🌴 Hurghada Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors: What to Know Before You Go

Planning your first trip to Hurghada, Egypt? Whether you’re coming for the beaches, Red Sea diving, or desert adventures, a little preparation goes a long way. This guide covers everything first-time visitors need to know to make the most of their Hurghada vacation in 2025.

✈️ Before You Go: Entry Requirements & Visa

• Visa on Arrival: Available for most nationalities at Hurghada Airport for $25 USD

• e-Visa Option: Apply online at visa2egypt.gov.eg

• Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months

🏨 Accommodation Tips

• Where to Stay:

  • Families: Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh

  • Nightlife Seekers: Sheraton Street or Hurghada Marina

  • Luxury Travelers: El Gouna or Soma Bay

• All-Inclusive Resorts: Popular and often a great value, but don’t miss exploring local restaurants too!

💰 Currency & Money Tips

• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)

• Exchange: Avoid airport rates—use banks or ATMs in the city

• Tipping: Common and appreciated. 10–15% in restaurants, 5–10 EGP for porters or hotel staff

• Credit Cards: Accepted at most resorts, but carry cash for taxis and markets

🚕 Getting Around Hurghada

• Taxis: Always negotiate the price first. Better yet, use apps like Careem (Uber alternative)

• Microbuses: Very cheap but can be confusing for tourists

• Private Transfers: Great for airport pickup and day tours

🌊 What to Pack for Hurghada

• Light cotton clothes, swimwear, sunscreen (reef-safe), sunglasses

• A scarf or shawl for mosque visits

• A reusable water bottle and portable charger

• Water shoes if you plan on snorkeling or visiting coral beaches

📶 Wi-Fi & SIM Cards

• Wi-Fi: Often slow in resorts. Buy a local SIM for better internet

• Best Providers: Vodafone or Orange. Available at the airport and local stores

• Cost: Around $5–10 for a SIM with 10–20 GB data

🏖️ Top First-Time Experiences

• 🚤 Snorkel or dive at Giftun Island

• 🐪 Go on a desert quad safari and Bedouin dinner

• 🏛️ Day trip to Luxor or Cairo by plane or bus

• 🍤 Enjoy seafood at Hurghada Marina

• 🌅 Watch sunset from a rooftop lounge

🚨 Safety Tips for Tourists

• Safe?: Yes, Hurghada is generally safe for tourists

• Stay Alert: In crowded areas like markets or downtown

• Tap Water?: Not safe to drink—use bottled water

• Scams to Avoid: Overpriced taxis, unofficial tour guides, aggressive sellers

🕌 Respecting Local Culture

• Egypt is a Muslim country; modest dress is appreciated, especially in local neighborhoods

• During Ramadan, be respectful of those fasting

• Public displays of affection should be avoided in conservative areas

💡 Local Phrases to Know

• Hello – Salam Alaikum

• Thank You – Shukran

• How much? – Bkam?

• Yes – Aywa | No – La

🧭 Quick Travel Tips Summary

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