Egypt Tourism Authority

• Tips for First-Time Visitors

Nile Valley

Red Sea

Western Desert

White Med

The Great Sphinx

Sound & Light Show at Giza

Temple of Hatshepsut

Philea Island

Tours & Activities

Hotels & Lodging

–>TERRY’S TIPS: 7 Wonderful Days in Egypt

The Temple of Karnak in Luxor, Egypt; courtesy: Terry Anzur

Egypt’s main international airport is Cairo International Airport (CAI). Others include:

• Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF)
• Aswan International Airport (ASW)
• Luxor International Airport (LXR)

–>RELATED: Electronics Ban From Some Middle Eastern Airports to U.S.

–>TIPS: 10 Ways to Protect Checked Gadgets During Electronics Ban

Most major transportation options are available, including taxis, buses, car rentals, and cars for hire.

Cruise ships dock at the Port of Alexandria.

-–>WATCH: How We Save Hundreds Off Every International Flight

-–>SAVE: The Best Day to Book Airfare

The Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor, Egypt; courtesy: Terry Anzur

-As of June 1, 2017, visitors can apply online for an electronic visa.

-This is a mostly Muslim country. By dressing modestly with legs and arms covered, you will respect the culture and protect yourself from the sun. Women need not cover their hair unless visiting a mosque. Alcohol is generally not served except in tourist hotels and on cruises. More Customs and Currency.

-Major sites have armed guards and security checks. While most people you encounter will be curious and friendly, a woman walking alone may draw catcalls or worse.

-Hiring a car and driver is highly recommended to keep you safe as you navigate Cairo’s legendary traffic jams. Many young English-speaking guides have college degrees in Egyptology and will help you make sense of what you are seeing.

-Maximize your sightseeing days with an early-morning start to beat the mid-day heat.

-No-camera rules are ruthlessly enforced at key sights, such as the mask of King Tut in the National Museum, King Tut’s tomb and the interiors of the temples at Abu Simbel. Your camera might be confiscated.

Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate! Bargain at the markets, called souqs, and at stalls along your journey.

Spend your last night in Cairo at a hotel near the airport. Otherwise you risk being stuck in traffic and missing your (expensive) international flight in the sometimes chaotic terminal.

Bookings in Egypt have jumped in 2017, as tourism roars back.

-–>LEARN: How We Save Hundreds Off Every International Flight

-–>SAVING MONEY: The Best Day to Book Airfare

For more in-depth—and often candid—travel advice when visiting Egypt, consider LONELY PLANET’S EGYPT guide on Amazon.com. Your use of our referral (“affiliate”) link helps support our journalism; thank you.

Terry booked her trip through Linda at A1 Super Cruises.