Languages in Egypt 🗣️
Arabic is the official language. The Egyptian dialect (Masri) has some unique words and is considered one of the most widely understood dialects in the Arab world.
English in Tourist Areas
✅ Widely spoken:
- Hotels and resorts
- Major tourist attractions
- International restaurants
- Tour guides
⚠️ Limited:
- Local markets (but bargaining transcends language!)
- Taxi drivers
- Smaller towns
Useful Arabic Phrases 📝
| English | Arabic | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | أهلاً | AH-lan |
| Thank you | شكراً | SHUK-ran |
| Yes | أيوة | EYE-wa |
| No | لا | La |
| Please | من فضلك | Min FAD-lak |
| How much? | بكام؟ | Be-KAM? |
| Beautiful | جميل | Ga-MEEL |
| No problem | مفيش مشكلة | Ma-FEESH mush-KE-la |
| Water | مية | MY-ya |
| Delicious | لذيذ | La-ZEEZ |
Fun fact: Egyptians often use "Inshallah" (God willing) which can mean yes, maybe, or politely no - context is everything!
Getting a SIM Card 📱
Major Carriers
| Provider | Coverage | Tourist SIM |
|---|---|---|
| Vodafone | Excellent | Yes - airport |
| Orange | Excellent | Yes - airport |
| Etisalat | Very Good | Yes - airport |
| WE | Good | Yes - airport |
What You Need
- Passport (for registration)
- 50-100 LE for starter pack
- Tourist SIMs include data (usually 5-10GB)
Data Packages
| Package | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 5 GB | 7 days | ~60 LE |
| Medium | 10 GB | 15 days | ~100 LE |
| Large | 20 GB | 30 days | ~180 LE |
Pro Tip: Buy your SIM at the airport arrival hall - all carriers have kiosks there and you'll be connected immediately!
WiFi Availability 📶
- ✅ Free WiFi in most hotels
- ✅ Available in major restaurants & cafes
- ✅ Starbucks, Costa, and international chains
- ⚠️ Variable quality - don't rely on it for work calls