Home to the only remaining Ancient Wonder in the world, Egypt is a country on many bucket lists. I was disappointed during my time in the country (but not by the pyramids, don’t worry) because I didn’t do enough research about what to expect and what to know before going there. So, to make your life easier, and to prepare you for what to expect, here is everything there is to know about Egypt:

• The people
• When you should go
• Visa
• The religion 
• Basic words to learn
• Money currency 
• Some facts
• Insurance
• Different accommodation options
• Essentials app to have

The people

Where to start? I don’t even know how to explain my feelings about Egyptians. As in almost all countries, I had some lovely interactions with Egyptians. However, 90% of the time, I didn’t enjoy my time in Egypt. There are many reasons for that but the main one is the people. As a reminder, I (Léonie) was a 19 year old girl at the time of my visit. I was with my boyfriend and one of my guy friends. *Keep in mind that I always wore long pants and long sleeve shirts.* Even though I was with two men, I never felt safe in Cairo. Everywhere I was walking, I was stared down and would receive unpleasant comments. In my hostel and in restaurants, I never had a bad experience. It was mostly when we were walking in the streets and exploring the city. I knew my visit would be different than in most countries, but still I wasn’t ready for that. 

Of course, this is my experience as a young woman so it may be different for you. I know my boyfriend and friend weren’t as uncomfortable as me, but they still felt unsafe walking alone at night. Egypt is a country that has so much to offer. I want to prepare you for your visit and let you know that you might not become best friends with locals in the street. Also, even if you are a man, I do NOT recommend visiting Egypt alone. 

To know more about my experience in Egypt, check out The Ultimate Truth About Cairo, Egypt.

When you should go

The summer – I don’t recommend going to Egypt in the summer. First, the heat is no joke. The maximum temperature in the summer is around 35 degrees. It may not seem like much, but mixed with the pollution and the quality of the air, it gets even more intense. Honestly, most people go to Egypt for the pyramids. I went in January and if you have the intention of going inside a pyramid in the summer, you will feel like you are in a sauna. Even during the winter, I was sweating inside the pyramid I visited. Second, there are so many tourists. Most people go to Egypt in the summer, so trust me, you won’t have a nice little relaxing vacation. 

The winter – I went to Egypt in January, and honestly, it was the perfect time to go. In Cairo, it reached 20 – 25 degrees in the day. As I said, I visited inside the pyramids in the winter, and I was still sweating from the heat. I cannot imagine how it is during the high season. + There were fewer tourists in the winter, so I enjoyed visiting the pyramid site so much more since there were not too many people everywhere.

Visa

As a Canadian, you need a visa to go to Egypt. If you are not from Canada, check online if Egypt requires a visa from your country. The Egypt E-visa is processed in about 5 to 7 days after you apply. That’s why it’s recommended to apply for your e-visa at least 7 days before your trip. A single-entry visa is 25 USD (34$ CAD). You need to have your visa printed for your landing in Egypt. To apply for an Egypt E-visa or to know more detailed information, click here.

The religion

Egypt is a Muslim country. As tourists, we always need to be respectful of their culture. Wear long sleeves, cover your shoulders, breasts and legs. Be as discreet as possible. Don’t judge, everyone has a different way of living. You need to make an effort to respect their culture, so you don’t stand out too much, especially if you are a woman. 

Basic words

Arabic is a difficult language to learn. Here are the 3 words I used every day. You don’t need to learn more to be respectful but try to use them as much as possible. 

• Thank you (very much) – Choukran (bezaf)
• Excuse me – Smahli (to a man) / Smahaliya (to a woman)
• Please – Min fadlak

Money currency 

Egypt’s currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). In most local places, you will pay with cash. There is usually a small fee when getting money out of an ATM. That’s why I recommend waiting to be in Egypt before getting money. You will save money in the long run. However, I also recommend paying by card when it’s possible, for your hotel or big chains of restaurants, for example. This way, you don’t need to carry a large amount of cash with you. 

Some facts 

Here are some fun facts about Egypt:

Insurance

Searching for travel insurance can be a hard task. But, it’s also a very important one. Since there are so many options out there, here’s one that is easy to understand and well known : World Nomads.

By booking your insurance through our link, we are able to earn a small commission, allowing us to keep inspiring people to travel.

Different accommodations options 

Villas/Apartments: Renting a villa/apartment is definitely the most eye-pleasing option. You can find some crazy original stays! Most of the time it is equipped like an apartment, so you will have a fridge and a cooking space. It will be pricier, but you can save on eating out if you cook at your villa. It is a good option for families or if you are a big group of people. You can split the price, and it can be more fun than being all separate in hotel rooms. 

Hotels: Hotels are a classic. There are plenty of them with a huge price range. You will be well welcomed and have access to services you don’t get in a villa. Some hotels have spas, some have yoga classes and so much more. Your room will get cleaned every day, and you will have access to room service. If you are an anxious person, hotels are your best option. You will definitely feel more secure since there is always someone working nearby.

Hostels: If you are a backpacker, this is the cheapest option for you. It is less luxurious, less comfortable, less a lot of things. But it is an amazing experience to live while you are young. You will have one bed in a shared room with others. This is the best way to meet people if you are traveling solo. Some hostels have group activities to help with that. You are young, your back is not broken yet, and you can sleep in a less comfortable space in exchange for living an incredible experience. 

Essentials app to have 

Others:

• Maps.me: You can download any maps and use them without Wi-Fi.
• WhatsApp: It’s a classic. Everyone in North Africa/Europe uses WhatsApp to text or call.