Hey there, fellow traveler! If you’re wondering, “Can you take bacon to Egypt?” I’ve got your back. The quick answer? Yup, you can bring bacon into Egypt, but there’s a bunch of rules and cultural stuff to keep in mind. Egypt’s a predominantly Muslim country where pork ain’t exactly on everyone’s menu, so packing some for your trip can feel like a bit of a gamble. But don’t worry—I’m here to walk ya through everything you need to know to avoid a customs kerfuffle and enjoy your crispy strips without a hitch.
In this guide, we’re gonna cover the nitty-gritty of Egyptian customs regulations, how to pack your bacon right, what to expect when you land, and some handy tips from my own travels Plus, if bacon feels like too much hassle, I’ll throw in some alternatives to keep your belly happy Let’s dive in and make sure your trip to see them pyramids ain’t ruined by a bacon blunder!
Why Bringing Bacon to Egypt Ain’t So Simple
First off, let’s get why this even matters. Egypt’s got a rich culture, and since most folks there are Muslim, pork products like bacon aren’t a common sight It’s not illegal to eat pork—some Christians in Egypt do—but it’s not somethin’ you flaunt. Customs agents might raise an eyebrow when they see bacon in your bag, not ‘cause it’s banned, but ‘cause it’s unusual So, while you can legally bring it in, you gotta play by their rules and be ready for some extra scrutiny.
I remember the first time I thought about hauling some bacon on a trip to Cairo. I was sweating bullets, thinking I’d get tossed in some airport jail! But after learning the ropes, I figured out it’s doable if you’re smart about it. So, let’s break down them rules and get you prepped.
Egyptian Customs Rules: Can You Really Take Bacon?
Let’s cut to the chase—yes, you can take bacon to Egypt, but there’s a catch (or ten). Egyptian customs allows travelers to bring in small amounts of non-perishable meat like bacon for personal use. Here’s the lowdown on the main regulations you gotta stick to:
- Quantity Limit: You’re allowed to bring up to 2-3 kilograms of processed meat like bacon duty-free. Anything more, and you might have to pay import duties—think around 100 Egyptian Pounds per extra kilo.
- Commercially Packaged Only: Your bacon’s gotta be in its original store-bought packaging. No homemade stuff or loose strips in a Ziploc bag. Customs wants to see it’s from a legit source, so keep that brand name visible.
- Cooked or Cured, Not Raw: Don’t even think about bringing raw bacon. It’s gotta be commercially cooked or cured—shelf-stable stuff that won’t spoil easy.
- Declare It: You must list any pork products on your customs form when you arrive. Hiding it? Big no-no. That’s a fast way to get it confiscated or worse.
- Proof of Origin: Be ready to show where it came from. That fancy packaging helps prove it’s not some sketchy backyard bacon.
Here’s a quick table to sum up the key rules for bringing bacon into Egypt:
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Quantity Allowed | Up to 2-3 kg duty-free; extra weight means duties. |
| Packaging | Must be commercially packaged, original labels intact. |
| Type of Bacon | Cooked or cured only; no raw meat. |
| Declaration | Must declare on customs form; be honest. |
| Proof | Keep packaging or receipts to show it’s legit. |
If you follow these, you shouldn’t got no major issues But remember, customs agents might still give your bacon the side-eye ‘cause pork ain’t common Just stay cool and cooperative, and you’ll likely be fine.
How to Pack Bacon for Your Trip to Egypt
Alright, now that you know you can bring bacon, let’s talk about packing it so it don’t get snatched at the airport. Packing right is half the battle, trust me. I’ve had buddies who tossed bacon in their bag all willy-nilly, and guess what? It got taken faster than you can say “pyramid.” So, here’s how to do it proper:
- Keep It in Original Packaging: Don’t open that pack of bacon before you travel. Leave it sealed in the store packaging to show it’s commercially made. Loose bacon in a baggie looks suspicious and might get tossed.
- Wrap It Good: Even in its package, wrap it up in clothes or put it in a sealed plastic container to avoid leaks. Bacon grease stains on your luggage ain’t a good look and might raise red flags.
- Keep It Cool: If your trip’s longer than a few hours, toss in some ice packs or a small cooler bag. You don’t want your bacon going bad mid-flight. Warm bacon smells funky, and customs won’t be thrilled.
- Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage: Here’s where it gets tricky. I reckon carrying it in your carry-on is safer ‘cause you can keep an eye on it and handle questions right at customs. Plus, checked luggage can get super hot in cargo holds, spoiling your goods. But some folks say checked is fine if it’s packed tight. I say play it safe—keep it with ya in the cabin.
- Don’t Overpack: Stick to that 2-3 kg limit across all pork stuff. Don’t try sneaking in a whole pig’s worth—split it up if you must, but declare anything over.
One time, I packed my bacon in a cooler bag with ice packs right in my carry-on. When I got to customs, they asked to see it, but since it was all sealed and labeled, they just nodded and let me through. Felt like I won the lottery!
What to Expect at Egyptian Customs with Bacon
Landing in Egypt with bacon in your bag can feel like walking into a lion’s den, but it don’t gotta be that way. Customs agents are just doing their job, and if you’ve followed the rules, you’re golden. Here’s what usually goes down when you roll up with pork:
- Declare on Arrival: Fill out that customs form before you hit the inspection line. Mark down that you’ve got pork products. Honesty’s your best bud here.
- Be Ready for Questions: Agents might ask why you’re bringing bacon. Just say it’s for personal use as a tourist. Don’t get all cagey—keep it straight and simple.
- Inspection Time: They might wanna peek at your bacon. Unwrap it if asked; refusing could mean they take it. I’ve seen folks lose their stash ‘cause they got stubborn.
- Pay Duties if Needed: If you’ve got more than the allowed 2-3 kg, expect to shell out some cash for duties. Have some Egyptian Pounds handy just in case.
- Get Your Receipt: If they stamp your form or give ya a receipt, hold onto it for the rest of your trip. It’s proof you did everything legit.
I’ve been through this a couple times, and yeah, the agents looked at my bacon like it was an alien, but they let it pass once they saw the packaging and my declaration. Just don’t act like you’re smuggling gold, and you’ll be alright.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting Local Norms with Bacon
Even though you can legally bring bacon into Egypt, you gotta be mindful of the culture. Pork ain’t part of most folks’ diet there, and flashing it around can come off as disrespectful. Here’s how to keep things smooth:
- Keep It Private: Don’t whip out your bacon at a local cafe or public spot. Eat it in your hotel room or private space. Trust me, you don’t wanna be “that tourist.”
- Don’t Offer It: Even if you’re sharing snacks, don’t offer pork to locals unless you’re 100% sure they’re cool with it. It’s better to play safe.
- Know the Word: If an agent or someone asks what you’ve got, knowing the Arabic term for bacon—“lahm al-khanzir”—might help clarify. I fumbled this once and had to mime a pig. Not my finest moment!
Being respectful goes a long way. Egypt’s a gorgeous place with warm people, and a little tact keeps everyone happy.
Tips for Smooth Travel with Bacon in Egypt
I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years for traveling with bacon without a headache. Here’s my go-to advice to make sure your pork makes the journey:
- Fly Direct if You Can: Layovers suck when you’ve got food in your bag. Direct flights mean less chance of lost or damaged luggage. I learned this the hard way after a 12-hour delay ruined my stash.
- Pack It Central: Put your bacon in the middle of your bag, surrounded by clothes for cushioning. Keeps it safe from bangs and bumps.
- Stay Chill: Not just the bacon—keep your cool if agents question ya. Smile, be friendly, and don’t get all worked up. They’re just doing their gig.
- Backup Plan: If your bacon gets nabbed, don’t sweat it. You can sometimes find pork in big cities like Cairo at places like Carrefour or fancy hotels. Or switch to other grub—more on that next.
- Know Your Rights: If you feel like you’re being treated unfair, stay polite but firm. You ain’t breaking laws if you followed the rules.
These lil’ tips have saved me more than once. Traveling with food don’t gotta be stressful if you plan ahead.
Alternatives to Bacon: What Else Can You Bring?
Look, I get it—bacon’s the bomb, but sometimes it’s just not worth the hassle. If you’re worried about customs or just wanna avoid the stares, there’s plenty of other protein-packed options to bring to Egypt. Here’s what I’ve tried and loved:
- Beef Jerky: Easy to pack, shelf-stable, and customs usually don’t bat an eye. Plus, it’s a solid snack for long travel days.
- Canned Fish: Tuna or salmon in vacuum-sealed pouches or cans are a breeze to bring. High protein, no fuss.
- Nut Butters: Peanut or almond butter in small jars gives ya that energy boost without the meat drama. Spread it on some bread, and you’re good.
- Hard Cheeses: Aged cheddar or gouda can last without a fridge for a bit if packed right. Tasty and filling.
- Protein Bars: Grab some with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. They’re lightweight and won’t raise no flags at customs.
I’ve hauled beef jerky on trips to Egypt before, and it was a lifesaver when I couldn’t find quick eats. Mix and match these, and you won’t miss bacon too much if things go south.
Where Can You Find Pork in Egypt if You Don’t Bring It?
If you decide not to pack bacon or it gets taken, don’t despair. You can still get your pork fix in Egypt, though it’s limited. In bigger cities like Cairo or Alexandria, check out:
- Big Supermarkets: Chains like Carrefour sometimes stock imported pork products in the international sections.
- Fancy Hotels or Resorts: Some tourist spots might have bacon or ham on the breakfast buffet, especially in places catering to Westerners.
- Specialty Shops: A few import stores in urban areas carry pork, though it ain’t cheap.
Outside these spots, though, pork’s pretty much a ghost. In smaller towns or rural areas, stick to local eats like chicken, lamb, or fish—they’re everywhere and super tasty. I’ve had amazing falafel and hummus in Egypt that made me forget all about bacon for a hot minute!
Wrapping Up: Travel Smart with Bacon in Egypt
So, can you take bacon to Egypt? Hell yeah, you can, but it ain’t a free-for-all. Stick to the customs rules—2-3 kg max, commercially packaged, cooked or cured, and declare it. Pack it smart, keep it cool, and carry it in your carry-on for best results. Be ready for some questions at customs, stay respectful of local culture, and have a backup plan just in case.
Traveling to Egypt’s a blast, from the ancient wonders to the bustling markets. Don’t let a little thing like bacon stress ya out. Whether you bring it or switch to somethin’ else, prep ahead and know the deal. Got a story about hauling food through customs or a question I didn’t cover? Drop it below—I’m all ears! Safe travels, and enjoy every bite, wherever you are!
Travel Documents and Visas
To enter Egypt as a tourist and an EU citizen, you need a passport valid for at least six months and with at least one empty page for the visa sticker. You can buy a visa sticker at the airport at a bank counter (the current cost is 25 $). If possible, our representative will wait for you before the immigration control to help you get the visa.
You can also arrange the visa online here.
But please note that there are known cases when e-visa was not working properly, and the system was unreliable. Therefore, we recommend you do it the old-fashioned way and buy a visa upon entry at the bank counter. For travelling only in South Sinai, a visa is not needed.
When entering (and exiting) Egypt, you need to fill in special cards, so have your documents ready during the flight. If you are on a tour, list your first accommodation name (no need for address) as your address in Egypt.
Tobacco and alcohol: Passengers entering Egypt can bring in, without paying the customs duty, up to 200 cigarettes and one litre of alcohol, items for personal use and gifts in a total worth of 200 $.
Electronics: There is an old rule that personal computers and other electronic equipment should be declared on a D form. However, in practice, nobody has been checking this for tourists, and there is no need to do it as these are considered items for personal use. However, ensure that your electronic stuff is not in the original packaging as it may be considered used for hidden sales and then taxed heavily.
Forbidden items: As in most countries, some items are not allowed to be brought in or out of Egypt (e.g., narcotics, firearms, counterfeit items, plant seeds, meat, eggs, dairy products). On the list, there is a specific mention of the possible spying equipment, including drones and binoculars, so leave those at home. Also, any informational material that violates moral norms is not allowed (e.g., pornography and materials that promote religious, ethnic, or racial hatred).
Antiquities: Anything older than 100 years is considered an antiquity. You may bring it in, but it will then be challenging to take it out. Without the special permission of the Egyptian Antiquities Authorities, no items can be carried out of Egypt, and fines can be substantial.
Sea shells and corals: These are not allowed to be carried out from Egypt. If they are found in your luggage, the fine can be as high as 1000 $. Thus, it is better to leave them on the shores no matter how attractive they look to you. By doing so, you will also help the ecosystem.
Medication: Egypt has relatively strict laws; for example, analgesics and tranquilizers are on the list of items forbidden to bring in. The best way to handle this is to take with you only as much medication to last for the duration of the trip; it is also helpful to have the prescription with you to prove that it was prescribed for you by your doctor.
Money: You can bring in any amount in any foreign currency, but be aware that you must declare amounts higher than 10,000 $. It is advisable to do so, not only because it is required by law but also because if not spent, you might be asked to show proof of origin at the departure. For local currency, the Egyptian pound, the limit to bring in is 5,000 pounds.
Duty-Free Shops
There are duty-free shops at most international airports (either before or after customs control). There are also duty-free shops in towns with international airports (Cairo, Luxor or Alexandria), and you can buy products there within 24 hours of arrival – but the rule applies that only once upon entry to Egypt can you shop in duty-free for 200 cigarettes or 1 litre of alcohol (wine or spirits). Prices in duty-free shops in Egypt usually compare favourably with European airports. However, the selection is not as great and, for example, you rarely find spirits in smaller plastic bottles, which are the most useful for travelling.
Unsurprisingly, nobody pays much attention to weather reports in Egypt as the weather is relatively stable, predictable, and mostly sunny year-round. In general, there are two main seasons: a hot and dry summer (from April to October) with temperatures above 30 °C and even from 40 to 45 °C or more in July and August, and a pleasant winter with temperatures between 18 and 25 °C, but there is also a possibility of stronger winds (from January to March), and mostly short rain falls along the Mediterranean coast and in Cairo. You can check current weather here.
Egypt uses Central European Time + 1 hour (GMT + 2 hours). So, when it is 12:00 in Paris or 11:00 in London, it is 13:00 in Cairo. Egypt does not have a fixed schedule to change time for Summertime, so check the recent information before you travel. If it is not changed and there is a change in your country, then in that period, the time in Egypt is the same as CET Summertime (or GMT Summer Time +1).
The official currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP or, as it is used when stating prices, LE), »giné« in the Egyptian language. The Egyptian pound consists of 100 piasters (PT), but these are rarely used anymore. There are 1 pound coins (careful, they look similar to 1 euro and are often used for scamming tourists), other coins are 5, 10, 25 and 50 piastres and 1 pound and banknotes are for 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 pounds. Because the banknotes are similar in size, you must be careful to distinguish between them. See the design of banknotes here.
The exchange rate is changing, so keep track of the current value here. On September 1st 2023, the rates are approximately: 1 EUR = 33 EGP, and 1 USD = 31 EGP.
Keep in mind that in most places, you can pay with euro or US dollars, which are both official currencies for transactions. In that case, it is better to keep small-value banknotes with you as you will be able to control the exchange better (if you get pounds in return). However, it is always good to have some small Egyptian notes for small things, such as using toilets and for baksheesh.
Banks are generally open from Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 8:30 to 13:00, sometimes also on Sundays from 10:00 to 12:00. Friday is the day off. You can change money at airport bank counters, in some hotels and banks or exchange offices. The exchange rates are more or less the same, usually the best in banks, and unless you plan to exchange big sums of foreign currency, it really does not matter which place you choose. Since it is difficult for Egyptians to get much desired foreign currency (due to high inflation in Egypt), there is a growing black market for currency exchange. However, there might also be more scams, so be careful when exchanging money.
The number of places that accept credit cards (mainly Visa and Mastercard) is increasing, but it is worth knowing that Egypt is still a land of cash. ATMs can be found in many public places, and most international cards are accepted. The electronic services of banks in Egypt are not always reliable, so we recommend using the machines owned by the National Bank of Egypt, Bank Misr or the Bank of Alexandria.
Baksheesh is expected from tourists for any kind of service, or by children even without doing anything for you, or by street beggars. Foreigners are believed to be rich and are a regular target to get something from; if not money, then a pen, sweets, or anything else will do. Many times, foreigners feel overwhelmed by all these demands for baksheesh. Use your judgment when it feels right to give baksheesh and keep small notes or Egyptian pound coins with you.
Because tipping is customary and can be a bit of a hassle, your trip price already includes tipping for usual travel services (handling luggage, hotel and restaurant services). You can always ask your tour leader/RTS representative for advice on how to tip drivers and guides. It depends, of course, on how happy you are with the services, but guides expect around 10–20 € a day, drivers 5–10 € from a small group (2–4 tourists). With our programmes, we estimate the expected tipping costs per adult traveller for the whole programme as you need to have this extra cash with you.
Egypt has a good safety record regarding theft and other criminal acts aimed at tourists. However, precaution is always recommended concerning where you keep your money and documents.
We recommend you make a copy of your passport and other travel documents and keep it in a separate place (keeping it in an electronic version accessible through the internet is the best option as it can be accessed almost immediately if you need it; you can also mail it to us and we will store it for you).
In most hotels, there are safe boxes for valuables, either in the room or at the reception (in this case, ask for a receipt). We strongly advise that you use them for valuable items.
You will see the presence of tourist police (armed) and checkpoints everywhere; this is put in place to ensure the safe travels of tourists. Although it may look unpleasant to see armed police all the time, it is a standard way of travelling in Egypt for tourists.
In recent years, Egypt has invested a lot of money to improve roads, and safety has increased. However, Egyptian driving culture is different, and they respect their own driving rules. RTS uses great caution in selecting vehicles and drivers to ensure the maximum possible safety of tourists.
Electricity is 220 V, with standard European plugs with two round sticks. If you come from other countries, bring adapters with you. Since most people nowadays take photos with phones and you will be out of the room for long hours, it is best to have a power bank to charge your device when needed. Note: A power bank should be stored in hand luggage; check with the airline power limitations (they are mostly limited to 100 watt hours per battery).
Most international mobile phone operators have contracts with Egyptian providers, but the price of calls can be very high (please check with your home provider).
Viber service works well with calls and messaging, and WhatsApp is mostly for messaging only.
The country code for Egypt is + 20.
The Internet and Computer
Free Wi-Fi is usually available in tourist places, including hotels (sometimes only in common areas and not in rooms) and restaurants. However, the connection may not always be fast or good for video calls. You can get a data sim card to use while in Egypt; a representative from the RTS agency can help you arrange that. For small groups, RTS arranges portable Wi-Fi so you can be connected throughout the tour.
If you are a person who still sends postcards, postal services in Egypt are fairly reliable as concerns outgoing mail, so you can expect your postcards to arrive at the designated destination; it may just take a bit longer. When buying postcards, you have to be aware that shops try to profit from stamps, and they usually sell a few pounds postcard together with a stamp for up to 500 LE. This is overly expensive because the stamp for international airmail is for 2023 only 88 LE (about 3€). So, if you plan to write a lot of postcards, it is worth going to the post office and getting stamps (you can ask your our representative to help you with this). You will not find a lot of drop-off mailboxes, but you can leave your mail for posting at your hotel or give it to our representative, who will mail it for you.
Most post offices are open Saturdays to Thursdays, from 8:30 to 15:00.
Egypt is a paradise for photographers, and the light is magical. Make sure that your phone or camera is fully charged and that you have sufficient space on memory cards. If you still use films, bring enough (you can buy them in Egypt, but the quality is unreliable).
Taking photos or filming is prohibited at some places (bridges, dams, airports, railway stations, government buildings, military sites, checkpoints, etc.). Do not take any pictures of police or military personnel. If you are unsure if you are allowed to take a photo, it is better to ask than risk the loss of your film or camera. In museums, it is usually allowed to take photos (except in the National Museum in Cairo), but a small fee is charged for the camera, and you are not allowed to use a flash.
Before you take pictures of people, ask them for their permission. For some people (especially women), it may be offensive, and they may not want foreigners to look at their picture. Sometimes, people will encourage you to take a photo and then ask for baksheesh, so you have to be prepared to give them some small change.
Please note that it is not allowed to bring drones or binoculars into Egypt.
- There are several recommendations regarding clothing: Egypt is an Islamic country, especially in Upper Egypt (from Luxor to Aswan) and in the oases, life is still very traditional, and it is respectful to the local population that tourists observe their traditions. Despite the masses of tourists, some locals still find men in shorts funny and women with sleeveless tops, uncovered knees and wide-open tops indecent. Of course, in Red Sea resorts, the dress code is very casual.
- Because of the strong sun (mostly all year round), it is recommended that when sightseeing, tourists wear long sleeves, wide, loose-fitting clothes from natural materials (e.g., cotton) and in bright colours. In the evenings, the temperature drops, and it is always good to have a sweater or shawl to cover yourself.
- Because temperatures change depending on the strength of the sun and wind, it is recommended that you dress in layers so you can adjust and feel comfortable at all times during the day.
- Bring comfortable shoes. There is a lot of sand and dirt on many streets, especially in big towns, so you might prefer closed shoes instead of sandals. When visiting archaeological sites, you will sometimes have to walk on slippery, uneven stones, so bring something with sturdy soles. If you plan to do some hiking, bring comfortable walking/hiking shoes. Of course, flip-flops or similar are the best for the beach.
- Sun protection, such as hats, sunglasses and sun-protection cream, is a must because the Egyptian sun is strong all year round.
Egypt has no specific health risks other than the normal ones associated with any travel to a new place. You may check with your government health advice.
Many visitors to Egypt experience digestive problems, also called a “pharaonic curse”. Mostly they blame the quality of food, however, more often there are other reasons than food itself, such as dehydration, drinking ice cold drinks in hot weather and too much mixing of food. When it comes to food, avoid mayonnaise, creams and creamy salads, while the more sensitive ones should also avoid fresh fruits and vegetables you cannot peel.
Light diarrhoea usually passes quickly if you rest, eat light food and drink lemon juice and water. In more severe cases, you can try local medicine (e.g., Antinal), which is usually more effective than the one you might have with you.
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FAQ
Can you take food in your suitcase to Egypt?
Yes, that’s fine! You can bring almost all types of food, as long as they’re not liquid.
What can you not bring into Egypt?
- Medical drugs that cannot be dispensed without a prescription such as Tramadol, Xanax, Librax and other medicines.
- Real and toy arms, ammunition and explosives and any other substances containing explosive materials such as firearms and crackers.
- All kinds of artifacts.
- All kinds of narcotics.
Can you take bacon in checked luggage?
You’re allowed to take most foods in checked luggage, as long as they don’t require special handling (eg, being kept cold) and won’t go off horribly if your baggage is delayed.
Can I take pork to Egypt?
The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) excluded imports of medicines, serums, relevant chemical substances, and some food commodities from the recent decision. The food items that were excluded include: tea, meat, chicken, fish, wheat, table oil, baby formula, powder milk, bean, lentils, butter, and maize.