FAQs About Egypt

Egypt, with its rich and distinctive history, is a country that offers a lot to tourists, and a traveler can never see everything in one or even a couple of visits. That is why there are a number of monuments and activities that tourists are advised not to miss if they visit Egypt. These include:

• Visiting the Pyramids of Giza
• Visiting the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities
• Visiting Saladin Citadel and Mohammed Ali Mosque
• Visiting the White Desert
• Diving or snorkeling in Sinai or cities situated on the Red Sea
• Going on a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa
• Exploring St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai
• Eating kebab and kofta, the traditional Egyptian meat dish
• Visiting the Luxor and Karnak temples in Luxor
• Visiting Abu Simbel
• Going to Khan El Khalili touristic market in Cairo
• Exploring Islamic Cairo on foot
• Discovering the magic of Egyptian oases like Siwa or Bahariya
• Visiting the monuments of the West Bank of Luxor, including the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings
• Eating “fool” (Egyptian fava beans) and “koshary” (a traditional Egyptian pasta dish)

These are just the highlights of what Egypt has to offer. There are many more places around the country to enjoy, but if you are in a hurry, use these as a guide. You are sure to see many more incredible things along the way.

The buses in cities like Cairo and Alexandria cover the whole city and are very cheap. However, they can be extremely crowded, and the routes are difficult for visitors to navigate. Therefore, it is recommended to use ride-hailing apps like Uber, Didi, or the Cairo Metro, which are more convenient for getting around.

No, the railway service in Egypt does not cross the Suez Canal to reach any cities in Sinai, and it does not go further south than Ismailia along the Red Sea coast. Apart from airplanes, tourists can take buses from Cairo to reach cities like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. It is also possible to hire a private car or taxi, which can be cost-effective with travel companions.

The buses in cities like Cairo and Alexandria cover the whole city and are very cheap. However, they can be extremely crowded, and the routes are difficult for visitors to navigate. Therefore, it is recommended to use ride-hailing apps like Uber, Didi, or the Cairo Metro, which are more convenient for getting around.

• The trains in Egypt fall generally into two categories: air-conditioned trains that include first- and second-class cars, and local trains that stop frequently and are often very crowded. First-class cars offer larger, more comfortable seats for a modest extra charge. There are around 20 A/C trains from Cairo to Alexandria every day, and several from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan, which also stop in the major cities of the Nile Valley.
• There are also overnight sleeper trains from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan, which provide a private cabin and meals. As of 2026, prices for tourists range from $120-150 USD for a single cabin and $80-100 USD per person for a double cabin . Demand for trains can be very high, so it is recommended that you book your tickets several days in advance.

No, the railway service in Egypt does not cross the Suez Canal to reach any cities in Sinai, and it does not go further south than Ismailia along the Red Sea coast. Apart from airplanes, tourists can take buses from Cairo to reach cities like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. It is also possible to hire a private car or taxi, which can be cost-effective with travel companions.

For everyday expenses in Egypt, a combination of cash and card is the most practical option. Credit and debit cards are useful in hotels, larger restaurants, and many shops, while cash is still preferred for tips, taxis, small purchases, and local markets.

Card payment is becoming more common in Egypt, including in some local markets and tourist shops. However, many smaller stalls and traditional vendors still prefer cash, especially in local souks and less tourist-oriented areas. Carrying some Egyptian pounds is still recommended.

Yes, travelers can bring foreign currency into Egypt. However, large amounts may need to be declared according to customs regulations. It is advisable to carry only what is reasonable for personal travel needs and to exchange money through official channels when needed.

Some hotels in Egypt offer currency exchange services, but rates are not always the most favorable. It is often better to exchange money at official banks, authorized exchange offices, or withdraw Egyptian pounds from ATMs using an international card.