country’s foreign office before and during your trip.

Purchasing a local SIM card can be cost-effective for data and calls. Major providers include Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat. Ensure your phone is unlocked before traveling. In my case, I get an E-SIM for all my trips, since I can get it in advance and from home. I use Airalo for this service.