Car hire in Egypt

Egypt is considered to be the world’s oldest tourist attraction, with ancient sites such as the Pyramids of Giza attracting millions of foreign visitors each year. Driving in Egypt can be different to driving back home, so many visitors choose to join a tour, or even fly around the country, instead. However, car rental in Egypt allows guests to avoid haggling with transport providers and travel according to a more flexible itinerary. Visitors are strongly advised to compare car hire costs right here before making alternative arrangements.

Car hire driving tips in Egypt

Driving yourself around Egypt can be an exhilarating and inexpensive experience. Petrol in Egypt is heavily subsidised, which makes getting around by car much cheaper than using air routes. All of the global car rental giants have offices here so travellers can be assured of a customer service which compares well to other countries. It won’t take long to become acquainted with the Egyptian style of driving, which typically involves ignoring traffic rules and driving fast. However, driving at night is considered dangerous and is not advised outside of the major cities and resorts. Travellers who are going to undertake a long drive through the desert should prepare thoroughly before departure, carefully packing enough water and supplies for the journey.

Need to know essentials 

Driving licences: drivers must be able to present both a valid home country license and an International Driving Permit

Which side does Egypt drive on: the right.

Speed limits:

Toll-road (Alexandria toCairo): 100kph

Motorways (outside built-up areas): 90kph

Built-up areas: 50kph

These speed limits are regularly exceeded by locals despite the threat of heavy fines.

Alcohol limits: 0.05 per cent or 50mg/100ml.

Driving age: 18 (25 to hire a car).

Compulsory items: a driving license, the vehicle’s registration documents and the insurance policy covering the vehicle must be carried in the vehicle along with a first-aid kit and a reflective triangle.

Seatbelts: by law must be worn in both the front and back despite many local vehicles being without them.

Mobile phones and GPS: driving while using a mobile phone is illegal in Egypt, but it is permitted if the phone is used with a hands-free system. After previously being banned by the government, GPS systems are now allowed in Egypt. However, many small Egyptian streets don’t have names, so maps may be unreliable when planning obscure routes.

Cost of fuel in Egypt: both unleaded petrol and diesel are significantly cheaper here than in the UK.

Car hire and fuel payment: credit cards are generally accepted by car hire agencies and a prepayment is normally mandatory. Some large petrol stations such as Shell and Esso accept credit cards but this should not be relied on as a method of payment.

Insurance: third-party insurance is compulsory, but since Egypt has one of the highest rates of collisions in the world, it is strongly recommended that drivers purchase additional cover.

Traffic and parking: parking in cities such as Cairo is difficult. Visitors might find a local who can find them a space, usually in exchange for a small payment. Additionally, some of the more upmarket restaurants and shops have valet parking. City traffic is predictably chaotic, with regularly out-of-order traffic lights adding to the confusion. Outside the cities, desert driving is much more pleasant, with little congestion on many routes.

Our travel editor’s recommended drives

The Western Desert – departing from Cairo, spend two or three days driving through the Western Desert to Siwa, near the Libyan border. See some of the most breathtaking oases in Egypt before spending the night under the stars at a private desert camp.

Cairo to Kharga – begin by following the Nile meander south from Cairo on this 550km journey. Later, take a detour into the harsh landscape of the Western Desert before eventually reaching the spectacular Kharga Oasis.

Red Sea sojourn – complete the five-hour drive from Cairo to Hurghada, taking in a mixture of desert and mountain scenery as well as fabulous vistas along the Red Sea coast. Take the chance to stop off at one of the remote coastal resorts on the way.

Cairo to Alexandria – a two-hour drive on one of Egypt’s most modern and well-maintained routes. On arrival in Alexandria, get a taste of the former glory of this historical port city.

Egypt travel tips 

Egypt may not be the easiest place to travel in, especially when compared to other nearby destinations in the Mediterranean. However, its ancient history, beautiful Red Sea beach resorts and exotic culture ensure that nearly 1.5 million British tourists visit Egypt each year. Given the vast cultural differences between Europe and this part of North Africa, it’s a good idea to take a quick look at the following handy tips.

Egypt weather and tourist seasons

Egypt has a typical desert climate, meaning that summers are dry and hot, while winters are generally mild. Rain is fairly rare, but many cities experience severe thunderstorms during the winter, with the heaviest rain concentrated along parts of the Mediterranean coast. November to March is the most pleasant time to visit Egypt and when visitors will avoid the searing summer heat.

Egypt contact numbers (+20)

Tourist Police – 126

Traffic Police - 128

Ambulance – 123

British Embassy – 20 2 2791 6000

US Embassy – 20 2 2797 3300

Irish Embassy – 20 2 2735 8264

Canadian Embassy – 20 2 2791 8700

Australian Embassy – 20 2 2770 6600

Holidays and festivals

Six Egyptian holidays are celebrated nationally. They are Christmas Day (7 January), National Police Day (25 January), Sinai Liberation Day (April 25), Labour Day (1 May), Revolution Day (23 July) and Armed Forces’ Day (October 25). During these holidays visitors can expect state enterprises and other businesses to be closed. Revolution Day is particularly colourful, with a spectacular display of patriotism in the form of military parades and national concerts. There are also a number of moveable Islamic holidays, such as Islamic New Year, the Birthday of the Prophet Mohammed, Eid-al-Fitr (three days) and Eid-al-Adha (four days). Visitors might want to check the exact dates of these holidays when planning a trip.

Money matters

Travellers can exchange foreign currency at banks for the Egyptian pound. Exchange rates for many currencies can be poor, so travellers cheques denominated in US dollars are the choice of many. There is a distinct shortage of small denomination notes in Egypt, so travellers who have them are advised to keep hold of them for as long as possible. This way, they can avoid the desperate hunt for change.

Health and safety

Given the oppressive heat during the summer months, dehydration is the biggest danger. Visitors should make sure they drink sufficient water and use a high factor sun block during the day. Tap water is said to be safe to drink in large cities, but can be heavily chlorinated. In this case, visitors are advised to drink bottled water. Travellers should make sure they have tetanus, polio and diphtheria vaccinations prior to travel, while hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are also strongly recommended.

Fitting in…

Egyptians are well-known for their conservative nature, so visitors must ensure that they don’t dress provocatively. It’s a good idea for women to cover their arms and legs, if only to avoid unwanted harassment. On the other hand, male travellers should not be surprised if they are touched on the hand by another male. This is completely acceptable in Egyptian society and is not an indication of homosexuality. Tipping (baksheesh) is expected for even the most minor services. However, the amount given is usually so small that such tips shouldn’t make any difference to the average tourist.

Visas for Egypt

All travellers must have a valid tourist visa to enter Egypt. One-month tourist visas are available from Egyptian consulates by applying at least one week before the date of travel. There is a small fee for this visa. However UK, US and EU travellers who are only visiting certain Red Sea resorts, such as Sharm-el-Sheikh, can get a 14-day visa stamp on arrival.

Electricity

Egyptian plug sockets accept the two-pin plugs which are the norm across much of Europe. These plugs run on 220-240 Volts, which means that North American holidaymakers will need a dual-voltage device or transformer. In addition, those from the UK and Australia will need to use a travel adaptor, readily available at airports and supermarkets.

Business hours
Shopping times in Egypt can depend greatly on the season of travel. In the summer, shops open at around 09:00 and can stay open until around 21:00 each evening. In the winter, shops close much earlier, opening from 08:30 until 14:30 each day. Government offices open from 08:30 until 14:30, with all shops and offices closing on the Islamic holy day, Friday.

Helpful phrases

Assalamu aleikum - Hello

Minfadlak - Please

Shockran – Thank you

Aiwa/la’a – Yes/no

Ma batkalemsh Arabi – I don't speak Arabic

Bititkalimy Englizee? - Do you speak English?

Bekam de? – How much is this?

Ezay arouh… ? – How can I get to….?

Resources online

www.egypt.travel

www.wikitravel.org

www.ukinegypt.fco.gov.uk