Cairo Travel Guide

Egypt

9.8M
Population
CAI
Nearest airport
$117
Daily Budget
85
Walkability
MEDIUM
Safety

Interactive Map

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Plan your arrival in Cairo

Arriving

  • Cairo International Airport (CAI) · 17 km away
  • Main stationsCairo Railway Station

Getting online on arrival

  1. Install your Egypt eSIM at home over Wi-Fi: iPhone or Android steps.
  2. When you land at Cairo International Airport (CAI), turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it.
  3. Networks listed on our Egypt plans: Orange (5G).
  4. Egypt plans currently start at $2.75, for 100MB over 7 days. Compare all 13 plans.

New to eSIMs? How an eSIM works · How much data you need

Landing late or with kids? Pre-book an airport transfer

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G/5G · good
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1.5 GB a day · work it out
  • Weak signalSome areas in rural outskirts
Compare eSIM plans

Useful apps

  • TransportCareem
  • Food deliveryTalabat and UberEats

Cairo at a glance

Region
Cairo Governorate
Population
9,801,536 (2023)
Elevation
23 m above sea level
On or near
Nile
Currency
Egyptian pound (EGP)
Plug types
C and F
Emergency numbers
Police 122 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 180
Drives on the
right
Official language
Arabic
Calling code
+20

Sources: Wikidata and OurAirports open data, checked 29 October 2026.

Top Attractions

1
The Great Pyramids of Giza
Ancient pyramids and the Sphinx, iconic symbols of ancient Egypt.
2h $15
2
Egyptian Museum
Home to an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities.
2h $10

Best Areas to Stay

Zamalek
A leafy, upscale neighborhood with cafes and parks.
TouristsBusiness
Downtown Cairo
Vibrant area with nightlife and cultural activities.
NightlifeBusiness

Typical Costs (USD)

$100
Hotel/Night
$15
Meal
$3
Transport
$4
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $52 Tourist: $117 Family: $364

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Dress modestly and respect local traditions.
Common Mistakes
  • Ignoring local customs
  • Underestimating traffic

Food & Drink

Must Try:Koshari, Fattah, Falafel
Vegetarian:High
Tap Water:Unsafe
Abou El SidMohandesin Market

Getting Around

Public Transport:Good
Rideshare:Uber
Walkability:85/100
MetroBus

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: March, April, October

Warmest monthJul35°C average high
Coolest monthJan10°C average low
Wettest monthMar6 mm of rain
Driest monthJun0 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain (mm)
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan18.910.151
Feb20.511.042
Mar23.813.261
Apr28.115.911
May32.219.301
Jun34.622.201
Jul35.023.801
Aug34.924.301
Sep33.422.701
Oct30.020.010
Nov24.915.641
Dec20.511.731

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Cairo AP, 23 km from Cairo).

Cairo travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Cairo?

March, April and October are usually the best months to visit Cairo. Average daytime highs range from about 19°C in January to 35°C in July.

How much does a day in Cairo cost?

Plan from about US$52 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$117 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport (estimates).

How do I get around Cairo?

Public transport includes metro and bus and is rated good. Ride-hailing is available through Uber. Walkability scores 85/100.

Which airport serves Cairo?

The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Cairo International Airport (CAI), about 17 km from Cairo.

Is Cairo safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated medium. Watch for fake tour guides and overcharging taxi drivers. Areas generally considered safe include Zamalek and Maadi. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Cairo?

Install a Egypt eSIM before you travel and turn it on when you land at Cairo International Airport (CAI). Our Egypt plans list Orange (5G).

Is tap water safe to drink in Cairo?

Tap water is generally considered unsafe.

Explore more of Egypt

Egypt travel guideEgypt eSIM plans

Straight-line distances from Cairo.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.