Travel Guide
Egypt
Giza pyramids, Luxor, Karnak, Aswan, Alexandria and Sharm. Visa on arrival, dollars, tout warning.
In short
Egypt is a very cheap country: hotels ≈ $3–5, a meal can fill you for half a dollar. But tourist sites (pyramids, temples) are expensive. Visa on arrival costs $25 for 30 days.
The most important warning: bring plenty of cash dollars. USD is accepted more than the Egyptian pound. Touts and beggars are very persistent — raise your voice, never enter a bargain once.
Cairo / Giza: pyramids exterior ≈ $10, interior entry charged separately for each. Luxor and Karnak are magnificent. In Aswan: Philae, the unfinished obelisk. Alexandria: library and citadel. Sharm El Sheikh for the coast.
Route
Main stops from the videos.
Coast & mosques
Salty sea (you do not sink), Ottoman mosques, cathedral, coast. Can be a calmer starting point.
Pyramids & museum
Giza pyramids + Sphinx. Egyptian Museum. Old Cairo is dusty and chaotic. Tight security.
City of temples
Luxor Temple + Karnak (one of the largest ancient religious sites in the world). Nile views.
Nile & Nubia
Unfinished obelisk, Nubia Museum, Philae (Isis) temple. Prices more reasonable than Luxor.
Library & citadel
Modern library, Qaitbay citadel, underground tombs (Kom el-Shoqafa). Streets can be dirty.
Transport, stay and food
Bring dollars
Cash USD is very useful. Better rate possible on the black market. Official rate can be disadvantageous.
Cheap hotels
Around ≈ $3–5 available. Some look rough outside but are fine inside.
Food is very cheap
You can eat for half a dollar. Minibus ≈ $0.10. Markets and street food are affordable.
Train warning
Tourist tickets can be 20 times the local price. If possible, have an Egyptian buy them for you.
Vize
On arrival $25 → 30 days. Can be extended by exit-reentry when it expires.
Minibus language
No signs. Drivers and passengers communicate with hand signals. Takes time to get used to.
Places to see
Giza pyramids
Exterior ≈ $10. Interior charged separately for each. Sphinx nearby.
Karnak
Vast complex lasting 2000+ years. Open-air museum. Details never end.
Luxor Temple
By the Nile, beautiful night lighting. Dedicated to pharaonic ceremonies.
Aswan obelisk
Unfinished giant granite. Nubia Museum and Philae nearby.
Alexandria
Great Library, Qaitbay citadel, Kom el-Shoqafa underground tombs.
Sharm El Sheikh
Salty sea, coast, mosques and cathedral. More touristy and calm.
Photos
Practical warnings
Touts
Very persistent. Raise your voice, never enter a bargain once. When they realise you are a tourist the price can triple.
Dollars & rate
Bring plenty of cash USD. Black market can be better than the official rate.
Ticket prices
Tourist price is high. If possible have a local buy tickets (train, some museums).
Security
Police/military vehicles on every corner. Searches possible on intercity buses.
Weather & dust
Fog/dust/exhaust common in Cairo. Wait for a clear day for pyramid photos.
People
Most are warm-hearted. Touts and beggars are a separate category — be firm with them.
Videos
Egypt journey videos.
History, Nile and realities
Pyramids and temples are impressive. But street vendors, tourist prices and dusty cities are also part of the reality. Bring cash USD and patience.
With plenty of cash USD and patience, Egypt becomes an unforgettable experience.
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