Practical Egypt Travel Tips: What to Know Before Visiting Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Cairo
- Aug 11
- 10 min read
Egypt is one of those destinations that can be absolutely unforgettable - but it helps to know how things work before you arrive.
The country is fascinating, warm, busy, sometimes chaotic, and very different from what many first-time visitors are used to. A little preparation can make a huge difference, especially when it comes to taxis, money, tipping, sightseeing, weather, and choosing the right destination.
Whether you are planning a relaxing Sharm El Sheikh holiday, a beach escape in Hurghada, or a sightseeing trip to Cairo and the pyramids, these practical Egypt travel tips will help you enjoy the experience with fewer surprises.
1. Choose your destination carefully
One of the first things to understand about Egypt is that Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada offer completely different types of holidays.
Sharm El Sheikh: best for beaches, snorkeling and relaxation
Sharm El Sheikh is located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula and is particularly popular for its warm climate, beaches, diving and snorkeling.
If your idea of Egypt is spending the morning in the Red Sea, having lunch at your resort and watching the sunset with a cocktail, Sharm El Sheikh is probably the right choice.
It is also a good base for boat trips, snorkeling excursions and diving. The Red Sea's coral reefs are one of the area's biggest attractions.
For most travelers, Sharm is better suited to a resort holiday with excursions than to a traditional city break.
Hurghada: a little more variety
Hurghada is another major Red Sea destination and is a great choice for travelers who want a combination of resort life, beaches and excursions.
The city has developed considerably as a tourist destination, with large hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment areas. It is also a popular starting point for snorkeling and diving trips.
Hurghada can be a good option for families and couples who want a beach holiday but would also like the possibility of exploring outside the resort.
Cairo: history, culture and serious sightseeing
Cairo is a completely different experience.
It is crowded, noisy and full of traffic, but it is also where you can experience some of Egypt's most famous historical attractions, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum and historic Islamic Cairo.
Don't plan Cairo as a relaxing part of your vacation. Plan it as an adventure.
If possible, give yourself at least two or three days rather than trying to see everything in one rushed day.
2. Don't underestimate the Egyptian heat
Egypt is hot, but the experience can vary dramatically depending on where and when you travel.
In Cairo, walking between attractions in the middle of the day can become exhausting. In the Red Sea resorts, the heat can feel intense even when you are simply relaxing beside the pool.
A practical rule: do your sightseeing early in the morning whenever possible.
For places such as the pyramids, temples and archaeological sites, an early start means cooler temperatures, fewer people and better conditions for photographs.
Bring:
sunscreen
sunglasses
a hat or cap
comfortable walking shoes
a reusable water bottle
light, breathable clothing
And don't forget that air conditioning can be very strong in hotels, restaurants and vehicles, so having a light layer in your day bag is useful.
3. Bring Egyptian pounds for everyday expenses
Cards are increasingly useful in Egypt, particularly in hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets and many established tourist businesses. However, you should not travel around Egypt relying entirely on your bank card.
Keep some Egyptian pounds (EGP) with you for smaller purchases, local cafés, tips, bathrooms, small shops and situations where card payment is unavailable.
ATMs are widely available in major tourist areas, although it is sensible to use machines at established banks or reputable locations when possible.
A good strategy is to carry a small amount of cash rather than exchanging or withdrawing a huge amount at once.
Also keep some small notes. You will appreciate them when you need to pay for a small service or give a modest tip.
4. Understand tipping in Egypt
Baksheesh, or tipping, is part of everyday life in Egypt and can initially feel unfamiliar to visitors.
You may encounter situations where a small tip is expected for services such as luggage assistance, hotel staff, guides or other personal services.
This doesn't mean you need to tip everyone you meet or pay money simply because someone asks. Think of it as a normal part of the service culture and keep small denominations available.
At restaurants, check the bill carefully to see whether a service charge has already been added. A small additional tip may still be appropriate for good service.
The important thing is not to become stressed about exact amounts. Tip for genuine service, keep it reasonable, and don't feel pressured into paying for something you didn't ask for.
5. Be prepared for haggling
Shopping in Egypt can be fun, but the price you hear first is not necessarily the final price.
This is especially true in traditional markets and souvenir shops.
If you want to buy something, ask the price, consider whether it seems reasonable, and negotiate politely if bargaining is expected.
The easiest way to avoid uncomfortable situations is to decide beforehand how much you are willing to pay.
And remember: you don't have to buy anything.
A friendly “no, thank you” and walking away is often all that is needed.
If someone becomes too persistent, don't get into a long argument. Simply end the conversation and continue walking.
6. Be careful with “help” around major tourist attractions
This is particularly important around famous sightseeing areas.
At places such as the pyramids, you may be approached by people offering directions, photographs, camel rides, souvenirs, transportation or “free” assistance.
Some offers may be perfectly legitimate, while others can turn into an unexpected request for money.
The easiest rule is simple:
If you need a guide, camel ride, driver or excursion, arrange it in advance through your hotel or a reputable travel agency.
Don't feel obligated to accept help from someone who approaches you unexpectedly.
This is one of the simplest ways to make your visit to the pyramids more relaxed.
7. Use reliable transportation in Cairo
Cairo traffic can be intense, particularly during busy hours.
For visitors, using a ride-hailing service or a pre-arranged private transfer is often much easier than negotiating with taxis on the street.
If you are booking a private driver for a full day of sightseeing, agree on the price and exactly what is included before you start the trip.
For airport transfers, pre-booking is particularly useful. After a long flight, having someone waiting for you is much easier than trying to negotiate transportation while carrying luggage.
In Cairo, also allow much more time for journeys than the map might suggest. A relatively short distance can take considerably longer when traffic is heavy.
8. Don't try to see the pyramids, museums and Cairo in one afternoon
This is one of the most common planning mistakes.
The Pyramids of Giza are not just a quick photo stop. The site is large, and you will probably want time to walk around, see the Sphinx and enjoy the views.
Add Cairo traffic, lunch, hotel transfers and another attraction, and suddenly your “three-hour sightseeing plan” has become an exhausting full day.
A much better approach is to group attractions geographically.
For example, dedicate one morning to Giza and the pyramids, then spend another part of your trip exploring central Cairo or historic Cairo.
You will see more and enjoy it much more.
9. Dress comfortably, but respect local culture
Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, and while resort areas such as Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are accustomed to international tourists, the expectations can be different outside the resorts.
Beachwear is perfectly normal around hotel pools and beaches, but it is not appropriate for walking around cities or visiting religious sites.
When visiting mosques or more traditional areas, choose clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
For sightseeing, loose and breathable clothing is usually the most comfortable choice anyway - especially during the hotter months.
A light scarf can also be useful for sun protection and when visiting religious places.
10. Drink bottled water
For visitors, bottled water is the easiest option. Keep a bottle with you during sightseeing, especially when visiting outdoor archaeological sites. In the heat, dehydration can sneak up on you quickly. Don't wait until you feel thirsty before drinking. This is particularly important on full-day excursions from Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, where you may spend several hours outdoors.
11. Don't forget your internet connection
Having mobile internet in Egypt makes traveling considerably easier.
It allows you to use maps, ride-hailing applications, translation tools, hotel apps and messaging services without constantly searching for Wi-Fi.
You can arrange an eSIM before your trip if your phone supports it, or purchase a local SIM after arrival.
For a first trip, having mobile data is especially useful in Cairo, where navigating unfamiliar streets and communicating with drivers can otherwise become unnecessarily complicated.
12. Plan Red Sea excursions carefully
If you are staying in Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, don't spend the entire vacation inside the resort unless that's exactly what you want.
The Red Sea is the main attraction, so consider booking at least one snorkeling or diving trip.
Boat excursions can be a fantastic way to experience the coastline, but compare what different tours actually include before booking.
Check:
hotel pickup
duration
number of people on the boat
snorkeling equipment
meals and drinks
entrance or marine fees
number of snorkeling stops
whether transfers are included
A tour that looks cheaper at first may not actually be cheaper once all the extras are added.
For diving, choose a properly established dive center and make sure you understand what certification or experience is required.
13. Keep your passport and important documents safe
Make digital copies of your passport, travel insurance, flight tickets and hotel reservations.
Keep the originals somewhere secure and carry only what you need during the day.
It is also a good idea to have your hotel name and address saved on your phone, preferably offline. If your phone battery dies or you lose internet access, having the information written down can save a lot of trouble.
14. Travel insurance is worth having
Egypt is generally an affordable destination, but that doesn't mean unexpected problems are affordable.
Travel insurance can protect you against issues such as medical expenses, cancellations, lost baggage and travel disruptions.
If you plan to scuba dive, quad-bike, ride a camel or take part in other activities, check that your policy actually covers them.
Don't assume that every standard travel insurance policy automatically covers adventure activities.
15. Be sensible with photography
Egypt is one of the most photogenic countries in the world, but not everything should be photographed.
Avoid photographing military facilities, security installations and other sensitive locations. When in doubt, ask before taking a photograph.
At religious sites, museums and attractions, follow the posted photography rules.
And when photographing local people, particularly children, it is polite to ask first.
16. Don't expect everything to work exactly like home
This may be the most useful Egypt travel tip of all.
Things can sometimes take longer than expected. A driver may arrive a little late. A restaurant order may not come in the exact order you expected. A shopkeeper may negotiate enthusiastically. Traffic may completely change your plans.
Try not to let small inconveniences ruin your day.
Egypt is a country where flexibility helps.
Instead of planning every minute, leave some space in your schedule. You will probably enjoy yourself more.
17. Is Egypt safe for tourists?
Millions of tourists visit Egypt, and the main tourist areas have a strong security presence. However, Egypt is a large country, and safety conditions are not identical everywhere.
Official travel advice currently distinguishes between different parts of the country. The southern Red Sea resort areas, including Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, are treated differently from higher-risk areas elsewhere in Egypt. Travelers should check current government advice before departure and avoid areas subject to travel warnings.
For an ordinary holiday, sensible precautions are still important:
avoid political demonstrations and large unrest-related gatherings
use established tour operators for excursions
keep an eye on your belongings
follow local security instructions
don't wander into unfamiliar areas late at night without a good reason
keep emergency contacts and travel documents accessible
Travel advice can change, so check the latest information shortly before you leave.
18. Check your Egypt visa requirements before flying
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, so don't assume that the rules are the same for every traveler.
Egypt has an official e-Visa portal, and eligible nationalities can apply online. The official portal currently advises applicants to submit an e-Visa application at least seven days before departure and to carry a printed copy of the approved e-Visa when traveling.
Always check the current requirements for your specific passport before booking non-refundable travel.
19. How many days do you need in Egypt?
It depends on the type of holiday you want.
For a relaxing Red Sea holiday
5–7 days can be perfect for Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada.
You can spend most of the time at the resort and add one or two excursions.
For Cairo
Allow 2–4 days if you want to see the major sights without rushing.
For Cairo + Red Sea
A 7–10 day trip gives you a much better balance.
For example:
Days 1–3: Cairo and Giza
Days 4–8: Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada
Day 9: Return/relax
Day 10: Departure
If you have more time, adding Luxor or a Nile cruise can turn the trip into a much more complete Egypt experience.
20. Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada - which should you choose?
Still deciding between the two?
Choose Sharm El Sheikh if you want:
excellent snorkeling and diving
a resort-focused holiday
warm weather and beaches
boat trips
a more compact tourist environment
easy access to Red Sea activities
Choose Hurghada if you want:
a Red Sea resort holiday
lots of hotel and excursion choices
snorkeling and diving
family-friendly activities
a mix of resort areas and city life
the option to explore more of the mainland
And choose Cairo if your priority is history, culture and seeing the places you've probably dreamed about since childhood.
Final Egypt Travel Advice
Egypt is not necessarily the easiest destination for a first-time traveler - and that's exactly what makes preparation so useful.
Know how you are getting from the airport to your hotel. Carry some Egyptian pounds. Keep small notes for tips. Don't accept every offer from strangers around tourist attractions. Start sightseeing early. Drink plenty of water. Give yourself more time than Google Maps might suggest in Cairo. And don't try to squeeze ten attractions into one day.
Most importantly, leave some room for the unexpected.
Egypt is about much more than the pyramids. It's the smell of fresh bread in the morning, a boat moving across the Red Sea, tea after a long day of sightseeing, the noise of Cairo traffic, the colors of a market and the moment you finally see the pyramids in front of you.
Plan the practical things in advance, then relax and enjoy the experience.
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