The most efficient and affordable way to travel. Three lines cover major attractions and districts.

• Cost: 5-7 EGP per ride (2024)
• Operating hours: 5:30 AM - 12:00 AM
• Women-only cars available
• Connects to Giza (Line 2) for Pyramids access

Uber and Careem are widely available and safer than street taxis. Always use the app for transparent pricing.

• Uber/Careem: 20-50 EGP for city rides
• White taxis: Negotiate fare beforehand
• Airport to city center: 150-200 EGP
• Keep small bills for tips

Budget-friendly but can be crowded. Microbuses are faster for short distances within neighborhoods.

• City buses: 2-5 EGP per ride
• Microbuses: 3-10 EGP depending on distance
• Learn key Arabic phrases for destinations
• Best for adventurous travelers

Islamic Cairo and Downtown are walkable, but traffic can be intense. Use pedestrian bridges when available.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Cross streets with confidence
• Use Khan el-Khalili as walking base
• Download offline maps

Cairo's culinary scene offers authentic flavors at every price point, from street food to fine dining.

• Koshari: National dish with rice, lentils, pasta (15-25 EGP)
• Ful medames: Traditional breakfast fava beans (5-10 EGP)
• Molokhia: Green soup with chicken or beef (30-50 EGP)
• Mahshi: Stuffed vegetables with rice and herbs (25-40 EGP)

Cairo's ahwa (coffee houses) are social hubs where locals gather to play backgammon and discuss daily life.

• Turkish coffee: 10-15 EGP
• Shisha (hookah): 30-50 EGP
• Fresh mint tea: 5-10 EGP
• Try El Fishawy in Khan el-Khalili (historic)

Respect local customs to enhance your experience and show cultural sensitivity.

• Dress modestly, especially at religious sites
• Remove shoes when entering mosques
• Friday prayers: avoid mosque visits 11 AM-2 PM
• Ramadan: be respectful of fasting hours

Khan el-Khalili bazaar offers authentic souvenirs. Bargaining is expected and part of the cultural experience.

• Start at 30-40% of asking price
• Walk away if price doesn't drop
• Buy papyrus, spices, jewelry, textiles
• Fixed prices at modern malls

Cairo is generally safe for tourists with common-sense precautions. Tourist police are present at major attractions.

• Keep copies of passport and visa
• Use hotel safes for valuables
• Avoid isolated areas after dark
• Tourist police hotline: 126

Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency. Cash is king for most transactions, especially at local establishments.

• ATMs widely available (fees: 20-50 EGP)
• Exchange at banks or authorized dealers
• Tipping expected: 10-15% at restaurants
• Small bills useful for tips and transport

Stay connected with reliable mobile networks and widespread WiFi availability in hotels and cafés.

• SIM cards: Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat (50-100 EGP)
• Tourist SIM with data: 150-300 EGP
• Free WiFi in most hotels and restaurants
• Download offline maps and translation apps

Basic health precautions ensure a comfortable trip. Private hospitals offer good care for tourists.

• Drink bottled water (avoid tap water)
• Travel insurance recommended
• Pharmacies widely available
• Private hospitals: As-Salam, Nile Badrawi

Pack for comfort and cultural respect. Lightweight, breathable fabrics work best year-round.

• Long pants and long-sleeved shirts
• Modest dress/skirt (knee-length minimum)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals for hotel/casual wear
• Light jacket for winter evenings
• Scarf for mosque visits (women)

Essential items for health and comfort in Cairo's climate and environment.

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum)
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
• Basic first aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Insect repellent
• Probiotics for digestive health

Stay connected and organized with essential tech and paperwork.

• Universal power adapter (Type C & F)
• Portable phone charger/power bank
• Camera with extra batteries/memory cards
• Passport copies (physical and digital)
• Travel insurance documents
• Hotel confirmations and itinerary

Practical items to enhance your Cairo adventure and make sightseeing more comfortable.

• Daypack for sightseeing
• Water bottle (refillable)
• Sunglasses and hat
• Money belt or hidden wallet
• Guidebook or offline maps
• Arabic phrasebook or translation app