FAQs About Egypt

Egypt, with its rich and distinctive history, is a country that offers a lot to tourists, and a traveler can never see everything in one or even a couple of visits. That is why there are a number of monuments and activities that tourists are advised not to miss if they visit Egypt. These include:

• Visiting the Pyramids of Giza
• Visiting the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities
• Visiting Saladin Citadel and Mohammed Ali Mosque
• Visiting the White Desert
• Diving or snorkeling in Sinai or cities situated on the Red Sea
• Going on a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa
• Exploring St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai
• Eating kebab and kofta, the traditional Egyptian meat dish
• Visiting the Luxor and Karnak temples in Luxor
• Visiting Abu Simbel
• Going to Khan El Khalili touristic market in Cairo
• Exploring Islamic Cairo on foot
• Discovering the magic of Egyptian oases like Siwa or Bahariya
• Visiting the monuments of the West Bank of Luxor, including the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings
• Eating “fool” (Egyptian fava beans) and “koshary” (a traditional Egyptian pasta dish)

These are just the highlights of what Egypt has to offer. There are many more places around the country to enjoy, but if you are in a hurry, use these as a guide. You are sure to see many more incredible things along the way.

The buses in cities like Cairo and Alexandria cover the whole city and are very cheap. However, they can be extremely crowded, and the routes are difficult for visitors to navigate. Therefore, it is recommended to use ride-hailing apps like Uber, Didi, or the Cairo Metro, which are more convenient for getting around.

No, the railway service in Egypt does not cross the Suez Canal to reach any cities in Sinai, and it does not go further south than Ismailia along the Red Sea coast. Apart from airplanes, tourists can take buses from Cairo to reach cities like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. It is also possible to hire a private car or taxi, which can be cost-effective with travel companions.

Generally speaking, the standard of railway service in Egypt is pretty good. The Egyptian railway network connects the Nile Valley, the Delta, and the Suez Canal. Because of the high prices of domestic flights, train travel provides a cheaper and more scenic option, and the experience of seeing the entire Nile Valley by train is a memorable one. The sleeper trains from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan are designed specifically for tourists, offering a comfortable and time-efficient way to travel overnight.

• The trains in Egypt fall generally into two categories: air-conditioned trains that include first- and second-class cars, and local trains that stop frequently and are often very crowded. First-class cars offer larger, more comfortable seats for a modest extra charge. There are around 20 A/C trains from Cairo to Alexandria every day, and several from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan, which also stop in the major cities of the Nile Valley.
• There are also overnight sleeper trains from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan, which provide a private cabin and meals. As of 2026, prices for tourists range from $120-150 USD for a single cabin and $80-100 USD per person for a double cabin . Demand for trains can be very high, so it is recommended that you book your tickets several days in advance.

There are several transportation options available from Cairo Airport. While white taxis are available, using ride-hailing apps like Uber is highly recommended for fixed, transparent pricing and safety. A trip to central Cairo or Giza typically costs $10-20 USD depending on your exact destination . If you prefer a taxi, you will likely need to negotiate the fare beforehand. There is also a limousine service and a shuttle bus, but for convenience and value, ride-hailing apps or pre-booked private transfers are generally the best choice.

• The amount depends on the situation. In a restaurant, it is good to give between 5 and 10% tips directly to the waiter, even when a service charge is added to the bill. The service charge does not go to the waiter. For a small favor, like carrying luggage or parking a car, a few Egyptian pounds would be appropriate — not more than 100. Oftentimes in Egypt you will find someone tending to the bathroom to keep it clean. Giving them 20 Egyptian pounds is an appropriate amount.
• Tipping your tour guide and vehicle driver is completely optional but should be considered if you are provided with great service. If you decide to tip, feel free to give what you think your experience was worth.

Due to the low salaries of many professionals in Egypt, many people depend on tips, or baksheesh as it is called in Egypt, as a major part of their income. Therefore, tipping is considered customary.