What They Don’t Tell You About Visiting Egypt

Tips, tips, tips – Make sure you bring lots of $1 bills. We underestimated just how much you need to tip. Egypt is a cash country. Card is rarely accepted and a tip is always expected. Change for the cash you get out of an ATM is hard to come by and you don’t want to be tipping someone 100 EGPs to use the toilet! Expect to tip someone for anything and everything!

In a larger city like Cairo you have to drive everywhere and it takes a very long time to go from point A to point B. We are talking 10 lanes of traffic jammed into a 5 lane highway! As a word of advice do not plan on visiting more than 2-3 places in a day while in Cairo.

Cairo is a mad house, truly. I knew there was traffic but wow. Crosswalks, traffic lights, stop signs they pretty much are non existent. If you want to cross the street you have to be brave and just make a run for it! 

If you are are a brunette or a blonde expect to be asked to have your photo taken. You may even feel like a celebrity. I was asked multiple times throughout my time in Egypt to have my picture taken alone or with others. It is perfectly fine to smile and say, “No, Thank You!”

Hire a tour guide. Whether you are traveling in a large group or just with a couple of friends or family members you need a guide. Your guide not only assists with navigating the cities, providing you with historical background on the sites you are visiting, but they are also there for your safety. Our tour guide was AMAZING and honestly our trip wouldn’t have been the same without him!

Are you wantnig to plan a trip to Egypt? Are you already planning to go, but need help finding the perfect tour guide? Contact me to get set up with an amazing adventure!