Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the definition of bustling. Handling 22 million passengers each year, calling it “busy” would be a cute understatement. We're talking about the busiest in all of Africa.

Just 15 kilometres northeast of Cairo, this airport is a major stop for travellers jetting in or setting off from the neighbouring continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Terminal 2 is where you’re most likely to find yourself as an international arrival​. And the crowd is the first thing that’ll catch your eye. The airport is designed to handle a significant volume of traffic, but it can get quite packed during peak hours.

Now that you’re here, let’s make way into Egypt.

What to Keep Ready Before You Arrive

• Passport: First things first—make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. This is a must for many countries, Egypt included. If your passport is looking a little worse for wear or you need to renew it, hit up your local passport office.

• Visa (if needed): Depending on where you're from, you might need a visa to step foot in Egypt. The good news is that many travellers can snag a visa on arrival at Cairo, and some can even breeze through with an e-visa — just apply online before your trip.

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• Travel Insurance: Don’t leave home without it. This is your safety net for any unexpected medical expenses while you’re off exploring the world. Companies like Allianz and World Nomads have a range of international plans that’ll keep you covered and give you peace of mind during your adventures.

• Hotel and Car Reservations: Keep your accommodation confirmation within arm’s reach (on your phone or ready to show in your email). If you booked through Booking.com or Airbnb, having that info handy can save you from a lot of stress. And if you’re planning to hit the road, car-rental companies like Hertz and Avis have your back.

Inside Cairo International Airport

While it may not have the ultra-modern design of some global airports, Cairo International Airport offers essential amenities, including restaurants and shopping outlets (albeit limited in choice), currency exchange, and 24-hour ATMs. We’ll cover them in more detail in the next section. Let’s look at what else you can expect within the airport:

1. Crowds: Cairo International Airport (CAI) is currently experiencing significant passenger traffic, handling around 26 million travellers annually​. This makes it one of the busiest airports in Africa, along with Johannesburg International Airport. The airport currently accommodates approximately 243 flights daily, which can lead to substantial crowds, especially during peak travel times.

1. Signage and navigation: These are frequently cited as pain points. While the airport is functional, clearer signage could help passengers move through the terminals without feeling lost in translation. Enhancements in technology and digital displays are planned, but yet to materialize.

2. Terminal Connectivity: Terminals 2 and 3 are conveniently interconnected by an air bridge, allowing for easy transfers between them. Terminal 3 (reserved for Egypt Air) itself has extensive facilities, including 23 gates and a range of dining and shopping options.

3. Renovation Plans: The airport is currently undergoing a comprehensive renovation to improve its facilities, including upgrading Terminal 1. These renovations aim to expand international departure and arrival halls, add new amenities, and constructing a hotel for transit passengers.

4. Transportation: Getting to and from the airport is straightforward. Various transportation options include taxis, shuttle services, and car rental companies like Hertz and Avis. The airport is located about 15 kilometers from downtown Cairo, making it accessible for travellers.

Airport Facilities: Adequate

Cairo International Airport offers a range of facilities, though they may not be as extensive or modern as those found in some global airports. The airport is rated as a 3-Star AirportWhile basic needs are met, be prepared for a few limitations:

• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is up for grabs, but before you get excited — the connection can be a bit iffy. Just look for “Cairo Airport Wi-Fi.” You’ll need to register with your phone number, but if there’s a crowd, slow speeds and dropouts are common.

• Restrooms: Clean restrooms are scattered around, complete with baby-changing facilities and accessible options. Just a heads up: some might be a little hard to find, so keep your eyes peeled as you wander.

• Food: Cairo Airport features a decent array of shops and restaurants. Dining outlets are available across terminals, and are open 24/7, catering to travellers’ needs.

• Shopping: There are plenty of duty-free shops that are situated in Terminal 1 (on the first floor), Terminal 2 (within the customs area), and Terminal 3 (near the departure gates)​. However, the best shopping experience is available only in Terminal 3. Regulations apply to purchases based on your flight itinerary​.

• Information Desks: There are info desks sprinkled throughout the airport, manned by friendly staff ready to guide you. Just know that during peak times, these spots can get crowded, so you might be waiting a bit for your turn.

Passport Control

Keep your passport and arrival card close at hand. You’ll snag the arrival card on the flight. Follow the signs to passport control — when you hit the passport control area, you’ll see a few lines snaking around. 

Choose the right one for your passport type (citizens, residents, and visitors all have their own lanes). If you’re a visitor with a foreign passport, choose the line for “Foreign Passport Holders”. 

After a 10-15 minute wait, you’ll be at the front of the line, and it’s showtime. Hand over your passport and arrival card to the customs officer. Expect a couple of quick questions about your plans. 

Once your documents are given the green light, you’ll get that all-important stamp in your passport. Congrats — you’ve officially entered Egypt.

Baggage Claim & Customs

As you exit the passport control area, follow the clear signs (in English and Arabic) that lead to “Baggage Claim”. If you’re confused, just follow the flow of the crowd from passport control — everyone’s headed to baggage claim. Once you step into the baggage claim area, expect a crowd of locals, tourists, and airport staff. You might even catch sight of a few eager families outside, holding up signs to welcome back their loved ones.

Cairo’s baggage claim features several carousels, each marked with flight numbers and destination information. Keep an eye on the digital screens overhead to see which carousel is designated for your flight. The intensity of the crowd can vary, especially depending on the time of day. Mornings and late evenings are usually the busiest.

On average, your bags should start appearing within 20-30 minutes, but if it’s a particularly busy time, you could be waiting longer — up to 45 minutes.

Once you’ve successfully claimed your baggage, you’ll approach customs. Cairo Airport typically has two lanes: the green lane for travellers with nothing to declare and the red lane for those with items to declare. If you’ve got nothing to declare, strut through the green lane.

SIM Card Kiosks

Once you’ve cleared customs at Cairo International Airport, you’ll find a variety of kiosks ready to hook you up with a local SIM card. Providers like Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat and WE have set up shop right near the luggage belts, making it super convenient for travelers eager to stay connected.

Kiosk Locations

• Vodafone: Located at luggage belt 4.

• Orange: Found at luggage belt 1.

• Etisalat: Situated at luggage belt 5.

• WE: Available at luggage belt 4.

Pricing and Packages

While prices at the airport are generally higher than what you would find at retail stores in the city, the convenience of purchasing a SIM card immediately upon arrival is a big plus. Here’s a snapshot of typical prices and data packages:

Vodafone:

• Tourist Line T500: 30GB for about 505 EGP (approximately $10.37)

• Flex 200 + Plus: 31GB for about 656 EGP (approximately $13.47)

Orange:

• Free Max 200 + GO 200: 32GB for about 637 EGP (approximately $13.08)

• Free Max 200 + GO 120: 24GB for about 523 EGP (approximately $10.74)

Etisalat:

• Basic packages typically range from 100 to 220 EGP (around $5 to $11) depending on the data allowance.

Registration Requirements

To purchase a SIM card, you’ll need to present your passport, as registration is mandatory for foreign travelers. The kiosk staff will take some details from your passport during the registration process. They’ll typically help you get your SIM set up and activated right then and there, allowing you to hit the ground running.

If you prefer to avoid the physical SIM hassle altogether, consider opting for an eSIM. This option allows you to set up your mobile connection before your trip and activate it as soon as you land in Cairo.

A Quick Guide to Egyptian Currency

While you're getting your SIM card, you might want to familiarize yourself with the Egyptian Pound (EGP), the official currency of Egypt. As of October 2024, the conversion value hovers around 48.74 EGP to 1 USD, but exchange rates can fluctuate, so it's wise to check current rates before making any conversions.

Denominations

The Egyptian Pound comes in various denominations, including:

• Coins: 25 piastres (0.25 EGP), 50 piastres (0.50 EGP), and 1 EGP.

• Banknotes: 5 EGP, 10 EGP, 20 EGP, 50 EGP, 100 EGP, and 200 EGP.

You’ll find that cash is widely accepted across most places in Cairo, but it’s also good to have some smaller denominations handy for tips and small purchases.

Always choose to be charged in EGP at ATMs to dodge unnecessary conversion fees. And although the ATMs at Cairo International Airport are reputable, always make a habit of checking your banknotes briefly (applies anywhere). It’s a precautionary step to ensure you’re not caught off guard in local markets or shops where fakes might circulate.

ATM / Currency Exchange

After you’ve grabbed your SIM, the next stop is figuring out how to get your hands on some Egyptian pounds. Cairo International Airport has several currency exchange counters, conveniently located near baggage claim. These counters are easy to spot, with bright signs.

Now, let’s talk rates. Airport exchange counters often have rates that aren’t the best in town (cough, cough — "tourist tax"). While you might get a decent amount of cash for your dollars or euros, it’s typically less favorable than what you’d find in the city. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, you might want to hold off on exchanging all your money at the airport. It's advisable to exchange just enough to get you started and plan to seek better rates in the city.

You’ll see kiosks in and around the airport that offer currency exchange. While they may look tempting, they often have some of the worst rates. Stick to the counters or ATMs instead.

Best ATMs to Use

If you prefer to skip the counters, ATMs are widely available at Cairo International Airport (and throughout the city). While they usually offer better rates than the counters, they’re not without their own extra fees. Your home bank may charge an international withdrawal fee, and the ATM itself might stack on a service charge.

When it comes to choosing an ATM, stick with well-known banks like National Bank of Egypt, HSBC, or Banque Misr. These machines are typically reliable and secure, and they’ll dispense cash in EGP without any fuss. Outside the airport, avoid using ATMs located in less busy areas, as they can sometimes be targets for skimmers or other unsavory characters.

Always choose to be charged in EGP to dodge unnecessary conversion fees. And although the ATMs at Cairo International Airport are reputable, always make a habit of checking your banknotes briefly). It’s a precautionary step to ensure you’re not caught off guard in local markets or shops where fakes might circulate.

To prevent any obstacles during international ATM cash withdrawal, it’s a good idea to notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent any issues with your card.

The Taxi Scene at Cairo Airport

When you arrive, you'll find a swarm of taxi drivers eager to catch your attention. Some are official drivers, but many are brokers trying to facilitate rides for those waiting outside. It can get a bit chaotic, especially during peak hours when multiple flights land simultaneously.

Types of Taxis

Cairo has a mix of taxis, and here's how they break down:

• Black and White Taxis: These are older, often less comfortable, and usually lack air conditioning. They’re the cheapest option, but be prepared to negotiate the fare, as they may not always use a meter. Prices generally range from 150 to 250 EGP (approximately $5 to $8) depending on your negotiation skills.

This option isn’t recommended for tourists who are unfamiliar with local fares.

• White Taxis: More modern and equipped with air conditioning, these are a mid-range choice. They typically use a meter, which makes fare calculation easier. They typically cost around 100 to 150 EGP (approximately $3 to $5) for a ride to the city centre.

• Yellow Taxis: These are the more premium, luxurious models (and the most expensive). They also operate on a metered fare system​. You can book these taxis via a hotline, offering a more reliable service for pickups compared to street-hailing. Fares generally range from 150 to 200 EGP (approximately $5 to $6)​.

No matter the ride, before you hop in, it’s a good idea to confirm the fare with the driver to avoid any surprises later. Some drivers may attempt to charge extra fees related to airport access, so make sure to clarify that as well.

• Ride-Hailing Services: For a more seamless experience, consider using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem. These services are popular in Cairo and allow you to book a ride directly from your smartphone, providing upfront pricing and eliminating the need for cash negotiations. Prices are comparable to traditional taxis, making it an attractive option for many travellers.

• Public Transport: If you're looking to save a few pounds, public buses run from the airport to various parts of the city. While this option is the most budget-friendly, with fares around 10 EGP (about $0.20 USD), it may take longer due to multiple stops and crowded conditions.

A Quick Guide to Car Rentals

At Cairo International Airport, car rental options are abundant and convenient for travellers looking to explore the city and surrounding areas. The airport hosts several well-known rental agencies, including Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and Budget.

You can rent a car starting from around $20 to $38 per day, depending on the type of vehicle and rental duration. The range of vehicles available includes compact cars, SUVs, and even larger vans, accommodating various group sizes and travel needs. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.

• To rent a car in Cairo, you must present a valid passport, a local or international driving permit, and be at least 20 years old.

• Car rental offices are conveniently located in the arrival hall of the terminals, making it easy to pick up your vehicle upon arrival. Many companies also offer the flexibility of after-hours returns.

• If you plan to drive in Cairo, be aware that traffic can be hectic, and local driving habits might differ from what you're used to. Familiarize yourself with local road rules, speed limits, and parking regulations to ensure a smoother driving experience.

Cairo International Airport is Functional, But Crowded

Congratulations - you've made it out of the airport and you're ready to explore the country in all its glory. Check out our travel influencer Edward Kim's vlog for a quick guide on what to expect after arrival and things to do on day 1 of your stay in Egypt.

Cairo International Airport (CAI) has a lot going for it, but with around 25 million travellers flocking through its gates each year, the airport needs to step up its game to match the hustle and bustle of modern air travel​.

Overall, Cairo International Airport is on a path to become a modern hub with the upcoming Terminal 4 and the renovations of existing facilities. With these changes, it’s set to enhance passenger experiences significantly, but until then, travellers might find themselves navigating a few bumps along the way.