Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Luxor is a city on the Nile River in southern Egypt, known for its ancient monuments and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 500,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EGP ≈ 0.032 USD, local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), credit cards accepted at many places. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It is advisable to consume bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat are popular mobile providers offering affordable prepaid SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as National Bank of Egypt and CIB are available, also services like PayPal are widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses; platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com are helpful. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless. Major hotels and restaurants accept cards, but cash is still widely used, especially in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local hostels such as Al Hambra Hotel offer short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include The Nile View Hotel and Bob Marley Hostel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Corniche is a popular area for tourists due to its proximity to landmarks. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The West Bank area offers tranquil surroundings with a variety of coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Nile Coworking Space offers a comfortable environment specific for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Shop, located near Luxor Temple, is a popular spot for digital nomads. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Various online groups exist for expats and nomads in Luxor. Meetups are organized periodically. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community groups on Facebook, such as ‘Luxor Expats’ frequently post about gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is a reliable ride-hailing app operational in the region. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals can be found at various tourist spots; scooters are also available for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest major beaches are in Hurghada, around 3-4 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | EgyptAir connects Luxor to other major cities like Cairo and Aswan. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major airlines like Lufthansa and Emirates connect through Cairo. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Luxor-Aswan road facilitates easy travel between these major tourist hubs. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Luxor Railway Station connects to various cities including Cairo and Aswan. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses and taxis are the main transport modes; passes are not commonly offered. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services are available for nearby cities; buses also serve local routes. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Luxor International Hospital is a primary healthcare facility providing emergency and routine care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Lotus Yoga Centre offers yoga classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit in Luxor and local hotels have fitness centers for gym-goers. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and hotel laundry services are available for cleaning needs. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is a widely used food delivery service in Luxor. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Koshari, a traditional mixed dish, is recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like The Luxor Kitchen offer vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Koshary Abou Tarek is popular for local sweets and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Al-Souk are great for budget-friendly shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is a local online marketplace for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Mango delivers groceries directly to your location. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around the Luxor Corniche has a few bars that cater to expats. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local breweries are limited; however, some bars serve international brands. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Winter Palace Hotel has a decent wine selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer a variety of local snacks, especially around tourist sites. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants such as Pizza Roma serve both local and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Luxor Museum displays ancient artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Hatshepsut Temple is a significant historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Temple of Karnak is a major religious site worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Luxor African Film Festival is an important cultural event occurring annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The West Bank is home to various ancient temples and cultural sites. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters may host cultural performances, check local listings for events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Al-Dahshur Market offers local crafts and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can often be found in local cafes and bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals reflecting local culture can be found around Luxor. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary experiences are available in local homes where you can learn traditional Egyptian cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artisans often display their work in markets and some small galleries. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old hotels like the Winter Palace hold architectural significance. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is rich in history, marked by its temples and monuments. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The surrounding desert offers unique landscapes for exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Aswan Botanical Garden is a nearby escape for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Nile are popular for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The West Bank offers stunning sunset views over the Nile. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The banks of the Nile are great spots for observing various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some resorts offer bonfire areas, mainly for groups. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services handle parcel delivery within Egypt. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops specialize in repairing electronics, especially phones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers and some hotels may have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Arabic language classes are offered at local cultural centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The public library offers a quiet space for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various activities and are open to expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few local gaming spots exist, mainly in hotel lounges. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Luxor is a local option for gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EGP 25,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = EGP 1,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EGP 18,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = EGP 720,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EGP 22,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = EGP 1,320,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EGP 15,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = EGP 900,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. EGP 20,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = EGP 1,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. EGP 14,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = EGP 1,120,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22.5% on corporate income. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Egyptian tax system is progressive based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 14%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules are in place but not strictly enforced. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A flat 2.5% is charged during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Egypt does not have specific tax incentives for digital nomads but has a competitive cost of living. |