Which currency should you bring to Egypt, and do exchange rates differ between resorts and cities?
Bring euros or US dollars in small notes; rates are similar across banks, but hotel desks give 5-10 % less. Exchange only what you need—Egyptian pounds cannot be changed back easily. ATMs in Hurghada and Cairo accept EU cards and offer the best rate plus a 3 % local fee.
Is haggling essential in Egyptian bazaars, and how much can you expect to reduce the starting price?
Yes. Open at 30 % of the first price for papyrus, spices or alabaster and settle around 50 %. Fixed-price shops exist but cost more. Smile, keep it friendly, and walk away if offers stay high—most vendors call you back with a lower figure.
Is self-drive with a rental car advisable, or are local excursions safer?
Self-drive is possible but stressful: aggressive lane changes, few road signs, police checks. Better book day tours—air-conditioned bus, guide, entry fees and lunch for €45–80. If you rent, choose a major brand at the airport, insist on full insurance and avoid night driving.
How do mobile operators work in Egypt, and is it better to buy a local SIM card?
EU roaming doesn’t apply. Buy an Orange, Vodafone or Etisalat tourist SIM at the arrivals hall—€10 for 20 GB. 4G covers resorts and the Nile Valley; deserts drop to 3G. Hotel Wi-Fi is free but often slow, so local data is worth it for navigation and calls.
Are there restrictions on photographing historic sites, such as tombs or museums?
Yes. Inside the Valley of the Kings and many museums you need a separate camera ticket (≈€8) and flash is banned. Tripods require a permit. Military zones and bridges are off-limits. When in doubt, ask the guard; fines start at 500 EGP.
How should you dress in streets and religious sites to respect local culture?
Outside resorts cover shoulders and knees; women add a scarf for mosques. Light cotton and a broad hat protect against sun. Inside mosques remove shoes and keep voices low. Beachwear is fine on hotel grounds but not in downtown Hurghada.
Is Egypt safe for solo travellers (particularly women), and what should they watch out for?
Tourist zones are heavily policed. Solo women should use hotel taxis or Uber, avoid empty alleys after dark and wear modest clothing. Street harassment is mostly verbal; a firm “la, shukran” (“no, thank you”) and moving on works best. Keep valuables in a money belt.
Which Egyptian areas are best for scuba diving (Red Sea, Sinai)?
Ras Mohammed and Tiran Strait near Sharm offer walls and sharks; Hurghada’s Abu Nuhas has wrecks; Marsa Alam features dugongs and house-reef turtles. Two-tank boat dive with gear €80; PADI open-water course €320. Visibility 20-30 m year-round.
What historic attractions should you see beyond the famous Giza pyramids and Sphinx?
Don’t miss Karnak and Luxor Temples, Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel rock temples, and Saqqara’s Step Pyramid. Islamic Cairo’s citadel and Al-Muizz street showcase medieval architecture. A one-way sleeper train Cairo–Luxor (€70) saves a hotel night.
Is a desert safari near Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh worth it, and what will you see?
Yes. Half-day quad tours show acacia valleys, Bedouin tea tents and sunset over orange dunes. Full-day 4×4 trips to the White Desert from Cairo reveal chalk “mushrooms.” Expect bumpy rides, starry skies and temperatures dropping to 10 °C at night—take layers.
Which traditional Egyptian dishes (e.g., koshari, ful medames) are recommended for tourists?
Try koshari—lentils, rice, pasta, tomato sauce; ful medames bean stew for breakfast; grilled kofta, molokhia soup and seafood sayadeya in Alexandria. Finish with honey-soaked basbousa cake and mint tea. Spice levels are mild unless you add fiery shatta sauce.
Is it easy to find vegetarian or vegan dishes, especially outside the big resorts?
Surprisingly yes: taameya (Egyptian falafel), lentil soup, mezze of baba ghanoush, pickled veggies and fresh pita are everywhere. Ask for dishes “bilaa lahm” (without meat). Vegan cheese is rare—bring your own if essential.
When does Egypt have milder temperatures suitable for city sightseeing?
Mid-October to early April offers 22-28 °C days and cool evenings—ideal for Cairo museums and Luxor temples without heatstroke. Red Sea water stays 23 °C, so you can still combine culture with snorkeling.
Which season is best to avoid the largest tourist crowds?
Early December and late February–March sit between Russian school holidays and Easter rush: pleasant weather, shorter queues at pyramids, and hotel rates 15 % lower than Christmas/New Year. Avoid Eid al-Fitr week, when domestic tourism spikes.
Which Egyptian resorts suit families seeking calm ambience and safe beaches?
Makadi Bay and Soma Bay near Hurghada have shallow, wave-protected lagoons, wide sand and coral-free entry. Marsa Alam is quieter, with turtle beaches. These areas are 30-45 min from airports, minimising transfer stress for kids.
Do Egyptian hotels offer children’s entertainment (water slides, mini-clubs) and is it included in the price?
Most 4- and 5-star resorts include kids’ pools, water slides, mini-discos and playgrounds in the room rate. Some charge extra for babysitting (€6–8/hour) or large aqua-parks (€20 day pass), so read the inclusions before booking your package.
Is there reliable transport between cities (e.g., Cairo–Luxor, Hurghada–Sharm)?
Go Bus Gold Class coaches link Cairo–Hurghada in 6 h (€14). A daily sleeper train connects Cairo–Luxor–Aswan with beds and dinner (€70). Hurghada–Sharm lacks a direct road; fly EgyptAir (45 min, €60) or ferry twice weekly (3 h).
What hotel and resort categories exist, and are “all-inclusive” options common?
Egypt offers everything from €12 hostels in Cairo to €300 luxury Red Sea all-inclusive resorts with private reefs. Around 70 % of beach hotels operate all-inclusive, covering buffet meals, soft drinks and some alcohol; premium packages add à-la-carte dining and water-park entry.
What are the conditions for obtaining an Egyptian e-visa, and can you get a visa on arrival?
Lithuanians can apply for a 30-day single-entry e-visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg for US $25 at least 7 days before travel. Alternatively, buy a visa-on-arrival sticker for the same fee at Hurghada, Sharm or Cairo airports, payable in cash (USD/EUR). Passport must be valid 6 months beyond entry.
How long is the tourist visa valid, and can it be extended locally?
Both e-visa and airport sticker grant 30 days. Extend up to 90 days at the Mogammaa immigration office in Cairo (LE 3 780 fee, two photos, hotel proof). Overstays cost a fine at the airport (~LE 1 650) and delay departure formalities.