Egypt Travel Guide
for Indian Travelers

• Return Flights: ₹45,000 – ₹75,000
• E-Visa Fee: ₹2,100 (approx. USD 25)
• Hotels (per night): ₹3,500 – ₹12,000
• Nile Cruise (3 nights): ₹15,000 – ₹35,000
• Food (per day): ₹1,500 – ₹4,000
• Local Transport & Guides: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000/day
• Activities & Entry Fees: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 total
• Total (6–8 days): ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000 per person

Egypt offers exceptional value for Indian travelers. While flights are moderately priced, on-ground costs for hotels, food, and guided tours are highly affordable compared to Europe.

• Delhi (DEL) — Excellent connections via Middle East hubs
• Mumbai (BOM) — Frequent flights via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi
• Bangalore (BLR) — Good options via Emirates or Qatar Airways
• Hyderabad (HYD) — Seamless 1-stop connections via Doha
• Kochi (COK) — Direct and 1-stop options via Sharjah/Doha

Delhi and Mumbai offer the most competitive fares and convenient layovers to Cairo International Airport (CAI).

• Route 1: DEL → Dubai → CAI (Emirates)
• Route 2: DEL → Doha → CAI (Qatar Airways)
• Route 3: DEL → Abu Dhabi → CAI (Etihad)
• Duration: 9–11 hours
• Price Range: ₹45,000 – ₹70,000

• Route 1: BOM → Dubai → CAI (Emirates)
• Route 2: BOM → Doha → CAI (Qatar Airways)
• Route 3: BOM → Abu Dhabi → CAI (Etihad / Air Arabia)
• Duration: 8–12 hours
• Price Range: ₹40,000 – ₹65,000

• E-Visa: Apply online at the official Egypt Visa portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg)
• Visa on Arrival: Available at CAI for Indians with valid US/UK/Schengen visas
• Cost: USD 25 (approx. ₹2,100) for single entry
• Documents: Passport (6+ months validity), return ticket, hotel booking
• Processing time: 3–5 business days for E-Visa
• Duration permitted: 30 days for tourism

Egypt follows Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC+2 and 2.5 hours behind Indian Standard Time (IST).

• Egypt Time (EET): UTC+2
• Egypt is 2.5 hours behind Indian Standard Time (IST)
• When it is 12:00 PM in Egypt, it is 2:30 PM in India
• Egypt occasionally observes Daylight Saving Time (UTC+3) in summer
• Business hours typically run from 9 AM to 5 PM EET on weekdays (Sunday–Thursday)
• Weekends in Egypt are Friday and Saturday
• Restaurants serve lunch from 1–4 PM and dinner from 7 PM onwards

Right-Hand Drive (Same as India)

• Egypt follows right-hand driving, same as India
• International Driving Permit (IDP) required for self-driving
• Self-driving is not recommended in Cairo due to chaotic traffic
• Private drivers and hotel transfers are highly recommended
• Speed limits: 50 km/h in cities, 100 km/h on highways
• Seat belts mandatory for front-seat passengers

Uber and DiDi are Primary Ride-Hailing Apps

• Uber operates extensively in Cairo, Alexandria, and major cities
• DiDi is a popular and often cheaper alternative in Cairo
• InCare (local app) is also available in Cairo
• Average fare from Cairo Airport to downtown: 200–300 EGP
• Always use app-based taxis to avoid haggling and overcharging
• White metered taxis are available but insist on using the meter
• Domestic flights and private AC vans are best for inter-city travel

Arabic — Official Language

• Egyptian Arabic is the most widely understood dialect in the Arab world
• English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by guides
• French is understood in some upscale establishments
• Learning basic Arabic phrases is highly appreciated by locals
• Religion: Predominantly Sunni Muslim, with a significant Coptic Christian minority
• Call to prayer (Adhan) is heard five times a day across the country
• Friday is the holy day, and the weekend is Friday-Saturday

Understanding these Egyptian Arabic terms helps connect with locals and navigate daily situations.

• As-salamu alaykum — Peace be upon you (Hello)
• Shukran — Thank you
• Afwan — You're welcome / Excuse me
• Min fadlak — Please
• Inshallah — God willing (used for future plans)
• Yalla — Let's go / Hurry up
• Maalesh — No problem / Don't worry
• Khalas — Finished / Done / Enough
• Camel (Gamel) — Beautiful / Good
• Bikam? — How much? (Useful in markets)
• Ghalawi — Expensive

Public restrooms are called "Dawab" or "Hammam". Signs typically display Arabic text and pictograms.

• Men's toilets marked with "Rigala" or male symbol
• Women's toilets marked with "Sayedy" or female symbol
• Public toilets in tourist areas are generally clean but require a small tip (10-20 EGP)
• Shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels have free, well-maintained restrooms
• Always carry your own tissues and hand sanitizer
• Western-style seated toilets are standard in hotels and modern facilities
• Squatter toilets are common in older public facilities and rural areas

Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world and home to one of the oldest civilizations.

• The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only surviving wonder of the ancient world
• The Nile is the longest river in the world, flowing 6,650 km through Egypt
• Egypt has more antiquities than any other country, with over 100 pyramids
• Cats were considered sacred in ancient Egypt and worshipped as deities
• The ancient Egyptians invented the 365-day calendar and early forms of paper (papyrus)
• Cairo is the largest city in Africa and the Middle East
• Egyptian cinema and music dominate the Arab cultural scene

Most Shops: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily)

• Shopping malls (Citystars, Mall of Arabia) operate from 10 AM to midnight
• Traditional bazaars like Khan el-Khalili are open from 9 AM to 11 PM
• Shops in tourist areas often stay open later, especially on weekends
• Supermarkets open from 8 AM to 11 PM; some 24-hour outlets
• Many shops close during Friday afternoon prayers (12 PM – 2 PM)
• Bargaining is expected in bazaars and street markets, but not in malls

Egypt's markets offer a sensory overload of spices, textiles, antiques, and traditional crafts.

• Khan el-Khalili — Cairo's most famous 14th-century bazaar, perfect for souvenirs
• Aswan Souk — Traditional market near the Nile, great for spices and Nubian crafts
• Luxor Souk — Alabaster statues, cotton goods, and local sweets
• El Attarine — Alexandria's historic perfume and spice market
• Citystars — Massive modern mall in Cairo with international brands
• Always carry small cash notes for market purchases
• Start bargaining at 50% of the asking price and meet in the middle

Shopping in Egypt offers unique souvenirs reflecting its rich history and vibrant culture.

• Papyrus Art — Hand-painted scrolls (buy from certified institutes)
• Egyptian Cotton — World-renowned for its softness (towels, shirts, bed sheets)
• Spices & Herbs — Cumin, coriander, saffron, hibiscus (karkadeh)
• Perfume Oils — Lotus, papyrus, and musk oils in beautiful glass bottles
• Alabaster Statues — Hand-carved from local stone (best in Luxor)
• Brass & Copper Ware — Lanterns, trays, and coffee sets
• Date Sweets — Stuffed with nuts and covered in chocolate
• Nubian Crafts — Colorful textiles and baskets from Aswan

Major supermarket chains offer wide product ranges, including imported goods and local staples.

• Carrefour — French chain, widespread, excellent for groceries and snacks
• Spinneys — Upscale supermarket with premium and imported items
• Kheir Zaman — Local chain, competitive prices, many locations
• Seoudi — Premium supermarket in Cairo and Giza
• Bottled water is recommended; tap water is not safe for drinking
• Local fruits like mangoes, dates, and citrus are incredibly cheap and fresh

Egyptian food is hearty, flavorful, and heavily relies on legumes, vegetables, and bread.

• Koshary — National dish: rice, macaroni, lentils, chickpeas, tomato sauce, fried onions
• Ful Medames — Slow-cooked fava beans with oil, cumin, lemon (traditional breakfast)
• Ta'meya — Egyptian falafel made from fava beans instead of chickpeas
• Shawarma — Grilled meat wrap with tahini sauce (chicken or beef)
• Mahshi — Vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, vine leaves) stuffed with spiced rice
• Kebab & Kofta — Grilled minced meat and meat chunks with bread and tahini
• Molokhia — Jute leaf soup, often served with chicken or rabbit
• Om Ali — Traditional Egyptian bread pudding with milk, nuts, and raisins

Egypt produces excellent fruits and refreshing traditional beverages perfect for the desert climate.

• Mangoes — Egyptian mangoes (especially in summer) are world-famous
• Dates — Siwa and Aswan produce some of the sweetest dates globally
• Guava — Used for fresh juices and desserts
• Karkadeh — Hot or cold hibiscus tea, rich in vitamin C
• Sahlab — Warm, creamy orchid root drink with nuts (winter favorite)
• Fresh Sugarcane Juice (Asab) — Sweet, energizing street drink
• Tamarhind (Tamr Hindi) — Refreshing, tangy cold drink

Koshary is Egypt's ultimate comfort food and a must-try for every visitor.

• A unique mix of rice, macaroni, brown lentils, and chickpeas
• Topped with a spiced tomato sauce, garlic vinegar, and crispy fried onions
• Completely vegetarian, affordable, and incredibly filling
• Available at dedicated Koshary restaurants and street stalls everywhere
• Best eaten at famous spots like Koshary Abou Tarek in Cairo
• Customize the spice level with the provided chili sauce (Daqqa)

Egypt is very budget-friendly for food. Budget travelers can eat well for under ₹1,000 per day.

• Street Food/Koshary: 50–100 EGP (₹130–₹260)
• Shawarma Wrap: 60–120 EGP (₹150–₹310)
• Local Restaurant Meal: 200–400 EGP (₹520–₹1,040)
• Mid-range Restaurant: 500–1,000 EGP (₹1,300–₹2,600)
• Fine Dining / Nile Cruise Dinner: 1,500–3,000 EGP (₹3,900–₹7,800)
• Fresh Juice / Coffee: 40–80 EGP (₹100–₹210)
• Bottled Water (1.5L): 10–15 EGP (₹25–₹40)

Tipping (Baksheesh): 10-15% is customary in restaurants if service charge isn't included.

Egypt has 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing its unmatched ancient history.

• Memphis and its Necropolis (Pyramids) (1979) — Giza, Saqqara, Dahshur
• Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis (1979) — Luxor, Karnak, Valley of the Kings
• Historic Cairo (1979) — Islamic, Coptic, and medieval architecture
• Nubian Monuments (Abu Simbel) (1979) — Ramses II temples relocated from the Nile
• Saint Catherine Area (2002) — Mount Sinai and the oldest Christian monastery
• Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) (2005) — Fossilized whale skeletons in the desert

Egypt's symbols reflect its deep connection to the Nile, the desert, and its ancient past.

• National Animal: Steppe Eagle (historically, the Eagle of Saladin)
• National Bird: Eagle of Saladin (featured on the coat of arms)
• National Flower: Egyptian Lotus (water lily, sacred in antiquity)
• National Sport: Football (Soccer) — deeply passionate fan culture
• National Drink: Tea (Shai) and Karkadeh (hibiscus)
• National Dish: Koshary
• National Dance: Raqs Sharqi (Belly Dance) and Tanoura (Sufi spinning)

Egypt's dramatic landscapes and ancient monuments have served as the backdrop for countless global films.

• The Mummy (1999) — Action-adventure filmed in Morocco and studio sets, inspired by Egypt
• Cleopatra (1963) — Epic historical drama starring Elizabeth Taylor
• Death on the Nile (2022) — Agatha Christie mystery filmed at Abu Simbel and Aswan
• The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) — James Bond features scenes at the Pyramids
• Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) — Features the Pyramids and Petra (region)
• The Egyptian (1954) — Classic Hollywood film set in ancient Egypt

Best places to shop for souvenirs: Khan el-Khalili, local artisan co-ops, and hotel boutiques.

• Papyrus Art — Authentic hand-painted scrolls (verify authenticity)
• Egyptian Cotton — High-thread-count clothing and linens
• Spice Boxes — Beautifully packaged cumin, saffron, and hibiscus
• Alabaster Vases — Hand-carved stone from Luxor
• Perfume Oils — Traditional scents in crystal bottles
• Cartouche Jewelry — Gold or silver pendant engraved with your name in hieroglyphs
• Shisha (Hookah) — Decorative water pipes (check customs rules before buying)

• Khufu (c. 2589–2566 BC) — Builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza
• Hatshepsut (c. 1507–1458 BC) — One of the most successful female pharaohs
• Akhenaten & Nefertiti (c. 1350 BC) — Revolutionized art and religion
• Tutankhamun (c. 1341–1323 BC) — Famous for his intact, golden tomb
• Ramses II (The Great) (c. 1303–1213 BC) — Prolific builder, Abu Simbel
• Cleopatra VII (69–30 BC) — The last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom
• Saladin (Salah ad-Din) (1137–1193) — Founder of the Ayyubid dynasty, recaptured Jerusalem.

Egypt is home to some of the world's oldest institutions and scientific advancements.

• The Library of Alexandria — Once the largest library of the ancient world
• Papyrus — The world's first paper, invented in Egypt around 3000 BC
• Pyramid Construction — Monumental engineering that remained unmatched for millennia
• 365-Day Calendar — Invented by the ancient Egyptians, dividing the year into 12 months of 30 days plus 5 extra days
• Al-Azhar University — Founded in 970 AD, one of the oldest universities in the world
• Modern Egyptology — The Rosetta Stone and the deciphering of hieroglyphs

• Ramadan — Holy month of fasting; evenings are festive with food and lanterns
• Eid al-Fitr — Three-day feast after Ramadan
• Eid al-Adha — Festival of sacrifice, celebrated with family gatherings
• Sham El-Nessim — Ancient spring festival celebrating the start of spring
• Cairo International Film Festival — One of the oldest film festivals in Africa
• Abu Simbel Sun Festival — Twice a year (Feb & Oct), the sun illuminates the inner sanctum of Ramses II's temple