What NOT to Do in Hurghada – 20 Tourist Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

What NOT to Do in HurghadaPlanning a trip to Hurghada in 2025? Paradise awaits—but only if you avoid the classic tourist mistakes that can ruin your experience. From scams to cultural slip-ups, we’ve rounded up the top 20 things you should absolutely NOT do in Hurghada. Learn from others’ regrets and make your holiday unforgettable—for all the right reasons!

🧭 Recommended by Lonely Planet

🏖️ Red Sea safety tips from the UK Government

📋 Table of Contents – What Not to Do in Hurghada

Booking Trips from Random Beach Sellers
Ignoring the Sun in Hurghada
Riding a Camel Without Knowing the Price
Assuming Taxis Use Meters in Hurghada
Drinking Tap Water in Egypt
Wearing Inappropriate Clothes in Town
Taking Photos Without Permission
Forgetting to Tip in Egypt
Touching Coral While Snorkeling in Hurghada
Exchanging Money at Hotels
Eating Only at Tourist Restaurants
Overpacking Your Itinerary in Hurghada
Handling Beach Animals for Photos
Drinking in Public in Egypt
Not Haggling in Hurghada Markets
Buying Low-Quality Souvenirs
Not Buying a Local SIM Card in Hurghada
Traveling Without Insurance
Arriving Late to Hurghada Airport
Expecting European-Level Standards in Egypt

1. Booking Trips from Random Beach Sellers

Beach vendors may offer tempting prices, but many operate without licenses or guarantees.

✅ Do this instead: Book with trusted companies like Discover-Hurghada.com to ensure your excursion is safe, insured, and well-organized.

2. Ignoring the Sun in Hurghada

The Red Sea sun is extremely strong. Many tourists suffer sunburn or heatstroke within the first day.

✅ Tip: Use SPF 50+ sunscreen, wear a hat, and drink water regularly—even if you don’t feel thirsty.

3. Riding a Camel Without Knowing the Price

That “quick camel photo” may end up costing €20 or more unexpectedly.

✅ Solution: Book camel rides through organized safaris to avoid surprises.

4. Assuming Taxis Use Meters in Hurghada

Most taxis don’t have meters, and not negotiating beforehand can lead to being overcharged.

✅ Advice: Always agree on the price first, or use ride apps like Careem.

5. Drinking Tap Water in Egypt

Even if safe, tap water can upset your stomach.

✅ Stay safe: Use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.

6. Wearing Inappropriate Clothes in Town

Revealing clothes in public areas (especially outside resorts) can offend locals.

✅ Respect the culture: Wear modest, breathable clothing when outside tourist zones.

7. Taking Photos Without Permission

Locals may not appreciate being photographed, and some locations (like government buildings) are off-limits.

✅ Tip: Always ask before taking photos of people or public areas.

8. Forgetting to Tip in Egypt

Tipping is customary everywhere—from restaurants to hotel staff.

✅ Tip guide: Tip 5–10% for most services. Carry small change with you at all times.

9. Touching Coral While Snorkeling in Hurghada

Touching coral damages fragile ecosystems and may result in a fine.

✅ Rule: Look, don’t touch. Use fins carefully and keep distance from marine life.

10. Exchanging Money at Hotels

Hotel rates are often less favorable than banks or local exchange offices.

✅ Tip: Use ATMs or currency exchange shops for better value.

11. Eating Only at Tourist Restaurants

Tourist spots are overpriced and don’t reflect true Egyptian cuisine.

✅ Try this: Go local! Visit GAD, El Halaka, or El Dar Darak for authentic food.

12. Overpacking Your Itinerary in Hurghada

Trying to do everything in 3 days? You’ll end up exhausted.

✅ Balance: Pick 1–2 key activities per day and leave room to relax.

13. Handling Beach Animals for Photos

Photo ops with monkeys or snakes often involve animal abuse.

✅ Ethical travel: Don’t support this industry. Respect animal welfare.

14. Drinking in Public in Egypt

It’s illegal to drink alcohol in public places—even if you’re a tourist.

✅ Be smart: Enjoy drinks in your hotel, bar, or licensed restaurant only.

15. Not Haggling in Hurghada Markets

Prices are often inflated for tourists.

✅ Game on: Start with 50% of the asking price and negotiate up.

16. Buying Low-Quality Souvenirs

Mass-produced items are often sold as “handmade.”

✅ What to do: Buy from reputable stores, bazaars, or museum shops.

17. Not Buying a Local SIM Card in Hurghada

Wi-Fi in hotels and cafes is often slow or limited.

✅ Pro tip: Buy a local Vodafone or Orange SIM with data—it’s cheap and easy.

18. Traveling Without Insurance

Diving accidents, lost bags, or missed flights happen.

✅ Be prepared: A €30 travel insurance plan could save you hundreds.

19. Arriving Late to Hurghada Airport

Lines can be long, especially during holidays.

✅ Tip: Arrive 2.5 to 3 hours before departure—especially if flying internationally.

20. Expecting European-Level Standards in Egypt

Egypt runs on different systems and rhythms.

✅ Mindset shift: Embrace the culture, the surprises, and the pace—it’s all part of the adventure.

✅ Final Thoughts – Stay Smart, Travel Better

To sum up, avoiding these 20 tourist mistakes will help you enjoy your Hurghada holiday safely, respectfully, and stress-free. Furthermore, by being aware of your surroundings and planning ahead, you can avoid hassle and truly soak up everything the Red Sea has to offer.

Whether it’s your first time in Egypt or your fifth, these tips will keep you ahead of the crowd and closer to the true beauty of Hurghada.

👉 Planning your trip? Check our

→ Things to Do in Hurghada

→ Hurghada Travel Tips 2025

🌐 Want more insights? Visit the official Egypt.Travel – Hurghada Guide

Planning a trip to Hurghada in 2025? Paradise awaits—but only if you avoid the classic tourist mistakes that can ruin your experience. From scams to cultural slip-ups, we’ve rounded up the top 20 things you should absolutely NOT do in Hurghada. Learn from others’ regrets and make your holiday unforgettable—for all the right reasons!

🧭 Recommended by Lonely Planet – Hurghada | 🏖️ Travel safety tips from the UK Foreign Office | 📚 More insights from Egypt.Travel Official Site

See What NOT to Do in Hurghada in Action

Images help identify real-life situations where tourists get caught in tricky situations—like overpriced camel rides, sunburns, or getting lost in the market without a local SIM.

📌 Planning your trip? Explore our curated guides here:
➡️ Top Excursions and Things to Do in Hurghada
➡️ Essential Hurghada Travel Tips 2025

✨ Book with Confidence at Discover Hurghada

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📍 Discover-Hurghada.com is your trusted travel guide in Hurghada – offering top-rated sea trips, desert safaris, and cultural tours at the best prices with professional service.

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