Cairo Travel Tips: A Handy Guide For First Time Travelers To Stay Safe In This Egyptian Capital!
Cairo Travel Tips: A Handy Guide For First Time Travelers To Stay Safe In This Egyptian Capital!
Holding the heritage of the Pharaonic era to the reminiscents of the Islamic culture, Cairo is a sprawling capital of Egypt which is considered a marvellous city with an incredible past. Resting at the banks of Nile river since 1000 years of the past, this infuriatingly beautiful city has a lot to explore within its boundaries. Whether its the magnificent minarets standing across the city or the 19th-century architectures, Africa’s largest city has a lot of things around which are worth to discover. But like every other destination, this city also has a different lifestyle and rules for their people. So, before heading to this Egyptian city make sure to keep this handy guide to know about the Cairo travel tips.
9 Must Know Travel Tips For Cairo, Egypt
Here is a list of Cairo Egypt travel tips one must abide when traveling to this Egyptian paradise to stay safe in a foreign land.
- Drink Purified Water
- Stay Hydrated
- Don’t Forget To Tip
- Keep Your Valuables Safe
- Know What To Wear
- Taste The Local Food
- Taxis Are Cheap
- Carry Your Own Toilet Paper
- Visa Is Required
1. Drink Purified Water
The water available in Egypt has a high level of chlorine and doesn’t taste good. So, if you’re a first-time traveler to Cairo then make sure to survive only on bottled water and also make sure the seal is not broken. The tap water can be used for brushing teeth, but it should not be consumed by people who have a sensitive stomach. A bottle of water costs around 5 EGP (INR 20) which is quite affordable.
2. Stay Hydrated
Egypt has a very hot climate because obviously it is located in a desert. Along with this harsh weather comes problem like dehydration, sunburn and heat exhaustion. Thus for the travelers visiting this Egyptian capital, it is mandatory to drink as much water as they can. Alongside this, it will be better if travelers can wear loose-fitted clothes to beat the heat. This is one of the important travel tips for Cairo Egypt, one must keep in mind.
3. Don’t Forget To Tip
Tipping for taking service is quite a common thing to do in Egypt which is quite prevalent everywhere and on everything. While dining at a restaurant, people can round up or pay 10 per cent of the bill directly to the waiter, whereas people who help in smaller jobs can be given around 1 EGP (INR 4).
4. Keep Your Valuables Safe
It is very important to keep your valuable documents and other things while traveling to a new destination. While leaving the hotel room, make sure that you don’t leave your valuables in the room. And alongside this, it is also advisable to also take care of the things while traveling by bus, as the driver will not take any responsibility in case of any mishap. And apart from it is also advised to make travel insurance to stay all covered if something goes wrong.
5. Know What To Wear
Another important rule for tourists in Cairo is to know what to wear while in the city. Egypt is somewhat a liberal Islamic country but lately, it has become very conservative and forces women to wear a Hijab or headscarf. This is not applicable for the tourists, but it advised to dress modestly while exploring the streets and especially when visiting the monuments. It is better to wear clothes which are not showing off the shoulders and legs beneath the knees.
6. Taste The Local Food
If you don’t taste the local food of Egypt, then you’re missing something really good. Just like the Egyptian civilizations, there is something about the taste of authentic cuisine of the country which can only be relished at the streets. Some of the traditional dishes like the Kushari and Feteer (pie) and Mulukheya are some of the best things to try while in Cairo.
7. Taxis Are Cheap
Getting around the city is not difficult for travelers who are visiting Cairo for the first time. Taxis are usually cheap and easy to use for roaming around the city. And not just that, there is UBER also available which is easy to access. The transportation around the city may cost a maximum of 50 to 80 EGP (INR 204). There are three kinds of taxi’s available in Cairo – Black Taxis, Yellow Taxis and White Taxis, among which the white ones are quite affordable and easy to bargain.
8. Carry Your Own Toilet Paper
Well, the public toilets in Egypt are not very nice and clean. There are generally no toilet papers inside, the toilets are dirty and tap run out of water. Thus it is advised to carry toilet papers, hand sanitizer and wet wipes to clean the toilet seat. There will be a hose attached to the bathroom but can only be used after paying a tip.
9. Visa Is Required
Indians are required to carry a visa in Egypt which costs around INR 1,900 and a traveler can avail that in just 2-3 working days. To get a tourist VISA one must have a valid passport, a visa application form, bank statement with a minimum balance of INR 50,000 and confirmed air tickets. A visitor having a tourist visa can stay for 90 days, but a traveler is allowed to stay only for 30 days from the date of arrival.
Are you ready to explore the capital city after knowing about these easy and important travel tips? If yes, then make sure to keep this travel tips guide with you and plan the much awaited holiday to Egypt with TravelTriangle to enjoy a stress-free and safe journey without getting into any unnecessary trouble.
Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cairo Travel Tips
What is the best time to visit Cairo?
March to April and October to November are the best time to visit Cairo. The temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing during these months.
Which are the best places to visit in Cairo?
Some of the best places to visit in Cairo are: 1. Giza Necropolis 2. Khan el-Khalili 3. Egyptian Museum 4. Mosque Of Muhammad Ali 5. Pyramid of Djoser 6. Cairo Tower 7. The Hanging Church
What are the popular things to do in Cairo?
Some of the most popular things to do in Cairo are: 1. Take a walk at the Al-Azhar Park 2. Climb Bab Zuwayla Minaret 3. Taste Kushari at Abou Tarek 4. Go shopping at Khan El Khalili
Which are the popular food dishes of Egyptian cuisine?
Some of the popular food dishes of Egypt are: 1. Ful Medames 2. Kushari 3. Ta’ameya or Falafel 4. Molokhia 5. Bamia
Which are the popular pyramids in Egypt?
Some of the popular pyramids of Egypt are: 1. Pyramid of Djedefre 2. Pyramid of Khufu 3. Pyramid of Menkaure 4. Pyramid of Khafre 5. Pyramid of Neferefre 6. Pyramid of Djoser 7. Bent Pyramid
Do Indians need a visa for Egypt?
Yes, Indian citizens would require a visa for visiting Egypt. The visa is issued for a period of 30 days. So far, there is no provision of Visa on arrival for Indians in Egypt.