Water is the single most common cause of travel illness in Egypt — and the easiest problem to prevent. Every traveller knows the advice "don't drink the tap water", but few know why, what to do about ice, or how much water you actually need in 40°C heat. This guide is the practical version, written by people who live here.
Can you drink tap water in Egypt?
No, not for travellers. Egyptian tap water is treated at the source but the distribution pipes in older neighbourhoods are often lead-and-cement, and pressure fluctuations can introduce bacterial contamination. Locals drink it — their stomachs are acclimatised from childhood. Yours is not. Use bottled or filtered water for drinking, and for the first few days also for brushing teeth.
Which bottled brands are reliable
Every bottled brand sold in Egypt is treated to WHO standards. The reliable ones you will see everywhere:
- Baraka — the most common. Safe and cheap.
- Nestlé Pure Life
- Aquafina (Pepsi) and Dasani (Coca-Cola) — international standards.
- Hayat and Delta — local, inexpensive, safe.
Avoid unbranded "mineral water" sold from street carts — it is often refilled tap water. If the seal is broken, do not buy it.
Is ice safe?
In hotels, restaurants and cafés that cater to tourists, yes — the ice is made from filtered water. In street stalls, not always. If you are offered a drink with ice in a cheap local restaurant and you want to be cautious, ask for "min gheir talg" (without ice). On our family tours and 7-day Egypt tour, all meals are at hotels or restaurants where ice is filtered.
How much water you actually need
In Egypt's climate, 1 litre per person per hour of outdoor activity is normal in summer, and 500ml per hour in winter. Aim for at least 3–4 litres a day in summer, and 2 litres a day in winter. The signs of dehydration: dark yellow urine, headache, dizziness, fatigue. If you feel thirsty, you are already mildly dehydrated — drink before you feel it.
Electrolytes matter
Plain water alone is not enough when you sweat heavily. A packet of rehydration salts (available at any Egyptian pharmacy for a few pounds) once or twice a day prevents the classic "traveller headache". Fresh orange juice, coconut water and salted snacks also help. Avoid very sweet sodas — they dehydrate.
If you do get sick
Most traveller stomach upset in Egypt is mild and lasts 24–48 hours. Drink plenty of fluids, take oral rehydration salts, and eat plain food (rice, bread, banana). Over-the-counter loperamide stops symptoms but does not treat the cause. If you have a fever above 38.5°C, blood in stool, or symptoms lasting more than 3 days, see a doctor — English-speaking clinics are excellent in Cairo, Luxor and Sharm.
How our tours handle water
Every vehicle on our tours carries a cooler of bottled water, free of charge. Drivers refill it every morning. Guides carry rehydration salts in their kit. On private Pyramids photoshoots, water is always within reach of the photographer, so you can sip between frames without breaking the shoot. See all Egypt tours.
