Egypt (EG)
Egypt is one of the world's oldest civilisations — the land of the Pharaohs, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the mighty Nile River.
Country Profile
Everything you need to know before you arrive.
Egypt is one of the world's oldest civilisations — the land of the Pharaohs, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the mighty Nile River. For modern expats, Egypt offers an extraordinary blend of ancient history and contemporary urban life, an exceptionally affordable cost of living by Western standards, a warm Mediterranean and desert climate, and a warm, deeply hospitable Arab culture. Cairo is one of the Middle East and Africa's largest cities and a major regional hub for multinationals, NGOs, and UN agencies. The Red Sea coast rivals the Maldives for diving and beach holidays. Egypt has undergone significant economic reform since 2016, and with a stabilised currency from 2024, it has become an increasingly attractive destination for expats, remote workers, and retirees seeking maximum value for Western income.
Climate
March–May: Cairo 18–30°C. Pleasant and sunny. Khamsin sandstorms possible in March–April — expect dust and irritation. Best time to visit Luxor and Aswan before summer heat arrives. Coastal areas beautiful.
June–August: Cairo 35–42°C. Extremely hot and dry. Upper Egypt (Luxor/Aswan) reaches 42–48°C — avoid midday outdoor activities. Mediterranean coast (Alexandria) more bearable at 26–32°C. Red Sea resorts 32–38°C but cooled by sea breeze. Stay hydrated and use high-SPF sunscreen.
September–November: Cairo 22–35°C. Gradually cooling; October–November pleasant. Best season overall for visiting. Nile cruise season peaks. Alexandria cools and is lovely.
December–February: Cairo 9–20°C, cold nights (can drop below 10°C). Central heating rare — expats often use electric heaters. Alexandria cooler with occasional rain 10–18°C. Upper Egypt mild and ideal for tourism. Red Sea warm enough for diving year-round (20–25°C water).
Demographics
Religion
Social Culture & Etiquette
"As-salamu alaykum" (السلام عليكم) — Peace be upon you — is the universal Muslim greeting; reply "Wa alaykum assalam." "Ahlan wa sahlan" (أهلاً وسهلاً) is a warm welcome greeting. Handshakes are common between men. Men should wait for a woman to extend her hand first — many conservative Muslim women will greet with a hand-on-heart gesture instead. First-name basis is acceptable after introductions; using "Mr/Mrs + first name" is respectful.
"Egyptian time" is a real concept — social meetings and even some business appointments start 15–30 minutes late. Do not be offended; it is not disrespect. Government offices and international businesses operate closer to punctuality norms. For formal meetings, arrive on time yourself but expect to wait.
Conservative dress is expected in traditional areas, markets, mosques, and rural regions. Women should cover shoulders and knees — a light scarf is useful. Men in shorts may attract attention outside tourist zones. At Red Sea resorts, beach hotels, and Zamalek/New Cairo expat areas, Western dress is perfectly acceptable. Remove shoes before entering mosques. Never wear revealing clothing to religious sites.
- ✕ Never photograph military installations, police stations, bridges, or government buildings — this is a serious offence in Egypt.
- ✕ Disrespecting Islam or the Egyptian president (even online) can lead to legal consequences under Egyptian law.
- ✕ Public displays of affection (kissing, embracing) between couples are socially unacceptable and can draw police attention.
- ✕ Using the left hand for eating, greeting, or passing objects is considered unclean in Islamic culture — use your right hand.
- ✕ Refusing tea or coffee when offered by an Egyptian host is considered rude; accept graciously even if you take only a sip.
- ✕ During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is disrespectful; many restaurants close or curtain windows.
- ✓ Baksheesh (بقشيش) — tipping — is deeply embedded in Egyptian culture and affects the quality of service you receive. Budget EGP 5–20 for small services; 10–15% in restaurants.
- ✓ Hospitality is paramount — Egyptians are extraordinarily generous hosts. Accepting food and tea offers strengthens relationships.
- ✓ Haggling is expected at traditional markets (Khan el-Khalili, local souks) but not in modern shops, malls, or chain restaurants.
- ✓ Friday is the main day of rest; the Egyptian work week is Sunday–Thursday for government offices.
- ✓ Noise and crowds are normal — Cairo is one of the loudest cities in the world. Mosques broadcast the call to prayer (adhan) 5 times daily.
- ✓ Air kissing on both cheeks is common between friends and family of the same gender.
🍽️ Traditional Food & Drink
Egypt's national dish — a hearty mix of rice, lentils, macaroni, and chickpeas topped with spiced tomato sauce, crispy fried onions, and a dash of vinegar. Found everywhere from street carts to sit-down restaurants; a filling meal for EGP 20–60.
The quintessential Egyptian breakfast — slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with lemon, cumin, garlic, and olive oil, served with bread (eish baladi). Eaten by presidents and labourers alike; the fuel of daily Cairo life.
Unlike Levantine falafel made from chickpeas, Egyptian ta'meya uses fava beans mixed with fresh herbs, giving it a bright green colour and lighter texture. Deep-fried and served in bread with salad and tahini.
A thick, silky soup made from finely chopped jute leaves (Corchorus olitorius), cooked with chicken or rabbit broth, and seasoned with garlic and coriander sizzled in butter. A comfort food staple in Egyptian homes.
Minced beef or lamb mixed with onions, parsley, and spices, formed into cylinders and grilled on skewers. Served with rice, bread, and salad — a staple at restaurants and family gatherings.
Spiced minced meat stuffed inside Egyptian baladi bread and baked or fried until crispy. Alexandria and Cairo each claim their version. A popular street food and late-night snack.
Egypt's beloved national dessert — a warm bread pudding made from puff pastry or bread soaked in sweetened milk or cream, topped with nuts, raisins, and coconut, then baked golden. Named after a legendary queen of Egypt.
Thick, unfiltered coffee brewed in a small pot (kanaka), often spiced with cardamom. Served in small cups with grounds at the bottom — do not drink the last sip. A social ritual in coffeehouses (ahwas).
Dried hibiscus flowers steeped to create a deep ruby-red infusion. Served hot in winter and cold in summer. Refreshing, tart, and widely believed to lower blood pressure. Free or very cheap at traditional cafés.
A warming winter drink made from orchid powder mixed with warm milk, topped with coconut, raisins, and cinnamon. Vendors sell it from large copper urns on cold Cairo nights.
Thin, salty yoghurt drink — the Egyptian equivalent of the Turkish ayran. Refreshing in hot weather, commonly served alongside kebab or kofta meals.
Freshly pressed from raw sugarcane stalks by street-side machines — sweet, refreshing, and sold for EGP 15–30 a glass. Best drunk immediately. Cairo's hot summers make this ubiquitous.
📍 Tourist Highlights
The only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) stands 138m tall. The Sphinx guards the plateau. Entry EGP 400–600; camel rides and Sound & Light Show available.
Opened 2023, the world's largest archaeological museum housing over 100,000 artefacts including Tutankhamun's complete treasures. The centrepiece of Egypt's modern cultural ambition.
Two of the most impressive temple complexes in the world, connected by the 3km Avenue of Sphinxes. Karnak took 2,000 years to build. Luxor Temple is spectacularly lit at night. Together they form the ancient city of Thebes.
The royal burial ground of pharaohs from the New Kingdom (16th–11th century BC), including Tutankhamun, Ramesses II, and Seti I. Over 60 tombs cut into limestone cliffs with extraordinary hieroglyphic decoration.
Twin rock-cut temples built by Ramesses II, relocated in a UNESCO engineering marvel in the 1960s to save them from Lake Nasser. The alignment of the sun to illuminate the inner sanctuary twice a year is breathtaking.
World-class coral reefs, clear visibility, and diverse marine life. The Blue Hole at Dahab is legendary. Year-round diving season. Hurghada for resort holidays; Dahab for backpacker diving culture; Sharm el-Sheikh for luxury resorts.
The classic Egyptian experience — a multi-day felucca or luxury cruise ship between Luxor and Aswan, docking at temples, tombs, and markets. Watching Egypt pass from the river is unforgettable.
A remote oasis in the Western Desert near the Libyan border — home to Berber Amazigh culture, ancient Oracle Temple where Alexander the Great was declared son of Amun, natural hot springs, and date palms.
📖 Brief History
Egypt's civilisation stretches back over 7,000 years, from the Pre-Dynastic period through the magnificent Pharaonic era that produced the Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings. Egypt was conquered successively by Alexander the Great, the Romans, the Arabs (bringing Islam in 641 CE), the Mamluks, the Ottomans, and finally the British, who effectively controlled Egypt from 1882. Modern Egypt emerged with the 1952 Revolution led by Nasser, which established the republic, nationalised the Suez Canal (1956), and transformed the country. The Camp David Accords (1978) normalised relations with Israel. The Arab Spring of 2011 swept away President Mubarak after 30 years; subsequent instability led to the election, then removal, of Mohamed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood, culminating in President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi taking power in 2014 and remaining so through 2026. Major infrastructure projects — including the New Administrative Capital east of Cairo and an expanded Suez Canal — define modern Egypt's ambition.