Travel tips for Cairo
Everything you need to know before visiting Cairo and the surrounding region — money, transport, entry rules and when to go.
Planning essentials
Visas, budgets, packing, eSIMs and the cultural etiquette worth knowing before you land.
Baksheesh and tipping in Egypt: what cash you actually need
Best time to visit Cairo
Cairo for first-time visitors: how the trip actually fits together
Cairo for solo female travellers
Cairo tourist scams to avoid
Egypt visa and entry rules for Cairo visitors
Food and water safety in Cairo
How many days do you need in Cairo?
Is Cairo safe for tourists?
Money, cards and ATMs in Cairo
Mosque etiquette in Cairo: what to wear and how to behave
Photography rules at Egyptian sites
Staying connected in Cairo and Giza
Things to do in Alexandria
Things to do in Aswan and Abu Simbel
Things to do in Cairo
Things to do in Coptic Cairo
Things to do in Fayoum
Things to do in Giza: pyramids, Sphinx and the GEM
Things to do in Islamic Cairo
Things to do in Luxor
Things to do in Saqqara
Visiting Cairo during Ramadan
What to pack for Cairo: a season-by-season kit list
What to wear in Cairo
Where to stay in Cairo: downtown, Zamalek, Heliopolis or Giza
Getting around
Cairo International Airport (CAI) as the main gateway, and why a private driver covers the pyramids and day trips best given the city's traffic.
When to go
A hot desert climate with almost no rain, a mild and busy October-April season, scorching June-August afternoons, and khamsin sandstorms most likely from March to May. Month-by-month guides to what to expect.
Good to know about planning a trip to Cairo
Getting around Cairo mostly means taxis, Uber, Careem, or a private driver, since a private driver is the norm for day trips to Saqqara, Alexandria, or Ain Sokhna; the Cairo Metro covers three lines within the city. Cairo International Airport (CAI) connects to Giza in 60 to 90 minutes by road depending on traffic, and traffic stays heavy through most of the day. The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP, also written LE or E£); cash is needed for small purchases and the customary baksheesh, though cards are accepted at hotels, malls, and most restaurants.
Most nationalities need a visa, either an e-Visa through the official portal or a visa on arrival at the airport for eligible nationalities — check requirements before booking. Outlets are type C and F at 220V, and Cairo runs on UTC+2, with daylight saving (UTC+3) applied again since 2023. Expect a hot desert climate with October to April as the most comfortable season and June to August often above 35°C, plus possible khamsin sandstorms between March and May. Friday is the weekly day of rest, and hours shift during Ramadan; bargaining is normal at markets and bazaars but not at fixed-price venues or organized tours.
Frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Cairo
What currency should I bring to Cairo?
Egyptian pounds (EGP) are the local currency and useful for small purchases, markets, and baksheesh; cards are widely accepted at hotels, malls, and most restaurants.
Do I need a car in Cairo?
Not for a hotel-based stay — taxis, Uber, Careem, and organized tours cover most trips; a private driver helps for exploring Saqqara, Alexandria, or Fayoum independently.
What documents do I need to enter Egypt?
Most visitors need a valid passport and a tourist card, which is often bundled into the airfare or purchased on arrival — requirements vary by nationality.
How much should I tip at restaurants?
Around 10% is standard, on top of any service charge already added to the bill.
When is khamsin season in Cairo?
Mostly from March to May, when hot desert winds can lift sand and haze over the city; the coolest and busiest travel months run from October to April.
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