Essentials
| 🏙️ City | El Gouna is a beautiful resort town located on the Red Sea, known for its unique architecture and vibrant community. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 20,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 30 Mbps, with options for higher speeds available in coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 30.85 EGP. Local banks like Banque Misr and National Bank of Egypt have ATMs throughout the town. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Vodafone and Orange provide reliable mobile services with good data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are accepted widely, and services like Revolut work well. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury hotels to affordable apartments and villas available on websites like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most places, especially in hotels and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer various short-term options starting at around $40 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are available starting at approximately $10 per night at places like Captain’s Inn. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Marina area is preferred for its restaurants and scenic views. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The El Gouna downtown area is ideal for longer stays, providing easy access to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking El Gouna offers a productive environment with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Breeze Restaurant has reliable Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | El Gouna hosts regular meetups for entrepreneurs through platforms like Meetup and local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The El Gouna Expats Group on Facebook provides updates on social gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem operates in the area, providing reliable ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops for around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Zeytouna Beach is a popular spot just a short walk from the town center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | EgyptAir is the main regional carrier, connecting to Cairo. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | EgyptAir and Lufthansa offer international flights to major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Located near the Hurghada-Safi road, providing easy access to the highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains directly in El Gouna; buses are the main form of transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses run regularly, fares are typically around 5 EGP. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to Cairo are available, with tickets costing around $10. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | El Gouna Hospital offers general and emergency services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in El Gouna hosts various classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | El Gouna Sports Club provides various fitness facilities for members. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at affordable prices, typically $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and UberEats are popular for food delivery in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Koshari is a must-try local dish, with several eateries serving it. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green Room offers a range of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Munchies Café is famous for its delicious desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The El Gouna market offers local produce and budget-friendly shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is a popular online shopping platform in Egypt. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local stores offer delivery through their websites or mobile apps. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Marina area has several buzzing bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bansh Brewery offers locally brewed beer in El Gouna. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars like Le Jardin serve a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer various snacks, with falafel being a popular choice. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | El Gouna hosts several international restaurants offering Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The El Gouna Marina and the Abu Tig Marina are beautiful waterfront areas worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The El Gouna Art Center showcases local and international art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient temples of Karnak are a short drive from El Gouna. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Mary Church serves as a local religious landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | El Gouna Film Festival is a significant annual event attracting international visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area is vibrant with street art and local artisans. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Performing arts events are often held in local community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | El Gouna's market offers a delightful selection of local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events are hosted regularly around the Marina. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public art installations are prominent throughout El Gouna. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Various cooking classes are available that focus on traditional Egyptian recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries often feature works by Egyptian and international artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The unique architecture of El Gouna is inspired by traditional Egyptian styles. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | El Gouna is known for its environmental sustainability efforts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Giftun Islands offer stunning snorkeling and diving opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Wadi El Gimal National Park is a protected area not far from El Gouna. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are numerous scenic cycling paths along the coast. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hills surrounding El Gouna offer breathtaking views of the Red Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The lagoons near El Gouna are ideal spots for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on the beach allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local couriers offer parcel delivery services in El Gouna. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can assist with phone and laptop repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have tables set up for ping pong. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer classes in Arabic and English. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local cafes provide quiet spaces for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The El Gouna Community Center hosts various activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are a few gaming cafes with good setups for video gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | El Gouna features a few casual gaming spots for entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Currently 22.5% for companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based on residency with progressive rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 14%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules are in place to prevent tax avoidance. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on assessed property value, rates vary. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 2.5% applicable. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits yet, but residency options for digital nomads are being developed. |