Awesome! You just saved ⏱ 28h 53min on planning trip to Egypt!
Egypt flag Egypt
Awesome! You just saved ⏱ 28h 53min on planning trip to Egypt!
Egypt flag Egypt

Food and drink highlights of Egypt 🥕

  • Tipping - Tips are usually included in the bill, however people tend to leave a small amount of money anyway.
  • Eating hours - Lunches are usually served in the afternoon whereas dinner around 10 pm.
  • Discount shops - The Kheir Zaman supermarket is one of the cheapest options when it comes to shopping. In terms of safety the market is known for its very decent conditions.
  • Cuisine type - Egyptian meals have been influenced by African, Indian and Romanian cuisine.
  • Savoir Vivre - Meat is perceived by Egyptians as a luxury meal and served only to honor guests.
  • Main ingredients - Egyptian cuisine makes heavy use of legumes and vegetables. The most common meats in Egypt are lamb, rabbit, chicken and even pigeons (except pork). Dates, peanuts, and honey are popular as desserts.
  • Most popular alcohol - The national alcohol is bouza - beer made from fermented wheat bread.
  • Important info - Tourists are not legally required to fast during the Ramadan in Egypt. However, eating food on the street during this period of time is not well received. Minimal Legal Drinking Age is 21 years. Furthermore, you can only drink it in designated places such as bars, restaurants or your own room.
  • Warning - In many restaurants and bars prices on the menu are not final. Sometimes a 12-14% tax and 10% service fee are added. It should appear in a fine print at the bottom of the menu card.
🔐
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Foods to try in Egypt 🥘

  • Ful Medames
    The most popular street food snack in Egypt. Ful is a paste of mashed broad (fava) beans flavored with garlic and olive oil. It is often put into pitta bread and typically sold as an inexpensive takeaway sandwich.
  • Tamiya
    Another example of Egyptian street food, also known as falafel. Tamiya is made with mashed fava beans and parsley (instead of chickpeas, which are used in different places around the Mediterranean region). It is made in the shape of flat discs rather than round balls and is typically eaten as a sandwich with salad.
  • Koshari
    One of the most famous Egyptian dishes. A mix of rice, brown lentils and macaroni topped with fried onions and a spicy tomato sauce, koshari is normally eaten in specific koshari restaurants.
  • Shawarma
    It is a large cone of pressed lamb or chicken that is rotated vertically in front of a flame grill. As the meat is being cooked it is sliced off and mixed on a griddle with chopped tomato, onion and parsley before being rolled in a large disc of flatbread and wrapped in foil to take away.
  • Kebab and Kofta
    Flame-grilled chunks of lamb (kebab) and spiced minced meat made into a sausage and grilled on a skewer (kofta) are favorite Egyptian food meals. They are typically eaten with a simple chopped tomato and cucumber salad and a disc of flatbread.
  • Mulukhiyah
    This is a soup made from mallow leaves. Green in color, it has a thick, sticky texture. Egyptians eat it with rabbit meat or lamb.
  • Pigeon
    A traditional delicacy Pigeons (Hamaam) are bred throughout Egypt in pigeon towers. They are stuffed with seasoned rice or, even better, bulgur wheat (freek) before being grilled or baked.
  • Mahalabiya
    It is a delicate rosewater-flavored ground rice dessert, topped with roasted nuts and cinnamon.
  • Baklava
    Syrup-drenched, nut-filled filo pastries known as baklava. There are numerous kinds such as konafa, which has a cream base and a crunchy vermicelli pastry crust and Basbousa, made of semolina pastry soaked in honey and topped with hazelnuts.
  • Feteer Meshaltet
    Feteer is a light, flaky multilayered bread made from stretched dough, paper-thin and folded several times. It is served stuffed with minced meat or cheese, or either brushed with Samneh (ghee) or dusted with icing sugar.
🔐
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Unusual facts about food in Egypt 🥘

  • Make sure to stay hydrated as the temperatures are extremely high and the air is very dry.
  • Every day Egyptians drink huge amounts of tea, especially one flavored with mint.
  • There are three main meals during the day, however there are many snacks in between.
  • Although Egypt is a Muslim country, alcohol is easily obtainable.
  • During Ramadan (the date is not set and changes every year), Muslims can not drink or eat in public from the sunrise until the sunset.
  • There are hardly any products or food that is gluten-free in Egypt.
  • The left hand is considered to be unclean so avoid eating with it.
  • In Upper Egypt, more precisely in Hierakonpolis, there was the oldest high production brewery in the world, established circa 3700 BC. It consisted of six vats capable of holding 380 liters.
  • Ful Medames is a modern Egyptian dish made from fava beans that was present in ancient times This vegetable was known during pharaohs' times, however it was considered as the food of the dead. The priests did not eat it, yet ordinary people did.
  • Tiger Nuts are one of the few ancient dishes, which recipe has been preserved to this day. It is only because someone wrote it down on the ostraka, i.e., the shell of a broken jug. It probably comes from the times when the Greeks ruled Egypt, i.e., in the 3rd-1st century BC.
  • There will always be Egyptian bread on the table (pita, but the real Egyptian, the one called baladi is granary), which Egyptians tear into small pieces to form the so-called ‘cat ears’ and fill them with food. Cutlery is only used when necessary.
  • Egyptian dishes are divided into two groups. Halal - food that can be eaten. Haram- food that is prohibited. Pork and anything containing blood is forbidden. It is also important how the animal died, e.g., a cow is halal, but it becomes haram if it is strangled.
🔐
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Place to stay in Egypt 🛏️

  • Best booking sites - In Egypt, you can book accommodation on most of the available websites, such as booking.com, agoda.com, hometogo.com and many others.
  • Rating system - The accommodation has a star system rated (1-5), however it is different from the western standards and may not reflect actual conditions.
  • Seasonality - The cheapest prices for accommodation are in January, while the highest in August.
  • Cost-effective - You can save additional money while booking a room in a hostel if you own the so-called 'Hostelling International' card.
  • Air conditioning - Hotels or guesthouses below three stars may not have air conditioning.
  • Payments - More luxurious resorts list prices and accept payments in currencies other than Egyptian pounds.
  • Unusual accommodation - When we decide to go on a Nile Cruise that lasts several days, a ship will be our hotel. Usually, it has several decks, private cabins with bathrooms, restaurants, bars, shops and even a swimming pool.
  • Camp - The best campsites are located close to resorts and hostels or they are strictly connected to them.
  • Important - The price of an organized trip in the desert will usually include: a ride, a meal and also accessories necessary for an overnight stay outdoors mattress, screen).
  • Warning - While staying overnight in the desert, you should remember to take warm clothes (at night the temperatures in the desert drop significantly) and something that will effectively protect you from wind and sand (a hat, a scarf).
🔐
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Accommodation in Egypt 💡

  • Breakfasts are usually included in the bill, even in more budget hotels.
  • To save up money try booking a room via the internet or through travel agencies.
  • You will not find too many hostels; you are more likely to come across single or double private rooms.
  • The largest cities in the country such as Cairo, Luxor Alexandria but also resorts at the Mediterranean and the Red Sea are best prepared to accommodate tourists.
  • It is worth looking for local hotels on your own. Prices for a higher standard will be much lower there.
  • Naturally, the price of the room can be bargained and it is worth doing it sternly. Sometimes you have to check out a few hotels and spend some time negotiating, but eventually it will pay off.
  • When looking for a hotel in Egypt, it is worth checking the rating it has on TripAdvisor. It is not recommended to choose hotels with a rating below 4. And it's best to look for hotels with a rating of at least 4.5.
  • El Gouna is a desert town with some of the best hotels in the world and the perfect place for golfers.
🔐
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Getting around Egypt 💡

  • Most popular - Taxis are a popular means of transport, however the price must be determined before departure.
  • Cost-effective - Minibuses run 24/7 between the tourist resorts. They are cheap and will stop on request.
  • Time-efficient - Servees are faster than buses and trains.
  • Traffic safety - Traveling in Egypt involves significant risks. The roads are not in the best conditions (except for those connecting large cities), and the possibility of an accident is real.
  • Warning - Drivers use the horn to communicate. Two horns mean the driver is about to change lanes, whereas one is trying to pass.

🚗 Car

  • Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
  • Rural areas can be filled with traffic calming devices (speed bumps) set illegally by locals. They can seriously damage your car.
  • The built-up area speed limit is 60 km/h. Outside the built-up area, the normal road's speed limit is 90 km/h, and on highways it goes from 100 to 120 km/h.
  • The Egyptian driving style can be difficult for cities such as Cairo and Alexandria, where traffic is very heavy. For Egyptians, leaving more than a few centimeters between cars is wasted space.
  • Zero tolerance for driving under the influence, even after just one glass of alcohol. You have to have 0.0 per mille.
  • To rent a car you must have a driving license for at least 12 months - regardless of age. Sometimes car hire companies in Cairo require you to have a driving license for at least 24 months. The period of validity of the driving license starts when the driver turns 18 years of age.
  • You must be at least 25 years old and have an international driver's license to drive a car in Egypt.
    • 🔐
    2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

👍 Hitchhiking

  • Hitchhiking is legal (drivers often ask for payment).
  • It is not the most popular travel method in Egypt.
  • One of the problems when it comes to hitchhiking in Egypt is the number of cars, sometimes nothing passes by at all.
  • Men travel the most. Women generally do not travel alone.

🚌 Bus

  • There are five bus companies that operate in different regions of the country.
  • Buses are often crowded and bus drivers tend to drive fast and dangerously.
  • It takes a few people to convince the bus driver to slow down. There are also cases where passengers pay the driver to decrease the speed.
  • Long-distance buses often do not stop in the middle of the route due to the lack of bus stops along the road. There is only a desert around.
  • Servees are microbuses or small coaches that can transport up to a dozen people.
  • The fares are fixed however you may end up paying extra money if the servees are not full.

⛵ Boat

  • In Egypt, river travel is very popular.
  • You can sail on the Nile by cruise ships or a traditional felucca (sailing boat). One-day and longer tours are offered.
  • From the river, you can admire both the beautiful nature of Egypt and many monuments along the river. And traveling by boat is more enjoyable than the coach.

✈ Plane

  • Domestic flights operate from several airports scattered across Egypt.

🚆 Train

  • In some parts of the country, there are no railroads, but they connect major cities and tourist destinations.
  • Trains are more comfortable than buses as they are faster on more distant routes.
  • Third class tickets often lack air conditioning (first and second class have it), the seats are not comfortable, and the coach tends to be overcrowded.
  • If you are a student with an international student card you can get a discount on the ticket.
  • Timetables, directions and bus numbers are written in Arabic.
  • Tickets can be purchased online at the official enr.gov.eg site. Buying them at a railway station can be time-consuming.

🏍 Motorcycle

  • It is difficult to rent a motor in Egypt because of the level of bureaucracy.

🚲 Bicycle

  • Due to the lack of cycle lanes and high temperatures riding a bike may be difficult.
  • In the region of the Nile Delta local children may throw stones at cyclists

🚕 Taxi

  • Taxi drivers rarely speak English, so have a name of your destination written in Arabic with you.
  • Taxi drivers might let you know if you paid too little, that is why it is better to know the exact fares and avoid being tricked.

How to travel in Egypt 🚗

  • It is safer to travel with a partner or group of friends.
  • Main cause of road accidents are due to overcrowding in the transport, so if you feel there are too many people, get out of the vehicle.
  • The metro is the fastest way to get around Cairo.
  • The public transport system is limited only to big cities.
  • There is a limited number of gas stations in rural and abandoned areas.
  • Local drivers often drive at night without headlights.
  • Be prepared to have your documents checked several times by the police during your trip.
  • You can not travel freely to every region, as some of the places require a travel permit.
  • A travel authorization is easier to obtain by calling your travel agent.
  • Avoid following locals who persuade you to show you some unique places. There is a possibility that they may try to rob you.
  • While traveling by public transport remember that a man should not take place near a woman, especially if she travels with another man.
🔐
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Best time to visit Egypt 💡

⏱️ When to go

  • The best time to visit archeological sites in Egypt is winter (between November and February), when the temperatures are mildly cooler, but still pleasantly warm. The perfect months are probably November in the northern region (Cairo, El Giza) and December in the south-central (Luxor, Aswan).
  • If you want to spend your holidays on a beach, it's necessary to distinguish between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea coast. The Mediterranean Coast is known for the long summer from mid-May to mid-October. On the other hand summer on the Red Sea coast is too hot, while winter is a bit cool, which leaves spring and autumn as the best option. In Sharm el-sheik, the greatest time is either the month of April or the period from mid-October to mid-November.

🌡️ Temperature

  • Summer in Egypt is very hot – temperatures can reach a sizzling 50°C! On the contrary winter is mild; the coolest months are December, January, and February, when temperatures average between 14 °C or 15 °C.

☔ Rainfall

  • Rainfall is limited. Cairo receives just 25 mm of rain in total in a whole year! In Alexandria, city residents enjoy seven or even eight times more rain than in Cairo over a twelve months period.

🌱 Spring

  • In spring, the weather is usually warm (in the southern regions days in April the heat is already sweltering, whereas nights are typically colder). The season is known for strong winds such as the Khamsin (dry, sand-filled storms blowing sporadically in Egypt for fifty days in spring).

🍂 Fall

  • The weather during the fall is almost perfect. The averaged temperature during daytime is around 29 °C but it may vary depending on the location.

☀️ Summer

  • In summer from the northern coast down to El Cairo and Giza, the heat is sweltering. Further down the south, the heat is intense and the air is dry; a relentless sun reigns everywhere.

❄️ Winter

  • In winter in Egypt, stronger winds are felt, and the temperature is unlikely to drop below 10 ° C.

Egypt weather Insights ☁️

  • Egypt has a substantially hot desert climate.
  • During your trip, especially in the springtime you may encounter sandstorms.
🔐
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Savoir-Vivre in Egypt 📝

  • Greetings - Men while greeting each other shake hands, kiss on the cheek or hug. Women, on the other hand, should be greeted with a nod of the head, they are not allowed to engage in physical contact at all.
  • Punctuality - Egyptians do not pay too much attention to punctuality; they generally tolerate delays. Usually, being in a rush is frowned upon - that is why you should not be impatient while waiting for someone who is late. Showing you are in a hurry or you do not have time is also deemed rude.
  • Bargaining - Egypt is an Arab country so feel free to haggle a lot in local markets and bazaars.
  • Dress code - If you are a woman,you should dress more conservatively. Remember to cover your 'immodest' parts such as thighs, upper arms and chest.
  • Temple entrance - When visiting mosques, take off your shoes and cover your arms and legs Women also have to cover their heads with a scarf or shawl.
  • Home invitation - According to tradition, the first invitation should be refused. If the offer is renewed, then it must be accepted. In return, an invitation to a restaurant is usually accepted. Bring a gift (avoid alcohol and choose sweets instead).
  • Etiquette - It is rather unlikely for Egyptians to open or hold the door for someone.It is also offensive toEgyptians to cross your legs while sitting and to show the shoes' soles during the conversation.
  • Drones - We recommend using this map to easily check the applicable restrictions.
🔐
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Things not to do in Egypt ⚠️

  • Act respectfully in archeological sites and strictly follow the rules as the vast majority of the objects are priceless to World Heritage.
  • Have local currency at all times, as in many places, such as markets or bazaars you may not be able to pay with a credit card.
  • Learn basic words and phrases in Arabic because it may help in areas which are much less frequently visited by tourists.
  • It is best to wear sandals in the desert instead of casual shoes.
  • Never head out to the desert or off-site without proper equipment, it is also worth considering hiring a guide.
  • Do not accept tours offered by locals on the streets because they are not as reliable as travel agency ones.
  • Do not take photos of people without their permission. More importantly, taking pictures of military or police personnel, buildings and vehicles is strictly forbidden in Egypt.
  • Avoid petting animals roaming on the streets because they may carry some diseases.
  • There is also a noteworthy element in Egypt's culture - a tip called bakshish. Giving small sums of money at a bar, restaurant or to the hotel service is appreciated.
  • Showing thumbs up in Egypt is the same as showing the middle finger.
  • Gentlemen are advised to engage in flirting with Egyptian women. A situation like that violates moral principles and can cause an unpleasant intervention on the part of men.
  • Topless sunbathing outside the hotel's beaches and naturism throughout Egypt is completely forbidden.
  • Do not smoke on the streets if you are a woman.
🔐
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Interesting facts about Egypt 🤓

  • Egyptians are extremely helpful. It is a good idea to ask for guidance from at least three different people (to make sure you have the right information). Sometimes, people will give you directions out of courtesy even if they don't know the place.
  • Egyptians and locals like to refer to Egypt as 'The Mother of The World'.
  • People in Egypt are quite laid back. Sometimes they may be late or get stuck in a traffic jam, so it is better to be prepared for that during your stay.
  • Market vendors can be very insistent and stubborn to sell something to you, and any sign of being interested will be considered as an 'almost accepted' transaction.
  • Egyptians often ask for a little amount of money in exchange for taking a photo of them.
  • Tourists can not visit mosques during prayers.
  • A part of Egyptian culture is that not only women but also men can hold hands, however it has nothing to do with sexual orientation.
  • During Ramadan Muslims not only will not drink or eat but also will not smoke cigarettes.
  • A TV is a display of wealth and it may be turned on while you are staying in a local house, however it is considered as a positive sign.
  • The oldest dress in the world comes from Egypt and is over 5,000 years old.
🔐
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Best souvenirs from Egypt 💝


Great monuments, interesting history, excellent cuisine and friendly weather - all these are the attributes of a trip to Egypt. If you want your loved ones and you to remember your trip to the country of the Sphinx, the pyramids and the desert for as long as possible - check out our guide!

👚 Clothes

Belly dancing costume 💲 💲 💲 💲

The costumes for belly dance are an important element of this traditional Arabic dance. Designed for women, they are characterized by very bright colors and many tassels.

🛒 Where to buy: markets, dedicated shops

💰 Price range: 100 - 800 EGP

🎁 For whom: spouse

Belly dancing costume

Camel skin products 💲 💲 💲 💲

Egypt is famous for its camel skin products. Among tourists, leather slippers are the most popular, but you will also find handbags, bags and even socks.

🛒 Where to buy: markets

💰 Price range: 50 - 200 EGP

🎁 For whom: grandparents, parents, friends, spouse

Camel skin products

Nubian hat (Fez) 💲 💲 💲 💲

A cap that comes from Morocco is often called Fez. Today, only Bedouins wear them on a daily basis. The cap is round and high, made of a material called kilim. At the top there is a string with tassels, which hang from the side of the cap.

📌 Region: Lower Egypt, Upper Egipt

🛒 Where to buy: markets

💰 Price range: 25 - 100 EGP

💡 Pro tip: Watch out for the poor quality products with paper inside which are supposed to maintain the hat's shape.

🎁 For whom: spouse, friends

Nubian hat (Fez)

🛍 Collections

Ankh Cross 💲 💲 💲 💲

Ankh Cross is an amulet with hieroglyph Ankh - a cross with a ribbon on top. The amulet symbolizes life. In the past, it was given as a gift, which was to provide the recipient with a long life.

🛒 Where to buy: markets, jewelry stores, gift shops

💰 Price range: 20 - 200 EGP

🎁 For whom: friends, spouse

Ankh Cross

Cartouche 💲 💲 💲 💲

The Egyptians make a lot of gold and silver jewelry. Cartouche, made of silver or alabaster, is a metal plate with hieroglyphs. Often you can personalize your Cartouche with your own name written down with hieroglyphs.

🛒 Where to buy: markets

💰 Price range: 80 - 300 EGP

🎁 For whom: grandparents, parents, spouse, friends

Cartouche

Nai 💲 💲 💲 💲

Nai is an oriental kind of flute. It is made of light wood. It has been an inseparable element of oriental music for centuries.

📌 Region: Lower Egypt

🛒 Where to buy: markets

💰 Price range: 40 - 80 EGP

🎁 For whom: friends, spouse

Nai

Oriental incense 💲 💲 💲 💲

The most popular incense among the Egyptians is the so-called Oud, which is produced from specially bred agar trees. It can be purchased in powder form or on sticks.

🛒 Where to buy: markets, girft shops, supermarkets, perfumeries

💰 Price range: 5 - 20 EGP

💡 Pro tip: The "Oud" incense among others like "Mastic", is the best one to choose.

🎁 For whom: grandparents, parents, spouse, friends

Oriental incense

Scarab 💲 💲 💲 💲

The scarabs are small desert beetles that played an important role in the Egyptian religion - they symbolized the Egyptian sun god Ra. Considered a symbol of rebirth, they became a frequent leitmotif of many Egyptian works of art. You can buy them as amulets, pendants or bracelets.

🛒 Where to buy: markets, girft shops

💰 Price range: 6 - 20 EGP

🎁 For whom: grandparents, parents, spouse, friends

Scarab

Shisha pipe 💲 💲 💲 💲

Smoking of shisha became part of the tradition in Egypt over 400 years ago. Nowadays it is burned during meetings with friends. Most of the shisha is made of tin and has rich decorations. You can buy shisha in many sizes - the biggest ones are as high as an adult man!

📌 Region: Lower Egypt

🛒 Where to buy: markets

💰 Price range: 80 - 250 EGP

💡 Pro tip: Make sure that you have space to pack it on your way home, as it may easily broke or fold.

🎁 For whom: spouse, friends

Shisha pipe

💄 Cosmetics

Kohl 💲 💲 💲 💲

Kohl is a cosmetic powder obtained from lead sulphides. It has two main variants - cold and warm. Cold serves as a body cosmetic, while warm is used to paint around the eyes in a typical Egyptian way.

📌 Region: Lower Egypt

🛒 Where to buy: makrets, drugstores, perfumeries

💰 Price range: 80 - 150 EGP

🎁 For whom: spouse

Kohl

Perfumes 💲 💲 💲 💲

In Egypt you can find many local cosmetics, from perfumes to skin care products and essential oils. The most common ingredients of cosmetics are jasmine, rose, musk and geranium.

📌 Region: Lower Egypt

🛒 Where to buy: markets, perfumeries, drugstores

💰 Price range: 200 - 800 EGP

🎁 For whom: spouse

Perfumes

🥗 Food

Baklava 💲 💲 💲 💲

Baklava is a kind of dessert made from a thin shortcrust pastry characteristic of the Oriental culture with the addition of nuts flooded with honey.

🛒 Where to buy: markets

💰 Price range: 40 - 60 EGP

🎁 For whom: grandparents, parents, spouse, friends, kids

Baklava

Dates 💲 💲 💲 💲

Dates are sweet fruits, usually served as dried, with a nut filling.

🛒 Where to buy: markets

💰 Price range: 20 - 50 EGP

🎁 For whom: grandparents, parents, friends, spouse, kids

Dates

Spices 💲 💲 💲 💲

Although spices such as cumin, cinnamon, chilli or ginger are available in every supermarket in the world, it is worth to buy them in Egypt - they are characterized by exceptional quality and aroma!

🛒 Where to buy: markets

💰 Price range: 10 - 80 EGP

🎁 For whom: grandparents, parents, friends, spouse

Spices

🖖 Handmade

Papyrus 💲 💲 💲 💲

Although the papyrus you will find in the gift store is not of the same value as the one created centuries ago, you can be sure that it will be a great souvenir - it is still made from dried banana leaves.

📌 Region: Lower Egypt

🛒 Where to buy: dedicated shops, art galleries, museums

💰 Price range: 5 - 100 EGP

🎁 For whom: grandparents, parents, spouse, friends

Papyrus

Wooden box 💲 💲 💲 💲

Wooden boxes from Egypt are characterized by decorative rhythms and additional decorations in the form of pearls or shells. Made of wood, they can be used to store small items and be a stylish addition to the interior.

🛒 Where to buy: markets, dedicated shops

💰 Price range: 50 - 100 EGP

🎁 For whom: grandparents, parents, friends, spouse

Wooden box

🏡 Home Decor

Carpets 💲 💲 💲 💲

Egyptian carpets and rugs are made of silk, wool and cotton. They have typical, geometric oriental patterns in many colors. They are used not only as carpets but also as seat covers or wall decorations.

🛒 Where to buy: markets

💰 Price range: 20 - 1000 EGP

🎁 For whom: grandparents, parents, spouse

Carpets

Glass wares 💲 💲 💲 💲

Egyptian glass products are small works of art - all thanks to special patterns. The most popular souvenir is a glass vase filled with desert sand of different colors and arranged in layers so that it creates simple pictures.

🛒 Where to buy: markets

💰 Price range: 10 - 100 EGP

🎁 For whom: grandparents, parents, friends, spouse

Glass wares

Metal wares 💲 💲 💲 💲

Egyptian markets are full of tin, silver, copper, steel and gold products. Kitchenware, pots and sets of cups were once given as gifts to the newlyweds and kept as a souvenir for future generations.

🛒 Where to buy: markets

💰 Price range: 100 - 600 EGP

💡 Pro tip: Watch out for poor quality products.

🎁 For whom: grandparents, parents, spouse, friends

Metal wares

Pyramids replicas 💲 💲 💲 💲

They represent one of the seven wonders of the world and a characteristic attraction of Egypt - the pyramid of Giza. Pyramids are proof of the extraordinary architectural skills of the Egyptians. The real pyramids are over 4 thousand years old and their value is invaluable, but these souvenirs can easily be found on local markets and markets at a much lower price!

🛒 Where to buy: markets, girft shops

💰 Price range: 50 - 300 EGP

🎁 For whom: grandparents, parents, spouse, friends

Pyramids replicas

Egypt flag Egypt - Souvenirs

We hope that in this article you have found some suggestions of souvenirs from Egypt that you liked! Or maybe you have a different idea of what to bring your loved ones from this country? Be sure to write!

Egypt packing list 💡

  • Headgear - A head covering is necessary to protect against a stroke, in addition, sun glasses and a cream with a UV filter will be useful.
  • Snorkel mask - During cruises on the Red Sea you can see the coral reef. It is also worth taking a camera that allows you to take pictures underwater.
  • Shawl - Useful when visiting religious sites.
  • Light, airy clothes - Light clothes are essential in hot weather.
  • Warmer clothes - They will be useful during a trip to the deserts where the thermal amplitude can reach up to 20 °C.
  • Preparations protecting against UV radiation - This is a must to avoid sunburn. It is also worth to pack some soothing after sunbathing.
  • Water shoes - Water shoes with a rubber sole will come in handy because the seabed is covered with sharp corals.
  • Antidiarrheal drugs - Many Europeans have stomach problems associated with different bacterial flora; it is worth taking proven medications with you.
  • Waterproof case for phone or camera - There are thousands of beautiful objects for photography in Egypt, and some of them are just under the water, including beautiful colorful fish and cycling reefs.
  • Gadgets - You can pay for a bakshish with small coins, but gadgets in the form of pens, pencils, lighters, and similar trinkets will also be good.
🔐
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Get a personalized packing list before travel to Egypt 🧳

Health icon

Health information

Health risks and required vaccinations

Interactive packing lists icon

Packing lists

Personalized item list to pack matching your destination

Weather icon

Weather insights

Packing list adjusted to local weather

Travel details screenshot
To-do list icon

To-do lists

Everything you need to do before leaving home

Weight icon

Weight limits

Never pay excess baggage fees again

Price tag icon

Local prices

Average cost of food, tickets and accommodation

Try for free

Tourist information about Egypt 🤓

🏳 Country Egypt
🌆 Capital Cairo
💸 Currency Egyptian pound
💭 Language Arabic
⌚ Timezone GMT+2
🇬🇧 English speaking Not widely spoken
🏳️‍🌈 LGBT tolerance Very low
👫 Gender ratio (overall) 👩 50% | 👨 50%
👩🏻‍🤝‍👨 Population 102.3 mln
✈️ Visitors per year 13 mln

Useful information about Egypt 🤖

💳 Card payments Yes, almost everywhere
🏧 ATM Availability Major cities
🏦 Suggested ATM takeout 1000 EGP
🍺 Drinking in public Illegal
🚰 Tap water Not drinkable
🌐 Internet speed (avg.) 20 Mbps
🔌 Socket type Type C Type F C / F
🚕 Best taxi app Careem
🚾 Public toilets Popular & Paid
📱 Top mobile providers Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat, We
✈️ Best internal air carrier AirEgypt
🔐
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Cost of living in Egypt 💸

🌮 Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
1.03 EUR
1.08 USD
0.85 GBP
4.4 PLN
55 EGP
🥘 Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant
5.62 EUR
5.91 USD
4.65 GBP
24 PLN
300 EGP
🍺 Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
0.56 EUR
0.59 USD
0.46 GBP
2.4 PLN
30 EGP
⛽ Gasoline (1 liter)
0.14 EUR
0.15 USD
0.12 GBP
0.62 PLN
7.7 EGP
🎫 One-way ticket (public transport)
0.09 EUR
0.1 USD
0.08 GBP
0.4 PLN
5 EGP

Quality of life in Egypt 💚

💚 Quality of life Low
☺️ Safety Index Moderate
👨 Healthcare likability Moderate
☁️ Climate likability Very high
💰 Costs of living Very low
😷 Level of pollution Very high

Important numbers ☎️

General emergency number (mobile phone) 112
Fire 180
Police 122
Ambulance 123
Traffic police 128

👇 Make travel planning easy and stress-free

Unlock the full potential of the Travel Guide:

  • 2x more insights and tips
  • Enjoy offline access during the trip
  • Never be caught off guard
×

🔐 Unlock full access to the Travel Guide

Replace 30+ hours of travel research for a 10-minute brief
US$4.99
Single country
  • 2x more insights and tips
  • Unlimited access to the selected country
  • Offline access
  • No ads interruptions
Save 50% now
US$49.99 US$24.99
All countries
  • 2x more insights and tips
  • Unlimited access to Travel Guide
  • Guaranteed access to all upcoming countries
  • Offline access
  • No ads interruptions
🗺️Recommended for people traveling at least twice a year

💸 Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back

Test for 14 days. Keep or return it if it does not meet your expectations.

Do you have a discount code?

Code invalid
Powered by Stripe

References 📎

References 📎

References 📎

References 📎

References 📎

References 📎