Luxor, Egypt

• Luxor has ancient temples mixed in with the modern city, divided by the Nile - East Bank for the living city, West Bank for the tombs and monuments. It's smaller and less overwhelming than Cairo. You can walk along the Corniche riverfront, explore major temples, and get around without too much trouble. The pyramids draw bigger crowds.
• Vendors will approach you constantly about felucca rides, tours, and souvenirs. It gets exhausting. You need a firm 'no thank you' (la shukran) and keep walking without making eye contact. Don't engage unless you actually want to buy something. Tourist Police patrol the major sites and some speak English, which helps.
• May through September gets brutally hot - regularly over 40°C (104°F). Most people visit October through April when it's more manageable for walking around tombs and temples. The air is dry, so you'll need to drink water constantly.
• Cover your shoulders and knees - long lightweight pants or maxi skirts work best in the heat. The more covered you are, the less unwanted attention you'll get. English is common in hotels and tourist areas, but basic Arabic phrases help with everyone else. Learn 'shukran' (thank you) and 'la shukran' (no thank you) at minimum.

Arabic is the main language. Hotels, restaurants, and tour guides in tourist areas speak English. Tourist Police (126) have English speakers. The emergency service (112) has some English operators. Basic Arabic helps with vendors and locals.

• Luxor is more conservative than Cairo or the coastal resorts. Cover shoulders and knees - loose tops with long pants or maxi skirts. Cotton or linen handles the heat better. Covering more means less unwanted attention.
• Vendors and self-appointed 'helpers' will approach you constantly - felucca rides, tours, shops. Say 'la shukran' (no thank you) firmly and keep walking. Don't make eye contact or start a conversation unless you're actually interested in buying.
• Tipping (baksheesh) is expected for basically everything - guides, bathroom attendants, anyone who 'helps' you whether you asked or not. Keep small bills handy (5-20 EGP). If someone offers unsolicited help or to take your photo, they're expecting money. Say no upfront if you don't want the help.
• Hotels, restaurants, and tour guides speak English. Basic Arabic helps with everyone else and shows some respect. Learn 'la shukran' (no thank you), 'shukran' (thank you), and 'inshallah' (God willing) - you'll use them constantly.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police: 122. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• No Uber in Luxor, but inDrive works - it's cash-only and you negotiate the price before accepting the ride. Has GPS tracking and driver ratings, which makes it safer than flagging down street taxis.
• Taxis are everywhere and drivers will approach you. None have meters. Agree on the price before getting in. Short trips within East Bank run 20-50 EGP. Negotiate firmly.
• The public ferry between East and West Banks costs 5-10 EGP and runs during daylight. Cheapest way to cross. Private feluccas (sailboats) cost 50-100 EGP if you want the tourist experience.
• You can walk along the Corniche and between East Bank sites during cooler hours (early morning or late afternoon). The Corniche is lit and safe enough, though vendors will still approach you. Stay on main streets. Avoid empty areas after dark.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Luxor with local guides and curated experiences.