✅ Protection
Use SPF 50+, a hat, and a UV top. Reapply after you swim.
What NOT to Do in Hurghada – 20 Tourist Mistakes to Avoid in 2025
What not to do in Hurghada should be on your checklist before you fly. This guide lists the most common
Hurghada travel mistakes so you can stay safe, save money, and enjoy the Red Sea. Moreover, you’ll learn simple habits
that prevent stress and help you travel smart in 2025.
For official context, see
UK travel advice,
Egypt.Travel,
and Lonely Planet.
In addition, check our internal guides for hands-on tips:
Travel Tips 2025 ·
Top Things to Do.
📋 Table of Contents – What NOT to Do in Hurghada
- Avoid booking from random beach sellers
- Do not ignore the Red Sea sun
- Never ride a camel without a set price
- Do not assume taxis use meters
- Skip tap water – use sealed bottles
- Dress modestly in town (not resort wear)
- Ask before taking photos of people
- Don’t forget tipping (service culture)
- Never touch coral while snorkeling
- Avoid exchanging money at hotels
- Don’t eat only at tourist restaurants
- Don’t overpack your itinerary
- Avoid animal props for photos
- No public drinking (licensed venues only)
- Always haggle politely in markets
- Watch out for low-quality souvenirs
- Get a local SIM (Vodafone/Orange)
- Don’t skip travel insurance
- Don’t arrive late to the airport
- Manage expectations vs EU standards
1) What Not to Do in Hurghada: Booking Trips from Random Beach Sellers
Beach vendors may look friendly; however, many work without licenses, insurance, or refunds. Therefore, skip the risky deal
and choose a verified operator instead.
✅ Do this instead
- Book with trusted providers and read recent reviews.
- Clear inclusions matter: equipment, lunch, guide, and transfers.
- Safe picks:
Orange Bay ·
Dolphin House ·
Sunset Desert Safari
2) Hurghada Mistakes: Ignoring the Red Sea Sun (Heat & UV)
The sun is stronger than it feels. Consequently, many visitors burn on day one and miss planned trips. For example, a bad burn
can stop you from snorkeling or riding quads comfortably.
💧 Hydration
Drink bottled water often; moreover, carry electrolytes on boat days.
🔗 Plan Better
Check the weather by month & packing list first.
3) Never Ride a Camel Without a Set Price
A “quick photo” may jump to €20+ after the ride. Instead, agree the total cost in advance. Also, keep small notes ready.
✅ Better approach
- Confirm the price and duration before you mount the camel.
- Book through organized tours with clear pricing and insurance.
- Prefer ethical alternatives (e.g., jeep or quad desert tours):
Quad & Bedouin Safari.
4) Do Not Assume Taxis Use Meters in Hurghada
Most taxis do not run meters. Therefore, always agree the fare first. Otherwise, you may overpay between the Marina, Sheraton Road, and Dahar.
✅ Agree First
Confirm price and currency before you start the ride.
🚖 Safer Options
Use reputable hotel taxis or ride apps where available.
🔗 Read More
Basics for visitors:
Hurghada Travel Tips 2025.
5) What Not to Do in Hurghada: Drinking Tap Water in Egypt
Tap water can upset your stomach; moreover, it may derail your plans for days. Therefore, use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.
✅ Safer Choice
Buy sealed bottles; check the cap ring. Additionally, keep oral rehydration salts in your daypack.
🔗 Official Context
See health basics in the UK travel advice (Egypt) and local info on Egypt.Travel – Hurghada.
6) Hurghada Travel Mistakes: Wearing Inappropriate Clothes in Town
Resorts are relaxed; however, public areas are more conservative. As a result, revealing outfits may draw unwanted attention. Choose breathable, modest layers.
✅ Things You Should Never Do in Hurghada (Dress Edition)
- Avoid beachwear away from the beach or pool areas.
- Carry a light scarf or cover-up for mosques and old-town markets.
- Opt for linen or cotton—comfortable and respectful at once.
7) What Not to Do in Hurghada: Taking Photos Without Permission
Always ask before photographing people; likewise, avoid restricted sites. Otherwise, you could offend locals or face trouble.
✅ Better Practice
Use a friendly gesture and ask first; additionally, offer to share the photo if they wish.
🔗 Extra Reading
City highlights and cultural tips on Lonely Planet – Hurghada.
8) Mistakes to Avoid in Hurghada: Forgetting to Tip (Service Culture)
Tipping (baksheesh) is part of daily life; consequently, small tips keep service smooth. Keep coins and small notes handy.
✅ Subheading with Synonym: Hurghada Tourist Traps to Avoid (Tipping)
- Restaurants: 5–10% if service isn’t included; otherwise, leave small change.
- Porters/Housekeeping: 20–50 EGP depending on help and stay length.
- Tours: Tip crew at the end—especially on boats and safaris.
9) What Not to Do in Hurghada: Touching Coral While Snorkeling
Coral is fragile; even a gentle touch can kill living polyps. Moreover, broken reefs affect fish, visibility, and the entire ecosystem. Therefore, keep your distance and control your fins.
✅ Reef-Safe Behavior
Float horizontally, keep 1–2 meters from coral, and never stand on the reef.
🔗 Learn More (dofollow)
See PADI guidelines and local context on Egypt.Travel – Hurghada.
👉 Book reef-friendly trips: Full-Day Snorkeling · Dolphin House
10) Hurghada Travel Mistakes: Exchanging Money at Hotels
Hotel exchange rates are usually poor. Consequently, you lose value on every transaction. Instead, withdraw from ATMs or use licensed exchange offices for better rates.
✅ Better Value
🔗 Travel Basics (dofollow)
General advice: UK Travel Advice – Egypt.
11) What Not to Do in Hurghada: Eating Only at Tourist Restaurants
Tourist hubs are convenient; however, they rarely show you authentic Egyptian food. Therefore, mix it up: try fish markets, local grills, and family spots.
✅ Local Flavor
Seek places like El Halaka (fish), GAD (Egyptian fast-casual), and grills in Dahar.
🔗 Shortlist (dofollow)
Browse reviews on Tripadvisor – Hurghada Restaurants, then compare with our local food guide.
12) Mistakes to Avoid in Hurghada: Overpacking Your Itinerary
Trying to “do it all” leads to fatigue and missed highlights. Instead, pace yourself. For example, plan one water activity and one light activity per day, then leave time to rest.
✅ Easy, Balanced Planning
- Alternate days: islands/snorkel ↔ desert/city.
- Book priority tours first (e.g., Orange Bay), then fill gaps.
- Check the weather by month before finalizing your plan.
13) Tourist Traps in Hurghada: Handling Animals for Photos
Photo ops with monkeys or snakes may seem fun; however, they often involve poor welfare and aggressive upselling. Therefore, skip them and choose ethical experiences instead.
✅ Ethical Alternatives
- Book reef-friendly snorkeling trips instead of animal props.
- Learn about marine life at Hurghada Grand Aquarium (reviews).
14) What Not to Do in Hurghada: Drinking Alcohol in Public
Public drinking is not allowed in Egypt. Consequently, enjoy alcohol only in licensed venues: your hotel, bars, or restaurants.
✅ Local Norms
Check house rules; moreover, avoid open containers on streets and beaches.
🔗 Official Guidance (dofollow)
See UK Travel Advice – Egypt for legal and cultural notes.
15) Hurghada Travel Mistakes: Not Haggling in Markets
Prices in tourist markets start high. Therefore, smile, counter with ~50%, and meet in the middle. Likewise, compare a few stalls before you decide.
✅ Simple Bargaining Script
- Stay polite and patient; moreover, walk away if the price feels wrong.
- Keep small notes; cash often gets better deals than cards.
- Read bargaining basics (Lonely Planet).
16) Mistakes to Avoid in Hurghada: Buying Low-Quality Souvenirs
“Handmade” labels can be misleading. Instead, check materials, stitching, and price consistency. Additionally, prefer reputable shops and artisan markets.
✅ Smarter Shopping
Ask for receipts and return policies; moreover, compare similar items in different stalls.
🔗 Research First (dofollow)
Browse recent buyer reviews on Tripadvisor – Shopping in Hurghada.
17) What Not to Do in Hurghada: Skipping a Local SIM Card
Hotel Wi-Fi can be slow. Consequently, get a Vodafone or Orange SIM at official stores with your passport. Then, use data for maps, messaging, and ride apps.
✅ Quick Checklist
- Bring passport; ask for a prepaid data bundle.
- Save provider apps to track usage and top up.
- Compare store locations and plans on Vodafone Egypt and Orange Egypt.
18) Hurghada Travel Mistakes: No Travel Insurance
Diving issues, last-minute changes, or lost luggage happen. Therefore, buy a policy that covers water sports and medical care—before you fly.
✅ Coverage to Include
Medical, cancellation, baggage, and sports add-ons (diving/snorkeling).
🔗 Prep (dofollow)
Compare plans on InsureMyTrip or your home insurer’s website.
19) Things You Should Never Do in Hurghada: Arriving Late to the Airport
Holiday peaks mean longer lines. Consequently, arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure, especially for international flights.
✅ Save Time
- Check in online; print or download boarding passes.
- Confirm terminal and gate; moreover, arrange a pre-booked transfer.
- Review baggage rules on your airline’s site (weight, liquids, batteries).
20) What Not to Expect in Hurghada: European-Level Standards Everywhere
Egypt runs at a different pace. Instead of getting frustrated, embrace the flow. Likewise, plan buffer time and keep a flexible mindset—your trip will feel much smoother.
✅ Mindset Shift
- Expect occasional delays; moreover, confirm pick-up times the day before.
- Carry essentials (water, snacks, sunscreen) for comfort on the go.
- Bookmark Hurghada Travel Tips 2025 for quick fixes.
✅ Final Thoughts – Stay Smart, Travel Better
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll save time, money, and stress—while treating Hurghada with respect. For deeper planning, compare official context on Egypt.Travel and current guidance on UK travel advice. Then, build your dream itinerary below.
🏁 Final Thoughts – Travel Smart, Enjoy More
Avoiding these mistakes means fewer hassles and more Red Sea magic. Plan with confidence, book trusted experiences, and keep your itinerary balanced. For quick help and same-day arrangements, reach out to our local team below.
📞 WhatsApp (24/7)
📱 Social
@discoverhurghada on Facebook & Instagram
✨ Book Trusted Experiences
🏝️ Orange Bay · 🐬 Dolphin House · 🏜️ Sunset Desert Safari · 🧖♀️ Turkish Hammam & Spa
🌴 Plan smart, travel better. Bookmark this guide and share it with friends heading to Hurghada.
