11:33 pm
+2h from you
Weather in Egypt
Egypt
31°
Clear sky
Sun
18
31
Mon
16
22
Tue
14
23
Wed
16
25
Thu
16
26
SPF level in Egypt
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Transportation in Egypt
Language in Egypt
Tipping in Egypt
Tipping is customary in Egypt for various services. While not mandatory, it's a common way to show appreciation for good service. Small tips can go a long way, especially for those in the service industry.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
5-10 EGP per drink or service
Taxi
Round up the fare or 5-10 EGP
Hotel Porter
10-20 EGP per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 EGP per day
Tour Guide
50-100 EGP per day, depending on the quality of the tour
Safety & security in Egypt
Tips for British travellers
Egypt is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Police check ID regularly and will ask to see your passport or a copy of it along with your visa.
Drinking alcohol anywhere other than licensed restaurants, bars, private homes or certain tourist resorts is illegal.
Be cautious in tourist areas where scammers and touts sometimes target foreign nationals.
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and markets.
Couples should avoid showing physical affection in public as it is frowned upon outside resort areas.
Bonus tips:
Get written permission from an Egyptian citizen before taking their photo and do not photograph children.
Always wear a crash helmet when using quad bikes as safety standards vary and serious accidents have occurred.
Driving in Egypt
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Egypt drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
122
Ambulance
123
Fire
180
Save 122 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Egypt
Voltage
220V / 50 Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments in tourist areas and major cities, but cash is still widely used, especially in smaller shops, local markets, and for tipping. It's useful to carry both card and cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
ATMs in Egypt
ATMs are readily available in major cities, tourist areas, and airports. Smaller towns may have limited ATM access, so it's wise to carry sufficient cash when traveling to more remote locations.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Most ATMs accept international cards with a chip and PIN. Be aware of potential transaction fees from both the local bank and your own bank. It's advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for their roaming charges and data packages for Egypt. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 300 EGP (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, GSM
Local carriers
Vodafone Egypt, Etisalat Egypt, Orange Egypt
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants, particularly in tourist areas. However, the speed and reliability can vary. Some establishments may offer free WiFi, while others may charge a fee.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Internet access is generally available, but the quality can vary. Purchasing a local SIM card with a data package can provide more reliable and affordable internet access.
Health & vaccinations
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as healthcare in Egypt can be expensive. Check that your policy covers all activities you plan to do. While the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) might offer limited coverage in some circumstances, it is not a replacement for travel insurance.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid ice in drinks. Be cautious with food hygiene to avoid stomach problems. The sun can be very strong, so wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and stay hydrated.
Calling Egypt
Country code
+20
To call Egypt from the UK, dial 00 20 followed by the local number.
To call the British Embassy in Cairo from the UK, dial 00 20 2 2791 6000.
When calling Egypt from abroad, remember to use the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by the Egyptian country code (20), and then the local number. Omit the leading zero from the local number if there is one.
UK Embassy in Egypt
British Embassy Cairo
7 Ahmed Ragheb Street Giza, Cairo 11511
Airports in Egypt
Frequently asked questions about Egypt
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.