Hurghada, Egypt 🇪🇬
#244
27.222556, 33.830706
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Hurghada is a popular resort town located along the Red Sea coast in Egypt, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 250,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 33 EGP, 1 USD ≈ 30 EGP. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. Bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Vodafone and Orange offer good coverage and prepaid packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks such as National Bank of Egypt and commercial banks accept international cards, but setting up a local account may require residency. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from resorts and hotels to short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb and local rental services. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Generally yes, cards are accepted at most places, but cash is still preferred in smaller establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, local real estate websites, and expat Facebook groups offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Green House, and other budget-friendly hotels can be found, starting from around 150 EGP per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Dahab Coworking and The Hive offer great environments for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Starbucks and Cilantro are popular among locals and digital nomads for their WiFi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local expat Facebook groups for occasional meetups and events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Hurghada Expats Community hosts regular events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is widely used for ride-hailing in Hurghada. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | While not common, some local rental shops offer bicycles, mainly near popular tourist areas. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Public beaches like El Mamsha are easily accessible. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Cairo serves regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | EgyptAir operates flights to various international locations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Hurghada is connected by the Hurghada-Safaga road and the Sohag-Hurghada road. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No major train services, but buses are available for longer distances. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses are available, but there are no formal passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to cities like Luxor and Cairo operate frequently from the central bus station. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | International Hospital of Hurghada is recommended for expat healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Ahlan Wellness Center offers various yoga classes and wellness services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Fitness First provide well-equipped facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats offer affordable laundry services; prices start around 50 EGP. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is popular for food delivery in Hurghada. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Kushari, a traditional Egyptian dish of rice, pasta, and lentils. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Sailor's offer vegan and vegetarian-friendly options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Bakery offers a variety of pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as El Dahar Market offer fresh produce at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is a leading online shopping platform in Egypt. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Various supermarkets like Spinneys offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | El Mamsha district is known for its nightlife, with many bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Stella is a well-known Egyptian beer brand, available in many bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local wine shops offer a selection of Egyptian wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Pita vendors along the beach promenade are very popular. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various restaurants serve Italian and Chinese cuisine, such as Da Vinci and Peking. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Hurghada Marina is a popular destination for shopping and dining. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Hurghada Grand Aquarium is both educational and entertaining. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The nearby ancient city of Luxor offers incredible historical sites and temples. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Al Mina Mosque for a glimpse of local spirituality. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Red Sea Festival held every November showcases local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town area reflects traditional Egyptian culture and architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Look for local cultural performances at venues like the Hurghada Cultural Center. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | El Dahar Market offers a true local shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Many beach bars host live music events, especially during high season. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore local murals in residential areas that reflect Egyptian culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer classes to learn about Egyptian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Hurghada Art Gallery features works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore the Christian churches in Hurghada, showcasing diverse architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The local Bedouin culture can be experienced through organized desert trips. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Giftun Islands National Park offers beautiful snorkeling and beach experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Wadi El Gemal National Park is accessible for eco-tours. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Promenade paths along the beach are ideal for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The areas overlooking the Red Sea provide stunning views, especially at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Look for migratory birds at the nearby mangroves of Sharm El-Naga. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach areas regulated by hotels may allow bonfires with permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex handle shipping and parcels. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in downtown Hurghada offer phone and laptop repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some recreation centers offer table tennis tables for use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Several language institutes offer Arabic classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local cafes and co-working spaces serve as informal study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers host events and classes for the local community. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some internet cafes provide gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | A few hotels offer on-site gaming options, but gambling is limited. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $45,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏠 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. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22.5% for businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividends distributed to non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based system with progressive rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 14% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Egypt has CFC rules targeting tax avoidance. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on rental value, typically around 10%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% tax on property transfers. |