🇪🇬 eSIM plans for Egypt

From the Giza Plateau to the Nile River, Egypt offers a journey through ancient wonders and modern life. Start in Cairo to see the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, then visit the Egyptian Museum for treasures like King Tutankhamun's mask. A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan lets you see temples and tombs along the riverbank. The Mediterranean city of Alexandria offers a different pace with its coastal atmosphere and Greco-Roman sites. In the Red Sea resorts like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, you can snorkel or dive among coral reefs. For a deeper cultural experience, explore the markets of Khan el-Khalili in Cairo or take a felucca ride on the Nile at sunset. Egyptian hospitality is warm, and you will find that most people welcome visitors with genuine friendliness.

Egypt's top attractions span millennia and geography. Here are five essential sites:

• The Great Pyramids of Giza - The last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. The Sphinx guards the plateau.
• The Egyptian Museum - Cairo's Tahrir Square museum houses the Tutankhamun collection. Allow at least three hours. The new Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza may open partially by your visit.
• Luxor Temple and Valley of the Kings - On the Nile's east bank, Luxor Temple is beautifully lit at night. Across the river, the Valley of the Kings holds 63 tombs, including Tutankhamun's. Buy a separate ticket for the tomb of Ramses VI.
• The Nile River - A felucca sail at sunset is a peaceful way to see the river. Multi-day cruises between Luxor and Aswan are popular but book early.
• Abu Simbel - Ramses II's rock-cut temples near the Sudan border. The sound and light show here is impressive. Consider a pre-dawn convoy from Aswan.

Egyptian food is hearty, flavorful, and affordable. Here are five dishes to seek out:

• Koshari - A vegetarian street staple made of rice, lentils, macaroni, and fried onions, topped with tomato sauce and garlic vinegar. Cheap, filling, and found everywhere.
• Ful Medames - Slow-cooked fava beans served with olive oil, lemon, and cumin. Often eaten for breakfast with bread.
• Falafel - Called ta'amiya locally, these deep-fried chickpea balls are lighter and greener than other versions. Served in pita with tahini and salad.
• Molokhia - A green soup made from jute leaves, cooked with garlic and coriander. Usually eaten with rice or bread and chicken or rabbit. The texture is slimy; many love it.
• Konafa - A sweet pastry of shredded phyllo dough filled with cheese or cream, soaked in syrup. Often served warm. Watch for it in bakeries and restaurants after sunset.

Egypt is a year-round destination, but the best travel window is from October to April. During these months, daytime temperatures in Cairo and Luxor range from 20°C to 30°C, making sightseeing comfortable. The Nile cruise season peaks in this period. Winter months (December to February) can be cool, especially at night and in the desert; bring a jacket for evenings.

Summer (May to September) is extremely hot, with Cairo often above 35°C and Luxor exceeding 40°C. The Red Sea coast stays slightly cooler due to breezes, but midday sun is fierce. If you travel in summer, plan activities for early morning or late afternoon and rest during midday.

While October is part of the high season, it offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds than November through February. The shoulder months of March and April also work well, though occasional sandstorms occur. Avoid the week of Eid al-Fitr and Easter when domestic travel spikes.

Packing for Egypt requires balancing sun protection, modesty, and comfort. Here are five key items:

• High-SPF sunscreen and hat - The sun is intense year-round. Use SPF 50+ and reapply often. A wide-brimmed hat protects your face and neck.
• Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing - Cotton or linen is best. Long pants and long sleeves protect against sun and mosquitoes. Women should cover shoulders and knees in mosques and conservative areas.
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals - You will walk on uneven stone at temples and tombs. Sturdy shoes are essential. Sandals are fine for evenings and the beach.
• Reusable water bottle - Tap water is not safe to drink. Many hotels offer filtered water stations. Bring a bottle with a filter or buy large bottles and refill your own.
• Portable charger - Power outages occur, and you will rely on your phone for maps, tickets, and translation. A power bank keeps you connected.

From ancient ruins to modern cities, Egypt demands smart packing. Prioritize comfort and sun protection over fashion. You can buy basic toiletries locally, but specific brands or sizes may be unavailable.