Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Siwa is an oasis town located near the western edge of the Egyptian desert, within the Siwa Oasis. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 23,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed around 15-20 Mbps; better connectivity in hotels and cafes. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EGP ≈ 0.032 USD; major banks include National Bank of Egypt and CIB. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz; Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat; prepaid plans available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash and cards accepted, primarily in major establishments; Visa and Mastercard widely recognized. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels like Siwa Oasis Hotel and local guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available via Airbnb with various options in local homes and guesthouses. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable guesthouses like Shali Lodge offer budget-friendly stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Siwa is best for proximity to attractions and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Staying around Siwa Oasis Hotel offers better internet and workspace options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, Siwa does not have dedicated coworking spaces; working from cafes is common. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Alf Leila Cafe provides a comfortable working environment with Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Informal gatherings in local cafes; community events in the town square. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats often connect through local community centers and Facebook groups focused on Siwa. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis and motorbike taxis; no app-based services available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops for exploring the oasis. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Siwa is a popular spot for relaxation and swimming. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | EgyptAir operates flights from Cairo to Siwa. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | EgyptAir for access to international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Siwa-Cairo road connects Siwa to the main highway network. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services in Siwa; bus services connect Siwa to Cairo and Alexandria. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are the primary means of public transport; no passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run daily between Siwa and major cities; travel time to Cairo approximates 12 hours. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Siwa General Hospital provides basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Several local resorts offer wellness programs and yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited; some hotels have basic fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Available through local laundromats and guesthouses. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local food delivery options are limited; direct restaurant orders preferred. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try traditional Siwan dishes like 'Kofta' and local olive oil. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, focused on fresh vegetables and herbs. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try traditional sweet treats at El Bahar Café. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Siwa town showcases fresh produce and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce options; local marketplaces are preferred. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited grocery delivery options; visiting local markets is common. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Siwa has a low-key nightlife with some cafes and restaurants open late. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries; traditional drinks include date juice and herbal teas. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine options; available in some restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer local snacks like falafel and fresh juice. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Chinese options available at select restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Siwa Temple of the Oracle and Shali Fortress are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Siwa Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ancient ruins and the Well of Cleopatra are notable historical attractions. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local mosques and the Temple of Amun are significant religious sites. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Siwa Oasis Festival celebrates local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town area features traditional architecture and local artisans. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural shows often take place in community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Busy bazaars are held weekly selling handicrafts and fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music events are common, especially during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited urban art; local artists often display work at markets. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Available at local guesthouses, focusing on traditional Siwan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local showcases mainly within community centers. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Shali Fortress represents traditional Siwan architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Siwan culture is rich with traditions related to the oasis lifestyle. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Great Sand Sea and surrounding dunes offer breathtaking escapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Siwa Protected Area nearby is known for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic trails through the oasis are great for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lakes in Siwa provide picturesque views, especially at sunrise. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The lake areas are popular for birdwatching, particularly during migration seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Several designated spots along the desert may allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal services are available; international delivery may take time. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited options; local shops may assist with basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | No designated spots; local cafes may have indoor games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some local centers offer Arabic language classes for beginners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Minimal library facilities; local cafes are more suitable for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local centers host cultural activities and community gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; popular gaming typically takes place in private homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Siwa; gambling is not common in the area. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 12,000 EGP per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 480,000 EGP) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 9,000 EGP per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 360,000 EGP) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 10,000 EGP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 600,000 EGP) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 8,000 EGP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 480,000 EGP) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 9,500 EGP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 760,000 EGP) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 7,500 EGP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 600,000 EGP) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22.5% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based system; worldwide income taxed for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | 14% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Strict controls applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on property values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No official incentives for digital nomads currently; local policies may change. |