Hurghada is a well-established beach destination: the problems travellers report are almost always scams and commercial pestering, rarely violence. The advice below draws on what travel guides and visitor reviews report; it does not replace your foreign ministry's recommendations, which you should check before leaving.

Taxis: agree the price before getting in

This is the most common issue. Taxis do not always use the meter, and the price can soar if you have not agreed it at the start.

  • Agree the price and the currency before getting in; show the note you will pay with.
  • Use a ride-hailing app when you can: the price is shown when you book. Some drivers claim these apps do not work at the airport: check in the app.
  • Have the hotel book a transfer for the simplest arrival; see the Hurghada airport and the centre.
  • Do not go with a driver who approaches you in the street: choose one yourself.

Taxis in Hurghada

On arrival at the airport

Several guides report fake agency "representatives" offering to arrange your visa for a mark-up. The visa is obtained at a bank counter in the airport, for about 25 dollars according to the sources consulted (the price and the availability of the e-visa depend on your nationality: check before leaving). Do not hand your passport to a stranger. Another reported trick: a fake "cleaner" asking for a tip near the toilets.

The souk, shops and pushy sellers

  • No price is displayed: bargain, and walk away if the price does not come down. See the old El Dahar souk.
  • Do not accept anything "as a gift": an object given or a service rendered (a scarf tied for you, a photo with a camel) is paid for afterwards.
  • "Papyrus" and "essential oils" in souvenir shops are rarely what you are told.
  • A simple "la, shukran" ("no, thank you") is enough; keep walking without stopping.

Excursions and activities

  • Book with an established agency or your hotel, and check what is included (meals, drinks, entrance fees, transfer, equipment).
  • The price of dives and boat trips varies a lot: compare before paying, and do not pay the whole amount in advance to a street tout.
  • Check the condition of diving equipment and the life jacket; when snorkelling, keep a vest on near the reefs.

Everyday safety

  • Tourist areas, the marina and the hotels are the safest; several guides advise not lingering in the alleys of the old district after dark.
  • The tourist police and road checkpoints are part of the landscape: keep a copy of your passport with you, and do not photograph military installations or checkpoints.
  • Women: verbal harassment exists; dress more covered in town than at the beach, avoid replying, and travel accompanied in the evening or by booked taxi.
  • Water and health: drink bottled water, protect yourself from the sun and dehydration.
  • Sea: respect the flags and beach rules; do not walk on the reefs.
  • Money: do not carry all your papers and cash; the hotel safe is enough.

Going further

To prepare your budget and payments, see the guides on money and tipping in Hurghada and the trip budget. For the old town, read the El Dahar guide.