Arriving in Cairo — First Impressions, Visas & Vital Tips

What an exhausting flight! Cape Town to Addis Ababa — a long layover — and finally on to Cairo.Every time I peeked out the window, the landscape below looked exactly the same: endless sand, shifting dunes, a vast golden silence.

Cairo Airport, however, was anything but silent.My first impression? Not sleek, not “crisp.” Functional, yes — but far from the architectural statement of, for example, Marrakesh’s Menara Airport, that elegant North African beauty that opened in 2016.Marrakech is compact and easy to navigate. 

Cairo’s airport is a different creature entirely: less sparkle, more survival. It is a gateway to a city of over 23 million souls — huge, hectic, and handling more than 20 million passengers a year.You would expect a touch more support for weary travellers — but lighting is harsh, signage confusing, and the security and baggage areas can feel crowded, noisy, and disorganised.And chaotic it was.

They say Egypt is a place where chaos and charm coexist in perfect rhythm. On that first day, chaos definitely led the dance. Between Ethiopian Airlines and Egypt Air, my luggage vanished somewhere over the desert.

But before we get lost in the maze of car horns, strong coffee, and the haunting call to prayer — here are a few vital tips for arrival.

Visa on Arrival (and the South African Twist)

Yes, most travellers can get a visa directly at Cairo International Airport — it costs USD 25, payable in cash (USD only). Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.But here is the reality check for South Africans: you cannot get a visa on arrival, no matter what some websites or travel agents might say.

When I first tried to apply, the Egyptian Embassy process was almost impossible to navigate — endless forms, no clarity, and not a single reply. So, I used iVisa.com — and what a pleasure!It is by far the fastest and easiest way to get your travel visa. I had mine in less than 24 hours, emailed straight to me. No queues, no stress, no confusion. It cost around ZAR1000.00. Save yourself the headache — skip the embassy, skip the airport chaos, and just go through iVisa. 

SIM Cards & Connectivity

Buy your local SIM right after customs from the official counters — Vodafone, Orange, or Etisalat.Data packages are cheap and surprisingly reliable. Trust me, you’ll need one for Uber, hotel confirmations, and the inevitable “Where are you?” messages. After comparing with Holafly and other eSIM options, Vodafone easily won.I chose the largest data package, kept my South African WhatsApp number active, and tucked my home SIM safely away. You’ll receive a local Egyptian number — and I suggest getting a little airtime for calls too.Sometimes you’ll need to confirm a booking with a quick phone call, or reach your Uber driver directly (they don’t always read the messages!). 

Currency & Exchange

Inside the airport, only one bank exchanged currency — with a small, fixed fee. The Egyptian Pound (EGP) fluctuates daily, so just change enough for your first taxi if you do not use Uber, and maybe that much-needed coffee — if you do not want to use your credit card. The question at the bank was extremely long.Rather use ATMs, money changers, and some banks, later in the city for better rates. 

Carry some small USD bills — they are still handy for tipping or small emergencies.And yes, that first post-immigration cappuccino? You can pay by card — thank goodness.

Transport from the Airport

Ignore the “helpful” men and women (in my case, a charming lady who introduced herself — with photo evidence! — as Miss Egypt 2025) who magically appear offering taxis or “special assistance.” They will always overcharge.

Uber works perfectly in Cairo.Trust your instincts, stick with your plan, and rely on the research you did beforehand.Smile, say “Laa, shukran” (no, thank you) — and keep walking.When you exit the terminal, cross the road and head down the stairs, left-hand side,  to the parking area — your Uber driver will send a bay number (e.g., B74).It is far cheaper and safer than random taxis, and there is no awkward price negotiation.

My South African Uber app worked seamlessly; payment by card (cash is technically not allowed). You are not expected to tip, though a small gesture is always appreciated. For solo female travellers — especially at night — Uber’s “Airport Pickup” inside the terminal is the calmest and most comfortable option to begin your Cairo journey. 

A Vivie tip: when you arrive somewhere new and unfamiliar, pop your WhatsApp location on for folks back home. That way, they know where you are, and you’ve got a little extra peace of mind. Simple as that!

Scams & Street Smarts

Cairo’s people are generous with their smiles and quick to engage — but tourist hustles are part of the rhythm here. This isn’t about comfort or ambition; it’s about survival. Every sale matters: a scarf, a cup of mint tea, a small trinket offered with a hopeful smile. Many live in quiet resilience, caught in the daily struggle to get by. According to Egyptian Streets (April 2025), the average monthly salary in Egypt is about EGP 9,200, roughly USD 182 — a number that reveals just how many are in survival mode. You’ll meet them near the Pyramids, in the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, and outside major museums. Be polite but firm, confirm prices before rides or camel photos, and keep this phrase close: “Laa, shukran.”It will become your invisible shield.