Important information before you travel
Arriving at the airport
Finding the way
Weather
Food & Beverages
Safety and precausions
Arriving at the airport
Finding the way
Weather
Food & Beverages
Safety and precausions
Arriving in Hurghada
When you arriving at Hurghada Aiport, yu will find in the arrival hall counters for buying your visa. It cost 25 USD or 25 EUR. Take the cash with you, so you can pay directly. After you follow to the passport control and you receive on the visa the arrival stamp. It's valid for 28 days. If your stay is longer than that, you can extend your visa for one month at the Visa Office (gauzet) in Dahar, second Hurghada.
In the exit hall you will find all Providers of Egypt, Etisalat, Vodafone, Orange and WE. They sell for a good price data SIM cards. If you also want to use local calls, you can check with them and they can install your SIM card in your phone.
When you walk outside, there are many tour operators, and travel agencies to bring you to your hotel. If you booked with us, we will be there to welcome you. If you travel individual, white-blue airport taxis are parked at the left side. You can also use Uber or Indrive, but know that the fee is higher than the distance only, because they need to buy an entree ticket to pick you up.
Maybe you already are in Egypt, then there is a perfect bus service called Go-bus. Also cheaper ones are good, like Blue Bus or High Jet.
Welcome to Hurghada!
In the exit hall you will find all Providers of Egypt, Etisalat, Vodafone, Orange and WE. They sell for a good price data SIM cards. If you also want to use local calls, you can check with them and they can install your SIM card in your phone.
When you walk outside, there are many tour operators, and travel agencies to bring you to your hotel. If you booked with us, we will be there to welcome you. If you travel individual, white-blue airport taxis are parked at the left side. You can also use Uber or Indrive, but know that the fee is higher than the distance only, because they need to buy an entree ticket to pick you up.
Maybe you already are in Egypt, then there is a perfect bus service called Go-bus. Also cheaper ones are good, like Blue Bus or High Jet.
Welcome to Hurghada!
GO TRIP GUIDE
YOUR TRAVEL AGENCY FROM UKRAINE
Finding the way
Everywhere you find orange taxis. Thes local crivers are wellknown in the area, and bring you fast to wherever you want. Prices are negotiable. An low budget alternative is the mini bus, also called Yalla bus. These busses stop where you are, and ask the driver where you need to go. Just give a stop sign while waiting along the road. If they ignore it, the bus is full. The money you pass through passengers in front of you. The change will come back to you in the same way. Don't worry. They are reliable. You can travel through whole Hurghada City for 5 Egyptian Pounds. It's a really nice local experience, that you must try when you are in Egypt.
Well, never forget about the endless tricks of taxi drivers:
Well, never forget about the endless tricks of taxi drivers:
- Agree on the price of the trip in advance before boarding the car, discuss all the details and make sure that the driver understands you exactly. Ideally, bargain about the price on a calculator (smartphone) until the driver confirms for sure that he will take you at this price and for the whole car, and not for each person.
- Make sure that you have correctly agreed on the currency of the trip, because at the end of the trip it can easily turn from pounds to dollars. It is best to do this right in front of the driver to count out the agreed amount and get an agreement that everything suits him. But the money should be given only at the end of the trip.
- A reasonable price for a trip for tourists starts from $ 1 for a short trip of 1-2 kilometers for the whole car, although initially you may be given a price of both $ 5 and $ 10. The price of taxi rides for local or through applications corresponds to about 10 Egyptian pounds (0.32 rubles) for boarding and 5 pounds (0.16 rubles) for each kilometer. But, once again, it is unrealistic for tourists to get such a price, and it will be great if you can agree on at least twice the official price.
- You can pay in a taxi with both dollars and Egyptian pounds. And although locals prefer to receive dollars from tourists, in practice it is more profitable to pay in local currency in a taxi (See more about Egypt's currency and exchange rate).
- Always have a trifle, because you may not get the change.
- If you still have to pay with a large bill, before you hand over the money to the driver, tell him step by step how much you give him and how much you expect to receive change. Remember that the Egyptians easily turn on the "I don't hear anything and I don't understand anything" mode, and it takes a lot of patience to get them to surrender and pay honestly.
- Give the money only at the end of the trip and when you are sure that you have been taken to the right place.
- If at the end of the trip the taxi driver starts demanding more from you, and this happens all the time, pay as you agreed at the beginning of the trip. Even if he is very indignant, pay and get out of the car, not paying attention to his screams. For local taxi drivers, this is just part of the "concert", arranged in order to get more money from inexperienced tourists, and nothing more.
Success!
Weather & Beaches
In Hurghada, an Egyptian resort on the Red Sea coast, the climate is subtropical desert, with mild winters and very hot summers. Clear skies are the norm, so the sun shines all year round. However, at times, the sun can be obscured by sandstorms, while cloud banks can sometimes pass over the area between November and February.
For the highest temperatures travel between May and October but a lot of holidaymakers visit during the winter months to experience a perfect blend of warmth and guaranteed sun. The hottest months of the year iare July and August with an average daily maximum of 39 C and an average low of 29 C. January and February, the coldest months of the year, are generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 16.8 °C (62 °F), with a minimum of 11.4 °C (52.6 °F) and a maximum of 22.2 °C (71.9 °F).
All beaches in Hurghada, as well as in other Egyptian resorts, are divided into three types:
For the highest temperatures travel between May and October but a lot of holidaymakers visit during the winter months to experience a perfect blend of warmth and guaranteed sun. The hottest months of the year iare July and August with an average daily maximum of 39 C and an average low of 29 C. January and February, the coldest months of the year, are generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 16.8 °C (62 °F), with a minimum of 11.4 °C (52.6 °F) and a maximum of 22.2 °C (71.9 °F).
All beaches in Hurghada, as well as in other Egyptian resorts, are divided into three types:
- Hotel beaches: these are private beaches that belong to hotels and sometimes allow non-Egyptian visitors from the outside. Hotel beaches are fully equipped, and all this is available to hotel guests for free: umbrellas and deck chairs, showers and toilets, the work of animators (charging, shows for children, concerts), restaurants and beach bars, beach sports games. For an additional fee, only water activities and rental of equipment for snorkeling or diving.
- Public beaches: anyone can get to such beaches, but only for money. Usually the fee is $ 2-5 (depending on the beach), and it includes the use of a local shower, toilet, chaise longue, chaise longue mattress, sometimes a beach towel. Beaches with an inexpensive entrance may not include the use of a chaise longue, i.e. you still have to pay extra for it, or relax on the sand on your mattress or towel.
- Free beaches: there are no equipped free beaches in Hurghada, the last free one was closed in 2022. Moreover, there are no free beaches even for locals, they also pay like tourists. But this does not mean that there are no free beaches in Hurghada at all. They are there, they are just wild and unequipped, and you find them north from Dahar, direction to Fayrouz along to El Gouna and between Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi. Take care of your stuff there during swimming!
- Island beaches day trip: well worth visiting the island beaches, like Orange Bay, Mahmya and Paradise Island (Giftun Island)
Food and beverage
The oriental cuisine of Egypt it as must be to try when you visit the country. Talks about bad quality or food poisoning are mainly due to the bigger hotel buffets, by lack of heating it well and prepare it in big portions. Sometimes they use to lefts over in the next day salads. So for a good experience, tast the food outside.
You can go to the fancy restaurants in New Marina or El Gouna, but know you pay a European price. The little local eat cafees offer nice food like Falefel sandwich, crepe, and shoarma. Perfect for a snack on the way.
In the Tourist areas of the Red Sea, you'll find a wide selection of International restaurants and cafes. Be adventurous though and enjoy a taste of Egypt. Local dishes make great use of spices along with freshly caught fish, meat and fresh vegetables.
Examples of Egyptian dishes include ful medames, mashed fava beans; kushari, lentils and pasta, molokhiya, and okra stew Try the rice-stuffed vegetables, grape leaves, shawerma, kebab and land kofta. Common meats in Egyptian cooking are rabbit, pigeon, chicken, and duck. Lamb and beef are frequently used for grilling. Offal is a popular fast food in cities, and foie gras is a delicacy. Fish and seafood are popular in the coastal areas. Pita bread, known locally as eish baladi is a staple of Egyptian cuisine, while domty is the most popular cheese. Desserts in Egypt include baqlawa, basbousa, and kunafa, common ingredients include dates, honey, and almonds.
A high amount of Egyptian cuisine is vegetarian, due to both the high price of meat and the needs of the Coptic Christian community, whose diet is essentially vegan for much of the year. Tea is the national drink of Egypt and beer is the most popularalcoholic beverage. And try not to miss a real Arabic coffee - it's a lot stronger than you may have tried before!. Alcoholic drinks are readily available in the country.
You can go to the fancy restaurants in New Marina or El Gouna, but know you pay a European price. The little local eat cafees offer nice food like Falefel sandwich, crepe, and shoarma. Perfect for a snack on the way.
In the Tourist areas of the Red Sea, you'll find a wide selection of International restaurants and cafes. Be adventurous though and enjoy a taste of Egypt. Local dishes make great use of spices along with freshly caught fish, meat and fresh vegetables.
Examples of Egyptian dishes include ful medames, mashed fava beans; kushari, lentils and pasta, molokhiya, and okra stew Try the rice-stuffed vegetables, grape leaves, shawerma, kebab and land kofta. Common meats in Egyptian cooking are rabbit, pigeon, chicken, and duck. Lamb and beef are frequently used for grilling. Offal is a popular fast food in cities, and foie gras is a delicacy. Fish and seafood are popular in the coastal areas. Pita bread, known locally as eish baladi is a staple of Egyptian cuisine, while domty is the most popular cheese. Desserts in Egypt include baqlawa, basbousa, and kunafa, common ingredients include dates, honey, and almonds.
A high amount of Egyptian cuisine is vegetarian, due to both the high price of meat and the needs of the Coptic Christian community, whose diet is essentially vegan for much of the year. Tea is the national drink of Egypt and beer is the most popularalcoholic beverage. And try not to miss a real Arabic coffee - it's a lot stronger than you may have tried before!. Alcoholic drinks are readily available in the country.
GO TRIP GUIDE
YOUR TRAVEL AGENCY FROM UKRAINE
safety and precautions
In general Egypt is a safe country, for tourists, to travel, also in this world of instability and terroristic attacks. At this time it's better to avoid to go alone in the mountains of Sinai, and close to the country borders, however the touristic places are perfect for a nice stay, and to explore around. Don't photograph government buildings, police or military check points. You will find many armed control in the city. Just be kind to them, they are there to protect you.
Laws and cultural differences
Egypt is predominantly an Islamic country. It is illegal to encourage conversion to the Christian faith.
Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during Ramadan or when you visit religious areas.
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and souqs (markets). Public displays of affection are frowned on. What may be acceptable in the tourist resort areas may not be in other areas.
Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. Ramadan in Egypt in 2024 will likely begin in March and ends in April and will last for 30 days. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
You should also:
Making political or negative comments about the Egyptian government, including about the President or security forces, can cause trouble with the authorities. People have faced prison sentences for making insulting comments on social media.
Dress code
As the population is mostly Moslim, pants, t-shirts, and long-sleeve shirts are acceptable as clothes to wear in Egypt. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts to fit in with local customs when you visit outside the touristic areas. When you travel to Egypt for the first time, many of you are asking what is the dress code in the hotel and what you should wear while walking in the street. "Do I really have to wear long pants in the restaurant?" "Is it okay to wear shorts when visiting the city?" "Should I bring warm clothes with me when I travel from November to March?"
The answer to the first question about the dress code in the hotel: If you stay in a 4 or 5 star hotel, you should wear proper clothes and trousers during the meal. While lunch is also served at the beach restaurant, it is okay to cover your body with light clothing. But 5-star hotels (including hotel chains like Jaz, Albatros, Sunrise) only let men into the restaurant with trousers below the knee. It is for the good impression and respect for the other guests. In no case you should stay in the indoor restaurant or in the lobby in the swimming suit only.
Laws and cultural differences
Egypt is predominantly an Islamic country. It is illegal to encourage conversion to the Christian faith.
Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during Ramadan or when you visit religious areas.
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and souqs (markets). Public displays of affection are frowned on. What may be acceptable in the tourist resort areas may not be in other areas.
Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. Ramadan in Egypt in 2024 will likely begin in March and ends in April and will last for 30 days. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
You should also:
- check opening hours of shops and restaurants
- be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
- follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
- be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk
- be patient and show tolerance
Making political or negative comments about the Egyptian government, including about the President or security forces, can cause trouble with the authorities. People have faced prison sentences for making insulting comments on social media.
Dress code
As the population is mostly Moslim, pants, t-shirts, and long-sleeve shirts are acceptable as clothes to wear in Egypt. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts to fit in with local customs when you visit outside the touristic areas. When you travel to Egypt for the first time, many of you are asking what is the dress code in the hotel and what you should wear while walking in the street. "Do I really have to wear long pants in the restaurant?" "Is it okay to wear shorts when visiting the city?" "Should I bring warm clothes with me when I travel from November to March?"
The answer to the first question about the dress code in the hotel: If you stay in a 4 or 5 star hotel, you should wear proper clothes and trousers during the meal. While lunch is also served at the beach restaurant, it is okay to cover your body with light clothing. But 5-star hotels (including hotel chains like Jaz, Albatros, Sunrise) only let men into the restaurant with trousers below the knee. It is for the good impression and respect for the other guests. In no case you should stay in the indoor restaurant or in the lobby in the swimming suit only.
