The Good Trip guide · For U.S. travelers
EgyptA little local knowledge.
Unveil the mysteries of the Pyramids, cruise the historic Nile River, and immerse yourself in Cairo's vibrant culture.
Do not drink the tap water.
Tourist Police: 126
Egyptian Pound
Exercise Increased Caution
Essential Etiquette in Egypt
Key dos and don'ts every American traveler should know before arriving.
Dress modestly in public
Egypt is a conservative country. Loose-fitting clothes covering shoulders and knees are recommended for both men and women. At tourist sites and resorts in summer, short sleeves and sleeveless tops are generally fine.
Don't photograph government or military sites
It is illegal to photograph military bases, government buildings, police stations, bridges, and strategic infrastructure. Your camera or phone may be confiscated.
Understand Baksheesh (Tipping)
Tipping is expected in most service interactions. Almost every service — from hotel staff to bathroom attendants and temple guards — expects a small tip. Keep small bills handy. Don't feel pressured to tip if you received no service. Never tip uniformed officials like police officers.
Avoid public displays of affection
Kissing and overt physical affection in public are frowned upon. A brief hug when greeting a spouse or family member is fine. Holding hands is generally okay for married couples.
Essential Arabic Phrases
Respectful expressions with phonetic pronunciations to help you connect with locals.
"Hello"
"Thank you"
"Sorry / Excuse me"
"Menu please"
Take all 44 phrases and offline audio with you in Good Trip.
Water & pharmacies
Do not drink the tap water
TAP WATER: DO NOT DRINK. Not potable anywhere in Egypt. Use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and ice. Bottled water widely available (Nestlé, Baraka, Dasani, Hayat) — check seal intact.
Local Pharmacy Rules
Adequate in major cities. Many medications available OTC. Stick to major pharmacy chains — counterfeit drugs are a known risk.
Apps to Download Before Flying to Egypt
Useful apps for transit, navigation, and food delivery in Egypt.
Careem
Careem is the leading ride-hailing service in the Middle East, offering a large fleet of cars and taxis in Egypt. Available in Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, and expanding elsewhere. Book standard cars, taxis, and even motorbikes. Accepts international credit cards and cash. Fares are fixed — no haggling required.
Uber
Uber is widely available in Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, and Hurghada. It provides a secure, cashless ride-hailing alternative with upfront pricing and GPS tracking. Excellent for avoiding negotiation with local taxi drivers. If paying by card and no driver accepts, try switching to cash — this sometimes resolves the issue.
inDrive
inDrive offers a unique bidding model: you propose your fare and nearby drivers can accept, counter, or decline. Available in Cairo, Alexandria, and expanding. Gives you more control over pricing compared to fixed-fare apps.
Emergency Contacts & U.S. Embassy
If you lose your passport, need urgent medical evacuation, or encounter legal trouble, keep this info accessible offline.
U.S. Embassy Cairo
8 Kamal El Din Salah Street, Garden City, Cairo, Egypt
Field Guides & Dispatches for Egypt
This preview comes from the Good Trip country guide. Conditions and travel advisories can change. Check the latest U.S. State Department advice before departure.
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