Where is the best place to find an inexpensive flight?

We recommend the search engine https://www.momondo.com/ to get the lowest priced flights, but try a variety of search engines (skyscanner, expedia, kayak, hopper) to make sure you're getting the best deal. If you can carry on all your luggage, you will also save on checked baggage fees. We also suggest that you select an option that has adequate time between connections if it's not a direct flight to allow for any tardy flight legs.  

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Can I use my phone there?

International plans are usually more expensive, but if your phone is unlocked, you can get an Egyptian sim card at the airport or at various stores around town, such as Orange, Vodafone, Etisalat or WE, which is not very expensive. Alternately, you can just rely on wifi at hotels. You can also get a google voice number, which rings to your mobile number, and is a free service. It works through wifi. https://voice.google.com

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Banking

It's good to bring some dollars to exchange there for Egyptian pounds. You can exchange some at the airport if you'd like or at the National Bank of Egypt, or other banks. The pound is extremely weak right now and inflation there is quite high. The dollar will buy a great deal more than just a few months ago. 

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Credit Cards

Most larger businesses will take credit cards, but some smaller vendors will only take cash, so for shopping purposes it's best to have cash available. 

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Bargaining

It is definitely the rule of the land to bargain, as they'll try to take advantage of foreigners to get a higher price. However, Egypt is facing a strong economic crisis right now, and the poverty rate is at 60%. Products are still quite inexpensive by Western standards, so feel free to bargain, but remember that they are quite poor generally, and this is their livelihood. It may not be worth it to bargain too hard. 

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Personal Safety

Many parts of Egypt are very safe to walk around by yourself, but many aren't. Always ask the tour guide or leaders. When in El Gouna, it's very safe and you can walk around even in shorts or a bikini with no problem. You need to be more covered and careful in Cairo. Refrain from exposing your shoulders or midriff when in Cairo. Do not accept rides from strangers, and do not go off with a stranger. 

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Clothing

To see Mosques, you may need to cover your shoulders or hair, but usually you don't. It's always best to keep a scarf with you as a wrap if you get cold, a cover up, or to sit down on.

Purses or other bags should be watched carefully, and avoid showing any signs of money or wealth, as you could be a target for pickpockets. Keep money close to your body. 

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Mosquitoes

They can be there all year, so take a good, non-DEET mosquito repellent with you.

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Sunscreen

Please make sure it is reef safe. 

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Weather

It can get chilly at night so a light sweater or jacket is advisable. In April, it is generally between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. 

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Food & Water Safety

You could take peptol bismol ahead of time if you're concerned about digestive upsets. It's generally best to wash raw produce well. Do not drink tap water. Bottled or filtered water is best. 

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Cairo Traffic

It is as frenetic as you've heard. But Egyptian drivers are merely trying to see how close they can get to other cars without removing the paint or mirrors from the other cars. And traffic lanes really are just decorative accents on the road. Horns are to communicate coded messages with each other. Joking aside, it can be a hair-raising experience the first time, but generally, you'll get there in one piece. It's best to use uber, as you can input your location ahead of time. Regular taxi drivers don't generally know their way around very well unless it's a major tourist attraction, and they often don't speak any English. Public transportation in Cairo and El Gouna works quite well, and is safe. 

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Vaccines

They have no current requirements at the time of this writing. Talk to your doctor about any you think you may need. 

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Visas to Enter Egypt

You'll need a Visa to enter Egypt as a US citizen. You can either apply for one ahead of time online at this or other sites:

https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/Applications

or get one upon arrival in Egypt. Pay $25 in USD cash upon arrival at Cairo airport. It's quite easy to do so at a bank kiosk you'll find upon landing, before you go through passport control. If you want to do it ahead of time, it may be more expensive, depending on the site you pick. Make sure you have at least 6 months validity on your passport before traveling. 

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Terrorism Threats

While there is a risk of terrorism, generally Egypt is a safe country, visited by millions of tourists every year. But check state department advisories if you are concerned. 

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Insurance

If you are concerned about flight cancellations (more common these days), you could always get travel insurance from World Nomads or other carriers. You are also not required to have proof of medical insurance, but could get this if it gives you peace of mind.