Egypt Tours

The national currency is the Egyptian pound, abbreviated EGP, and merchants almost always display their prices in this currency. The exchange rate fluctuates, and the Egyptian Central Bank publishes the official average exchange rate to the Euro daily. For planning, it's sufficient to check the rate shortly before departure and once more on arrival day in Egypt.

In hotels and venues frequented by travelers, card payment is common according to the Foreign Office, while cash is the norm outside of those. Cash covers what cards do not reach: markets, taxis, tips, and small businesses away from tourist centers. The Egyptian Central Bank lists banknotes from 25 piastres to 200 pounds, and small denominations facilitate everyday payments.

The Egyptian pound can only be imported or exported in limited amounts, which is why exchanges mostly take place within the country. Violations of cash regulations can lead to arrest and confiscation, according to the Foreign Office. Foreign currency carried must be declared upon entry if its value exceeds ten thousand US dollars. When withdrawing cash via transfer companies, counters often require a passport as identity verification.

ATMs usually dispense cash against credit cards, while debit cards, like the Girocard, only work at banks according to the Foreign Office. Additionally, there is a maximum withdrawal amount per day, which may necessitate multiple withdrawals on longer trips. The amount of fees depends on your own bank and card type and can only be reliably inquired there.

Egypt has a travel warning in parts: The Foreign Office warns against travel to the north of the Sinai Peninsula, the Egyptian-Israeli border area except for Taba, and remote areas of the Sahara. It advises against unaccompanied excursions and overland trips in the southern peninsula, describing the situation in the rest of the country as stable and calm. There is a risk of terrorist attacks nationwide. Tourists can reach the tourist police at 126 and the local police at 122.

Upon direct entry from Germany, Egypt does not require a yellow fever vaccination, but a booster for poliomyelitis is recommended by the Foreign Office after more than 10 years. Current standard vaccinations according to the STIKO vaccination calendar are recommended, especially against measles, and as a travel vaccination, hepatitis A. For longer stays or special exposure, dengue fever, hepatitis B, typhus, rabies, and meningococci of groups ACWY are added. Only water of safe origin is suitable for drinking; tap water is never safe, and bathing in freshwater is discouraged due to schistosomiasis.

Egypt has a domestic flight network, limited rail traffic, and a well-developed road network on major routes. In cities, the Foreign Office recommends app-based ride services with a pre-set fare, and regular taxis only with the meter on. Those driving themselves need an international driving license, should avoid night driving, and must not have any alcohol in the blood.

German nationals need a visa for Egypt, and the travel document must be valid for at least six months upon entry. The visa can be applied for in advance at an Egyptian representation abroad or upon arrival at the airport. Digital QR codes are gradually replacing the previous visa stickers, initially only at Cairo International Airport. Fees and procedures change frequently, so the information provided by the relevant Egyptian representation is the only binding source.