Get the best Hurghada tips for first-time travelers! Learn the 11 essential things to know before your trip to Hurghada!

Before we traveled to Hurghada, I found myself searching all over the internet for things I needed to know before setting off. We wanted to be fully prepared but had a hard time finding all the tips in one place. That’s why I decided to create this blog post, gathering the most important Hurghada tips to ensure you’re ready for your trip and know exactly what to expect when you arrive.

Whether you’re wondering about how to navigate local culture, or what to look out for, this guide has you covered. I’ve compiled everything I wish I knew before heading to this beautiful Red Sea destination, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday without any surprises.

If you’re still planning your itinerary, I also posted a blog on the 8 Best Things to Do in Hurghada, which will give you ideas for unforgettable activities once you’re there.

This post is all about 11 ultimate Hurghada tips for first-time visitors!

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Hurghada Tips

1. Getting Your Visa & Where To Go

If you’re traveling from the UK, you’ll need a visa to enter Hurghada, but there’s no need to stress—it’s super easy to handle once you land! You can get your visa at the airport, which only takes a few seconds. The cost is $25 per person, so be sure to have some cash ready.

When you arrive, be careful to head to the correct visa counter. There will be a large area with stalls where people may try to sell visas for more than $25. I’m not sure why they charge extra, but avoid those stalls and go straight to the official visa desk (see picture above). Once you’re there, they’ll place a visa sticker in your passport, stamp it, and you’ll be good to go!

2. Landing Card

I remember having to do something similar when we traveled to Morocco, and Egypt is no different. Upon landing in Hurghada (and when you’re leaving), you’ll need to fill out a small landing card. They usually hand this out on the plane before you land, and when you’re departing, you’ll get another one just before passport control.

A handy tip: always carry a pen! When we traveled, they only had two pens for a whole line of passengers, but luckily, I had brought a couple of extras and was able to lend one to the family in front of us. Save yourself the hassle and be prepared with your own pen to quickly fill out the card!

3. Take Antidiarrheal Medicine

If you forget this, you’ll definitely struggle! We brought ours from Spain, thanks to a family friend, so I can’t recommend any UK options specifically. But having it made our trip so much smoother—we only had to deal with discomfort for a day or two before things got better.

While in Hurghada, I heard that local pharmacies were running low on anti-diarrhea pills, so it’s crucial to bring enough for the whole family. Being prepared with your own supply will save you the hassle of searching for medicine while on holiday!

4. Is Hurghada Safe?

We found Hurghada to be very safe and never felt like we were in any danger. However, I highly recommend keeping your valuables, like money and phones, secure and out of sight.

Our cab driver gave us a helpful tip to be extra cautious in crowded areas, like before entering the Marina or the El Dahar Bazaar. He mentioned that sometimes two kids may approach—one distracting you by begging for money, while the other tries to pickpocket. Staying aware and keeping your belongings well-protected will ensure a worry-free experience!

Other Travel Posts You’ll Like:

• 8 Best Things To Do In Hurghada
• Ultimate Year-Round Travel Packing List
• Travel Workouts Schedule
• 20 Travel Essentials You Didn’t Think You Needed
• How To Stay Healthy While Travelling

5. Taxi Fees

Fortunately, we connected with a friendly cab driver who was readily available whenever we needed a ride. He charged us just 5 euros for a 20-30 minute trip, which is very reasonable.

I’ve heard stories of others being charged as much as 15 euros for just a 5-10 minute ride! If you’re concerned about trusting a driver, I recommend having the Uber app on your phone. It can help you check the standard fare prices and ensure that your taxi driver isn’t trying to overcharge you. Being informed can make your travels much smoother!

6. Get A SIM card With Internet

Before you leave the airport, be sure to pick up a SIM card with at least 10-15GB of data. The Wi-Fi at hotels can be very slow, and we learned this firsthand! We had heard this tip from others, including the SIM card seller, and initially thought it couldn’t be that bad.

However, trust me—it really is quite slow! Having a reliable internet connection will make your trip much easier, so don’t skip this essential step!

7. Drink Bottled Water Only

This tip applies to any country you visit, but it’s especially important in Hurghada: always drink bottled water! When purchasing bottled water on excursions or anywhere else, listen for that click sound when you open the lid. I’ve heard stories of people being given bottles that had already been opened and contained tap water, which is a risk you want to avoid.

Remember, tap water in Egypt (and in many other countries) can make you extremely sick, so it’s best to steer clear of it altogether!

8. Pay With Cash As Much As You Can

While using a card can be convenient—especially for payments at your hotel or in shopping malls—it’s best to pay with cash when you’re shopping in markets.

Our friendly cab driver in Hurghada warned us about some sellers who might ask you to tap your card, claim the payment didn’t go through, and then have you tap again, ultimately charging you much more than intended. To avoid any potential scams, it’s safer to stick to cash in these situations!

9. Tipping Culture

I was a bit stressed about tipping before our trip to Hurghada because I wasn’t sure how much to give or who to tip. However, Egypt has a strong tipping culture, and you can easily tell when someone is expecting it!

Make sure to have some Egyptian pounds on hand—anything from 50p to £5 is appreciated. We primarily tipped in Egyptian pounds, but the locals were also thrilled to receive English pounds or euros!

When it comes to whom to tip, focus on those who provide you with the best service, such as activity guides, friendly cab drivers, and anyone else who goes above and beyond to enhance your experience.

Also, avoid asking someone to do something for you, like taking your picture or carrying your luggage, if you’re not prepared to offer a tip.

10. Booking Activities

Be careful where you book your activities. You would rather book your activities with a trusted company such as GetYourGuide or at your hotel/resort. Anywhere else you may either be scammed or overcharged!

11. Exchange Your Money

Ensure you exchange your money once you arrive at Hurghada. The rate is better there and you will find an exchange ATM at your hotel/resort.

Hurghada Things To Do

Here is a blog post on the top 8 things to do in Hurghada.

This post was all about 11 ultimate Hurghada Tips For First-Time Visitors!

Don’t forget to save this pin on Pinterest to come back to later!

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