Before you land
Know your path: e-Visa PDF, VOA QR, or paper during pilot. Install eSIM or plan a city SIM. Keep small cash and bags in sight.
Cairo arrival — first hours shield
Terminal-agnostic steps for CAI. Read visa / QR first if you need a visa on arrival.
Immigration & visa
Follow Arrivals / Passports. Ignore random helpers. QR or sticker as required. Anyone demanding large cash outside official windows — walk away.
Bags & customs
Use the claim boards. Unsolicited porters: decline or agree a tip before they touch bags.
SIM, cash, pickup
Bank ATMs inside arrivals when possible. Decline street currency helpers. Prefer rideshare pickup or the official taxi booth.
Taxi reality check
Agree total price before loading bags if not using an app. Opening asks of $50 are common — see fair bands below.
Fair taxi bands
Scripts
- No thank you — La shukran
- I have a car booked — Andi 3arabeya mahgouza
- Tourist police — Bolis el-siyaha (126)