Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Hurghada is a popular resort town situated on the Red Sea coast of Egypt, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 120,000 residents as of 2023. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 15-20 Mbps with potential for higher speeds in coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 33 EGP, 1 USD ≈ 30 EGP. Local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat, with SIM cards easily available at the airport or convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International credit cards, like Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Popular platforms include Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still commonly used; cards accepted in many establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb has numerous listings for short-term accommodations in Hurghada. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like 'Sea View' offer beds starting at 150 EGP per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The El Dahar district is recommended for its local market and cultural experiences. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Sheraton Street area is ideal for expats, offering cafes with Wi-Fi and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Karma Coworking is a popular choice among digital nomads, offering reliable internet and a friendly environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Pasta & Pizza Cafe provides a conducive work environment with good Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are less common, but social gatherings are organized through platforms like Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The 'Hurghada Expats' Facebook group frequently hosts meetups and social events for new arrivals. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is widely used for ridesharing in Hurghada. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available through local shops, typically around 150 EGP per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The public beach near El Mamsha is popular and offers various amenities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Cairo operates several domestic flights from Hurghada. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | EgyptAir operates regular flights to major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The new Hurghada-Safaga road provides easy access to neighboring cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hurghada does not have a train system; however, public buses are available for intercity travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local bus services offer low fares, typically around 10 EGP for most routes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Hurghada to cities like Luxor and Aswan with tickets costing around 150 EGP. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | El Fardous Hospital is the largest private hospital offering a range of services in Hurghada. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Bliss offers various yoga classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym is known for its comprehensive facilities, including group classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at numerous hotels and local laundromats, with prices starting from 30 EGP per kilogram. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is a popular choice for food delivery options in Hurghada. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Koshari is a must-try local dish made of pasta, rice, lentils, and topped with tomato sauce. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Calm Sea offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mado Cafe is well-known for its delicious desserts and ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local market in El Dahar offers fresh produce and spices at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Egypt is a popular online marketplace for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | IKEA Hamra offers grocery delivery alongside home goods. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Sheraton Road area is known for its vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Stella Beer is the most popular local brewery and can be found in many bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | There are few dedicated wine bars, but many restaurants offer a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors selling grilled corn and fresh juice can be found around the beach areas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Tozza serves a mix of Italian and Mediterranean dishes favored by locals and tourists. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Giftun Islands are a stunning natural attraction for snorkeling and relaxation. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Hurghada Marine Museum showcases local marine life and artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The nearby Ancient Maritim Museum offers insights into the historic maritime culture of the region. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Al Mina Mosque provides a glimpse into local religious architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Hurghada International Festival occurs annually, featuring cultural performances and crafts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area features traditional markets and local shops reflecting Egyptian culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural performances are often held at local community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Old Market is a popular spot for souvenirs and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can often be found in restaurants and bars, especially along the tourist areas. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Several murals can be found around the village area, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Various local cooking classes offer experiences in traditional Egyptian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Hurghada Art Museum features local artists and rotating exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historical lighthouse is a notable landmark that has guided sailors for decades. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Red Sea has a rich cultural and historical significance dating back to ancient Egyptian civilization. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Wadi El Gemal National Park offers stunning desert landscapes and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ras Mohammed National Park is accessible and known for its coral reefs. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal boardwalk offers scenic views and is great for walking or cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The marina provides perfect sunset views over the Red Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The lagoons near Safaga attract various migratory bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches provide designated areas for bonfires, particularly outside of town. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx have offices in Hurghada for reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Several local shops offer phone and computer repair services, with prices starting at 200 EGP. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers occasionally host table tennis matches. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Hurghada offer English and Arabic classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are limited, but cafes often provide Wi-Fi and quiet environments for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Hurghada Cultural Center provides classes and events for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are limited gaming lounges, but some cafes offer gaming PCs. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Desert Rose Hotel features a small casino for entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2000 EUR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 80,000 EUR). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1500 EUR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 60,000 EUR). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2500 EUR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 150,000 EUR). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1800 EUR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 108,000 EUR). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3000 EUR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 240,000 EUR). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2200 EUR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 176,000 EUR). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22.5% standard corporate tax rate in Egypt. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income; non-residents are only taxed on Egypt-derived income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 14% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Regulations are not stringent for expat entrepreneurs. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Currently a standard rate of 2.5% for property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | There are incentives for expats and digital nomads to establish businesses with easy registration and minimal taxation. |