🧳 The 2026 Egypt Essentials

Don’t leave home without these.

1. The “Modesty Kit”

Egypt is a conservative country. While resorts are relaxed, Cairo and the temples require respect.

  • A Lightweight Scarf: Essential for women to cover shoulders or hair in mosques. Also great for dust protection during desert safaris.
  • Linen Everything: Cotton and linen are your best friends in the 40°C heat.
  • Long Trousers/Maxi Skirts: Keep it loose and airy.

2. Tech & Power

  • Universal Adapter: Egypt uses Type C and Type F (the round two-prong European style).
  • Power Bank: Between GPS and taking 500 photos of the Sphinx, your phone will die by noon.
  • E-Sim / Local SIM: Grab a “Tourist SIM” at Cairo airport (Orange or Vodafone) for the best 2026 coverage. Check E-Sim prices

3. Health & Comfort

  • The “Pharaoh’s Revenge” Kit: Pack Imodium, rehydration salts, and hand sanitizer.Pro-Tip: Egyptian pharmacies are excellent and cheap. If you get sick, ask for “Antinal”—it’s the local miracle cure for stomach issues.
  • Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect the Red Sea corals in Hurghada and Sharm by choosing biodegradable sunscreen.
  • Insulated Water Bottle: To keep your water from turning into tea while you explore the Valley of the Kings.

4. Footwear

  • Sturdy Walking Shoes: The ground at the Pyramids is uneven, rocky, and sandy. Flip-flops are for the hotel pool; use trainers for the sights!

5. Essential Docs

  • Printed Visa: If you got an E-Visa for 2026, keep a paper copy.
  • Student ID: If you are under 30 and have a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC), you get 50% off almost every entry fee in Egypt!
  • Printed Boarding Pass: For your return journey only, digital versions are not currently accepted at Egyptian airport security

💡 Always Egypt Insider Tip:

Carry Small Change! In Egypt, the “Baksheesh” (tipping) culture is everywhere. Keep a small stash of 5, 10, and 20 Egyptian Pound notes in an easy-to-reach pocket for bathroom attendants, shoe-keepers at mosques, and helpful site guards.

💳 Money & Currency in 2026

While Egypt is modernizing, Cash is still King. You will need Egyptian Pounds (EGP) for tipping (Baksheesh), small shops, and local markets.

Better Exchange Rates: ATMs vs. Bureau de Change

In 2026, you generally get the best exchange rate by withdrawing EGP directly from a local ATM rather than bringing physical cash to exchange from home.

  • Top Pick: Look for National Bank of Egypt (NBE), Banque Misr, or CIB ATMs—they are reliable, widely available, and often have the lowest (or no) local transaction fees.
  • The “Home” Trap: Never exchange your money into EGP before you arrive. Exchange rates inside Egypt are much better than those offered at foreign banks or airports abroad.
  • Fee-Free Advantage: Local exchange bureaus (Bureaux de Change) in Egyptian city centres are usually fee-free and offer rates very close to the official market rate, making them a great backup if you prefer carrying cash.

Pro Tip: If an ATM asks whether you want to be charged in your “Home Currency” or “Local Currency (EGP),” always choose EGP. This prevents the machine from applying its own “hidden” exchange rate (Dynamic Currency Conversion), saving you up to 5–10% on every withdrawal.

Using Monzo, Revolut, and Starling

Preloaded travel cards are perfect for Egypt, but there are three “Golden Rules” to follow:

  1. Always Choose “EGP”: When an ATM or card machine asks if you want to be charged in your “Home Currency” (GBP/USD) or “Local Currency” (EGP), always choose EGP. This lets your bank (Monzo/Revolut) handle the conversion at their superior rate, saving you up to 10% in hidden fees.
  2. Mind the Weekend Markups: If you use Revolut, try to exchange some money into an $EGP$ “wallet” within the app on a weekday. Revolut often adds a small markup on weekends when the global markets are closed.
  3. Physical Card is Required: While Apple/Google Pay works in upscale Cairo malls and Hurghada resorts, most Egyptian card machines still require a physical chip-and-pin card. Always carry the plastic!
  4. Smart Money Tip: Don’t exchange your cash for Egyptian Pounds (EGP) before you fly. You will always get a significantly better rate by exchanging your home currency at an official bank or exchange office once you land in Egypt.

⚠️ 2026 Essential Tip: While Egypt has digitized its landing cards this year, please note that the Visa on Arrival fee is increasing from $25 to $30 USD, effective 1 March 2026.

This remains a “cash-first” transaction. You must pay at the official bank kiosks (like Banque Misr or National Bank of Egypt) located before the immigration desks. These banks rarely accept cards for the visa fee. Bring crisp, clean banknotes—ideally $30 USD, though GBP or EUR are usually accepted at the daily exchange rate.