Are you on the fence about traveling to Egypt?  The exotic history and landscapes may be enticing but perhaps you have concerns about safety or culture shock?

Don’t worry, you are not alone.  Many westerners share these same concerns.  Unfortunately, these fears get in the way and many never realize their dream.

My goal is to put your mind at ease with useful tips, shedding light on realities, and providing actionable steps to ensure an unforgettable experience in one of the most iconic destinations on earth.

Tips:

• Learn basic Arabic phrases.
  • This is a universal rule for visiting any foreign country.  No one is expecting you to be fluent in Arabic but you will be surprised by the positive reactions of greeting someone in their native tongue.
  • Egyptian people are generally friendly.  Whether it is cultural or an understanding that tourist dollars are important, the locals, especially tourism industry workers, are warm and welcoming.
  • Here are some basic phrases to get started:
    • Hello = As-aalaam alaikum (Ah-Sah-Lahm Oh-Lay-Kum)
    • Thank you = Shukran (Shook-Run)
    • Please = Law Samaht
    • You’re welcome = Afwan (Ahf-Wahn)
    • My love = Habibi (Ha-bee-bee)
    • Yes = Aiwa
    • No = laa
    • Delicious = Lazeeza

• Dress more conservatively.
  • Egypt is a Muslim country, not Miami beach.  Showing a lot of skin outside of beach side resorts is frowned upon.
  • You will unfortunately notice entitled “influencer” types dressing provocatively and posing at various temples.  Don’t be like those people.  Show respect.

• Always ask the price and negotiate before agreeing to buy. 
  • This is standard travel practice outside of the western world but especially true in Egypt.
  • Don’t show that you’re going to buy the item until you get the price you want; negotiating the price is a game that they expect you to play. .

• Check your change
  • Touristy areas are known to give you the wrong bills back.  Always ask the price, know what amount of money you’re handing over, and count your change.
  • That also goes for the exchange rate; check the credit card machine before accepting.
  • Your smart phones have currency converters; use them.

• Always have cash on hand for tipping.
  • Egypt has a massive tipping culture and those working in tourism rely on tipping to pay their bills.
  • It can feel overwhelming at times, as nearly everyone who helps you expects a tip.  However it’s a relatively small amount in the grand scheme of things.

• Drink more water than you think you need.
  • This seems obvious; you are after all traipsing around the Sahara Desert.  However, even in winter, temperatures can still soar and the arid environment will dry you out faster than a tumble dryer.
  • Despite my loathing for plastic water bottles, it is highly advised that you drink bottled water because the local water supplies will likely leave your stomach in shambles.

Challenges & Realities

• Animals are not well treated.
  • Expect to see limping, malnourished stray dogs and cats.  Avoid the underfed horses carting tourists around at certain destinations; they can be spotted by their skin-wrapped ribs.
• So much garbage in the streets and waterways.
  • This is not uncommon in less developed nations, although still a sad sight when you come from countries with more infrastructure.
• Security is a concern.
  • Egypt seems committed to stay out of both the conflicts between Israel and Palestine, as well as, Houthi rebels attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea.  While those issues are geographically near, they are of little threat to visitors.
  • Terrorism and civil unrest are the main concerns but there are clear efforts to protect the lucrative tourist industry with endless police and military checkpoints corralling traffic and people, so don’t let this stop you from visiting.

• Air quality is shocking.
  • Places like Cairo seem much like Los Angeles probably was in the 1970s.
  • Smog caused by vehicles, industry, and burning of waste compound with dust and a lack of rain for some of the worst air quality in the world.
  • Sensitive groups should pay attention to this but my 80 year old father with asthma managed just fine.

Should YOU Go to Egypt?

If you are remotely interested in Egypt, you should go.  It is a special and humbling place that will linger in your senses for years afterwards.

For those willing to pay higher prices, there are world class hotels and tours to indulge in.  More frugal travelers can still get great value and comforts from more reasonably priced options, just make sure you do your research on the operation.  Gate 1 is a good starting point for tour packages.  Otherwise your local travel agent might already have established relationships with companies in Egypt.

Regardless of what route you take…

The best piece of advice is to hire a guide…

Even if it’s just for day-trips.  

Could you travel through Egypt without a guide?  Sure.

But Egypt is its own beast of cultural nuances and complicated history that is best tamed with a knowledgeable local guide, many of which are trained and licensed Egyptologists.

Efficiency of movement, avoiding scams, and deeper connections with the Egyptian people are made all the easier with an experienced local by your side.  At various sites, you’ll quickly notice the multitude of languages spoken by guides, making Egypt accessible for many nationalities.

Are you ready to go?

Egypt is a timeless destination that has captivated imaginations for thousands of years.  It is a mystical land of contrast where blossoming modernity blends with ancient culture.  5 star hotels saddle up to 5,000 year old temples.  Sleek tour buses share the roads with donkey-drawn carts.  Modern cruise ships glimmer next to classic wind-powered feluccas.  It will all seem so familiar and yet so foreign at the same time.  There are few places on earth like Egypt and your biggest regret will be not going.

Book your trip, get a guide, and prepare to have your mind blown.

If you’ve been to Egypt, what tips and challenges did you experience?