Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Siwa Oasis is a unique geographical location in Egypt, known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 23,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed around 10-15 Mbps; suitable for basic remote work tasks. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EGP ≈ 0.032 USD, local ATMs available for cash withdrawal. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from Orange and Vodafone; 4G coverage in some areas. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is preferred; Visa and Mastercard accepted at some businesses. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and eco-lodges like Shali Lodge. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless transactions; cash is king. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available; costs around 400 EGP per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable stays at places like Siwa Eco Camp starting at 250 EGP. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Stay near the downtown area for accessibility to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Numerous eco-lodges, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No dedicated coworking spaces; cafes with good Wi-Fi can be used. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Siwa Cafe offers a calm environment for working, with decent Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited networking events; informal gatherings with local expats may occur occasionally. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Sometimes through Facebook groups for expats in Egypt. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis available; no ride-hailing apps like Uber operate here. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | No formal rental services; local transportation is typically via horseback or bicycles. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Siwa, about 5 km away, offering unique experiences. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | EgyptAir offers flights to nearby airports, but not directly to Siwa. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cairo International Airport is the nearest international hub. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Remote location; access via local roads off the main highway to Alexandria. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; nearest train station in Alexandria. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transportation; recommend using taxis or local transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to Siwa available from Cairo; journey takes approximately 12 hours. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Siwa Central Hospital; modest facilities for basic health care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Local wellness retreats offer yoga; check for availability. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; some hotels have small fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundry services available; pricing around 50 EGP per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major delivery apps; local eateries are recommended. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Siwan dates' and 'bakhour' (a local dessert). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Many local dishes cater to vegetarian diets; fresh produce available. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try local date pastries at shops in the market. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets provide fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce; famous for local handicrafts available in markets. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited services; local markets are best for fresh groceries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; a few local cafes serve coffee and tea. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No breweries; traditional drinks like hibiscus tea are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available; local Egyptian wines found in some restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors selling falafel and grilled foods are common. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited; local Egyptian dishes dominate the food scene. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The ancient Shali Fortress and the Temple of the Oracle. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Siwa Museum showcases local heritage and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ruins of the old town and ancient salt lakes. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Siwa Oasis boasts a number of ancient temples. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Siwa Festival celebrates local culture; inquire for dates. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Traditional areas surround the market offering cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Not available; local events may occur in community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The daily market offers handicrafts, dates, and spices. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music performances can sometimes be found at cafés. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Traditional art is commonplace; check local walls and buildings. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs may offer classes, check with hotels. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited galleries; artisan crafts are commonly sold in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many structures made of kershef clay and stone. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Siwa is famous for its distinct traditions and lifestyle. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the Great Sand Sea for unique landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Protected areas such as Siwa Oasis National Park nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Explore lack of formal paths, but desert walks are popular. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Check out the sunset from Shali Fortress. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Visit the salt lakes; migratory birds can be spotted. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some camps allow bonfires; inquire ahead. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited; local post service available but may take time. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited services; major repairs may need to be done in Cairo. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Not available; local parks are popular for social activities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language courses may be available; inquire locally. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited; best to work remotely from cafes or lodges. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community involvement happenings may take place at local mosques. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not available; gaming is less common in this area. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available; alcohol and gambling are not culturally accepted. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Average price around 10,000 EGP per m². |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately 6,000 EGP per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Around 15,000 EGP per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Around 8,000 EGP per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | About 20,000 EGP per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | 13,000 EGP per m². |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 22.5%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based mainly on progressive income tax rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Max rate of 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 14%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules are under Egyptian law but seldom enforced. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty applies at a rate of 3%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific benefits; expats are taxed on Egyptian-source income. |