El Gouna, Egypt 🇪🇬
#248
27.398926, 33.674155
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | El Gouna is a picturesque resort town located on the Red Sea, known for its tropical climate and beautiful waters. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 20,000 residents, with a significant presence of expatriates. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, suitable for remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Egyptian Pound (EGP). 1 EUR ≈ 33 EGP, 1 USD ≈ 30 EGP (as of November 2024). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is supplied at 220V, 50Hz. Type C and F sockets are commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Vodafone and Orange, offering competitive prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like HSBC and local options available; ATMs are widely accessible. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, villas, and serviced apartments catering to tourists and nomads. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most establishments, but cash is preferred at markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate platforms offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses are available, such as El Gouna Hostel with beds from EGP 300/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Breeze Coworking provides a friendly environment for remote work with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Moods Restaurant offers a quiet space with Wi-Fi and great coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular expat meetups are organized through Facebook groups and community centers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly sunset gatherings at the beach and dinner events at local restaurants. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the most popular ride-hailing app in the area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles and scooters can be rented from local shops around El Gouna. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Zeytouna Beach is the most popular local beach, known for its clear waters and amenities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | EgyptAir operates flights to major Egyptian cities from Hurghada Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Emirates offer connections to international destinations from Hurghada. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | El Gouna is easily accessible via the coastal road connecting it to Hurghada. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no train services; buses and taxis are the main forms of public transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are available, with tickets typically costing around EGP 10. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities such as Hurghada operate regularly. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | El Gouna Hospital is equipped for emergencies and general care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga El Gouna offers classes in scenic locations, fostering a tranquil environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Club 88 is a well-rated fitness center with various workout options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries offer services, with prices around EGP 50 for a standard load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is the leading food delivery service available in El Gouna. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try ‘Koshari’, a popular Egyptian dish made of rice, lentils, and pasta. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | K Bistro offers a variety of plant-based dishes and smoothies. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Moods Restaurant serves amazing desserts, particularly their chocolate mousse. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | El Gouna's local market offers fresh produce and local goods at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com (now Amazon.eg) offers convenient online shopping for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Freska delivers groceries and fresh products directly to your accommodation. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Abu Tig Marina is the popular nightlife area with bars and restaurants overlooking the water. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | There are no local breweries, but imported beers are widely available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | One of the notable wine bars is La Maison, offering a selection of global wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer traditional Egyptian snacks like falafel and ‘koshari’ at affordable prices. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Mangroovy serves a range of international dishes, including Italian and seafood. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The El Gouna Marina and the stunning kitesurfing beaches are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Consider visiting the local art galleries showcasing contemporary Egyptian art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | While primarily a resort town, day trips to Luxor's historical sites can be arranged. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | El Gouna has several mosques reflecting local architecture and community. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The El Gouna Film Festival occurs annually, attracting filmmakers and guests globally. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town area showcases traditional Egyptian architecture and charm. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | El Gouna often hosts outdoor movie nights and cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | El Gouna Market is held weekly, offering crafts and local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars feature live music from Egyptian and international artists regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found around the marina area, featuring local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available through local chefs focusing on Egyptian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | El Gouna has several galleries showcasing local talents; Al Mashrabeya Gallery is notable. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many buildings around the marina date back to the establishment of El Gouna in the 1990s. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | El Gouna promotes its heritage through cultural events and community involvement. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nearby islands such as Giftun offer snorkeling and diving experiences in pristine waters. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Wadi El Gimal National Park is a few hours away, offering beautiful desert landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | El Gouna has designated paths for biking and walking, particularly along the marina. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint from the hilltop near the windy beach offers stunning sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The lagoons around El Gouna attract various migratory birds, ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches like Mangroovy have designated areas for bonfires, perfect for evening gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL operates in El Gouna for reliable international shipping and delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer smartphone and laptop repairs, such as Tech Care in El Gouna. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Clubs and sports centers have table tennis facilities available for residents. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Several local schools offer Arabic language courses for expatriates. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Community centers often have quiet spaces suitable for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The El Gouna Community Center hosts various events and activities for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes occasionally host gaming nights, although dedicated gaming lounges are limited. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in El Gouna; however, game cafes may offer card games. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EGP 35,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = EGP 1,400,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EGP 30,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = EGP 1,200,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EGP 32,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = EGP 1,920,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EGP 28,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = EGP 1,680,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EGP 30,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = EGP 2,400,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EGP 25,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = EGP 2,000,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 22.5% in Egypt. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax rate is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based taxation; foreign income is generally not taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 14% in Egypt. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply, subject to specific conditions. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | There is an annual property tax based on property values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The property transaction tax is approximately 3%. |