FAQs
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Important Travel Info
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-Visa: U.S. citizens can get a visa on arrival at Cairo International Airport for about $25 USD, paid in cash. There’s usually a kiosk before passport control.) -SIM cards: Available right after customs (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat). It’s worth grabbing one for easy maps and WhatsApp access. -Tap water isn’t potable - use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. -Outlets use Type C/F (European) plugs — bring a universal adapter. Your iphone and laptop charges CAN NOT PLUG in Egypt. Power is 220 V (U.S. devices work fine if they’re dual voltage). -Tips and taxes are included in all bills in Egypt, don’t leave additional tips. However, “baksheesh” is part of the culture — small tips for hotel porters, drivers, or restroom janitors are normal (5–20 EGP – (~$0.12-.50). -Hospitality: Egyptians love welcoming guests, especially foreigners interested in their traditions. If offered tea, coffee, or sweets, accepting (or at least tasting) is polite, even if just a sip. -Customs: Alcohol and pork products are restricted, so avoid bringing those in luggage. -Ancient Egypt is still ancient in some ways! Many vendors prefer cash, especially outside major hotels. Channel your inner explorer and keep some Egyptian pounds on hand! -Cairo traffic can feel chaotic, cross streets with locals when possible. Cars rarely stop fully, so move steadily. There are no crosswalks, no stop signs, no traffic lights. Believe in yourself. -Technically, you can rent a car with a US driver’s license in Egypt, Don’t drive yourself unless you’re used to Egyptian traffic — it’s… an adventure. -Rides: Uber and Careem (local equivalent) both work in Cairo - safe, convenient, and much cheaper than taxis.
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What time should we arrive for the wedding?
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Weddings in Egypt are an evening event. They typically start at 6-7 pm and end at midnight! While the invitation may have a start time, in many Egyptian weddings formalities begin a bit later. It’s safe to arrive on time-6 pm (per invitation), but don’t be surprised if key events begin 30–60 minutes later!
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What should we wear for the wedding?
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In Egypt we like to go full glamour for weddings. Basically, black tie, but with license to be creative or extra. This means sparkles, beads, sequins, satins, tulles are HIGHLY encouraged! Feel free to wear color- light, bright, festive colors are welcome. Men are expected to wear suits and ties/bowties with dress shoes. Egypt is a moderately conservative country. For women: avoid overly revealing styles. It’s encouraged to wear a shawl or scarf over bare shoulders or a coat over bare legs until arriving at the wedding venue where it will be a private event.
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Will there be traditional parts of the wedding we should know about?
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Yes! for example: -The wedding ceremony will begin at a fixed time. We will be married by a Ma’zoun for a traditional Islamic ceremony. -The zaffa (wedding procession with drums, horns, dancers) will follow! -LOTS of music, dancing! Weddings in Egypt can get very rowdy. Feel free to dance like you would at an EDM concert. -The event may be long: staying later is often normal. -We will have professional photographers available during the wedding, feel free to request your own personal photos from them and we will be sure to send them to you after the wedding!
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What about food, dining & cultural customs?
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-Egypt’s cuisine is rich — Make sure to arrive hungry to the wedding for a huge feast with us! -Alcohol: While there are some places licensed to sell liquor in Egypt, most places do not have alcohol as an option. The wedding will not be serving alcohol, but will include a wide variety of hot and cold beverages -You don’t need any special vaccinations to visit Egypt, but be aware that Tuberculosis and hepatitis A are endemic in Egypt. In Crowded spaces it is best to wear a face mask for your own safety if you are not vaccinated against TB. To avoid Hep A, try your best to avoid street food vendors. Take a look at our recs for safe places to enjoy street food! -Please refer to the recommendations section for Esraa’s favorite restaurants in Cairo!
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What should I know about the culture in Egypt?
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-Half of our guests are Egyptians, please mingle and make conversation! They are all bilingual (Arabic and English) but kindly refrain from employing sesquipedalian verbiage (don’t use big words! -just to keep things simple.) -Egypt does not have any segregation by gender outside of mosques, however there are still some customs to be wary of in dealing with people of the opposite gender in Egypt: -Men can greet men with physical contact (traditionally we do a handshake, a hug with one kiss on each cheek), women can also greet other women this way. -Men and women are expected to shake hands alone and stop there, it would be a surprise to hug an Egyptian if you’re from the opposite sex! Some Egyptian women prefer a polite nod or verbal greeting rather than shaking hands. -For legal reasons, please try your best to refrain from public displays of affection. Holding hands is fine. Kissing, long embraces, excessive physical contact can all invite a police officer to snoop. Be cautious and stay safe!
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More Important Cultural Notes!
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-Egypt has a very rich Islamic and Coptic history, and you may want to visit some ancient mosques and churches! When visiting mosques: Remove shoes before entering; Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered); Women may be asked to cover their hair (scarves often provided). Dress & Appearance: Modesty is appreciated, even in big cities. -Women don’t need to wear a headscarf unless entering a mosque. -Avoid extremely short shorts, mini-skirts, or very revealing tops outside resorts. -Men should avoid tank tops or above-the-knee shorts in public or at nice restaurants. -Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, and religion shapes daily life. You’ll hear the call to prayer (adhan) five times a day. It’s beautiful, and locals pause briefly out of respect. Aim to avoid being disruptive then.