Egypt
Visa: E-visa available via official portal, or visa on arrival at major airports ($25 USD). Free Visa Check
Language: Arabic (Egyptian dialect). English is spoken in tourist areas -- Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea resorts. I highly recommend learning numbers in Arabic. It's very simple and practical.
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP). Cash is essential. Credit cards work in hotels and upscale restaurants, but street vendors, taxis, and smaller shops need cash. ATMs are plentiful in cities. Carry small notes, as change is often hard to find.
Bus: Intercity buses are the most common way to travel between Egyptian cities. You can find multiple departures and book online. Tickets are cheap, but journeys can be long and exhausting. Bring water, snacks, and patience. GoBus, Super Jet, Blue Bus, West Bus, White Bus.
Taxi apps: inDrive, Uber, Didi
Domestic flights: EgyptAir connects Cairo with Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm El-Sheikh. Book early for better fares.
Train: The Egyptian National Railways runs the scenic Cairo–Luxor–Aswan route.
What To Expect
Egypt is where history breathes. Standing before the Pyramids of Giza -- the last surviving wonder of the ancient world -- you feel the weight of five thousand years pressing down on you. This is a country where pharaohs once ruled, where temples were carved into mountainsides, and where the Nile has been the lifeblood of civilization since the dawn of time.
A journey through Egypt is a journey through layers. In Cairo, chaotic bazaars and muezzin calls collide with the treasures of the Egyptian Museum, home to Tutankhamun's golden mask. Head south to Luxor and Aswan, where the Valley of the Kings and the colossal temples of Karnak and Abu Simbel will humble even the most seasoned traveler. And when the monuments overwhelm, the Red Sea offers crystalline waters and world-class diving just a few hours away.
Yes, Egypt can be intense with its fair share of scammers and hustlers. Stay sharp, trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to walk away. But beyond the friction, you'll also meet locals whose genuine warmth and generosity turn strangers into honored guests.