Chinese girls are considered to have some special characteristics that western women do not have, so more and more foreigners hope to marry a Chinese woman. Luckily, the Internet has brought a new way for people to meet Chinese girls, people can find millions of singles through online dating sites.

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Domestic Chinese dating sites are unable to meet the needs of Chinese singles, so many Chinese have set their sights on foreign dating sites. Here is a list of the 10 best Chinese dating websites for foreigners. Check the following Chinese dating site reviews and find a dating site that suits you best.

#1. ChinaLoveCupid

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ChinaLoveCupid is a professional dating and matchmaking site that help men from the Western countries to find Chinese love. Its members come from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, USA, Canada, Australia,

They offer friendly service combined with well-designed search and messaging functions that will make your dating a fun and enjoyable experience.

They have more than 1 million members worldwide with 50% of Chinese females. Signing up is free and you can create your own account and browse thousands of profiles immediately with just easy steps. They have two levels of membership, Free and paid memberships. I advise you to use the basic and free membership first and browse the profiles first, you can upgrade to a paid member when you feel comfortable with the site.The best option is the one year package for just $10 per month and no other charges anymore. You can contact as many members as you want.

Please check this Chinese dating site features as follows：

• A popular dating site to find Chinese beauties online
• Most functions are available for free and easy to use
• A large number of members with a high response rate
• Most profiles are detailed with images, ages, background, etc.
• Free to register for everyone, just takes 2 to 3 minutes to become a member.
• You can see the members who are online and see other members’ pic for free.
• Free to download and use its dating app.
• Free members can send messages to premium members.

ChinaLoveCupid Costs and Prices:

Chinalovecupid.com offers almost all functions such as sending likes, email, instant messaging, and video chat, almost any features you can imagine. It is a challenge to understand Chinese language, but no worry, many members on the site know some English and besides the site offers automatic translation service, which is usually not provided by other dating sites. Their service is really the best of all Chinese dating sites. Now this site also has Android dating app available.

This dating site is the best one to look for a friend, love or even marriage with Chinese girls. I recommend it heartily and have it highly rated in our ranking, click the button below to check it for yourself…

#2. Asian Dating

AsianDating.com is a sister site of Chinalovecupid. If you would like to meet girls from East and Southeast Asia, you come to the Right Place. Asian dating has a large number of female and male members from countries such as China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines,Thailand and Vietnam, who hope to look for partners from western countries like the US, Canada, Australia or Europe.

Similar to its sister site, Asian Dating features for instant messaging and video chat. Its distinctive feature is its language translator which can translate many Asian languages into the language your are using. Besides, the site has more than 2 million members and many of them are active members, when check it out, you can always find thousands of members are online and active there. You have enough dating options on Asiandating.

Check AsianDating features as follows:

• 2.5 million members worldwide
• Easy and free to sign up
• Free to send interests to other members
• A huge number of women profiles from China and other Asian countries
• Android App is available, but not available on iOS
• Free Users can see others’ profiles
• Free members can send messages to premium members

AsianDating Costs and Prices:

It is free to sign up and you can create your profile, browse others’ profiles for free. You can contact other members but at least one of you must be a paid member (almost all female members are free members). You can check it out first and then decide if you are going to upgrade to a paid member. As for the membership fee, it offers very reasonable price, the price can be as low as $10 per month for one year package and there is no extra charge.

It is the best dating site for Western men to seek relationships with Chinese ladies and women from other Asian countries. Click on the button below to check it out for yourself…

#3. Chinese Kisses

Chinesekisses.com is legit Chinese dating site based in Germany. Registration is free and users can use webcam chat or text chat with your ideal persons online. Its profile function offers lots of information and pictures which will make you much easier to identify which one you would like to contact.

It has thousands of members on its base and the platform is especially popular for German men looking for Chinese girls. Of course it also boasts members from other countries such as the United States, the UK and Canada. So you have a lot of options after becoming a member.

Check Chinesekisses free member features as follows:

• It is free and easy to register.
• There are daily free contacts available for each member.
• Women can write emails to men for free.
• Free translation of email and chat

Chinese Kisses Gold membership and benefits

A fantastic feature of Chinese Kisses is that it displays the most popular men and women on its platform – it is a helpful feature because popular and old members are usually likely to be real persons compared with new registers.

#4. AsiaMe

Established in 1998, AsiaMe.com provides all-inclusive solutions to cross-cultural relationships worldwide including singles from North and South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and more..

Members can search and browse ladies’ profiles that complement their interests and use its many pay-to-use methods including mail, live chat and love call to find your perfect match. Its services cover dating, gifts, visa service and travel.

Please note that the site needs users to purchase credits to chat to the women and each conversation costs some credits. This is not like other dating sites such as China Love Cupid which charges monthly fee.

Check Asiame features as follows:

• Easy and free to sign up.
• Members are more active than other website
• A lot of female members are online every day
• You need to pay to contact other members
• Most members are from China, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• Account status is free for everyone
• Live chats, calls, and video chats are available
• Apps Available on both Google Play and App Store

AsiaMe Costs and Prices

AsiaMe has a wide network of women, they cooperate with many local matchmaking agencies in China to help foreign singles find Chinese women who are interested in foreign men. This ensures that the women on the site are real people instead of scammers. So If you are looking for a Chinese bride, this is the place.

#5. China Love Match

China Love Matchis a popular Chinese niche dating site which introduces sincere and real Chinese women to Western men.

The site has loads of Chinese ladies on its platform, most of them have natural looking photos instead of retouched pictures.Many of members can speak English which is uncommon for on other Chinese dating sites. China Love Match has lots of features including email,video and audio chat.The founders of the site also offer many blog posts and dating tips for people with different backgrounds. If you know little Chinese, there is no need to worry,it has an automatic translation service to help you with the different words.

The site charges reasonable prices for their excellent services and is committed to provide genuine opportunities for a real and sincere long-term relationship. China Love Match is not the biggest, but is one of the very few Chinese dating sites that maintain honesty with their members and equally protects them from scammers.

If you’re looking for a Chinese date, China Love Match is certainly the one to watch. Click on the button below to check it out for yourself…

#6. Tantan

Launched in 2014, Tantan is a geo-based Chinese social dating App, Tantan is popular among the post-85s and post-90s.

Tantan is similar like popular dating app Tinder, the two members can only start chatting if they like each other. Tantan also has the “pass by” and “anonymous confession” functions and it also makes a series of attempts to regulate users’ behavior.

Like Tinder, Tantan also allows users to use a swiping motion to like (swipe right) or dislike (swipe left) other users.

Check Tantan features as follows:

• It is a free dating app and premium account is really affordable.
• Users can “swipes” free more times than other dating apps.
• It is free and fast to register.
• You can find both long-term and short term relationships here.
• More male members than female members.
• A lot of members from China.
• Most members are young people.
• Free to browse other members’ all pictures.
• There are some fake profiles.

Tantan Costs and Prices:

Its matching algorithm is based on the user’s personal information, location and hobbies, etc., but due to the low threshold of its members, many people use fake photos and most members are not looking for all serious relationships Therefore, it is extremely unreliable to find true love on Tantan.

#7. Asian Date

Asiandate.com owns a large number of beautiful Chinese women to date. The ladies on the platform have different background such as from China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Members can communicate with tools such as email, live chat and much more. The site provides good protection and security to all members, both men and ladies, to make sure most of their members are real persons and not scammers.

They can not guarantee that all members are real love finders , but use your common sense and be careful here. There are some girls there that are really looking for a mate. This site is not perfect for sure, but it is like with anything, if you take your time and act in a careful way, things can work out. It has Android dating app available.

#8. Jiayuan

Shiji Jiayuan is almost the largest dating website in China.It has about 190 million members with most of them from China. The site is much like match.com, most users are at their mid 20s to early 30s, seeking for marriage or long-term relationships. Since it has a large number of members, on the site, you can find rich Chinese man and woman.

It has both website and mobile app available and also has premium one-on-one matching service. The dating app supports video chat, ask-and-answer, one on one chat and other functions.

The dating site also organize matchmaking events for members across the country.

#9. 2redbeans.com

2redbeans.com is the largest Chinese dating website in North America (USA and Canada). This site is extremely popular among Chinese students and Chinese Americans in the USA. At present it has more than 200,000 registered users, with more than 90% are overseas Chinese singles.

The site supports Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and English, so you don’t have to worry about not knowing English. People can register with Facebook, WeChat and Weibo accounts.

2redbeans dating site features:

• This dating site mainly designed for Chinese people especially overseas Chinese.
• It provides 1-on-1 matchmaking offline service for paid members.
• Most members are Chinese who are looking for Chinese singles.
• Most singles here look for long-term relationships and marriage.
• You can register with your WeChat, Weibo, or Facebook account
• Most members here provide detailed profile.
• iOS app and Android apps are both available.
• The site provides Chinese and English language versions

2RedBeans costs and prices:

More than 90% of registered users have a bachelor degree and 75% have a master degree. Most members are from Canada, New York, Vancouver and Toronto.

The site also holds several dozen of offline dating activities across North America each year.

#10. POF

Plenty of Fish is a popular free online dating site. It has has a huge amount of members. According to data released by POF, there are more than 3 million active daily users on POF. There are always around 300,000 members online.

Please check Plenty of Fish features as follows:

• One of the top dating sites in the world.
• Free to send message and reply message.
• Most members are young people.
• Free to sign up.
• App available on Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Plenty of Fish Costs and Prices:

Chinese who can speak English will register this website and hope to find their foreign love, so it is not difficult to find a Chinese single there. It is totally free and rely on ads as its main income. The drawback is that most Chinese singles there live outside of China, from countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia. Not many Chinese from Mainland China.

Tips of Dating Chinese girls

Dating a Chinese girl is fun, a lot of fun. However, they do seem to be a bit aloof for a beginner, but they make great homemakers and anyway, they are great people once you make friends. Fun, flirtatious, lively and flamboyant. But then, China itself does seem to be too much of a closed society and below are our Chinese girl dating advice, it may be of some help when you dating Chinese girls with above dating sites.

1. Are you of upright morals?

Character is essential when you intend to date a Chinese girl. Your character goes hand in hand with the morals that the society expects of you. We all know how staunch the Chinese people are regarding morals. Therefore, save yourself the trouble and win a Chinese girl’s heart by upholding morals such as honesty, respect and trustworthiness. Avoid lying to a Chinese girl because that will be a deal breaker. The same holds for online dating, You should be show respect, honest to the girls on the other side. However, this does not mean that you pretend to be of good character when you know you are a train wreck huh! Anyway character is something you can work on if you want to date a Chinese girl.

2. Make it your business to know something about the Chinese culture

Nothing comes easy in life including dating. Consider doing some research on the Chinese culture. On the Chinese dating websites, you will meet Chinese girls from the country or other regions. But Know something about this society such as religion, moral standing and values. This way, it will be easier for you to strike a conversation with a Chinese girl. Getting to date a Chinese girl is not as hard as many may believe.

The problem is not how to date Chinese girl. Rather, it is being the best partner to the Chinese girl. It is one thing to date her and it is another for her to feel satisfied. I mean what Chinese girl would not like to date someone who understands her culture? Therefore, have an upper hand on that online site by being a little knowledgeable on what goes on in the Chinese dating world. However, do not stress yourself cramming things you cannot understand; just take a hunch.

3. Family is important

Family is an important part of the Chinese culture. It is an entity that is regarded with respect and honor. Thus, if you are the type of person that dishonors family you need to change if at all you want to have fun dating a Chinese girl. She would like to introduce you to her family including the extended family so you better get comfortable. If you are an introvert, try opening up a little so as to enjoy the company of a Chinese girl’s family. You cannot afford to get bored during dinner or family picnic of your Chinese girl. So loosen up a bit. When chatting with a girl online, you should respect and cares for her family, which will insinuate yourself into her favor.

4. Learn some Mandarin

Mandarin is a language that is growing in popularity every day. Therefore, in your endeavor to find a Chinese lady to date, try learning some Mandarin. Don’t stress yourself trying to construct sentences. Start by knowing some love related terms, This can help you start a conversation when you start a chat online. It is not mandatory that you learn Mandarin but try using some words on that Chinese dating site and you will be happy with the results.

5. Try out Chinese food

If you have never tasted Chinese food, consider trying some. This will help a lot if your Chinese girl decides to take you for dinner at a Chinese restaurant. You do not want to be the odd one out in that restaurant. Thus be open minded and try out the Chinese cuisine. If not for dinner then do it to appreciate her culture.

6. Adorn her beauty

Chinese girls are uniquely beautiful. Their petite figure, spectacular eyes and flawless skin makes than adorable. Serve her beauty with gifts. This does not mean that Chinese women are materialistic; it is only that they will appreciate it when you take care of their beauty. So speaking out she is beautiful when you are on a live chat with a Chinese girl is a good way to gain favor. Instead of going for dinner every other time, try taking her for a massage session, shopping for jewelry or go out for a photo session; just the two of you. If you are not from China, avoid the bottle as it shows that you regard the Chinese girl as cheap.

7. Be yourself/simple/modest

Whenever you meet a Chinese girl in person or on an online dating site, be real, be yourself. People have a tendency of yearning to impress a woman at first sight. This is not recommended; instead; be yourself. Remember honesty is paramount in the Chinese dating culture. Pretense puts Chinese girls off fast. If you want a Chinese girl, be honest from the first day you meet her or interact with her.

8. Take it slow

Dating is a complicated and at the same time an easy task to undertake. You may think you have all it takes to date women from diverse origins but that is not real, even when looking to date Chinese girls. One of the things you need to understand is that Chinese girls value growth in dating; each day is viewed as a vital stage in developing a relationship. Therefore, take your time to know your Chinese girl. What does she like or hate? What makes her laugh or sad. Such small aspects really matter in a relationship whether you agree or not. Do not be too busy doing things for your Chinese girl such as buying her gifts, and forget to take time to know her personally.

9. What of marriage?

If you intend to date a Chinese girl with the aim of marrying her, then you need to check your definition and view of marriage. It is not simply a piece of paper; you cannot wake up one day and decide to divorce your Chinese wife. There must be reasonable cause and your wife’s family should be informed. Remember, as mentioned earlier, Chinese girls value their culture and family so impromptu actions in marriage are discouraged. To avoid this trouble, just date but don’t marry. You will hurt that innocent Chinese girl yet most of the Chinese girls are loyal and keepers.

10. Support her dreams

As you read through these Chinese girl dating tips, you need to remember one vital thing: have her back. A Chinese girl will appreciate if you encourage her to follow her heart, work hard in life and be there when she needs you. Offer some insights into her dreams, give her ideas and generally treat her right.

Conclusion

If you intend to date Chinese girls on the above Chinese dating websites, do not get into their world blindly. Bear the discussed tips in mind. They will help you get that Chinese girl you have always dreamed about. The best place to start is on a China dating site. Sign up today.

For those who have any kind of dating advice or suggestions, you are welcomed to leave a comment below.

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links and I will get a small commission when you purchase through those links. I personally use all of the services listed above and recommend them because they are helpful and trustworthy.

Awesome ancient wonders, endless golden sands and atmospheric local souqs make Egypt the ultimate travel destination.

You’ve got to see it to believe it in Egypt – the chaos of Cairo (seriously, this city never stops); the bustling bazaars; the imposing glory of the Pyramids of Giza and the world’s most famous lion with a human head (the iconic Sphinx). Only in Egypt can you sail into the sunset on a felucca cruise along the Nile, jump on the back of a camel and ride into Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, then float facing towards the sky in the glittering expanse of the Red Sea. Take a moment as time stands still in Egypt.

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Egypt travel highlights

Transport in Egypt

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Egypt, you may find yourself traveling by:

Camel

A mode of transport that's been used for centuries, riding a camel is a definite must when visiting Egypt. Swaying through the desert sands on a 'ship of the desert' is an unforgettable Egyptian vacation experience.

Accommodation in Egypt

Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When traveling with us in Egypt you may find yourself staying in a:

Felucca

Glide down the Nile on a traditional Egyptian felucca; sleep on deck under the stars as the sun slides away for the day - a must-do experience while in Egypt.

Homestay

Be welcomed into the home of a local family and experience the cuisine, culture and customs of Egypt firsthand during your stay. A truly authentic travel experience like no other.

Desert camp

Travel deep into the White Desert to camp under the stars amid surreal scenery. This is a rare chance to experience the remote wonder and isolation of the Egyptian desert.

Beach hut

With calming Red Sea views and fresh sea breezes, this rustic breach abode is all about life’s simple pleasures.

Egypt holiday information

Egypt is blessed with lots of sunshine and very little rain. Generally, the hottest months are June to August, and the coolest month is January. Rainfall is negligible, except on the coast, with rain usually occurring during the winter months (December to March).

During the summer months (from June to August), daily temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit - perfect for snorkeling and soaking up the sun on the beaches of Sinai, but can prove challenging for some in the crowded streets and souqs of Cairo.

Choose to escape the crowds by traveling from March to May or September to November when the weather is milder, and there's the opportunity to experience Egypt during Ramadan and the celebrations of Eid (which marks the breaking of the fast). If you are planning to travel during Ramadan, it's important to consider that many restaurants and shops will either be closed or operating on reduced hours.

Life in Egypt has been in a state of flux since the 2011 revolution. Many of the issues that motivated so many to take to the streets in protest continue to be points of contention, but Egyptians remain hopeful, relying on religion, family and humor to get them through like they have for thousands of years. A strong sense of community binds people across the country. Families and communities support each other and there is a prevailing sense that everyone is in it together. For all these reasons, most express great pride in being Egyptian, despite their nation’s recent turmoil.

As a largely Muslim country (about 90% of the population is Muslim while most of the remaining 10% identify as Coptic Christian), Islam permeates daily activities. Life revolves around the five daily prayers and everything is closed on Friday, the Muslim holy day. A wide array of cultural norms, including how people dress and interact with the opposite sex, are influenced by religion. Women are largely defined by their role as a mother and matron of the house, whereas men are expected to be the provider.

Many Egyptians consider their country the gateway between the West and the rest of the Arab world, and take pride in their ability to mix tradition with modern influences. This mixing is most apparent in major cities, such as Cairo and Alexandria, where American fast-food chains can be found next to traditional cafes, secular attitudes are more common, and pop music rings through city streets.

With fragrant spices, fresh fruit and vegetables, and delicious sweets on offer, culinary adventures in Egypt are guaranteed. On many Intrepid trips you'll be given the opportunity to dine with a local family – this offers a great chance to see how meals are prepared and learn more about the ingredients.

Things to try in Egypt

1. Hamam mahshi

A north African delicacy, hamam – roasted pigeon stuffed with cracked wheat and rice – can be found on the menu of most traditional Egyptian restaurants. You may need a few to fill up though, as they don’t contain a lot of meat. And be careful of all the tiny bones.

2. Ta'ameya (falafel)

Crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside, these deep-fried balls of spiced fava beans are a Middle Eastern vegetarian staple. Usually served in a pita with salad, pickles and sesame-based tahina - buy it at a street stall for a quick, cheap meal.

3. Koshary

Shops specializing in this popular ‘poor man’s dish’ can be found throughout Cairo. A hearty mix of rice, macaroni and lentils, chickpeas and fried onions, koshary is topped with a tomato-vinegar sauce.

4. Ful medames

Don't leave Egypt without trying the classic dish of ful medames, which can be traced back to pharaonic times. Consisting of slow-cooked fava beans, served with olive oil, parsley, garlic and lemon juice - add some spice by seasoning with chilli paste and eat with bread.

5. Pastries

Delicious, sweet pastries are found in restaurants, markets and cafes in Egypt. Never was there a better time to live by the adage ‘Life is short, eat dessert first’.

Egypt is a mostly Muslim country, and any consumption of alcohol here is relatively low-key. There are many fantastic alternatives. Juice stands are common on main streets offering freshly squeezed banana, guava, or mango juice. Karkadai is a chilled, crimson drink brewed from hibiscus leaves (served hot in the winter). And tea (or shai) is the beverage of choice for most Egyptians, which is sipped throughout the day and with meals.

Located in the north-east corner of Africa, Egypt shares its borders with Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Libya and Sudan, as well as the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east. The two seas are connected by the man-made Suez Canal.

The remote triangle-shaped peninsula is largely characterized by limestone and desert, but also has vibrant coral reef along the Red Sea coastline. Hot, dry desert covers most of the country’s terrain, with the Western Desert occupying much of the west, and the Arabian (or Eastern) Desert stretching the length of the eastern coast. These two regions are dissected by the Nile River, which runs the length of the country, emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile Valley, a narrow fertile band extending from the river, is the country’s only fertile land and where 98% of the population lives.

Recent history

Napoleon Bonaparte, the infamous pint-sized French leader, invaded Egypt in 1798, seeking to set up a French colony. However, not long after, the French were repelled, and Egypt became a part of the Ottoman Empire once again.

From 1882, the British Army occupied Egypt to protect the Suez Canal. Muhammad Ali officially ruled from the early 1800s, and his family and successors continued to rule for decades (alongside and during British occupation) until overthrown by a military coup in 1952.

During World War II, Egypt became a crucial element in Britain's defense. The Italian Army tried to advance into Egypt in 1940 but was stopped by the British Army at Mersa Matruh. Egypt continued to serve as a vital base for British troops during World War II and despite the disruption, Egypt's shopkeepers and retail trade benefitted from the thousands of Allied troops staying in Egypt.

In 1953, Egypt was officially declared a republic and a year later, Colonel Nasser was declared Prime Minister, then President. In 1979, after decades of confrontation with neighboring Israel, the historic Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty was signed. This agreement made Egypt the first Arab country to officially recognize Israel as a country - a significant step in the peace process. More recently, in February 2011, large scale protests and mass demonstrations resulted in the removal of President Mubarak after decades of autocratic rule.

Early history

Ancient Egypt has been the focus of much fascination, investigation, speculation and intrigue. It's hard to escape the education system without having studied Ancient Egypt in some way. Drawn in by the mighty pyramids, mysterious hieroglyphics, distinct burial rituals and animal-headed gods - scholars, students, historians and travelers are all amazed by this civilization which has endured cycles of dynastic rule, invasion and natural disasters.

Through key archaeological finds, historians have been able to unravel some of the mysteries of this great land. What is known is that the daily life of the average Egyptian usually involved working in agriculture with the waters of the Nile providing fertile ground for planting of crops. Egyptians usually lived in modest homes with children and domestic pets. Professions were usually inherited - so if your father was a farmer, then so were you.

While most Egyptians led simple lives, dynasties of Pharaohs led lavish lifestyles, with the most well-known being Ramses II, Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun and Cleopatra. Huge monuments, imposing pyramids, golden artifacts and detailed paintings all hold details about pharaonic rule and succession, as well as commonly held beliefs about religion and the afterlife.

Spanning centuries and full of drama worthy of a soap opera, the epic history of Ancient Egypt is complex and we suggest you read about it before visiting.

1. Grand designs

The original grand design - monumental and magnificent - the Pyramids of Giza are an impressive achievement in ancient engineering. Towering above the desert sands and standing proudly for centuries, the first glimpse of these stunning structures will render visitors breathless.

2. Stony enigma

Be captivated by the mysterious aura of the Great Sphinx of Giza. This monolithic mythical beast possesses a lion’s body and a human head - and has sat quietly in the desert sands for eons. Gaze at the Sphinx and try to work out the riddle of its existence.

3. Mighty Nile River

No trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the Nile River - the life force of Egypt that has flowed for centuries. A provider of irrigation, an essential travel route, home to hippos and crocodiles, and now a source of leisure for locals and travelers alike, the Nile is an aquatic link to Egypt’s ancient heritage.

4. Terrific temples

Discover an enormous open-air museum like no other. The awe-inspiring Temples of Karnak are filled with stately statues, immense columns and gigantic gateways. Explore this intriguing site and be left in no doubt about the brilliance of the ancient Egyptian civilization.

5. Holy mountain

Embark on a trek to the top of Mt Sinai and witness an incredible golden sunrise to remember. A place of worship for many faiths, a pilgrimage to Mt Sinai reveals stunning scenery, an ancient monastery and historic chapels. An iconic highlight of Egypt for believers and non-believers alike, Mt Sinai is not to be missed.

6. Double happiness

Located in the Nile Valley, the unique Temple of Kom Ombo is a ‘double temple’ and a rare archaeological find. Dedicated to two gods, a visit here is a true highlight of an Egyptian escapade. Marvel at the well-preserved wall reliefs, try to decipher the hieroglyphics and honor the craftsmen who created this wonder.

7. Museum magic

Step into a dazzling world of antiquity at the Egyptian Museum. Be amazed by the glittering treasures recovered from King Tutankhamun’s tomb – with jewelry, furniture, chariots and that famous gold funerary mask, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife.

8. Roman ruins

The Roman ruins of Kom el-Dikka in Alexandria may not be the biggest, but they are certainly among the best-preserved in Egypt, if not the world. Soak up the atmosphere of the Roman amphitheater and imagine it in all its glory - packed with 800 spectators ready for action.

9. Colossal characters

Near the modern city of Luxor stand the imposing Colossi of Memnon. These massive stone statues of Amenhotep III, while badly damaged, still maintain an unmistakable air of authority. Stand below them and be dwarfed by the scale of these tremendous figures.

10. The ancient heart of Cairo

Wander the cobbled streets of Islamic Cairo and uncover the ancient heart of this chaotic city. Admire mosques, palaces and houses, and peruse the goods on offer at one of the world’s oldest bazaars. Dating back to medieval times, the Khan al-Khalili bazaar is where people have traded goods for centuries.

Souqs – or open-air bazaars – are both the best place to shop in Egypt and attractions in their own right. The biggest and most famous souq is the 500-year-old Khan El Khalili Bazaar in Cairo. Within the maze of narrow streets and laneways lie stalls selling jewelry, glass, copper, spices and artisan goods, along with more standard tourist fare. Quality can vary greatly so spend some time shopping around.

Like many markets around the world, bargaining is the norm, but Egyptians take it to another level. Expect to be offered tea (it can take that long) and for elaborate theatrics from the seller. While bazaars in Cairo tend to sell everything, visit Aswan’s bazaar for spices, incense and basketwork, and Luxor for cheaply priced alabaster figurines and vases. It's also a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country.

Things to buy in Egypt

1. Spices

You’ll often see spices piled high in bazaars. In addition to making a great photo for Instagram, they’re often a good buy as long as you keep a couple of things in mind. Always buy whole spices rather than ground to ensure freshness and skip the ‘saffron’ – it’s actually safflower and tastes like dust.

2. Glassware

Hand-blown Muski glass, recognizable by its air bubbles, comes in brilliant shades of blue and green and purple, and has been made in Egypt since medieval times. Be careful with this purchase though as it’s extremely fragile.

3. Cartouche

A kind of nameplate written in hieroglyphics. Most gold or silver shops sell these and many can customize them by engraving your name.

Eid al-Fitr

After fasting for an entire month, Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr, or ‘Feast of Breaking the Fast’. For three days, starting on the first day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar, people celebrate with feasts, family and festivals. Look for vendors selling kahk cookies (nut-filled cookies covered in powdered sugar) while taking in the festivities, a tasty treat synonymous with Eid for many locals.

Eid al-Adha

Arguably the most important holiday in Egypt, the ‘Feast of Sacrifice’ is not one for vegetarians and vegans. About 70 days after Eid al-Fitr, sheep and goats are slaughtered (often in the middle of the street) for a mighty feast.

Sham el-Nessim

Each year on March 21st, Egyptians celebrate the coming of spring by spending the day outdoors. Join the locals for this ancient holiday by packing a picnic and heading to a park or public garden.

Abu Simbel Sun Festival

As if the two temples dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari weren’t impressive enough, they were constructed in such a way that twice a year, the sun’s rays reach its innermost chambers and illuminate three stone gods that reside within, while leaving Ptah (god of the underworld) in the dark. And those days just happen to be Ramses’s birthday (October 21) and coronation (February 21). Coincidence? We think not.

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travelers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travelers check with their government or national travel advisory organization for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to smarttraveller.gov.au

From Canada?

Go to travel.gc.ca

From the UK?

Go to fco.gov.uk

From New Zealand?

Go to safetravel.govt.nz

From the USA?

Go to travel.state.gov

From South Africa?

Go to gov.za

From China?

Go to 12301.cn

The World Health Organization also provides useful health information. Go to who.int for more details.

Egypt travel FAQs

Everyone traveling on an Intrepid trip must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of carriage. 

All travelers are required to produce:

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• All children aged 5 to 17 years old must provide proof of vaccination (if eligible), proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.
• If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional. 

In all cases, you must be fully inoculated. This means you must receive the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow enough time for immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 vaccine has different dosages and timeframes for inoculation, so please check the relevant medical advice associated with your vaccine.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

Tipping is customary for pretty much all services in Egypt. A tip of 10–15% is customary at cafes and restaurants and loose change is acceptable for food purchases from street vendors and markets. It’s also a good idea to tip local guides and drivers USD 2–4 per day.

Internet access is growing in Egypt, with internet cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots becoming increasingly common in large cities, especially Cairo, though access may be limited in smaller towns and remote areas.

Cell phone coverage is generally good in Egypt’s urban areas, but may not be available in remote and desert areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.

Squat toilets are most common in Egypt, although Western-style flushable toilets can be found in larger hotels and some tourist areas.

A couple of pastries = 5 EGP
Cup of tea = 1 EGP
Falafel sandwich from a street stall = 2.50 EGP
Sit-down dinner at a local restaurant = 60 EGP

Drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Egypt. Remember to avoid drinks with ice and to peel fruit before eating it. Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Ask your leader or hotel where to find filtered water.

Credit cards are usually accepted by modern hotels, large retailers and tourist sites but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors in remote areas. Always carry enough cash for smaller purchases in case credit cards are not an option.

ATMs are commonly found in larger cities, like Cairo and Alexandria, near shopping centers, tourist areas and 5-star hotels, but are far less common in small towns and rural areas. Make sure you have enough cash before leaving urban areas.

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

• 7 Jan: Coptic Christmas
• 28 Apr: Coptic Easter
• 25 Apr: Sinai Liberation Day
• 28 Apr: Sham el-Nessim
• 1 May: Labor Day
• 5 Jun: Eid al-Fitr
• 23 Jul: National Day
• 12 Aug: Eid al-Adha
• 11 Sep: Coptic New Year
• 1 Sep: Islamic New Year
• 6 Oct: Armed Forces Day
• 10 Nov: Birth of Prophet Mohammed

Many of these public holidays are religious holidays and change each year as they are celebrated according to the Islamic lunar cycle. For a current list of public holidays in Egypt go to: worldtravelguide.net

Discretion is advised for LGBTQI-travelers in Egypt. Though homosexuality is not officially outlawed, gay men have been prosecuted using debauchery and public morals laws and given long prison sentences. Be aware that signals are ambiguous in Egypt as men commonly hold hands, link arms and greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. As long as you use common sense, travel in Egypt should not be a problem.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.

If you are traveling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travelers who do not wish to share a room.

Summer temperatures can get very high, so light fabrics like linen, cotton and athletic gear made to take the heat are best. If you’re traveling outside of winter, don’t underestimate the cool change that can come in the evenings, especially if you’re spending the night in the desert or on a Nile cruise. Avoid packing anything in white – desert dust will quickly turn those light-colored clothes a not-so-delightful shade of brown.

While the expectations for travelers are less strict than for local women, you will draw less attention (and have a more immersive journey) if you pack clothes that cover from at least shoulder to below the knee. Women are expected to dress more conservatively than men, but even the fellas should leave the short shorts and tight singlets at home.

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Responsible Travel

Intrepid is committed to traveling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behavior, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while traveling.

How we're giving back

The Intrepid Foundation provides travelers with an opportunity to give something back to the many wonderful communities we travel to. Animal Care in Egypt is an animal hospital on the outskirts of Luxor. It treats, rehabilitates and feeds thousands of mistreated donkeys, mules, dogs, camels and other animals. Made up of a team of dedicated vets and volunteers, Animal Care in Egypt also educates local people on appropriate animal care and welfare.

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