Practical Guide
Everything you need to know before visiting Giza — what to pack, how to stay safe, common scams, tipping etiquette, and local customs.
What to Pack
Clothing
- □ Loose, light-colored cotton or linen
- □ Long trousers (men & women)
- □ T-shirt or light blouse (cover shoulders)
- □ Light jacket or sweater (for winter evenings)
- □ Wide-brim hat or cap
- □ Sunglasses with UV protection
- □ Scarf or shawl (for women, versatile)
Footwear
- □ Closed-toe walking shoes (essential for plateau)
- □ Sandals (for evenings and hotels)
- □ Comfortable socks
Health & Safety
- □ SPF 50+ sunscreen
- □ Lip balm with SPF
- □ Insect repellent
- □ Basic first aid kit
- □ Prescription medications
- □ Hand sanitizer
- □ Tissues / toilet paper
Tech & Documents
- □ Passport & visa (if required)
- □ Travel insurance documents
- □ Power bank
- □ Universal adapter (Egypt uses Type C & F plugs, 220V)
- □ Phone with offline maps downloaded
- □ Camera / GoPro
- □ Waterproof phone case
Money & Essentials
- □ Cash (EGP) — small bills for tips and vendors
- □ Credit/debit cards ( Visa & Mastercard widely accepted)
- □ Copy of passport (digital + physical)
- □ Hotel address in Arabic
- □ Emergency contacts
Food & Water
- □ 1.5L water bottle per person (refill or buy)
- □ Snacks for the plateau (nuts, granola bars)
- □ Electrolyte packets (for summer heat)
Safety Tips
- ✓ Use Uber or Careem for transport — it is tracked, priced upfront, and safer than street taxis.
- ✓ Buy tickets only at official booths. Do not buy from anyone outside the Pyramids gate.
- ✓ Ignore touts who approach you at the Pyramids. A firm "no thank you" ("la shukran") usually works.
- ✓ Do not let anyone put anything in your hand (scarves, souvenirs) — they will demand payment.
- ✓ Camel and horse rides are fine if you negotiate the price first and take a photo of the handler.
- ✓ The Pyramids plateau has almost no shade. Heat exhaustion is a real risk in summer. Bring water and rest often.
- ✓ Keep your passport in the hotel safe. Carry a photocopy or digital copy.
- ✓ Women travelers may receive unwanted attention. Wearing modest clothing and sunglasses helps. Traveling in groups is safer.
- ✓ Political demonstrations are rare but avoid large crowds just in case.
- ✓ The emergency number in Egypt is 122 for police, 123 for ambulance, and 126 for tourist police.
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them
⚠️ Fake ticket sellers
People outside the gate claiming they can sell you cheaper tickets. They are fake. Buy only at the official booth.
⚠️ "Free" gifts
Someone hands you a scarf or postcard "as a gift," then demands payment. Once it is in your hand, they claim you accepted it.
⚠️ Unofficial guides
People claiming you need a guide to enter, or that certain areas are closed without one. False.
⚠️ Overpriced camel rides
Handlers quote one price, then demand 10x at the end. Or they claim the price was "per hour" not total.
⚠️ Wrong change
Vendors and taxi drivers "accidentally" give incorrect change, especially with large bills.
⚠️ Closed attractions
Someone tells you the Pyramids or a specific tomb is closed today, offering an alternative tour instead.
⚠️ Photo fees
Someone demands money for taking a photo of their camel, horse, or even a random view.
⚠️ Papyrus / perfume scams
Touts lure you into shops with "free" demonstrations, then pressure you to buy overpriced items.
Tipping Guide (Baksheesh)
| Situation | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% of bill | Check if service charge is already included. |
| Cafes / coffee shops | 5–10 EGP | Or round up the bill. |
| Hotel porter | 20–50 EGP | Per bag, depending on hotel class. |
| Hotel housekeeping | 20–50 EGP/day | Leave on the pillow or desk. |
| Bathroom attendant | 5–10 EGP | Small change is fine. |
| Taxi / Uber | 10–20 EGP | Optional, but appreciated for helpful drivers. |
| Tour guide (full day) | 100–200 EGP | More for exceptional service. |
| Camel / horse handler | 20–50 EGP | Only if the ride was as agreed. |
| Museum / site staff | 5–20 EGP | For helpful explanations or photo help. |
| Delivery / service | 10–20 EGP | For food delivery or other services. |
Currency & Money
Egyptian Pound (EGP). Symbol: £E or EGP. 1 USD ≈ 50 EGP (2026 estimate — check current rates).
Cash is king for small purchases, tips, and street food. Cards work at hotels, restaurants, and major shops. Carry both.
Widely available in Cairo and Giza. Most accept Visa and Mastercard. Inform your bank before traveling.
Exchange offices at the airport, hotels, and banks. Airport rates are slightly worse than city centers.
Expected in markets (souks), for taxis, and for souvenirs. Start at 50% of the asking price. Walk away if the price is too high.
Vodafone Cash, Orange Cash, and Etisalat Cash are popular mobile wallets. Useful for local payments if you have a local SIM.