About Egypt

Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Red Sea to the east, Libya to the west, and Sudan to the south, Egypt occupies the northeast corner of the African continent. The Sinai Peninsula, also part of Egypt, forms a land bridge between Africa and Asia.

Home to one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, Egypt boasts a rich history that has left behind an extraordinary legacy of cultural and archaeological treasures—so much so that the country is said to hold one-third of the world’s antiquities. While the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the River Nile are instantly recognizable, Egypt offers much more. Cairo, the bustling capital, is a fascinating destination in its own right, and the Red Sea coast is renowned for its excellent diving, snorkeling, and relaxing beach resorts. Egypt’s ancient past lives on through its majestic monuments, while its vibrant modern culture continues to captivate visitors.

In ancient times, Egypt was known as Kemet, or "the Black Land," named for the rich alluvial soil deposited during the Nile’s annual inundation. This natural flooding made the land fertile, supporting agriculture and enabling the civilization to flourish along the river, especially in the Delta region, where a variety of crops were—and still are—cultivated.

Egypt spans an area of approximately 1,001,450 km² (386,662 mi²). It is the third most populous country in Africa and the most populous in the Middle East, with an estimated 100 million people. However, only about 5.5% of the land is inhabited—primarily along the banks of the Nile and in scattered oases. The remaining 94.5% is mostly uninhabitable desert.

Passport Requirements

All visitors must carry a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay. The passport should have sufficient blank pages for entry stamps.

Money

Currency: The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP or L.E.), though U.S. dollars are often accepted at major tourist sites.

Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. American Express is accepted in major hotels but is less common elsewhere. Diners Club cards are rarely recognized in Egypt.

Religion & Etiquette

Egypt is a Middle Eastern country where both the Muslim majority and Christian minority tend to follow conservative cultural norms. While the country is very accustomed to tourists, it’s important to respect local customs—especially when it comes to dress.

When walking around central Cairo, other cities, or particularly rural areas, it's best to adopt a more modest dress code. When visiting mosques, churches, or synagogues, casual yet respectful clothing that covers the knees and elbows is recommended to honor local traditions.

What to pack

For standard and customary dress codes throughout the country, it is important to keep in mind the below:

Winter:
Nights can get chilly during Egypt’s winter months. Paradoxically, it’s often warmer outside than inside, as buildings are designed to stay cool. Be sure to bring a jacket or shawl for the evenings.

Men:
Men are advised to wear long trousers and shirts or t-shirts. In Cairo and other conservative areas, short shorts and sleeveless tops (tank tops) are not considered appropriate. Full-length trousers are expected at all times.

Women:
A modest dress code helps avoid unwanted attention. Recommended clothing includes loose linen or cotton trousers, below-the-knee skirts, and long-sleeved blouses. Avoid tight, transparent, or low-cut garments. While dress codes have become more relaxed in some areas, many women still feel more comfortable in modest attire, particularly in public spaces.

Evening Dining:
Smart-casual clothing is appropriate for dining out. Women are advised to carry a shawl to cover their shoulders in restaurants.

Religious Sites:
Both men and women should follow a conservative dress code when visiting mosques. Major mosques may provide cover-ups for women. In most mosques, visitors must remove their shoes—either placing them in designated shoe racks or leaving them with the mosque’s guard at the entrance. Some mosques offer shoe covers, but it is common to walk inside wearing socks.

Footwear:
Comfortable and sturdy shoes are essential—think sneakers, trainers, or supportive leather shoes. High heels are not recommended, especially for sightseeing or walking on uneven terrain.

Weather

The weather in Egypt is mild and pleasant in January:

Mostly sunny and dry – Rain is rare but possible (light showers occasionally).

Clear skies: Excellent for sightseeing, especially temples and monuments.

Cool evenings: A light jacket or sweater is recommended after sunset.

Daytime highs: Around 18–20°C (64–68°F)

Nighttime lows: Around 9–11°C (48–52°F)

Local Food & Drink

An essential part of any trip is savoring the local cuisine, and Egypt offers a culinary journey not to be missed.

Egyptian food is hearty, flavorful, and deeply influenced by Middle Eastern, Turkish, and Mediterranean traditions. Expect dishes full of spices, herbs, and local ingredients. From rich stews to succulent grilled meats and fresh salads, Egyptian cuisine is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

For meat lovers, try tagin lahma (meat casserole) or the delicious sharkasia chicken—a Circassian dish of tender chicken on rice, covered in a creamy walnut sauce.

Egyptians also have a strong sweet tooth. Don’t miss out on local desserts like Om Ali (a bread pudding with nuts and cream) or Konafa (shredded filo dough baked with butter and sweet syrup).

No Egyptian meal is complete without a glass of hot, sweet mint tea—a beloved national staple. Other beverages include rich and refreshing fruit juices, with mango, guava, sugarcane, and lemon being among the most popular. Traditional drinks such as Karkade (a hibiscus flower infusion served hot or cold) have been enjoyed for centuries and are a must-try.

Egypt’s wine industry has also seen significant improvements, and visitors are encouraged to sample locally produced wines and beers during their stay.

Talk the talk

The official language is Arabic, but communication is generally easy for tourists. English is widely spoken in hotels, shops, and tourist areas, with French also common. In addition, many tourism staff also speak German and Italian.

Useful Phrases in Arabic

Hello - Ahlan

How are you? - Ezayak

I am fine - Ana Kowayes

I am not fine - Ana msh kowayes

Thank you - Shok-ran

Beautiful - Gameel

Goodbye - Maa salaama