10 Essential Tips Before You Visit Hurghada

BY RED SEA TOURS BY ANNA | LAST UPDATED: 01/01/2026

Whether you’re dreaming of vibrant coral reefs, sun-drenched beaches, or a desert quad bike adventure, Hurghada is the place to be. But to make sure your holiday is all “sun and sand” and zero “stress and surprises,” there are a few things you should know before you land.

Here are 10 things you need to know before visiting Hurghada—so you can skip the hassle and head straight to the fun!

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10. Cash is Still King

Egypt is modernizing quickly, but cash remains essential. You’ll need Egyptian Pounds (LE) for tipping, local taxis, small souvenir shops, and even some smaller restaurants.

• Pro Tip: ATMs are everywhere, but they usually spit out large notes. Try to break these into smaller bills at a supermarket or your hotel reception; having small change for tips (baksheesh) will make your life much easier.
• Don’t exchange money at home: It’s often hard to find Egyptian Pounds abroad and the rates are usually poor. Just wait until you arrive!

9. Uber and inDrive Are Your Best Friends

Good news: your Uber app works perfectly here! It’s a great way to avoid negotiating prices with street taxis. However, if you want to travel like a local, download inDrive. It’s the most popular ride-hailing app in Hurghada. You suggest a price, a driver accepts, and you’re on your way. It’s often cheaper and very reliable.

8. Easy Visas on Arrival

Don’t let the visa process stress you out. If you are a UK or EU citizen, you can simply buy your tourist visa at Hurghada Airport for $25.

• Avoid the Upsell: As you enter the terminal, travel reps might try to usher you to their desks to pay double. Ignore them! Head straight to the official bank kiosks before passport control to get your sticker for the standard price.

7. Mastering the Art of Tipping

Tipping (baksheesh) is a fundamental part of Egyptian culture. It’s expected for almost every service, from the person carrying your bags to your boat crew on a snorkeling trip.

• How much? You don’t need to be overly generous. A small gesture of 10–20 LE is greatly appreciated. At restaurants, a 10–15% tip is standard if a service charge isn’t already included.

6. Book Your “Bucket List” Tours Early

The Red Sea is world-famous for a reason, and the best experiences—like swimming with wild dolphins or private boat charters—fill up fast. To ensure you get a spot with a high-quality provider, book your tours in advance. Waiting until you’re at the resort often means settled for “whatever is left” or paying inflated hotel prices.

5. Pack the Essentials (or Buy Local)

Sunscreen and mosquito spray are non-negotiable. If you forget them, don’t panic! Local pharmacies carry everything you need.

• Save Money: Hotel gift shops are notorious for “tourist prices.” If you need supplies, take a quick trip into town or a local mall where you’ll pay a fraction of the cost.

4. Respect the Local Vibe

Hurghada is a relaxed tourist hub, and your resort is a “anything goes” zone for clothing. However, if you’re heading to the Sheraton Road or the Old Town (Dahar), it’s respectful to dress a bit more modestly.

• Quick Rule: Aim to cover your shoulders and knees when walking through local markets. You’ll feel more comfortable and it’s a great way to show respect for the local culture.

3. Stick to the Bottle

Never drink the tap water in Hurghada. It’s perfectly fine for showering, but for drinking and brushing your teeth, stick to bottled water.

• Ice Check: Most established restaurants and resorts use filtered water for their ice, but if you have a sensitive stomach, it never hurts to ask for your drink “without ice.”

2. A Little Arabic Goes a Long Way

While English is spoken by almost everyone in the tourism industry, learning two or three words in Arabic will instantly win you smiles:

• Shukran = Thank you
• Salaam Alaikum = Hello (Peace be upon you)
• La’a Shukran = No thank you (Very useful for polite street vendors!)

1. Escape the “Resort Bubble”

The biggest mistake travelers make is staying inside their hotel for 7 days. Hurghada is so much more than a buffet line! To truly see the magic of the Red Sea, you have to leave the gates.

• Visit the Hurghada Marina for a sunset dinner.
• Take a boat to Orange Bay or Mahmya.
• Go on a Desert Safari to see the stars like never before.

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Ready to Start Your Hurghada Adventure?

At Red Sea Tours by Anna, we specialize in making your Egyptian holiday unforgettable. From handpicked snorkeling trips to authentic local experiences, we handle the details so you can focus on the memories.