Egypt Travel Tips: Visa, SIM Card, Money, Tipping and Getting Around

Updated October 2026 · The HAPPYDAYS team

Before any trip to Egypt the same questions come up: how much is the visa and how do I get it? Where do I buy a SIM card? Cash or card? How much do I tip? How do I get around? This guide answers them practically, so your first day in Egypt goes smoothly.

The visa

Most visitors have two options:

• The e-visa: apply online before you travel on the official site visa2egypt.gov.eg and pay by card.
• Visa on arrival: available to many nationalities, bought from the bank counters in the arrivals hall before passport control.

At the time of writing, the fee for a single-entry tourist visa was around USD 25–30, but it changes, and not all nationalities have the same rules. Check the official site before you book.

If you are only visiting South Sinai (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba) for a short stay, some nationalities can get a special Sinai-only entry stamp. Ask about it before you travel if that is your plan.

SIM card and internet

Egypt’s main mobile operators are Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat by e& and WE. All have shops in the arrivals halls of the major airports and sell tourist data packages. You will need your passport to register the SIM. Coverage is very good in cities and tourist areas, weaker in the desert and on some roads.

Money: cash or card?

• Currency: the Egyptian pound (EGP).
• Cards (Visa and Mastercard): accepted in hotels, malls, large supermarkets and most well-known restaurants.
• Cash: important for taxis, local places, markets and tips.
• ATMs: widespread in cities, malls and airports. Tell your bank before you travel so your card isn’t blocked.
• Changing money: only at banks or official exchange offices, never on the street.

Tipping

Tipping (baksheesh) is a normal part of the culture in Egypt. It is not compulsory, but it is expected for many services:

Getting around

• Within cities: ride-hailing apps such as Uber work in Cairo, Alexandria and other cities, and are the easiest option for most visitors because you know the price before you ride. If you take a regular taxi, agree the fare first.
• Cairo Metro: fast and cheap, with women-only carriages.
• Between distant cities: domestic flights (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh) or the sleeper train to Luxor and Aswan.
• Between nearby cities: air-conditioned trains and buses, e.g. Cairo–Alexandria or Luxor–Hurghada.

Journey times between cities are in our 10-day Egypt itinerary.

Dress and customs

• In cities and at religious sites, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Resorts and beaches are more relaxed.
• In mosques, women cover their hair and everyone removes their shoes.
• Friday is the weekly holiday, and some places open later.
• During Ramadan, restaurants in tourist areas open as usual, but respect those fasting and avoid eating in the street during the day.

Safety and scams

• Egypt is generally safe for tourists, and tourist police are present at major sites.
• The best-known trick: someone tells you “this place is closed today” and takes you to a shop or an unofficial guide. Check for yourself.
• Buy tickets for historic sites only at the official ticket office or on the official website.
• Drink bottled water and watch the sun in summer.

Quick facts

Where to stay on your first night

For your first night after a long flight, choose a place close to the airport or to your first sight. In Cairo, Heliopolis and New Cairo are close to Cairo Airport; Hadayek El Ahram, 6th of October and Sheikh Zayed are close to the Pyramids and Sphinx Airport. Neighbourhood details are in Where to stay in Cairo.

Frequently asked questions