Siwa, Egypt 🇪🇬
#2001
29.210911, 25.51918
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Siwa is an oasis town located in the Western Desert of Egypt, rich in history and natural beauty. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 23,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 10-20 Mbps, variable in more remote areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 35 EGP, cash is commonly used with ATM access available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Orange Egypt and Vodafone Egypt, prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major international cards accepted at some hotels and restaurants, but cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, traditional hotels, and eco-lodges like Adrere Amellal. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is strongly preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through local agents and platforms like Airbnb. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options like Siwa Eco Lodge offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently no dedicated coworking spaces; cafes offer space. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Dakhla provides a nice atmosphere to work with WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited networking; seasonal events may occur, check local community boards. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Informal meet-ups can be arranged via Facebook groups or local cafes. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis available; Uber and other ride apps are not operational. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented locally for exploring the oasis. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Siwa, approximately 30 mins away, known for its healing properties. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | EgyptAir operates flights to nearby cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cairo International is the nearest major airport accessible from Siwa. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Siwa Road from Marsa Matrouh. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train; access is via bus or car from nearby cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transport passes; buses available on a pay-per-ride basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Localized bus services operate to and from Siwa. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Siwa Central Hospital for basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited availability; local wellness retreats offer holistic services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic gym facilities available in larger hotels. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at most hotels and guesthouses. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Currently no popular food delivery apps; local restaurants offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Siwi cuisine such as 'Dakkah', a local herbal mixture. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Most local restaurants can accommodate with traditional vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try local dates and honey at community markets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer affordable food and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; local markets are preferred, but some items available online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited services; local shops are accessible within the town. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nights are quiet; local cafes and hotels may have evening events. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries; traditional drinks like goat's milk are common. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited availability of bars; local eateries serve traditional beverages. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street vendors offer popular snacks like falafel. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited; primary focus on local cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Temple of Oracle and the Old Siwa ruins. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Siwa Heritage Museum showcases local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Shali Fortress is a notable historic site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Mosque of Siwa is a local place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals include the Siwa Festival celebrating heritage. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town of Siwa reflects traditional architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited to local gatherings; no formal theater venues. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Siwa souk offers local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music performances occur during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; focus is on traditional art and crafts. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local families occasionally offer cooking lessons for traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; local artisans may display their work in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional mud-brick homes exemplify local architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Siwa's heritage is closely tied to Berber traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Great Sand Sea offers stunning dune landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | El Alamein National Park is a drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various paths available around the oasis for hiking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Enjoy views from the top of the Shali Fortress. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching at Lake Siwa is recommended. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas are available at certain camps. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited services; local post office available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops; repairs may be limited. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local guesthouses may have basic recreation facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local community centers may offer language classes occasionally. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited access; best found in hotels or cafes. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Siwa has informal community gathering spaces. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming facilities; mostly in hotels. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos available in Siwa. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €136,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €112,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22.5% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 14% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% standard rate. |