Hurghada Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Safety & Harassment:
Is Hurghada safe for tourists? Generally, yes. It’s a very tourist-oriented city, and most people are accustomed to foreigners. Common sense, like in any other tourist city, is key.
Is it safe to leave the hotel, especially at night? Yes, you can leave your hotel and explore. Many travelers who live there or visit frequently state it’s safe to stroll through the city, even at night, especially in well-lit, busy areas like the Marina.
Do I need a “guide” or “bodyguard” to go into town as a female? Not necessarily. While harassment (catcalls, lewd stares) can be an issue, especially for women, it’s generally not physical violence. Many solo female travelers have had positive experiences by being firm and confident.
How do I deal with aggressive touts/vendors? Be firm but polite. A simple “la shukran” (no thank you) and continuing to walk works well. Avoid engaging in conversation or looking directly into shops if you don’t want to be pulled in.
Is sexual harassment a serious issue? Yes, it can be. While generally limited to catcalls and stares, it’s something female travelers should be aware of. Dressing modestly outside of resorts can help.
Will I be constantly asked for money? Yes, expect to be asked for money or tips frequently, sometimes with subtle tricks. Be aware of pricing beforehand for services or goods.
What about beggars, even children? Avoid giving money to beggars, as it can be a scam and attract more.
Will I see military or police with guns? Yes, Egypt is a military state, and you’ll see uniformed personnel with guns. This is for security and is generally not a threat to tourists.
Money & Tipping:
What currency should I use? Egyptian Pounds (EGP) are best. While some people will ask for USD or Euro, paying in local currency after exchanging money at a bank, ATM, or exchange office will generally get you a better rate.
Where should I exchange money? Exchange money in Hurghada at banks, ATMs, or exchange offices. Avoid airport ATMs if possible, as they might have higher fees.
Should I pay with cash or card? Egypt is largely a cash society, even for larger charges like diving. However, historical sites often only accept card payments for tickets. Have a mix of cash and card.
What is the tipping culture like? Tipping is very common and appreciated. For small services (carrying bags), 5-10 EGP is good. For longer services (private driver, full-day tour guide), 50-100 EGP is a generous tip. Tipping early in resorts can lead to better service.
How can I get small notes for tipping? It can be difficult to get small notes at first. Try to break larger bills when making purchases.
Are ATMs safe? Generally, yes, but some travelers have reported issues with machines taking cards. Use reputable ATMs in town rather than potentially higher-fee airport ones.
Transportation:
Can I walk from Hurghada airport to the city? Absolutely not. It involves crossing a multi-lane highway and is unsafe.
What’s the best way to get from the airport to my hotel? Arrange a pickup with your hotel, resort, or Airbnb (expect to pay around $10 USD). Avoid local taxis or airport taxis, as they will likely overcharge.
What’s the best way to get around Hurghada? Use Uber or Careem (the local equivalent) and pay with your credit card to avoid negotiation and inflated prices. Avoid hailing random taxis.
Are public buses an option? Yes, they are very cheap (~5 EGP), but understanding the routes might require local assistance.
How are long-distance buses (e.g., to Cairo, Luxor)? GoBus is a common and generally reliable option. Overnight buses can save travel time. Be aware that bus rides can be long.
Is private transport reliable for longer trips (e.g., Hurghada to Luxor)? Yes, booking private transport through your hotel/hostel or a reputable service like Daytrip (though verify safety) is generally more reliable than street offers.
Accommodation & Food:
Are all-inclusive resorts recommended? Many travelers prefer all-inclusive resorts for comfort, safety, and a more predictable experience, especially in Hurghada.
What about food safety? Stick to bottled water and avoid tap water, ice, and fresh salads/fruits outside of reputable hotels and restaurants, especially in all-inclusive resorts, to minimize the risk of food poisoning.
Are there cheap places to eat outside of resorts? Yes, cheap places to eat are available, but depend on what you’re looking for and where you’re staying. “Gad Restaurant” is a popular Egyptian fast-food chain recommended by some.
How are hotel standards in Hurghada? Some travelers found hotel standards to be lower than expected for the price, especially concerning food quality in all-inclusives. However, staff are generally described as wonderful and friendly.
Is it worth staying in El Gouna instead of Hurghada? El Gouna is a private, walled resort town about 20km from Hurghada, known for being quieter, calmer, and more peaceful, with armed security. It’s generally more expensive. Some prefer it over Hurghada for a relaxing stay.
Activities & Tours:
What are popular activities in Hurghada? Scuba diving, snorkeling, and boat trips to islands like “Paradise Island” are very popular due to the Red Sea’s beautiful coral reefs.
Is it better to book tours online or in person? Online tour sites can offer good deals, but you might find better prices at local “tour kiosks” in Hurghada. Always compare and bargain.
Are there any “must-do” tours from Hurghada? Day trips to Luxor (Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple) and Cairo (Pyramids, Egyptian Museum) are common. Consider an overnight trip for Luxor/Aswan due to travel time.
Should I get a guided tour for historical sites? While not strictly necessary (you can research on your own), many find guides helpful for navigating sites and avoiding aggressive touts at exits. However, be firm if you don’t want to be taken to souvenir shops or “museums” (papyrus, perfume) where guides often get commissions.
What about swimming with dolphins? This is a commonly offered tour.
Are there any free beaches in Hurghada? Some travelers have noted a lack of truly free public beaches, with most access being through resorts or paid entries.
What about nightlife and bars with alcohol? You can find restaurants and bars serving alcohol outside of hotels, especially in the touristic Marina.
Are there places to walk around in Hurghada? The Marina is a beautiful area for walking. El Kawther is another nice area. The city generally lacks public parks for walking.
Are there any good shopping malls? Senzo Mall and Hurghada City Center are available for shopping.
Is the Hurghada Aquarium worth visiting? Yes, it’s mentioned as amazing with a variety of sea creatures and animals.
Airport & Visa Process:
How early should I arrive at Hurghada airport for departure? 3 hours before an international flight is generally enough. 2 hours is sufficient for domestic flights.
What is the visa on arrival process like? It can be a bit chaotic. You need to buy a visa sticker (currently $25 USD, payable in cash) from “bank kiosks” before passport control. Don’t go to the “travel kiosks” first, as they appear official but aren’t for the visa sticker purchase.
Should I pay for the visa in USD or EGP? Many travelers report paying in USD ($25) is better than EGP, as the EGP price might be inflated.
Do they accept card payments for the visa? No, it’s cash only for the visa sticker, which can be frustrating for travelers without local currency or small USD bills.
Is there Wi-Fi at Hurghada airport? Some travelers report not knowing or relying on mobile data. It’s advisable to get a local SIM card upon arrival.
What about security measures at the airport? Expect extra security measures, including baggage checks.
Connectivity & Communication:
Should I get a local SIM card? Yes, it’s highly recommended. Wi-Fi in the city itself is not widespread, and hotel Wi-Fi can be unreliable. Buy it at the airport from official providers (e.g., Orange, Vodafone, Etisalat).
Which SIM card plan should I get? Buy the smallest data package at the airport, as some travelers report being scammed if they buy larger ones. You can always top up later.
Is internet speed generally good? 4G speeds can be good, but Wi-Fi can be inconsistent, with random drops.
Are VPNs/TOR illegal? Depends on what you’re using them for.
Do many locals speak English? In tourist areas, many people speak English. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases like “la shukran” (no thank you) can be helpful.
Cultural & Social Norms:
How should I dress? In Hurghada resorts, dress codes are relaxed. Outside of resorts, women may feel more comfortable with knees, midriff, shoulders, and chest covered. Carrying a scarf is a good idea.
Should I avoid public displays of affection? Yes, it’s best to avoid public displays of affection outside of your hotel, although it’s less of an issue in Hurghada compared to more conservative cities.
How are foreigners treated? You’ll often be viewed as a source of income, so be prepared for people trying to get more money from you. However, many Egyptians are also genuinely friendly and hospitable.
What about solo female travel? It’s doable, but be prepared for extra attention and potential harassment. Being firm, confident, and ignoring unwanted advances is key. Some prefer to travel with a male companion.
Is it respectful to make eye contact? In some cases, friendly Western eye contact can be misinterpreted as an invitation for more interaction, making you more of a “prey” for touts.
Are there any offensive items of clothing/jewelry? In Hurghada, generally no. Outside, modest dressing is advised.
Health & Wellness:
What about food poisoning? A common concern. Stick to bottled water, avoid ice, and be cautious with fresh salads and fruits outside of trusted hotel restaurants.
What should I pack for toiletries? Pack your own shampoo, conditioner, body cream, and hand cream, as they might be needed.
Is it very hot? Yes, especially in summer. Be prepared for high temperatures.
Other Tips:
Should I bargain? Always bargain in shops, as prices are often inflated for tourists.
Are goods authentic? Assume everything at shops is a fake, especially branded items.
Can I buy a local product of quality? Not explicitly answered, but generally, expect tourist souvenirs.
Is there a “city center” in Hurghada? Some travelers note that Hurghada doesn’t have a traditional town center, but rather scattered areas of interest.
Are there safe places for walking around Hurghada town? Sticking to open main streets and areas with many people is generally safer.
Is it true that Hurghada is a “dirty” city outside of resorts? Some travelers describe parts of Hurghada as dirty with garbage. El Gouna is often cited as a cleaner alternative.
What about driving standards? Don’t expect driving standards to match your home country.
Are there any unique experiences? Scuba diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea are highly recommended for their beautiful coral reefs.
What if I have issues with a tour/taxi? If something feels off, or you’re being overcharged, escalate to your hotel/resort reception. Booking through them is often more reliable.
Are there any good museums in Hurghada? There is a museum, but Cairo’s museums are generally considered far superior.
Can I visit other cities from Hurghada? Yes, Hurghada is a common base for trips to Luxor and Cairo.
How does Hurghada compare to Sharm El Sheikh or Dahab? This is a frequent comparison. Hurghada is generally known for its all-inclusive resorts and diving, while Dahab is more bohemian and relaxed. Sharm is also a resort town.
What about the internet for digital nomads? While generally usable for video calls, expect random drops in both Wi-Fi and 4G.
Can I get a visa extension? For Americans & Brits, a 6-month tourist visa extension is reportedly simple and can be done in about 2 hours without prior preparation.
What about shipping electronics to Egypt? Customs can be an issue, and there’s a chance of items being stolen. Electronics might be overpriced locally.
Are bitcoins illegal? Not illegal to have, but using them for payment within Egypt is.
Can I withdraw PayPal in Egypt? Yes, you can. Withdrawing USD depends on your bank.
Is it good for a young family? Hurghada is often recommended for all-inclusive family vacations.
What if I’m an overthinker? Many travelers emphasize confidence and firm refusal as effective strategies for dealing with touts and minor annoyances.
Should I bring gifts from my country? Some suggest bringing small souvenirs/gifts as a gesture of gratitude.
How far is El Gouna from Hurghada? Approximately 20 kilometers.
Is there a “yacht club”? Some travelers mock the “yacht club” in Hurghada, implying it’s not as grand as the name suggests.
Are there any “hidden gems” or less touristy areas? Most discussions focus on the main tourist zones. For a more local experience, try walking around in residential areas, but be aware of cultural differences.
What if I’m asked to pay more than the agreed price for a taxi? This is a common scam. Use Uber/Careem to avoid this. If you must use a regular taxi, agree on the price before starting the journey.
How should I approach cultural differences? Understand that the culture is different and don’t expect things to operate like your home country (e.g., driving standards).
Is it too hot in July? Yes, July can be extremely hot.
What’s the best time to visit? Not explicitly stated in all threads, but generally, spring and autumn offer more pleasant temperatures than the peak summer heat.
Are there any unique dishes to try? While not extensively discussed, “Gad Restaurant” is mentioned for local fast food.
What about historical sites in Hurghada itself? Hurghada is primarily a beach resort town. For significant historical sites, you’ll need to take day trips to Luxor or Cairo.
Is it worth adding Hurghada to a larger Egypt itinerary (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan)? Many travelers combine Hurghada with other major Egyptian destinations for relaxation after sightseeing.
Should I book a hotel near the airport? Depends on your preference. If you plan to leave the resort frequently, proximity to the city center or Marina might be more convenient.
Are there any kiteboarding spots? Yes, Hurghada and El Gouna are known for kiteboarding.
What if my country administration doesn’t recommend travel to Egypt? Some travelers advise checking official government travel advisories but ultimately making an informed decision based on personal comfort and research. Many who travel there find it safer than perceived.
Are checkpoints common on roads outside of Hurghada? Yes, especially on routes to other cities like Cairo, expect mandatory stops where drivers declare nationality.
What if I’m visually different (e.g., blonde, Asian female)? Be aware that you might receive more attention and potential harassment. Being firm and prepared is key.
Can I travel solo as an American? Yes, many Americans have traveled solo to Hurghada and enjoyed it.
Are there any places to avoid? General advice is to avoid dodgy-looking places, especially at night. Stick to main streets and populated areas.
How does Hurghada compare to other Red Sea resorts for diving? It’s a popular and accessible diving destination with easy dive sites and beautiful reefs.
What is the overall vibe of Hurghada? It’s largely a resort town catering to tourists, with a mix of local life and tourist-centric areas.
Are there any local slang phrases to learn? Some suggest learning basic Arabic slang, as not everyone speaks Modern Standard Arabic.
What about tour guides trying to take you to shops? Be explicit about not wanting to visit shops, even if they’re low-pressure. Guides often get commissions.
Is it possible to visit Hurghada if I’m on a tight budget? While resorts can be expensive, tips for using Uber/Careem and finding local eateries can help.
Are hotel staff generally friendly? Yes, many travelers praise the friendliness and accommodation of hotel staff.
Is it true that ISIS is a threat in Hurghada? Some older posts mention isolated incidents, but generally, Hurghada is considered safe with good security in tourist areas.
What is the best advice for a first-time visitor? Be prepared for a different culture, have a plan for transportation (Uber/Careem), get a local SIM, and be firm but polite when dealing with vendors. Enjoy the Red Sea!