Quick facts
- Capital: Cairo
- Main airport: Cairo International Airport (CAI), 25km northeast of downtown
- Language: Arabic (English widely spoken in tourism zones)
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP); 1 AED ≈ 5.3 EGP
- Best flight time from Dubai: Early morning departures (2.5 hour flight)
Visa for UAE residents
Most UAE residents can get a tourist visa on arrival at Cairo airport for around 300 EGP (55 AED). Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino passport holders should confirm current requirements at the Egyptian embassy in Abu Dhabi, as rules shift. British and Emirati citizens often get 30 days on arrival, but check before travelling.
When to visit
October to March is peak season. Temperatures drop to 20-25°C during the day, making Nile cruises and desert exploration tolerable. Avoid May to August when heat exceeds 35°C and humidity climbs. Ramadan (dates vary yearly) changes restaurant hours and can slow transport.
Rough budget in AED (7 days, per person)
| Tier | Daily | 7-day total |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 250-350 | 1,750-2,450 |
| Mid-range | 400-600 | 2,800-4,200 |
| Comfort | 700-1,000 | 4,900-7,000 |
Budget covers basic hotels (200 AED/night), street food, and public transport. Mid-range includes decent 3-star hotels and some guided tours. Comfort means 4-star hotels, private taxis, and paid museum tickets.
Highlights
- Giza Plateau: The pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure plus the Sphinx. Most visitors spend 3-4 hours here; hire a guide to avoid the crowds and tourist traps.
- Egyptian Museum in Cairo: 120,000 artefacts including Tutankhamun's treasures. Allow 4-5 hours minimum.
- Luxor temples and Valley of the Kings: Ancient Thebes is Egypt's second must-see. Three days here (Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut) justifies the flight south.
- Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor: 4-5 nights of sailing between temples, sunsets, and stops at smaller towns. Prices range from 1,500-4,000 AED per person.
- Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo: Medieval souk selling textiles, spices, jewellery, and souvenirs. Arrive early, bring cash, and expect to haggle.
- Aswan: Quieter than Cairo or Luxor, with felucca sailboat rides, Philae Temple, and the Nubian Museum.
Local etiquette
Dress conservatively, especially outside resorts: shoulders and knees covered reduces unwanted attention. Tipping (baksheesh) is expected at restaurants (10-15%), with hotel staff and taxi drivers also grateful for small notes. Alcohol is legal but not served everywhere; stick to licensed venues. Avoid discussing politics or religion unless invited. Photography of people requires permission.
Safety notes
Cairo traffic is chaotic but manageable if you stay alert and use taxis or Uber. Avoid large crowds and political gatherings. Tourist areas are generally safe; use common sense with valuables.
Getting around
Cairo is best navigated by Uber, taxis, or your hotel's driver. Trains connect Cairo to Luxor and Aswan (overnight sleeper trains are popular). Domestic flights (EgyptAir) between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan save time and cost 400-800 AED each. Once in Luxor or Aswan, book tours through your hotel or Viator.
Best combined trip
Add 2-3 days in Jordan (Petra, Dead Sea) after Egypt for a complete Levantine experience.
Common questions about Egypt
How many days do I need in Egypt?
Seven days is ideal: 2-3 in Cairo (pyramids, museum, bazaar), 3-4 in Luxor or on a Nile cruise, and a day in Aswan or exploring southern sites. If you're short on time, a 4-day trip focusing on Cairo and a Luxor day trip works, but you'll miss the Nile's rhythm. Most people regret not staying longer.
Is Egypt family-friendly?
Yes, but plan carefully. Kids enjoy the pyramids, boat rides, and bazaars, but Cairo's traffic and heat can be exhausting. Luxor and Aswan are calmer. Avoid peak summer heat (May-August). Pack sunscreen, hats, and stay hydrated. Many hotels have pools and family-friendly restaurants. Negotiating crowded sites with young children requires patience.
Can I drink alcohol in Egypt?
Alcohol is legal and available in tourist hotels, bars, and licensed restaurants, but not in street stalls or small local eateries. Beer, wine, and spirits are sold in supermarkets and duty-free. Avoid drinking in public streets or poor areas to respect local customs. During Ramadan, consumption should be discreet.
What's the cheapest month to visit Egypt?
September and early October offer the best deals on flights and hotels before the peak winter season, but temperatures are still hot (30-35°C). April-May also has lower prices than peak season, though May is warm. Ramadan periods sometimes see price drops too, but restaurant hours shift and sites close during fasting hours, which complicates planning.
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