GETTING THERE

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Cairo International Airport (CAI) or Sphinx International Airport (SPX): All flights for our Egypt tour will arrive into either Cairo International Airport (CAI) or the newer Sphinx International Airport (SPX), located closer to the Giza area.

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AIRPORT TRANSFERS

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Included Transfers:

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Your complementary visa assistance and airport arrival transfer is included on the official start date of the tour. Our representative will meet you inside the arrivals hall before passport control to assist with visa processing, luggage collection, and transport to the hotel.

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Excluded Transfers:

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If you are arriving before the tour start date or after the official end date, we can arrange private transfers for you at a special rate of 30 USD per person per way (or 15 USD per person if two or more share).

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WHERE TO FIND US

 

Upon arrival at CAI or SPX, proceed to the arrivals hall. Look for your name or the Indy Escapes signage — our Egypt representative will be waiting to greet you. If you have any trouble finding them, please call the number provided in your welcome pack.

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If you have arranged your own transport, please make your way to our group hotel, Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo Hotel.

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START / FINISH TIMES

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Check in:

Meet your Indy Escapes representative at the group at the pool of the Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo Hotel at 6:00 PM on Day 1 of the tour. If you are arriving earlier in the day, you can relax at the hotel or explore the surrounding area before our welcome meeting.

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Check out:

The tour concludes back in Cairo after breakfast on the final day at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis. Check-out is usually around 11:00 AM. Included departure transfers will be arranged to either CAI or SPX according to your flight times.

 

WHERE TO STAY PRE TOUR

 

If you are arriving a day or two early, we recommend booking pre-tour nights at our group hotel in Giza to make your transfer and check-in seamless. We can arrange this for you on request. Arriving at least the night before is strongly recommended to avoid any delays if you are flying in on Day 1.

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ENTRY VISA

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Most travellers will require a visa to enter Egypt. You can obtain this either:

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• Online via the official Egyptian eVisa portal (apply at least 7 days before travel)

• On arrival at the airport for approximately 25 USD (cash in USD is recommended)

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Please check with your local Egyptian Embassy or Consulate to confirm that you are eligible for a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Keep a printed or digital copy of your visa with you to show immigration officials.

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MONEY STUFF & BUDGETING FOR YOUR TOUR

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Our Egypt tours include many key elements such as accommodation, most transport, some meals, and guided sightseeing. You will need extra funds for:

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• Additional meals and drinks not included in the itinerary

• Optional excursions such as Abu Simbel or hot air balloon rides

• Tips and gratuities

• Souvenirs and personal spending

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A comfortable budget for most travellers is between $300–$600 USD for the week depending on how many optional activities you choose.

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Currency: The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency, but US Dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas. Bring clean, undamaged USD notes, torn, marked or damaged notes will not be accepted. You can withdraw EGP from ATMs in cities.

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Tipping: Tipping is customary in Egypt. As a guideline, 5–10 USD per day per person for guides, drivers and security is appreciated but not mandatory.

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OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

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Here are some popular optional activities you can arrange during the tour:

• Grand Egyptian Museum: $48 USD & Subject to Availability

• Abu Simbel Day Trip by Air: $390 USD per person (Based on 2 person minimum)

• Abu Simbel Day Trip by Bus: $175 USD per person (Based on 2 person minimum)

• Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings: $125 USD

• Nile Felucca Ride: $30 USD

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All optional excursions are payable locally, usually in cash USD or EGP.

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WHAT TO PACK

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We have compiled a complete packing list for Egypt HERE.

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Clothing:

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics for hot days

• Modest attire for religious sites (cover shoulders and knees)

• Light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings or air-conditioned areas

• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals

• Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and scarf for sun and dust protection

• Swimwear if your hotel or cruise has a pool

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Essentials:

• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF

• Insect repellent

• Reusable water bottle

• Camera with spare batteries/memory

• Small backpack for day trips

• Plug adapter for Egypt (Type C or F, 220V)​

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PHONE & CONNECTIVITY

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Local SIM cards are available at the airport (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat) for affordable data packages. Ensure your phone is unlocked before travel. eSIM options such as Airalo and Holafly are also available for convenience.

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ALCOHOL

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Alcohol is available in hotels, certain restaurants, and licensed venues. It is generally not served in smaller local eateries or during religious holidays but please bear in mind that Egypt is a Muslim country so we request that you drink responsibly and behave respectfully.

 

ELECTRICITY

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Egypt uses 220V supply with European-style Type C and F plugs. A universal adapter is recommended.

 

INSURANCE

 

Travel insurance is compulsory for all Indy Escapes trips. Your policy should cover medical treatment, evacuation, trip cancellation, and adventure activities. Keep a digital and printed copy of your policy with you.

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HEALTH & SAFETY

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The most frequent question we receiev from travellers is: 

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Is Egypt safe for solo female travellers? So we have asked one of our favourite guests to write and article based on her experience. You can check it out HERE.

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Consult your doctor for any recommended vaccinations before travelling.

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The following information is intended only as a general guide. It should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult a qualified medical professional or travel health clinic to determine what is appropriate for your personal circumstances. Carry personal medications and a small first aid kit. Tap water is not drinkable in Egypt — stick to bottled water.

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Travel Vaccines Commonly Recommended for Egypt

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• Hepatitis A — High risk from contaminated food or water.

• Typhoid — Also food and waterborne; especially if visiting rural areas or eating street food.

• Hepatitis B — If you may have sexual contact, medical procedures, or close contact with locals.

• Rabies — For extended rural travel, animal contact (stray dogs, cats, bats).

• Cholera — Rare for short-term tourists; considered if going to remote areas or during outbreaks.

 

Other Health Advice

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• Malaria — Not a concern in Egypt, but mosquitoes can spread other diseases; use repellent.

• Traveller’s diarrhoea — Common; consider bringing oral rehydration salts.

• Sun protection — High UV index; wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.

• Water safety — Avoid drinking tap water; stick to bottled or filtered.

 

CONTACT

 

You can reach our team anytime at info@indyescapes.com or WhatsApp +61413644281.

Get ready for an unforgettable journey through ancient history, bustling cities, and breathtaking landscapes. We cannot wait to welcome you to Egypt.

The Indy Escapes Team