Accommodations in Egypt, including hotels and resorts, span from reliable tourist standards to internationally recognised luxury properties. Many of the larger cities and popular tourist areas, such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and along the Red Sea coast, offer a wide variety of options, from well-appointed budget hotels to five-star resorts with extensive facilities. Nile cruise ships also fall within the accommodation spectrum, providing cabins with modern amenities while allowing guests to experience the river and historic sites in comfort. Some resorts feature private beaches, swimming pools, spa facilities, and multiple dining options, catering to both leisure travellers and families. Boutique hotels and heritage properties offer a more intimate experience, often incorporating local architecture and décor, while luxury properties frequently provide exceptional service, fine dining, and curated cultural experiences.

Occasionally, circumstances beyond our control may require a change to the confirmed property. In such cases, every effort will be made to provide advance notice, although full details of any substitute property may not always be available. For more information on individual hotels or resorts, consult your itinerary or speak with one of our travel experts.

In Egypt, formal attire is generally not required, but packing light and practical clothing is recommended. If you plan to visit upscale hotels or dine at fine restaurants, including in Cairo or along the Nile cruises, bringing some smart-casual options is a good idea.

For sightseeing and exploring archaeological sites, lightweight, breathable cotton clothing in neutral or muted colours works best. It is important to wear sun-protective headwear and sunglasses, as the sun can be strong throughout the year.

Evenings in desert areas and on the Nile can be cooler, so bringing a light jacket or fleece is advisable. A lightweight scarf or shawl is useful for sun protection and when visiting religious sites where modest dress is expected. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for site visits, with trainers or sandals for relaxing at your accommodation.

Insect bites are generally less of an issue than in tropical regions, but long-sleeved shirts and trousers may be useful in the evenings, especially near the Nile or in oasis areas.

Most hotels and cruise ships offer laundry services, often included in your stay, but if your itinerary is tight, check beforehand to make sure your clothes will be ready when needed.

Packing List

Essentials

• Wide-brimmed hat or scarf for sun protection
• Reusable water bottle
• Good quality, preferably polarised sunglasses
• Camera, charger, and adaptor
• Travel adaptor suitable for Egypt (types C and F plugs)
• Spare glasses or contact lenses if needed
• Comfortable walking shoes or trainers for site visits
• Sandals or slip-on shoes for relaxing at hotels or cruises
• Lightweight trousers or long skirts for visiting religious sites
• T-shirts and long-sleeved cotton shirts for sun protection and cooler evenings
• Light jacket or fleece for desert nights and air-conditioned places
• Swimwear for hotel pools or the Red Sea
• Scarf or shawl to cover shoulders when visiting mosques or rural areas

Health and Safety

• Basic medical kit including pain relief, plasters, antiseptic cream, and Imodium
• Insect repellent (though mosquito presence is generally low)
• High-factor sunscreen, especially for sensitive skin
• Tissues or wet wipes
• Lip balm with sun protection

Egypt has a reliable telephone and mobile network, with good coverage in cities, towns, and popular tourist areas. Most hotels and resorts provide international telephone services and Wi-Fi for guests. If your phone has roaming enabled, you can use local cellular networks, but roaming charges can be high. Many travellers choose to purchase a local SIM card upon arrival, which is widely available at airports and mobile shops.

While coverage is strong in urban and tourist areas, it may be limited in more remote desert locations or archaeological sites. Wi-Fi access is generally available at hotels and on Nile cruises, though speeds and reliability can vary.

Egypt, a land where time stands still, invites exploration through its iconic wonders and rich cultural tapestry. The Pyramids of Giza, with the enigmatic Sphinx, echo the mysteries of ancient civilisations, while the Nile River weaves a narrative of life and history. Travellers have marvelled at Egypt’s archaeological wonders for centuries, dating back to the Ancient Greeks who visited the pyramids. Today, millions are drawn to the pyramids, temples, mosques, and monuments of the Nile Valley, as well as the Red Sea’s diving resorts.

In 430 BC, Greek historian Herodotos explored Egypt’s magnificent monuments, many already 2,500 years old. From the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Karnak or Philae and the painted tombs in the Valley of the Kings, visitors can still experience the legacy of this ancient civilisation.

Cairo, a bustling metropolis, blends the old and new, from the Egyptian Museum’s treasures to the medieval charm of Islamic Cairo. Luxor and Aswan unveil the grandeur of ancient temples and the Valley of the Kings, offering a glimpse into Egypt’s illustrious past. The life-giving Nile flows north, nurturing an emerald ribbon of irrigated fields beside date palm-shaded villages. Whether cruising on a ship or a traditional felucca boat, life on the water provides a visual feast. The Red Sea coastline beckons with vibrant marine life in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, while the Siwa Oasis in the Western Desert offers a serene retreat. UNESCO sites like Abu Simbel underscore Egypt’s commitment to preserving its enduring ancient wonders.

Egypt is primarily a Muslim country, and it is important for visitors to observe and respect religious customs, especially regarding clothing and public behaviour. Kindly be reminded to dress modestly by covering your shoulders to below the knee. It is expected that women adhere to a more conservative dress code than men. Additionally, gentlemen are advised not to wear short shorts and tight singlets.

During the holy month of Ramadan, it is crucial to refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public, as it goes against Muslim cultural norms. Alcohol can only be purchased at licensed hotels and restaurants.

Voltage & Frequency

The standard voltage in Egypt is 220V, with a frequency of 50 Hz.

Socket Types

Type C (European 2-pin)

Accommodation

Although there are hotels that are not set up for children, there are some that were designed with children in mind. If you speak to one of our consultants they can tailor-make an itinerary specifically for you and your family.

Why Choose Egypt for your Family Holiday

Egypt is a highly educational, warm and welcoming country for families with children. There are many highlights that are especially recommended for children, including the Nile Valley, the Western Desert, the Red Sea Coast and Sharm el-Sheikh.

Health requirements vary from country to country. We recommend you speak to your GP or local Travel Doctor for up-to-date information and advice.

Our Tips for Choosing Insurance

Insurance is a mandatory requirement for your travels, and we strongly advise you to secure Comprehensive Travel Insurance at the time of booking your trip.

Make sure you have a thorough understanding of the Terms and Conditions outlined in your policy and that you are well informed about your insurance coverage to ensure that you are adequately prepared for any unforeseen circumstances during your travels.

Guidelines

It is advised to request the local operator of the hotel/lodge to reconfirm all onward flights before departure to ensure the accuracy of the flight timings.

While most departure taxes (both domestic and international) are typically included in the tickets, certain regional and private airports may require local payment for taxes.

Currency

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), which is divided into 100 piasters.

You Should Know

You can obtain local currency upon arrival at banks or ATMs in most hotels. It’s advisable to have some US Dollar notes in small denominations for added convenience.

Credit cards are not accepted everywhere, so it is not advisable to rely solely on credit cards as a primary source of funds, particularly in places where card usage may be limited, such as remote lodges. It is recommended to inform your bank before using your credit card overseas, and using a PIN number is considered more secure than a signature. In Africa, Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, with larger establishments also accepting American Express and MasterCard. Diners Club is not generally accepted in most establishments.

• The Cairo Trilogy by Naguib Mahfouz
• The Religion of Ancient Egypt by Sir W.M. Flinders Petrie
• The Mummy Maker’s Daughter by Jens E Huebner
• A Thousand Miles Up the Nile by Amelia Edwards
• The Cat of Bubastes: A Tale of Ancient Egypt by G.A. Henty
• Pharaoh’s Daughter by Julius Lester

General Safety

• Doors should be locked when driving after dark.
• Don’t walk alone at night in city streets, isolated beaches or remote areas.
• Travellers should not display unnecessary signs of wealth (e.g. mobile phones, money, and expensive jewellery) on the streets.
• Leave all your valuables including passports locked in the room safe where available.

Egypt offers a rich variety of souvenirs and crafts, including colourful textiles, hand-painted ceramics, traditional papyrus artwork, alabaster carvings, and intricate jewellery. Popular items also include spices, perfumes, and beautifully woven baskets. Bargaining is common in bazaars and markets such as Khan el-Khalili in Cairo, while prices in established shops tend to be fixed. It is normal for vendors to start with higher prices for tourists, so polite negotiation is expected to reach a fair deal. Cash in Egyptian pounds is the most widely accepted form of payment, though US dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas. Credit cards are generally accepted in larger stores and hotels.

Bench Africa supports responsible tourism and encourages travellers to avoid purchasing antiquities or items of doubtful origin. The export of genuine archaeological artifacts is illegal and buying fake antiquities contributes to the destruction of Egypt’s heritage. We also discourage the purchase of products made from endangered species or prohibited materials, in line with international conservation laws and ethical travel practices.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping, commonly referred to as ‘baksheesh,’ is customary in Egypt, though not as widespread as in the United States or Europe. It is discretionary, a way of expressing gratitude for exceptional service.

To assist with budgeting, the following guidelines are provided in US Dollars:
Airport Representative (per person): $3.00
Airport Assistance (per person): $3.00
Airport Driver (per person): $3.00
Driver (per full day per person): $5.00
Bellmen at hotels (per check-in or check-out): $3.00
Guide (per full day per person): $10.00
Nile Cruise staff (per person per night): $10.00
Hotel porters (per bag): $1.00
Hotel housekeeping staff (per person per night): $1.00
Restaurant (per person per meal): $3.00
A la carte dining (percentage of bill): 10%

Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt

1 Darwin Avenue, Yarralumla
ACT 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 2 6273 4437

Australian Embassy in Egypt

11th Floor World Trade Centre
1191 Corniche El-Nil, Boulac, Cairo, Egypt
Tel: +20 2 2770 6600

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Egypt?

We do not provide advice on specific visas as regulations are subject to change and can vary from person to person. Please refer to Smart Traveller for the most up-to-date information. We advise checking visa requirements at the time of booking and again before travelling to keep abreast of any changes that may have occurred.

Visa requirements vary between countries, and it is essential that you acquire the appropriate visa for your journey and ascertain whether it can be applied for in advance or on arrival, in which case you will need the exact physical money. Often, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, with a minimum of two blank pages (a double page). You will be required to have onward travel documents and sufficient funds. It is advisable to carry photocopies of all important documents.

It is your personal responsibility to confirm that your passport is valid, contains the necessary visa, and that you have all required travel documents.

Climate

In Egypt, temperatures are typically warm or hot during the day and cool at night. The country experiences two seasons: a mild winter from November to April and a hot summer from May to October. March and April are particularly popular for visitors, with temperatures ranging from pleasant to hot. To avoid the midday sun, sightseeing often begins early. These months may also witness sand-laden winds.