Essential Apps for Travelers in Egypt
Traveling to Egypt can be an unforgettable adventure, but navigating daily life often requires using local apps. Many of these apps are not available in English, but they’re indispensable for payments, transportation, food delivery, and communication. Below is a guide to the most important apps you’ll need, along with tips for preparation and usage.
Before You Arrive in Egypt
- Purchase a Local SIM Card: Buy a SIM card from providers like Vodafone, Orange, or Etisalat at Cairo International Airport or major cities. Prepaid plans with data are affordable. Activate the SIM card immediately to access apps and services.
- Download Essential Apps: Some apps like Fawry or Vodafone Cash may require a local phone number. Download apps available internationally before arrival (e.g., Google Maps, Google Translate) and install others once connected to a local network.
Top Apps for Travelers in Egypt
1. Fawry (فوري)
- Language: Arabic (English partially supported)
- What It Does: Egypt’s leading payment service for bills, top-ups, and purchases. Use it to pay utilities, buy movie tickets, and make payments at merchants nationwide.
- How to Set Up: Download the app, register with your phone number, and load cash via Fawry kiosks, banks, or online transfers. Link a bank account for seamless transactions.
- Tips: Locate Fawry kiosks in malls for quick top-ups. Use the app to pay for public transport and restaurants.
2. Uber (أوبر)
- Language: Arabic/English (switchable)
- What It Does: Egypt’s primary ride-hailing app offering cars, taxis, and motorbikes. Track drivers in real time and pay via credit cards or local wallets like Vodafone Cash.
- How to Set Up: Create an account, add payment methods, and enable location services. Use Arabic names for addresses to avoid confusion with drivers.
- Tips: Communicate with drivers via the app’s messaging feature. Confirm pickup points clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
3. Talabat (تالابت)
- Language: Arabic/English
- What It Does: Food delivery app with options from local and international restaurants. Offers discounts and fast delivery in major cities.
- How to Set Up: Create an account, add payment details (credit card or Fawry), and select delivery or pickup locations.
- Tips: Filter for restaurants with English menus. Use the app’s reviews to choose highly rated eateries.
4. Google Maps
- Language: Arabic/English (switchable)
- What It Does: Essential for navigation in Egypt. Includes real-time traffic updates, public transport routes, and offline maps.
- How to Set Up: Download offline maps for Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan before traveling. Enable satellite view for better orientation in crowded areas.
- Tips: Use the “Explore” feature to find attractions and restaurants near your location.
5. Zomato
- Language: Arabic/English
- What It Does: Restaurant review and discovery app. Find user-rated spots, check menus, and make reservations.
- How to Set Up: Create an account, toggle between languages, and search by cuisine or location.
- Tips: Use filters to find English-friendly restaurants or international cuisines like Italian or Japanese.
6. Google Translate
- Language: Supports Arabic, English, and many others
- What It Does: Instant translation of text, voice, and images. Vital for overcoming language barriers.
- How to Set Up: Download the app and enable offline translation packs for Arabic-English.
- Tips: Use the camera feature to translate street signs or menus on the go.
7. Vodafone Cash (فودافون كاش)
- Language: Arabic (English partially supported)
- What It Does: Mobile wallet for payments at merchants, bill payments, and topping up phone credit.
- How to Set Up: Requires a Vodafone SIM card. Load cash via stores, banks, or online transfers. Link to a bank account for easier management.
- Tips: Use Vodafone Cash for quick purchases at shops and transport stations.
8. Swvl (سافل)
- Language: Arabic/English
- What It Does: Affordable public transport for intercity travel and daily commutes. Book seats for buses and shared rides.
- How to Set Up: Create an account, add payment methods (credit card or Fawry), and search routes between cities.
- Tips: Book in advance for popular routes like Cairo to Lux
