A few things to know before you hit the streets of Egypt.

1. Dress for the destination, not your Instagram.

Egypt is a relatively conservative country, and what you wear can influence how comfortable you feel. Think breathable fabrics, loose trousers, linen shirts, longer skirts and dresses. Covering your shoulders and knees is a good general rule, particularly outside more tourist-oriented areas. At beach resorts, the dress code is considerably more relaxed. When visiting mosques, bring something to cover your hair.

2. Master the art of patience.

Egypt operates on its own clock. Plans change, traffic happens, things take longer than expected, and sometimes the person who promised to be there in five minutes hasn’t left the house. Take a breath. Build flexibility into your itinerary. Some of the best experiences happen when you stop trying to control every minute.

3. Bargain like a local (or at least try).

In traditional markets and independent shops, bargaining is part of the experience. Start lower than your intended price, keep things friendly, and don’t be afraid to walk away. A little humour goes a long way. That said, supermarkets, restaurants and established shops generally have fixed prices. And remember: the goal isn’t to win an argument over a few pounds.

4. Learn to say ‘La, shukran’.

It means “No, thank you” in Arabic. You’ll use it a lot. From souvenir sellers to unofficial guides and people offering services, you’ll occasionally encounter persistent approaches. A polite but confident response is usually enough. You don’t owe everyone a conversation, an explanation or a purchase.

5. Traffic rules are more of a suggestion.

Crossing the street in Cairo can feel like an extreme sport. Traffic is chaotic, horns are practically a second language, and pedestrians weave through moving vehicles with impressive confidence. Don’t assume cars will stop for you. Follow the lead of locals, cross carefully, and use ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Careem when appropriate.

6. Carry cash. Lots of small bills.

Egypt is still very much a cash-friendly society. Keep smaller Egyptian pound notes handy for taxis, tips, snacks, bathrooms and market purchases. Larger establishments often accept cards, but don’t assume everywhere will. Keep your money in separate places and avoid flashing large amounts in public.

7. Tipping is part of the culture.

Welcome to the world of baksheesh. Tipping is customary in many situations, from restaurant service to hotel staff, drivers and attendants. Small amounts are common, and it’s useful to keep small notes available. You don’t need to tip every person who asks, though. Be generous when appropriate, but don’t feel pressured.

8. Hydration is not optional.

The Egyptian sun is no joke. Drink bottled or properly filtered water, carry a reusable bottle you can refill safely, wear sunscreen and don’t underestimate the heat. Take breaks during the middle of the day, especially in summer. Your sightseeing ambitions are not worth a heatstroke.

9. Get comfortable with a little chaos.

Egypt isn’t always polished, predictable or particularly quiet. Streets are busy, sounds overlap, sidewalks can be uneven, and the sensory overload can be real. But that’s also part of its character. Embrace the noise, the smells, the conversations and the unexpected. You didn’t come all this way for a quiet afternoon in a shopping mall.

10. Hospitality is a real thing.

Egyptians are famously hospitable. You may be offered tea, invited into a shop for a chat or find yourself in an unexpectedly long conversation with a stranger. Be open to genuine interactions, but trust your instincts. You can be friendly without agreeing to everything.

11. Don’t confuse friendliness with a transaction.

Most interactions are perfectly ordinary, but tourist areas can attract people looking to make money from visitors. An unsolicited offer of help, a supposedly free gift or an invitation to see a special shop may come with an expectation of payment. Ask the price upfront, clarify what is included, and don’t feel obliged to accept.

12. Get lost (within reason).

Some of Egypt’s best moments aren’t on the itinerary. Take a walk through Downtown Cairo, sit at a traditional ahwa, wander through a neighbourhood market or spend an afternoon watching the world go by. Just be sensible about where you explore, particularly after dark, and keep your phone and valuables secure.

13. Learn a little Arabic.

You don’t need to become fluent, but a few words will take you a long way.

• Ahlan — Hello
• Shukran — Thank you
• La, shukran — No, thank you
• Min fadlak — Please (to a man)
• Min fadlik — Please (to a woman)
• Bikam? — How much?
• Kwayyis — Good / fine
• Yalla! — Let’s go!

14. Don’t try to see everything.

Egypt is enormous. Cairo alone could keep you occupied for weeks, never mind Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Siwa and the Red Sea. Give yourself room to breathe. Choose a few experiences that matter to you rather than trying to tick off every attraction. You’ll enjoy the country much more.

A few final words before you go…

Egypt can be overwhelming, unpredictable, noisy, beautiful, frustrating and completely addictive — sometimes all before lunchtime. Come with an open mind, a little street smarts, a sense of humour and a willingness to adapt. Don’t expect everything to work the way it does back home. That’s rather the point. The best advice? Slow down, say yes to the tea, learn to laugh at the chaos, and leave a little room for Egypt to surprise you.