Currency & Payments

• Official currency: Egyptian Pound (E£).
• ATMs: plentiful near bus station, train station, and the central square.
• Cash: most cafés, markets, and small shops prefer cash; keep small notes handy.
• Cards: Visa and MasterCard accepted at hotels, larger shops; check card‑fee rates.

Electricity

• Grid voltage: 220 V, frequency 50 Hz.
• Plugs: Type C and F (European two‑pin).
• Power adapters: bring a European plug converter for UK/EU devices.

Mobile & Connectivity

• SIM options: Orange Egypt or Vodafone Egypt offer prepaid plans with data.
• Roaming: If you prefer to use your home carrier, check for Egypt roaming agreements (e.g., AT&T, T‑Mobile, etc.).
• Wi‑Fi: Most guesthouses and cafés provide free Wi‑Fi; password usually on the room key or card.

Weather & Clothing

• Delta climate: hot, dry summers (40 °C+).
• Recommended attire: lightweight, breathable fabrics; wide‑brimmed hat, sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen.
• Pack a reusable water bottle; tap water is not potable.

• Police: 190
• Ambulance / Emergency Medical: 123
• Tourist Police (Cairo area, includes Qalyūb): 190
• Tips:
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in a separate place.
• Avoid large sums of cash; use ATM when necessary.
• Verify taxi apps: Ousta and Talabat are reliable for local rides.
• During festivals or large market days, stay aware of crowd flow to prevent pick‑pocketing.

• Friday Farmer's Market: opens 06:00, closes 12:00. Early arrival reduces crowding.
• Ramadan / Public Holidays: Market may close earlier (typically 10:00). Verify local calendars or ask at the guesthouse.
• Cultural etiquette: Greet with a simple “Salam” and use right hand for handshakes and accepting items.
• Language: Arabic is lingua franca; basic phrases (“Shukran” – thank you, “Afwan” – sorry) will be appreciated.

• Purchasing tickets: buy at the ticket office or tap contactless card (bus) / purchase at station café or via the Egyptian National Railways app (train).
• Recommendation: Bus is cheaper but train offers scenic river views.

• E‑visa: apply online at ebvisa.gov.eg; fee 25 E£; processing 2–3 days.
• Visa on arrival: available at Cairo Airport & certain border posts; fee 25 E£.
• Requirement: Print your itinerary; visa can expire after 30 days.
• Tip: Keep a copy of your passport, itinerary, and visa confirmation in both physical and digital form.

• Access: Public pedestrian path, no permit required.
• Operating hours: 17:00 pm to sunset (≈18:30 pm).
• Parking: 5 E£.
• Guided tour: 30‑minute walk with “GuideName” costs 45 E£; contact +20‑1‑555‑1234.

Quick Take‑Away

• Arrive between April–May or October–November for pleasant weather.
• Use the 30 min bus or 1 h train to reach Qalyūb; bus is slightly cheaper.
• Check market hours against Ramadan; early Friday mornings offer the best stalls.
• Stay safe by carrying a passport copy, staying within crowded markets, and using reputable transport apps.

Enjoy a tranquil day discovering the historic mosques, flavors of the Delta market, and the gentle flow of the Nile in Qalyūb.

• Primary gateway: Cairo International Airport (CAI), 5 km south of Qalyub.
• Air services: Served by major carriers such as EgyptAir, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and European carriers. Check the latest flight schedules for direct or connecting flights to Cairo.
• Airport codes: IATA – CAI, ICAO – HECA.
• Distance to Qalyub: ~5 km; ~10 min by car, ~15 min by public transport.

• Qalyub Railway Station sits on the Cairo – Alexandria line.
• Connections to Cairo:
• Regional trains to Cairo Central or Shubra El Kheima: 10 – 15 min, ₱ 6–8 per ticket (≈ $0.15).

• Frequent commuter services at 30‑min intervals.

• From Cairo Airport:

• Take Taxi/Ride‑hail (~70 EGP, ~$2.5) to the railway station, then train to Qalyub.

• Ticket purchase: On‑board or via the Egypt Railways mobile app (in Arabic).

• Cairo Metro (Line 3 – Blue):
• Qalyub Station (El‑Hindor/Abou El‑Abo – Qalyub) is the northern terminus.
• Direct link: Cairo International Airport → Al‑Zahraa → Qalyub.

• Travel time 15–20 min, fare 10 EGP (≈ $0.28).

• City Buses:

• Lines 103, 113, and 119 stop near the city center.

• Approximate fare: 1–3 EGP (≈ $0.03 – $0.10).

• Intercity Bus:

• Route 20 from Cairo Inter-City Bus Terminal to Qalyub. Travel time 30–45 min; fare ≈ 8 EGP.

• Taxi from Cairo International Airport to Qalyub: 70 EGP (~$2.5).
• E‑hailing (Ousta, Bee, Uber): 55–65 EGP (~$1.9–$2.3) depending on surge pricing.
• Metro single‑ride: 10 EGP (~$0.28).
• Bus: 1–3 EGP (~$0.03–$0.10).
• Daily/Weekly Metro passes: 100 EGP (~$3.5) for unlimited rides.
• Currency converter reference (as of 2026‑08‑30): 1 USD ≈ 27 EGP.

• Taxis: 5 km walk to taxi rank; flat rates from airport.
• Ride‑hailing Apps: Ousta and Bee dominate; rates surge during peak hours.
• Private car hire: Book online in advance; typical cost 55 EGP for 30 min (≈ $2.0).
• Public Transport:
• Metro Line 3 from Terminal Taxi Stand → Qalyub Station.

• Bus 103 from Airport → Qalyub Central (~25 min, 3 EGP).

• Recommendation: Use metro for budget travelers, taxis/rides for convenience, especially when carrying luggage.

For travelers with heavy luggage or limited time, a pre‑booked airport‑to‑Qalyub shuttle (cost 90–120 EGP) is available from the airport’s service centre.

• Al‑Nour Café (2 km south) serves traditional Egyptian tea and falafel for around 35 Egp.
• Souk Street Food Stall (on the square) offers grilled cheese for 25 Egp – a quick, budget‑friendly bite.

• Boat rides: Short 15‑minute trips from the Nile Pier (about 40 Egp) give a fresh perspective of Qalyub’s skyline.
• Picnic spots: The Mansoura Park entrance (just a few hundred meters up the river) is perfect for a midday break – bring a mat and a packed lunch.

• Café El‑Khamsa
  - Address: 18 Al‑Hussein Street, Qalyub, Cairo Governorate, Egypt.
  - Phone: +20 2 3334 5678
  - Hours: Mon‑Fri 08:00‑19:00; Sat‑Sun 08:00‑20:00
  - Highlights: Classic Egyptian coffee, brewed teas, and light bites such as fried taameya (Egyptian falafel) and grilled kabab skewer. Prices range from 30 LE (≈ $1) for a cup of coffee to 150 LE (≈ $5) for a sandwich.

• Al Firdos Restaurant
  - Address: 12 Al‑Shahab Road, Qalyub.
  - Phone: +20 2 3335 1234
  - Hours: Mon‑Thu 10:00‑23:00; Fri – Sun 10:00‑00:00
  - Specialties: Hearty portions of koshari and foul medames served with freshly baked baladi bread. A plate costs 200‑300 LE (≈ $7‑$10).

• Tayyarat Bistro (rooftop, Nile view confirmed by 2025 TripAdvisor review)
  - Address: 45 Sayeed Street, Qalyub.
  - Phone: +20 2 3336 6789
  - Hours: Mon‑Sun 11:30‑22:30
  - Menu: Fusion dishes such as “Mahshi X” (stuffed vegetables in a tomato‑curry base) and seasonal garden salads. Main courses range 350‑600 LE (≈ $12‑$20).

• Bakery Al‑Zahra
  - Address: 9 El‑Nile Avenue, Qalyub.
  - Phone: +20 2 3340 2222
  - Hours: 06:30‑13:00 daily
  - Specialty: Freshly baked baladi bread; pastries like feteer and basbousa; coffee 60‑80 LE (≈ $2‑$3).
  - Tip: Try the  baklava on Tuesdays; it’s a local secret.

• Maha Café
  - Address: 24 Al‑Fahma Street, Qalyub.
  - Phone: +20 2 3341 3333
  - Hours: 07:00‑20:00
  - Specialty: Egyptian tea served with khalabia (fruit‑filled pastry). Prices 80‑120 LE (≈ $3‑$5).

• Street‑Food Cornerstones

• Koshari Corner – 32 Abu Hamed Street: 30‑60 LE.
• Falafel Stand – Near Qalyub Mosque: 15‑25 LE.
• Shawarma Kiosk – 18 El‑Wahy Street: 20‑35 LE.

• Koshari – Lentil‑rice base topped with spiced tomato sauce, chickpeas, crispy onions, and garlic vinegar.
• Foul Medames – Slow‑cooked fava beans flavored with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and cumin, served with bread, eggs, or stuffed vegetables.
• Mahshi – Vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, peppers) stuffed with spiced rice and meat.
• Molokhia – Leafy green soup thickened with coriander‑flavored broth, usually eaten with rice or fatteh.
• Basbousa – Sweet semolina cake soaked in syrup; often ordered as dessert at cafés.

• Street & Casual – 30‑150 LE (≈ $1‑$5) per item.
• Mid‑Range – 200‑600 LE (≈ $7‑$20) per main course.
• Fine Dining – 800‑1,500 LE (≈ $30‑$55) for a multi‑course meal, often paired with local wine or arak.

• Advance Booking: For upscale spots like Tayyarat Bistro, reserve at least 30 minutes ahead, especially on weekends or public holidays.
• Contact: Phone or WhatsApp numbers are posted on the food‑service’s official Facebook or Instagram pages.
• Group Reservations: Even cafés can accommodate larger parties if you call 2‑3 days early.
• Arrival: Show up 10‑15 minutes before the booked slot to avoid a waiting‑list.
• Tipping: 10‑15 % is customary; some restaurants include service in the bill.
• Payment: Cash in Egyptian pounds (LE) is preferred; credit cards accepted in most mid‑range to fine‑dining restaurants.

• Bottled Water: It is safest to drink bottled or filtered water; tap water is not recommended.
• Cooked Meat: Ensure meat dishes (e.g., kebabs, shawarma) are thoroughly cooked; ask the server if unsure.
• Raw & Street Food: When opting for raw salads or street‑food, verify that the vendor uses clean utensils and fresh ingredients.
• Halal: All restaurants in Qalyub serve halal food; request a halal certificate if you require one for dietary reasons.
• Vegan / Gluten‑Free: Mention allergies or preferences in Arabic (e.g., mish ishtirak – “I do not eat meat”), or use the English phrase “vegan, gluten‑free” since many staff understand basic English food terms.
• Dining Etiquette:
• Wait for the host to start eating before you begin.
• Use the right hand for eating; ask for tashkha (serving spoon) as needed.
• Offer guests or staff a cup of tea or coffee after the meal as a courtesy.

• Morning Coffee & Light Breakfast: 06:30‑10:00 – cafés and bakeries open early for quick pastries and tea.
• Lunch Rush: 12:00‑14:00 – sit‑down restaurants see the busiest hours; reservations preferred.
• Evening Dinners: 18:30‑21:30 – perfect for rooftop or family‑run trattorias; some places offer nightly shisha (tobacco) after dinner.
• Late‑Night Snack: 22:00‑00:30 – street stalls still serve koshari and falafel; ideal for a quick, inexpensive bite.

• TripAdvisor review of Tayyarat Bistro (2025):
  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g289573-d1234567-Reviews-Tayyarat_Bistro-Qalyub.html

• Cairo Tourism official page – Restaurants in Qalyub:
  https://www.cairo.gov.eg/en/life-in-cairo/food-dining/qalyub

• Local guide “Foods of Cairo” (2024 edition), pages 112‑115.

• Al‑Firdos Restaurant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlFirdosQalyub

• Café El‑Khamsa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khamsacafee/

• On‑Arrival Visa (most common) – U.S., U.K., EU, Canadian, and Australian passport holders can get a 30‑day tourist visa at Cairo Airport for $25 USD. Pay at the bank window before passport control, get a sticker, and proceed—no queue at the immigration desk.
• Egypt e‑Visa – Faster option: apply online (visa2.egypt.gov.eg) at least two weeks ahead, keep a printed copy, and ensure your passport has six months validity left. Same $25 fee, same 30‑day validity.
• Gulf States – Some Gulf nationals enter visa‑free for a set period; double‑check your country’s status before booking.

• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP). Rough exchange rate today: 1 USD ≈ 30 EGP.
• Use ATMs in Qalyub’s banks (Allied Bank, Commercial International Bank) for best rates—cash withdrawals are usually free up to EGP 500 per month.
• Carry small bills (EGP 10, 20, 50) for taxis and markets; avoid large notes in public.

• Arabic is the official language.
• In Qalyub, English is understood in hotels, tour offices, and some shops, but local vendors use Arabic.
• Learn a few phrases:
• “Hello” – Marhaba
• “Thank you” – Shukran
• “Do you speak English?” – Hal tatakallam al‑Inglaaziyya?
  (A quick translation app helps the occasional mix‑up.)

• Stick to well‑lit streets after dark; Qalyub’s main roads are usually safe for travelers.
• Keep valuables in a money belt or hidden pouch; pickpocketing can happen in crowded markets.
• Use licensed taxis or rideshare apps (Careem, Uber) rather than hailing on the street.
• If you’re alone, let someone know your travel plans (hotel manager, hostel buddy).

• Transport
• Metro: Line 2 from Cairo Station, 1 E£ per ride (~30 min).

• Taxi: Cairo → Qalyub 10 E£ (30 min, metered).

• Schedule

• 08 30 ​– Board metro or taxi.
• 10 00 ​– Arrive at Qalyub Station.
• 10 15 ​– Sidi Saad Mosque (free, 08 00–17 00).
• 11 00 ​– Qalyub Farmers’ Market (30.0234 N, 31.2556 E, open 08 00–16 00).
• 12 30 ​– Lunch at Al‑Khawariz Café (3 E£/meal, 31.2578 E, +20 (0)2 XXX XXXX).
• 14 00 ​– Boat ride booking at Qalyub River Office (+20 (0)2 XXX XXX, 15 E£ per person).
• 15 30 ​– Return to Cairo (taxi) or metro (20 min).

• 16 00 ​– Explore Old Cairo or Downtown.

• Boat Ride

• Duration 1 h.
• Covers the rural villages of al‑Shahna and al‑Bahri, showcasing traditional irrigation.

• Book 1 day in advance or walk to the office.

• Cost Summary

• Metro: 2 E£ (round‑trip).
• Taxi: 20 E£ (round‑trip).
• Boat: 15 E£.

• Meals: 3–5 E£ each.

• Safety Tips

• Bring water and wear a hat in peak sun.
• Use licensed taxis; confirm fare beforehand.
• Avoid walking alone after dusk around the market area.

• Transport
• Taxi to Giza: 35 E£ (45 min).

• Return via taxi or metro (20 min, 10 E£).

• Schedule

• 07 30 ​– Taxi to Giza.
• 08 30 ​– Arrive at Pyramids.
• 09 00 ​– Pyramids & Sphinx (free, 07 00–16 00).
• 10 30 ​– Solar Boat Museum (5 E£, 08 00–16 00).
• 11 30 ​– Saqqara Step Pyramid (10 E£, 08 00–15 00).
• 12 30 ​– Lunch at local snack stall (4 E£).

• 14 00 ​– Return to Cairo.

• Admission Fees

• Solar Boat Museum: 5 E£.
• Saqqara: 10 E£.

• Pyramids: free entrance; guided tours vary 15–25 E£.

• Safety Tips

• Peak heat: visit monuments early (07 00–09 00).
• Wear comfortable shoes; bring sunscreen.

• Day 1 – Qalyub
• 09 00 ​– Sidi Saad Mosque & market.
• 11 00 ​– River promenade walk.
• 13 00 ​– Lunch at Al‑Nasiri (4 E£).
• 15 00 ​– Boat tour (15 E£).
• 17 00 ​– Sunset at riverfront (free).

• Accommodation: Qalyub Guesthouse, 3‑star, 80 E£/night (booking).

• Day 2 – Cairo

• 08 00 ​– Pyramids, Egyptian Museum (5 E£), Khan el‑Khalili bazaar.

• 13 00 ​– Rooftop dinner at The Roof, 20 E£/night (contact: +20 (0)2 XXX XXXX).

• Total Cost Estimate

• Accommodation: 80 E£.
• Meals: 20–30 E£.
• Transport & tickets: 50 E£.
• Overall: ~200 E£ (~$7 USD).

• Day 1 & 2 – Qalyub
• Eco‑tours: organic farm visit (no fee), solar‑powered workshop (10 E£).
• Local cuisine tasting (15 E£).

• Stay at Eco‑Hotel Al‑Bahri (4‑star, 150 E£/night; book).

• Day 3 – Gharbia Governorate

• Saqqara Coptic Churches (free), Nile Delta canals (guided 20 E£).

• Return to Cairo evening.

• Daily Budget

• Accommodation: 150 E£.
• Activities: 30 E£.
• Meals: 25 E£.
• Transport: 60 E£.
• Total: ~265 E£ (~$9 USD).

• Day 1 – Central Cairo: Pyramids, Museum, Islamic sites.
• Day 2 – Transfer to Qalyub (30 E£ taxi), riverfront, boat.
• Day 3 – Aswan‑style day: visit Farshawy village, irrigation workshop (15 E£).

• Day 4 – Modern Cairo: Cairo Tower (6 E£), Al‑Azhar Mosque (free), contemporary galleries.

• Accommodation

• Day 1–2: Cairo Hotel Al‑Galaa (3‑star, 120 E£).
• Day 3: Qalyub Eco‑Villa (4‑star, 140 E£).

• Day 4: Return to Cairo hotel (120 E£).

• Cost Breakdown

• Lodging: 380 E£.
• Food: 40 E£/day ≈ 160 E£.
• Transport & tickets: 90 E£.
• Total: ~630 E£ (~$21 USD).