EG
Egypt
Egypt, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia via the Sinai Peninsula. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Palestine and Israel to the northeast, the Red Sea to the east, Sudan and the Sahara to the south, and Libya to the west. The Gulf of Aqaba in the northeast separates Egypt from Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Cairo is the capital, largest city, and leading cultural centre, while Alexandria is the second-largest city and an important hub of industry and tourism. With over 107 million inhabitants, Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world, third-most populous country in Africa, and 15th-most populated in the world.
- Capital
- Cairo
- Currency
- EGP
- Population
- 114,535,772
- Coordinates
- 27.0000, 29.0000
Traveler Guide
Travel & Tourism Guide for Egypt
Egypt connects northeast Africa with the Middle East, offering thousands of years of recorded civilization along the fertile Nile River basin, world-famous ancient antiquities, and premier Red Sea diving destinations.
Best Time to Visit & Climate
October to April (Autumn through Spring)
Temperatures are pleasantly mild for exploring outdoor monuments, desert excursions, and Nile river cruises, avoiding the scorching midsummer heat.
Key Traveler Essentials
- Currency: EGP
- Language: Arabic (Egyptian Arabic); English widely spoken in tourist sectors
- Emergency: 122 (Police), 123 (Ambulance), 126 (Tourist Police)
- Power Plugs: Type C & F (220V, 50Hz)
Top Attractions & Highlights
Giza Pyramids & The Sphinx
The last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, dating back over 4,500 years on the edge of Cairo.
Luxor & Valley of the Kings
Often described as the world's greatest open-air museum, featuring Karnak Temple and royal pharaonic tombs.
Abu Simbel Temples
Monumental rock temples carved out of the mountain by King Ramses II in southern Aswan.
Sharm El-Sheikh & Hurghada
World-class coral reefs, warm turquoise waters, windsurfing, and vibrant marine life.
Getting Around & Transport
Domestic flights link Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea resorts. Cairo features a modern 3-line metro, while Careem and Uber operate extensively in major cities.
- Cairo Metro is the fastest way to navigate downtown Cairo and avoid surface traffic.
- Sleeper and express trains connect Cairo with Luxor and Aswan along the scenic Nile corridor.
- Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem, inDrive) provide transparent fares in Cairo and Alexandria.
- Taxis should use the meter; agree on fares before boarding when meters are unavailable.
Essential Tips & Local Etiquette
Currency & Cards
Carry Egyptian Pounds (EGP) in small denominations for tipping (baksheesh), markets, and local transport, though major hotels and tours accept cards.
Dress Code & Etiquette
Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is appreciated when visiting mosques, historic quarters, and markets.
Hydration & Sun Safety
Always drink bottled mineral water and wear high-SPF sun protection and a hat during temple visits.
Budget, Logistics & Entry Planning for Egypt
Daily Budget & EGP Currency Strategy
Official transactions across Egypt are conducted in EGP. Balance your travel budget between international bank cards for hotels and intercity transport and local EGP cash for municipal transit, markets, and daily dining in Cairo.
Gateway Arrival & Urban Infrastructure
Egypt has a population of approximately 114,535,772, with Cairo serving as the primary administrative and international aviation hub operating on the UTC time zone.
Safety Preparedness & Official Emergency Contacts
Store Egypt's verified emergency dispatch numbers (122 (Police), 123 (Ambulance), 126 (Tourist Police)) in your phone prior to departure, and keep digital copies of your passport, entry documentation, and accommodation address in Cairo.
Seasonal Scheduling & Peak Booking Windows
Optimal weather conditions align with October to April (Autumn through Spring). When visiting Egypt during national holidays or peak seasonal windows, confirm accommodation and intercity transit reservations several weeks in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Egypt
What is the official currency in Egypt and how should I plan payments?
The official currency of Egypt is EGP. Use the interactive currency converter on this page to benchmark daily costs against USD, EUR, GBP, and regional currencies, and carry local cash alongside bank cards.
What are the official emergency numbers in Egypt?
Verified emergency dispatch numbers in Egypt are: 122 (Police), 123 (Ambulance), 126 (Tourist Police). These lines connect travelers to local police, medical ambulance, and fire rescue services.
When is the best time of year to visit Egypt and Cairo?
The most favorable travel window for Egypt is October to April (Autumn through Spring), when ambient temperatures and daylight hours best support sightseeing in Cairo and regional nature reserves.
How do travelers get between Cairo and regional cities in Egypt?
Cairo functions as the primary transport hub connecting regional cities via intercity highway coaches, rail corridors where available, private transfers, or domestic flights. Select any city guide below for specific airport and ground transit details.
Travel Essentials & Currency
Currency & Travel Essentials for Egypt
Quick currency calculator and emergency hotline guide for a hassle-free trip to Egypt.
Quick Currency Calculator
Official national currency is EGP. Calculate exchange conversions below:
* Exchange rates are indicative and subject to market rates and banking fees.
Emergency & Payment Tips
122 (Police), 123 (Ambulance), 126 (Tourist Police)
(Police, Ambulance & Fire Rescue — toll-free 24/7 service)Payment & Banking Guidelines:
- 💳 Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, and digital wallets (Apple Pay) are widely accepted across hotels and retailers.
- 💵 Cash: Keep small cash bills handy for local souqs, small taxis, and casual tipping.
- 🏧 ATMs: ATMs are readily available throughout international airports, metro stations, and shopping malls.
