Is it safe to travel independently in Egypt?

Yes, Egypt is generally safe for tourists. Stick to tourist areas, use hotel-recommended guides and drivers, and follow local customs. Women should dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites.

Should I tip in Egypt and how much?

Tipping is expected everywhere in Egypt. Give 10-20 EGP for small services, 50-100 EGP per day for guides, 10% at restaurants. Keep small bills handy as everyone expects tips including bathroom attendants and photo helpers.

Can I drink the tap water?

No, stick to bottled water. It's cheap (5-10 EGP per liter) and available everywhere. Many hotels provide free bottles. Avoid ice in drinks and raw vegetables unless you're at upscale establishments.

How do I avoid tourist scams?

Always agree on prices before services, don't accept 'free' items, and politely decline pushy sellers with 'la shukran' (no thank you). Use your hotel for tour bookings when possible and never give your passport to anyone except hotels and official checkpoints.

How to spend 10 days in Egypt covering Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan

Fly into Cairo, spend 4 days exploring pyramids and museums, take an overnight train to Luxor for 3 days of temple visits, then continue south to Aswan for 2 days before flying back to Cairo. Book domestic flights in advance and expect to pay $80-120 per day total.

Plan your route: Cairo-Luxor-Aswan-Cairo. Start in Cairo (4 days), train or fly to Luxor (3 days), continue to Aswan (2 days), then return to Cairo (1 day). Book the overnight train from Cairo to Luxor in advance through Egyptian National Railways or use domestic flights if you prefer speed over experience.
Book accommodations strategically. Stay near Tahrir Square in Cairo for museum access. In Luxor, choose the East Bank near the temple for walking convenience. In Aswan, book near the Nile corniche. Expect to pay $30-60 per night for mid-range hotels with air conditioning.
Arrange guided tours for major sites. Book a guide for Giza pyramids, Valley of the Kings, and Karnak Temple. Local guides cost $25-40 per day and provide context you'll miss alone. Use your hotel to arrange or find guides at site entrances.
Plan around opening hours and heat. Start major outdoor sites at 8am before crowds and heat peak. Schedule indoor museums and air-conditioned activities for midday. Most temples close at 5pm, pyramids at 4pm in winter, 5pm in summer.
Book Nile felucca and Abu Simbel trips. Reserve a felucca sunset sail in Aswan ($15-25 per person). Book Abu Simbel day trip from Aswan ($65-85 including transport) or fly from Cairo if short on time. These fill up, especially in peak season.

Is it safe to travel independently in Egypt?: Yes, Egypt is generally safe for tourists. Stick to tourist areas, use hotel-recommended guides and drivers, and follow local customs. Women should dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites.
Should I tip in Egypt and how much?: Tipping is expected everywhere in Egypt. Give 10-20 EGP for small services, 50-100 EGP per day for guides, 10% at restaurants. Keep small bills handy as everyone expects tips including bathroom attendants and photo helpers.
Can I drink the tap water?: No, stick to bottled water. It's cheap (5-10 EGP per liter) and available everywhere. Many hotels provide free bottles. Avoid ice in drinks and raw vegetables unless you're at upscale establishments.
How do I avoid tourist scams?: Always agree on prices before services, don't accept 'free' items, and politely decline pushy sellers with 'la shukran' (no thank you). Use your hotel for tour bookings when possible and never give your passport to anyone except hotels and official checkpoints.