Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt 🇪🇬
#245
27.864442, 34.295447
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sharm El Sheikh is a popular resort city located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 35,000 residents, with a large influx of tourists year-round. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with higher speeds available in upscale hotels and coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EGP ≈ 0.032 USD. ATMs are widely available, and many establishments accept credit cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it is recommended to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, frequency is 50Hz, and plug types A, C, and F are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Vodafone and Orange, offering prepaid SIMs with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like HSBC and local banks such as National Bank of Egypt are present. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury resorts to budget hotels and hostels. Popular platforms include Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, especially in hotels and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rentals are available through platforms like Airbnb and local agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include hostels like Melton Hotel and budget hotels like Tropitel Naama Bay. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Coworking Space offers good facilities, high-speed internet, and community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café De La Paix is a favorite among digital nomads for its Wi-Fi and tranquil atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are often organized through local expat groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetups are held regularly at venues like Soho Square for networking among expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the most reliable ride-hailing app available in the area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available at various locations, with prices around 50 EGP per hour. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Sharm El Maya Beach, just a short walk from most hotels, is renowned for its beauty. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | EgyptAir is the primary carrier for regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | EgyptAir and Lufthansa have regular flights to and from Sharm El Sheikh. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Sinai Highway makes travel to and from Cairo feasible. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Sharm El Sheikh does not have a train station, but buses and shuttles connect to neighboring cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transit is limited; most travel is done via taxis or private cars. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently to cities like Dahab and Nuweiba, with tickets costing approximately 100 EGP. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Sharm International Hospital provides comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Sharm offers various classes for all levels in a serene environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness studios like Gold's Gym provide a well-equipped space for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats and hotel laundry services are readily available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Otlob is a popular food delivery app frequently used among residents. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Koshari, a popular Egyptian dish made from rice, lentils, and pasta, available at local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Fairuz offer a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Al Masriya has delicious traditional desserts like basbousa and kunafa. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Street markets in Naama Bay provide affordable local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com (now part of Amazon) operates in the region for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery options include Carrefour and local stores through apps. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Naama Bay is the main nightlife area with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local beers like Stella and Saqqara are popular choices among visitors. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | There are several bars that serve local and imported wines in the area. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various street vendors serve falafel, shawarma, and fresh juices. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Little Buddha serve a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Ras Mohammed National Park for stunning coral reefs and marine life. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Sharm El Sheikh Museum highlights local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | St. Catherine's Monastery is a short trip away and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Al-Mustafa Mosque is notable for its beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Sharm El Sheikh International Theater Festival is held annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Market (Sharm El Sheikh) offers traditional shopping and local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Cultural Center hosts various performances and shows throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Old Market is a great spot for souvenirs and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in many bars and restaurants in Naama Bay. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art festivals sometimes pop up in public spaces, featuring local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes are available at local hotels or culinary schools for those interested in Egyptian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art galleries are limited, but some local shops showcase handmade art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Ferial Palace is an interesting historical site to explore. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bedouin culture greatly influences the local heritage seen in markets and crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Sinai and the Colored Canyon offer stunning natural landscapes and trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ras Mohammed National Park is famous for its diving spots and marine biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are several scenic walking places along the coast and in national parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Naama Bay offers a great panoramic view of the beach. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ras Mohammed is also a birdwatching hotspot, especially during migration seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx and DHL provide parcel delivery services in Sharm El Sheikh. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops near Naama Bay offer mobile and gadget repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Many hotels have table tennis facilities available for guests. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Arabic courses for expats and visitors. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | While limited, some hotels provide reading rooms for guests. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Sharm El Sheikh Cultural Center occasionally hosts workshops and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some cafes in the area have gaming facilities for enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Sharm El Sheikh does not have casinos; gambling is generally limited in Egypt. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio for around $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio for around $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² apartment for around $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² apartment for around $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² apartment for around $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² apartment for around $136,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate in Egypt is 22.5%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The rate for dividend withholding tax is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Egyptian tax system is based on territorial income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate in Egypt is 14%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Egypt has CFC rules that regulate foreign entity taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, Egypt imposes an annual property tax based on the asset value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 0.5% on property transactions, plus an additional fee depending on the contract. |