Egypt Travel FAQ (2026)
Do I need a visa or travel authorization to visit Egypt in 2026?
$25 USD Official E-Visa (`visa2egypt.gov.eg`) or $25 Cash Bank Kiosk Visa-on-Arrival Sticker at Cairo/Luxor/Hurghada Airports (Before Immigration!)
What is the best way to travel between Cairo & Grand Egyptian Museum, Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Saqqara, and Luxor & Valley of the Kings?
Travel seamlessly across Egypt on Egyptian National Railways (ENR) Talgo High-Speed Day Trains (Cairo–Alexandria–Luxor) & Abela Egypt Sleeping Trains (#86/#87). Compare walk-up fares against advance promotional tickets and regional passes in EGP (E£). For local buses, trams, and metro lines, use Cairo Pass (1) CARD-ONLY RULE AT ALL SITES: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism ticket windows at the Pyramids, GEM, Saqqara, Karnak, Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel no longer accept cash—bring two physical contactless Visa/Mastercard cards! 2) Meanwhile, keep plenty of E£20, E£50, and E£100 cash notes for baksheesh (tips), feluccas, and water. 3) In Cairo, always use Uber (links to your card and avoids taxi meter arguments).).
Should I carry cash (EGP) or use credit cards in Egypt?
Official currency is the EGP (E£) (E£, EGP; 1 USD ≈ 48.8 EGP). Contactless cards work widely across Cairo & Grand Egyptian Museum and Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Saqqara, but always carry small notes in E£ for markets, bakeries, and rural transit.
How does tipping work in Egypt?
Baksheesh (small tipping in E£20–E£100 notes) is an essential part of Egyptian daily income: carry a thick stack of E£20, E£50, and E£100 notes for tomb guardians, restroom attendants (E£10–20), luggage porters (E£50), drivers (E£200–300/day), and Egyptologist guides (E£400–600/day).
What power plugs are used in Egypt, and is tap water safe?
Egypt uses Type C & Type F (220V / 50Hz — standard European two-round-pin) sockets at Type C & Type F (220V / 50Hz — standard European two-round-pin). Tap water: Never drink tap water in Egypt; use sealed bottled water (Baraka / Dasani / Nestlé) even for brushing teeth.. Emergency numbers: 126 (Tourist Police — English Speaking 24/7), 122 (Police), 123 (Ambulance).