When you’re planning a trip to Egypt, it’s easy to be unaware of certain customs and requirements – especially when it’s your first time traveling to Egypt. To make it easier for you to have an amazing experience, we’re clueing you in to 10 embarrassing travel mistakes, below.
CONTENTS – In this article, you will learn about the mistakes to avoid in Egypt when you’re planning your trip to Egypt, including:
- Tips for Traveling to Egypt – What to Expect
- 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Egypt
- Using Regular Visas Instead of Electronic Visas
- Packing the Wrong Clothes
- Not Booking Beforehand
- Misunderstanding Money
- Only Visiting One City
- Not Haggling
- Being Without Proper Medicine
- Disrespecting the Country
- Carrying a Travel Book or Map
- Not Hiring a Tour Guide
- Final Thoughts on Egypt Mistakes
Tips for Traveling to Egypt | What to Expect When Planning a Trip to Egypt
Egypt, located in northeast Africa, is one of the most visited places in the world.
You’ll find many reasons why Egypt is a famous tourist spot. For starters, you’ll want to experience its history, witness the culture, and get a taste of the ancient world. That’s easy to do because you’ll find the ancient temples filled with intricate carvings, hieroglyphs, and paintings.
Aside from that, Egyptian monuments have been around for millennia in the form of pyramids and the infamous sphinx.
So, Egypt will provide you with an atmosphere that lets you immerse yourself in its culture and an environment of adventure.
Traveling to a new place can seem extremely daunting, especially if you are traveling for the first time or if you are a novice traveler.
Plus, first-time travelers make many mistakes that can make their trip something of a disaster.
That’s why in this article, we will go over 10 common mistakes you can easily avoid when you visit, and instead, make your trip to Egypt perfect and packed with excitement.
Related: Amazing Tips For Traveling To Egypt For First Time
10 Mistakes to Avoid During Your Trip to Egypt
As important as knowing what to do in Egypt is what not to do. Here are 10 mistakes you’ll want to avoid when you visit Egypt.
1. Using A Regular Visa Instead of An Electronic Visa
The biggest mistake you can make when applying for a visa is to apply for a regular visa instead of getting an e-Visa.
Not only is an e-Visa more convenient but it is also a more accessible option.
Some countries such as Egypt, India, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Turkey require an e-Visa, so it is a good idea to get one. Otherwise, you might incur an unnecessary fine.
The good news is, it’s easy to do.
Just visit evisa.express and choose the destination you plan on exploring! If you’re eligible, be sure to submit your application in advance and you will receive the approved document by email.
e-Visa is not that different from typical travel visas. The only difference is that you can complete the entire procedure online.
In fact, Egypt e-Visa takes only a maximum of 7 business days to receive your approval. You’ll want to apply for yours online at least 7 days ahead of the planned trip.
2. Packing the Wrong Clothes
Egypt is predominantly an Islamic country. That means that even though you can wear whatever you want during your travels, it is essential that you wear appropriate clothing when you visit mosques. Mosques are places of worship, hence, require respect.
Unlike the rumors you may have heard about Egypt, women who travel to Egypt do not need to wear a veil. However, you will need to wear clothing that reaches at least your knees, just to be respectful.
Always do thorough research on the country you plan to visit, so you don’t end up breaking any rules, knowingly or unknowingly.
Photo: Mosque of Sultan Al-Ashraf Barsbay in old Cairo, Egypt
3. Not Booking Beforehand
You can imagine how popular the Nile cruise is. It’s a travel destination that is on most people’s Egypt bucket lists.
That’s why it’s a good idea to book the Egypt Nile cruise beforehand because it sells out faster than you’d expect because of its incredible popularity.
In addition, the Nile cruises only run for a certain number of days per week, and you have to pre-book it, anyway. So, the best thing is to do it before your arrival.
While you’re at it, check which other attractions can you book beforehand as well.
Related: Premium Nile Cruise Cost Guide For the Ultimate Journey In Egypt
4. Misunderstanding Your Money
You have to be especially careful about how you use money in Egypt. Like in any country, some people can take advantage of you not knowing conversion rates.
To avoid that, keep a conversion app handy. Then, you can check the actual cost before giving away your hard-earned money.
Another thing you’ll need to do in Egypt is pay in Egyptian pounds instead of dollars. Even if your purchase may only be a couple of dollars, in most cases, it will cost you even less if you pay in pounds.
The only exception is high-end places that might ask you to pay in dollars. For that reason, you’ll want to keep some US cash on hand.
5. Only Visiting One City
You may be tempted to visit only one city in Egypt. However, you’ll find plenty of popular, travel-worthy places in Egypt, including:
- Cairo
- Giza
- Aswan
- Alexandria, and more
Even though all the places are equally exciting, there is so much more to experience in Egypt. It’s easy to forget that Egyptian landmarks are scattered all over the country.
For the best experience when you plan your itinerary, try to get a taste of more than just one city.
6. Not Haggling
If you plan to buy souvenirs and gifts while you’re in Egypt, then learn how to haggle for prices. This is really important because the shopkeepers set their prices higher, expecting people to haggle.
This way, you will be able to get much better prices for your purchases instead of paying the set price.
7. Being Without Proper Medicine
You have to understand that you are visiting a new country that has an entirely different style of cuisine than your hometown. While trying delicious new foods from around the world is one of the best things about travel, it might not always suit your stomach.
This is why it is a good idea when you’re planning a trip to Egypt to carry a small first aid kit. Stock it with the necessary medications in case of any medical emergencies. You can never know how far away you will be from a hospital or any kind of help, so it’s better to be prepared.
8. Disrespecting the Country
The worst thing you can do in Egypt is disrespecting the ancient monuments. It’s hard to believe that some people vandalize them or leave trash all-around!
Not only is this bad manners, it can also get you into a lot of trouble with the local and international authorities.
Some people also have the urge to “take” something back with them, which is no better than stealing.
Don’t do that.
You should always respect the place you’re visiting.
9. Carrying a Travel Book or a Map
If you’re walking around with a travel book or map in plain sight, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb. That makes you a much easier target for scams.
So, don’t make yourself look like a clueless tourist. Get to know your destinations and itinerary beforehand to save yourself from dealing with scammers.
10. Not Hiring a Tour Guide
You will need a tour guide for some areas in Egypt. That’s because they are so knowledgeable about the country’s history and ancient stories. Otherwise, you are most likely to miss out on them if you travel on your own.
Of course, you can visit some of the popular destinations without a professional. But when it comes to places that are lesser known, opt for an experienced tour guide.
That way you’ll get the most out of your trip!
Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip to Egypt
Now that you have learned all the things you have to be wary about or avoid while you are in Egypt, you are ready to pack your bags and begin your amazing adventure!
And don’t forget to apply for your Egypt e-Visa at least 7 business days before the planned trip to enjoy an effortless traveling experience!
If you want to learn more about visiting Egypt, here are Egypt’s top attractions.