Home to the magnificent pyramids, Egypt is one of the top destinations in the world for culture and history lovers.

From marveling at the Great Pyramids to cruising along the Nile River to dune bashing in the Sahara Desert, there are lots of amazing things to do in Egypt. And guess what, you can even look at real-life mummies here! How cool, right?

Egypt is also home to several offbeat places such as Siwa, Dahab, and more. Trust me, you will easily need 10 days or more to explore everything that this country has to offer.

So, if you are looking for adventure-packed travel or a luxurious trip this season, then do plan a trip to Egypt. In this article, I will share all the essential details that you need to know to plan an ultimate trip to this African country!

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the country would ultimately depend on the experiences that you are looking to indulge in and the regions that you would like to explore. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect in each season here:

1. Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) – According to me, the spring and fall seasons are the best to visit Egypt for a multitude of reasons. The weather is pleasant, there are fewer tourists, and you can get good deals and discounts on the tour. So, if you want the best experience, then plan a trip during these months. 
2. Summer (June to August) – The worst time to visit Egypt is in the summer when the temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius or more. The heat is unbearable and you can only venture out in the mornings or evenings. But there won’t be any tourists and the prices of tours, hotels, etc. would be the lowest. However, if you are planning a diving trip, then this is a great time to visit.
3. Winter (December to February) – In terms of weather, winter is the best time to visit Egypt. The weather is cool and chilly for the most part, allowing you to enjoy the attractions without getting dehydrated too much. However, this also means that it is the peak time and sees the most tourists. As a result, the prices of hotels, flights, and tours tend to be on the higher end.

Passport and Visa Requirements

Passport

• Your passport should be valid for 6 months from the intended date of departure
• The passport should have at least two blank pages for the Visa and the entry stamps.

Visa

• Indian passports need a visa or e-visa to enter Egypt. 
• Egypt offers different types of visas for tourism, business, and other purposes.
• The Visa Fee for a Single-Entry Tourist Visa (Sticker Visa) for a maximum stay of up to 30 days is approximately 2400 INR for Indians. 
• Indians are eligible for a Visa on Arrival if they meet the eligibility.

How to Apply for a Sticker Visa

If you wish to get a sticker visa, then you will need to submit your visa application at the Embassy of Egypt in New Delhi or the General Consulate of Egypt in Mumbai.

Here are the documents required for the Sticker Visa:

• A valid passport 
• Photocopy of the passport information pages (both front and back)
• Fully completed and signed visa application form 
• Two 2×2 colored photos with a white background that is no older than 6 months.
• Cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit and details of the tour
• Detailed tour program on the letterhead of an Egyptian Travel Agency with their contact details
• Confirmed Return Flight Tickets and Internal Tickets 
• Confirmed Hotel Bookings
• The last 6 months’ bank statements, attested and signed by the bank.

How to Apply for E-Visa

Indians are also eligible for e-Visa so, if you don’t want the hassle of submitting your Visa application to the embassy, then you can choose this. Follow the below steps to apply for Egypt e-Visa:

1. Go to the official website https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg/ and register for an account.
2. Login to your account and create a new Visa Application.
3. Fill out your travel details and passport information, upload your passport, and then fill out the host information.
4. Once you have filled in all the information, pay the e-Visa fees of 25 USD and complete the application. You will receive the confirmation in the email.
5. After your e-visa is approved, you will receive an email stating that your visa has been processed. Alternatively, you can check the status of your e-visa application by logging in to your profile.

Are Indians Eligible for a Visa on Arrival?

As per the official announcement of the Embassy of Egypt, New Delhi in November 2022, Indians are eligible for a Visa on Arrival if they fulfill one of the following requirements:

• Indians with a Gulf Country Resident Visa that is valid for 6 months after the intended entry date into Egypt.
• Indian Tourist Groups can obtain a Visa on Arrival if they are doing a tour organized by an Egyptian Tour Operator. 

Make sure to check with the Embassy of Egypt in India for updated information when planning to travel to Egypt. You can call or email them during their office hours for any queries you might have about the Egypt Visa process or documents.

Money in Egypt

Currency

The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pounds (EGP, Symbol E£, LE). 

1 Egyptian Pound is divided into 100 piastres. Notes are in denominations of 25 and 50 piastres along with 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 pounds. Coins are in denominations of 5, 10, 25, and 50 piastres and 1 pound.

Apart from the Egyptian Pound, United States Dollars (USD) and Euro are also widely accepted in Egypt. 

Money Exchange

Cash is widely accepted in Egypt, both in Egyptian pounds and USD. So, it is best that you carry enough cash with you for your Egypt trip.

The best option for exchanging money, if you wish to avoid commission, is by using the ATM. If you are carrying cash in a different currency, then you can easily exchange it for Egyptian Pounds at the local banks or exchange shops.

ATMs

You will find ATMs available in all towns and cities of Egypt and most hotels, restaurants, etc. accept international cards. Since scams are quite common in Egypt, make sure to keep your international debit cards and Forex cards protected at all times. Be careful while withdrawing money and keep a check on your statement during the trip.

Credit Cards

In recent years, credit cards have become widely used, especially in purchasing attraction tickets. So, make sure you have an international credit card that works as the entry tickets cannot be bought in cash anymore.

Most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, primarily MasterCard and Visa. But they will charge a small fee for credit card payments so cash is the best way to pay in Egypt. However, if you do run out of cash with no ATM in sight, then most places accept credit cards here. 

Sim Card in Egypt

WiFi and Network in Egypt

WiFi in Egypt is slow in most cities and towns so, if you have important work to do then do get a data network on your mobile phone. Mobile data works better and faster here. 

Airtel or JIO International Plans

If you are traveling for a week or less and don’t want to go through the hassle of buying a local sim, then you can check out the International Roaming Plans of Airtel and Jio. You can get 1 1-day, 7-day, or 10-day plan, depending on your budget and usage. 

Local SIM

Of course, if you need more data while in Egypt, then it is best to get a local SIM like Etisalat, Orange, or We. You can buy them for less than 20 USD with enough data to last you a month. They can be easily bought at the airport, mobile phone stores, hotels, and more. 

Alternatively, if you don’t want to add a new physical SIM, then you can also get an e-SIM from trusted operators like Airalo, Holafly, and so on.

Best Places to Visit in Egypt

Egypt offers a wide range of attractions for visitors. From the historical valleys to vibrant cities, here are a few of the best places to visit in Egypt:

Cairo – Explore the capital city of Egypt which is home to the famous Egyptian Museum where you can see treasures from the past. Explore the bustling market of Khan El Khalili and learn about the Islamic and Coptic past of the country.

Giza – The Pyramids of Giza are one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and a must-visit. Marvel at the stunning, ancient architecture and venture inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu for a glimpse of the ancient Egyptians’ skills.

Aswan – Visit the Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam, and take a boat to reach the colorful Nubian Village.

Luxor – Luxor is known as the world’s greatest open-air museum and is home to several ancient monuments and ruins including the Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and more. Marvel at the Tutankhamun Mummy in the stunning Valley of the Kings.

Abu Simbel – Home to the most beautiful rock temples built by Pharaoh Ramesses II, Abu Simbel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Alexandria – Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria is home to the most beautiful beaches in Egypt and has a rich history to explore.

Siwa Oasis – A beautiful town located in the Western Desert, near the Libyan border, Siwa Oasis is a less-explored destination in Egypt. Stay in the traditional mud-brick houses and enjoy the stunning scenery of this town.

Sharm El Sheikh – Sharm El Sheikh is a popular resort town on the Sinai Peninsula and is also the gateway to the stunning Ras Mohammed National Park.

Dahab  – Paradise for divers, Dahab is home to the world-famous Blue Hole and Canyon diving sites along with several more to explore.

Mount Sinai – Climb the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments and visit one of the oldest Churches in the World – St. Catherine.

Best of Egypt in 10 Days – Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo, Egypt and Sightseeing

Day 2: Cairo Exploration (Dashur Pyramid + Bent and Red Pyramids + Evening and Sunset at the Pyramids of Giza + the Sphinx)

Day 3: Fly to Aswan and Sightseeing

Day 4: Abu Simbel Tour and then Nile Cruise (Visit Kom Ombo Temple)

Day 5: Visit Edfu Temple then reach Luxor

Day 6: Luxor Sightseeing (Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple) then flight to Sharm El Sheikh

Day 7: Visit Ras Mohammed National Park and then fly to Cairo

Day 8: Drive to Siwa and Sightseeing (Salt Lake + Mountain of the Dead + Siwa Fortress)

Day 9: Desert Safari then drive back to Cairo

Day 10: Departure from Egypt 

How to Travel in Egypt

InterCity Travel

Flights – One of the most convenient and quickest ways to travel around Egypt is by taking flights. There are domestic airports in most cities such as Aswan, Luxor, Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, etc. so you can easily cover long distances.

Buses and Minivans – If you are looking for a budget-friendly way to reach cities and towns nearby, then you can book buses and minivans as well. There are plenty of private-owned buses available for booking such as GoBus, WeBus, and more. You can buy tickets for these buses both online and offline, but I would recommend buying tickets from their offices in the city.  

Trains – There are a few train routes available between Cairo, Aswan, Alexandria, and Luxor. However, the train journeys can be a little expensive and you will need to book the tickets from the railway station.

City Travel

Taxis and Uber – In terms of convenience, taxis and Uber cabs are the best way to travel in the cities. You can also book cabs using the Careem or the inDrive app. In cities like Cairo, you can also book Uber bikes which is great if you are traveling solo with no luggage as it can be inexpensive to travel around.

Metro – In Cairo, you can use the metro to travel around the city conveniently. There are 3 metro lines with over 92 stations and the tickets are inexpensive for the journeys.

Microbuses – In most cities, you can get microbuses which are smaller and faster than the buses. It is great for budget travelers as the journey costs you anywhere between 2 – 20 LE. However, getting seats in these microbuses is a pain and most of the time, it can be confusing to find the right microbus for your destination as the signs are not in English. 

Motorboats or Nile Taxis – For crossing the Nile River, motorboats and Nile taxis are the best options. They are affordable and quick and a great way to experience the Nile River.

Tuk Tuks – In cities like Siwa, tuk-tuks are the primary mode of transportation and the best way to explore the town. Make sure to check and negotiate the prices beforehand.

Food in Egypt 

Egyptian cuisine is flavorful and diverse and resembles Indian cuisine quite a bit. Koshari is a popular dish to try in Egypt that is prepared from rice, lentils, chickpeas, and macaroni. It is the staple breakfast of the locals here. Another staple breakfast dish, Ful Medames, is made up of mashed fava beans seasoned with lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic and is often served with bread.

Molokhia, a traditional Egyptian soup, is made from molokhia plant leaves and cooked with rabbit or chicken. Of course, when in Egypt, don’t forget to try the kebabs, koftas, and shawarmas. In beverages, Hibiscus Tea was a clear win for me. It is made from dried hibiscus flowers and is served both hot and cold.

One of the best desserts to try in Egypt is the Basbousa – a sweet cake prepared with semolina, yogurt, and coconut and soaked in a sugary syrup. Also, don’t forget to try Halawa which is a dense, fudge-like dessert made from sesame paste and sugar. 

Shopping in Egypt

If you love shopping, then Egypt is great for you.

Egypt is famous for its alabaster and glass products and one can easily buy vases, lamps, and more here. You can also find high-quality papyrus, gold and silver jewelry, spices, and more here.

For the best shopping experience, head to the Khan E Khalili Bazaar in Cairo, Aswan Souk in Aswan, Luxor Souk in Luxor, and spice markets throughout the country.

Bargaining is a common part of shopping in Egypt so be prepared to haggle a lot. Be polite while bargaining but don’t be afraid to negotiate the prices.

Should You Hire a Tour Guide/Company for Egypt?

As I did a solo trip to Egypt, I know first-hand the problems that one can face as a traveler in Egypt. There are a lot of scams and tourist harassment occurring in Egypt so, I will highly recommend you hire a tour guide or book a package through a travel company.

Here are a few reasons why you might hire a tour guide or a company package for Egypt:

1. Expertise and Knowledge: With a tour guide/company, you can get in-depth knowledge about the history and culture of Egypt. 
2. Convenience: A travel company will take care of all the logistics of the trip, so you can just sit and relax. They will take care of the local transportation, entry tickets, tour guides, and more so, you don’t have to waste time on it.
3. Safety and Security: Although Egypt is safe, lots of local vendors can pester you to buy souvenirs from them or want to show you around in hopes of a tip. This is where a tour guide can protect you from unwanted advances.
4. Local Experiences: A tour guide will ensure that you have the best local experiences and don’t miss out on anything during your Egypt trip. This could include shopping at the local market, trying out the street food, attending some local festivals, and more. 

Travel Insurance

Although travel insurance is not mandatory for visiting Egypt, it is highly recommended. Travel insurance can provide coverage for unforeseen circumstances on your trip such as delayed flights, lost baggage, medical emergencies, and more.

Health insurance cannot cover it all and medical treatment can be a little expensive in Egypt, especially evacuations and hospitalization. A good travel agency can offer you a complete travel insurance package to cover all this.

Some credit cards also offer travel insurance but with limitations so, do check the terms and conditions before taking it. There are a few exclusions in the travel insurance such as pre-existing illnesses, high-risk adventure sports, etc. so, check the coverage carefully before buying it for your trip. 

For any queries, you can reach out to holidays@lykke.travel

Credits:

Blog post is written by: Rachita Saxena