Siwa Oasis, Egypt 🇪🇬
#1461
29.215497, 25.468972
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Siwa Oasis, known for its unique cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, is located in the western desert of Egypt. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 25,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 10-20 Mbps, with varying reliability in rural areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EGP ≈ 0.032 USD, ATMs available, but credit card usage is limited. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Vodafone and Orange have good coverage; local SIM cards available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is king; banks such as National Bank of Egypt and local ATMs accept major international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, eco-lodges, and boutique hotels like Adrere Amellal. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; most transactions are in cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer various short-term options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Al Makhad's Guesthouse, starting from around 20 USD per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Siwa Coworking Hub, a popular spot for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe D’Siwa, providing a relaxed atmosphere with Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Informal gatherings at local cafes and expat meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Local cultural events and festivals offer networking opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No ride-hailing apps; local taxis are available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals available from local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The Great Sand Sea, about a 30-minute drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | EgyptAir for flights to Cairo. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | EgyptAir provides international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Siwa Road leading to main highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; travel by bus from Cairo. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport system; buses are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services from Cairo take around 9 hours. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Siwa Hospital provides basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Small wellness retreats offering yoga classes in the area. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited; some hotels offer small fitness areas. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundry shops provide services at reasonable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No dedicated delivery apps; local restaurants offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Siwan dates and local olive oil are must-tries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local eateries offer vegetarian dishes; salad options available. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local markets with traditional sweets, such as basbousa. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars and markets for fresh produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping available; larger towns better served. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No specific services; local shops provide supplies. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local cafes and small bars offer casual nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries; traditional drinks like hibiscus tea available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; local eateries may serve regional wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local markets offer street food such as koshari. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited; mostly local cuisine available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Temple of Amun, Shali Fortress, and Cleopatra’s Spring. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Siwa Museum showcasing local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ancient ruins and forts are major attractions. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local mosques and temples reflecting the region's heritage. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Siwa Festival celebrating local traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The local community around the Shali Fortress. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited; local performance arts are often informal. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The main bazaar offering handcrafted goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music played during festivals and gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local art is often found in markets and public spaces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Available through local guesthouses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited, but local crafts can be found in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional mud-brick buildings in the town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich Berber traditions and practices remaining alive. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Great Sand Sea for sand dunes and exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Protected areas around Siwa for outdoor activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various paths around the oasis for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints provide stunning views of the surrounding desert. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ideal spots near the oasis with various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many campsites in the desert are suitable for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited; local courier services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local services; international repair options in major cities. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited recreational facilities in hotels. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Arabic classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Few public places; cafes provide quieter spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community gatherings often take place in local mosques or squares. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; gaming is popular among local youth in cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos available; entertainment primarily local. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 9,000 EGP per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 450,000 EGP). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 7,500 EGP per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 375,000 EGP). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 8,000 EGP per m² (e.g., 75 m² = 600,000 EGP). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 6,500 EGP per m² (e.g., 75 m² = 487,500 EGP). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 7,000 EGP per m² (e.g., 100 m² = 700,000 EGP). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 5,500 EGP per m² (e.g., 100 m² = 550,000 EGP). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22.5% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on progressive tax rates for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for higher earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 14% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applicable based on value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% stamp duty on property transfers. |