🇪🇬 Travel facts Egypt
✓ Last checked:The most important practical answers for your trip to Egypt — entry, tipping, plug, customs and more. Compactly verified, with source references.
| Capital | Cairo |
|---|---|
| Language | Arabic |
| Currency | Egyptian Pound (EGP) |
| Timezone | UTC+2 |
| Flight time from Germany | approx. 4–5 hours |
| Emergency number | 122 · Police 122 · Emergency 123 |
| Plug | Type C/F · 220 V / 50 Hz |
| EU / Schengen | not an EU country · not Schengen |
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Passport required; visa on arrival (approx. 25 USD, 30 days) or in advance as an e-visa.
E-visa via visa2egypt.gov.eg; for pure stays in Sinai, there is a free Sinai permit. Binding information: German Federal Foreign Office.
How much should I tip in Egypt?
10–15 % — tipping is a social practice, keep small notes ready.
Hotel: 20–50 LE per day for housekeeping, 20–50 LE for porters.
Taxi: Round up.
Which plug adapter do I need in Egypt?
No adapter needed — Type C / F (220 V / 50 Hz), German plugs fit.
Euro plugs fit; sockets may be loose.
Can you drink tap water in Egypt?
No, tap water is not recommended for drinking.
Only bottled water (check seal), also for brushing teeth; avoid ice cubes.
What can I bring back from Egypt to Germany?
Non-EU: On return to Germany, goods up to €430 (by air travel), 200 cigarettes and 1 litre of spirits are duty-free. Export of corals, shells and antiques is strictly prohibited.
Will my mobile phone work in Egypt?
No EU roaming — pre-book eSIM or buy a cheap local SIM on site.
Card or cash — how do you pay in Egypt?
Egyptian Pound (LE); cash is important (small notes for tipping), card accepted in hotels and resorts.
What should I know about health in Egypt?
Travel health insurance with repatriation recommended; check vaccination/health advice with the German Federal Foreign Office or tropical institute.
Sources & Note
Information from the perspective of German citizens, as of August 2026, without guarantee. Entry and security information may change at short notice — binding is the German Federal Foreign Office (Egypt travel advice) . Health information does not replace medical travel advice.
