The best ways to get around Cairo are by metro train or taxi. Egypt's capital is constantly choked by traffic. But below Cairo's congested streets, the metro system is clean, affordable and extremely efficient.
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Getting around Egypt means covering substantial distances from one tourist center to the next. Though there is reliable bus service between most places and excellent train service to a few, the best way to get around is by air. EgyptAir has a virtual monopoly on internal flights.
Since Cairo is probably THE most popular city in Egypt, you can expect loads of visitors. This means that pickpocketing crime is high. But as long as you stay aware of your surroundings and don't let your valuables out of sight, Cairo can be a very safe place to visit.
While Egypt is considered to be very safe for tourists, including people from the United States, the country's Northern Sinai Peninsula is an exception. This is the only part of Egypt that is deemed to be potentially dangerous for tourists.
Egyptians are kind people and most of them are truly helpful. However, at some tourist areas, some people might tell you they're going to show you or bring you into select areas of the attraction. These people tend to allow tourists into areas that are off-limits to get tips and sometimes to rob them.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Yes, there is Uber in Egypt and this ended up being my go-to option for getting around Cairo.
Try to think bigger than just the pyramids, if that's even possible! You can easily mix and match this itinerary, and you can definitely do it on your own. It's possible to travel independently in Egypt, and if you have even a little bit of travel experience, you don't need to be apprehensive!
The best ways to get around Cairo are by metro train or taxi. Egypt's capital is constantly choked by traffic. But below Cairo's congested streets, the metro system is clean, affordable and extremely efficient.
Tipping 10–15% of your bill total is customary at cafes and restaurants, and loose change is acceptable for food purchases from street vendors and markets. Often known as 'backsheesh' in parts of Asia and the Middle East, tipping is standard practice in Egypt.
The people are super friendly and warm and they love Westerners, but they are also personally quite conservative. So although they are used to lots of foreign tourists in the cities, it's generally a good idea to still respect their cultural norms, which are heavily influenced by their religion.
For instance, Downtown Cairo has a Walk Score of 98 percent —Walker's Paradise— whereas El-Zawya El-Hamraa, an informal settlement, has a Walk Score of 81 out of 100, Very Walkable.
2 days in Cairo gives you enough time to explore the city without feeling rushed. You won't go on any day trips in this itinerary (see itinerary #2) so this is the perfect itinerary if you want to explore Cairo and Giza at a leisurely pace without organizing a day trip.
U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Egypt. U.S. citizens can obtain a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for a 25 USD fee. A multiple entry visa is also obtainable for 60 USD. The Government of Egypt has created a website for the issuance of “e-visas.”
Egypt is relatively easy on the wallet. Compared with places like Europe, North America, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, Egypt is cheaper to visit. Traveling through Egypt is similar in price to traveling through Southeast Asia.
The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April when daytime temperatures are comfortable and nights are cool, but you're still guaranteed sun. The conditions are perfect for exploring chaotic Cairo or venturing into the desert.
Yes, they are generally safe. We rarely hear about problems with taxi drivers, except the usual taxi driver style haggling, trying to make an extra pound. They have meters, but many don't use it!
If you decide to travel to Egypt: Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.