Cairo arrival playbook
Terminal-agnostic steps for CAI. Read visa / QR first if you need a visa on arrival.
1. Before you land
- Know your path: e-Visa printout/PDF, VOA QR, or VOA paper during pilot
- Install eSIM or plan a city SIM — airport SIMs are often marked up
- Have small USD/EUR and a card; keep bags in sight
2. Immigration & visa
- Follow “Arrivals / Passports” — ignore random “helpers”
- QR or sticker as required; passport ready
- If someone demands large cash to “process” your visa outside official windows/kiosks — walk away
3. Bags & customs
- Baggage claim boards by flight
- Unsolicited porters: decline or agree a tip before they touch bags
4. SIM, cash, pickup
- Bank ATMs inside arrivals when possible
- Decline street currency “helpers”
- Rideshare pickup points vs official taxi booth — see fair prices
5. Taxi reality check
| Option | Fair band (indicative) |
|---|---|
| App / metered to Downtown | 150–250 EGP |
| To Giza | 250–400 EGP |
| Official booth | 400–600 EGP |
| Curbside opening ask | Often 600–800+ EGP or “$50” |
Traffic and time of day matter. Agree total price before loading bags if not using an app.
Scripts
- No thank you — La shukran
- I have a car booked — Andi 3arabeya mahgouza
- Tourist police — Bolis el-siyaha (126)