Good to Know Before You Go
Essential information for your trip to Hurghada and Egypt — from weather and currency to visas and local customs.
📖 On This Page
Country Information
📍 Official Name
Arab Republic of Egypt (Gumhuriyyat Misr al-Arabiyya)
🏛️ Capital
Cairo (al-Qahira) — ~20 million inhabitants
🗣️ Language
Arabic (English, French, German widely spoken in tourist areas)
🕋 Religion
90% Muslim, 9% Christian (Coptic)
⏰ Time Zone
UTC+2 (1 hour ahead of Central European Time)
🔌 Electricity
220V, 50Hz — Two-prong sockets (European plug)
Weather & Climate
Egypt is characterized by desert climate — hot, dry summers and mild winters. The Red Sea coast has a milder climate than inland.
☀️ Summer (May-Sept)
Up to 40°C (104°F) — perfect for beach and water activities
❄️ Winter (Oct-Apr)
20-25°C (68-77°F) during the day, cooler at night
🌊 Red Sea Water
20°C in winter / 30°C in summer — swimmable year-round
Visa & Entry Requirements
Most nationalities (EU, USA, UK, Canada, Australia) can obtain a 1-month tourist visa on arrival for approximately $25 USD. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
For German citizens: Entry possible with national ID card (plus visa on arrival). Children under 16 can enter with child ID or in parent's passport.
Money & Currency
💵 Currency
Egyptian Pound (£, EGP) — 1 pound = 100 piastres
💳 Cards
Visa/Mastercard accepted in hotels and larger shops (3-5% surcharge often applies)
🏧 ATMs
Available in major cities and tourist areas
💰 Cash
Always carry small bills for taxis, bazaars, and tips
Health & Safety
💧 Water: Tap water is not safe to drink — always use bottled water.
☀️ Sun protection: Use high SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated.
🍽️ Food: Avoid ice cream, salads, and unpeeled fruit if you have a sensitive stomach.
🩺 Medical care: English-speaking doctors available in major hospitals. Travel insurance recommended.
🛡️ Safety: Egypt is safe for tourists, but practice common sense — avoid isolated areas at night and keep valuables secure.
Getting Around
🚕 Taxis
Negotiate price before starting your ride. White taxis (with meters) are more reliable.
🚌 Buses
Intercity buses connect major cities — very affordable.
✈️ Domestic Flights
Fastest way to travel between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Hurghada.
🚗 Car Rental
International driver's license required. Minimum age 21-25.
Tipping Culture (Baksheesh)
Tipping is expected for almost every service in Egypt. Keep small bills handy.
- Restaurants: 10-15% of the bill (give directly to waiter)
- Hotel staff: €1-2 per bag / per night for housekeeping
- Tour guides & drivers: €5-10 per day depending on service
- Restroom attendants: 5-10 EGP
Shopping & Bargaining
🛍️ Bargaining is expected — sellers often quote double the actual price. Start at 50% of the asking price and negotiate politely.
⏰ Opening hours: Most shops open 9am-10pm (later in resorts). Friday is a rest day.
🎁 What to buy: Papyrus, spices, perfumes, cotton clothing, silver jewelry, and handmade crafts.
Local Customs & Dress Code
Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country. Out of respect for local culture:
- Women: Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting mosques or religious sites
- Men: Avoid walking shirtless outside beaches or pools
- Mosques: Remove shoes before entering. Women should bring a scarf to cover their hair
- Beaches & Resorts: Swimwear is perfectly acceptable — Hurghada is very tourist-friendly
- Ramadan: Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is considered disrespectful
Best Time to Visit Hurghada
🌸 October - April
Perfect weather for sightseeing — 20-28°C. Best for desert safaris and exploring Luxor
☀️ May - September
Hot and sunny — 30-40°C. Ideal for diving, snorkeling, and pool days
🏆 Peak Season
Christmas, New Year, and Easter — book at least 2-3 months in advance
💸 Best Value
February, March, October, November — great weather, fewer crowds, lower prices
Packing Essentials for Egypt
🌞 Sun Protection
High SPF sunscreen (50+), sunglasses, wide-brim hat, and lip balm with SPF
👕 Clothing
Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen). A light jacket for cooler evenings
💊 Health Kit
Rehydration salts, diarrhea medication, pain relievers, hand sanitizer, wet wipes
📱 Tech
Universal power adapter (Type C/F), power bank, underwater camera for snorkeling
💰 Money
Euros or US dollars for exchange, small bills for tips (5-20 EGP notes)
📄 Documents
Passport (6+ months validity), printed visa, travel insurance, booking confirmations
Internet & Staying Connected
📱 SIM Cards: Orange, Vodafone, and WE are the main providers. A tourist SIM with 10-20GB costs around $10-15 USD at the airport.
📶 WiFi: Available in most hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Speeds are generally good in tourist areas like Hurghada.
💬 WhatsApp & Messenger: Widely used in Egypt — most tour operators, including Smile Hurghada, communicate via WhatsApp.
Egyptian Cuisine — What to Try
🍲 Koshari
Egypt's national dish — rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and crispy onions with tomato sauce
🥙 Foul & Taameya
Fava bean stew and Egyptian falafel — classic breakfast served with pita bread
🍢 Kebabs & Kofta
Grilled meat skewers — usually served with rice, salad, and tahini sauce
🍚 Molokhia
Green leafy soup served with chicken or rabbit — a traditional Egyptian favorite
Distances from Hurghada
| Hurghada → Cairo | 460 km |
| Hurghada → Luxor | 280 km |
| Hurghada → Marsa Alam | 273 km |
| Hurghada → El Gouna | 25 km |
| Hurghada → Safaga | 60 km |
| Hurghada → Sharm El Sheikh | 90 km (ferry) |
Important Contacts
Egyptian Tourist Office (Frankfurt)
Kaiserstraße 64, 60329 Frankfurt/M. Tel: (069) 25 21 53
Egyptian Embassy (Berlin)
Stauffenbergstrasse 6-7, 10785 Berlin. Tel: (030) 477 54 70
Smile Hurghada Tours (24/7 Support)
📞 +20 122 245 9688 | 📧 info@smile-hurghada.com
📍 Villa 19N/1, Magawish, Hurghada
Ready for Your Red Sea Adventure?
Now that you know everything about Egypt, it's time to book your dream tour with Smile Hurghada!
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