The essentials

  • Drink: only sealed bottled water (check the cap).
  • Teeth: bottled water is safer; tap water is fine for washing your face and showering.
  • Ice: fine at the hotel; avoid it on the street and in small cafés.
  • Fruit and salads: washed in bottled water or peeled; be wary of raw salads in small restaurants.
  • Toilets: carry tissues and change; paper often goes in the bin, not the bowl.

Water in Hurghada

Hurghada is a desert city: its drinking water comes largely from desalinated sea water (according to available information). That does not make it recommended for drinking. Use bottled water for drinking, for brushing your teeth if your stomach is delicate, and for baby bottles.

Brands and where to buy

Egyptian mineral water brands (Baraka, Siwa, Safi) and international ones are sold everywhere: supermarkets, grocers, hotels. Buy a large quantity at the supermarket rather than at the hotel or on excursions, where prices are higher. Check that the cap is sealed: bottles refilled from the tap circulate at some street sellers.

Tourist tummy: avoiding and treating it

  • Wash your hands before eating, and use hand sanitiser.
  • Eat hot dishes cooked in front of you rather than lukewarm buffets.
  • Carry oral rehydration sachets; if you have diarrhoea, drink plenty.
  • If fever or symptoms last more than 48 hours, see a doctor. Hotels can call one.

Without insurance, care is at your own expense, and the European health card is not valid: see travel insurance for Egypt.

Toilets

  • In hotels, tourist restaurants, airports and malls they are clean and Western-style.
  • On the street and at some sites, an attendant looks after the toilets and expects a small tip (a few pounds, an estimate to confirm); keep small change.
  • Paper is scarce: carry tissues. Old plumbing copes badly with paper; a bin is usually provided.
  • Toilets on excursion boats are basic; on desert outings there are none: see the desert safari.

Excursions

For long outings, take water and tissues: see what to book in Hurghada.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drink tap water in Egypt? No, drink bottled water.

Can you brush your teeth with tap water? Better to use bottled water.

Is ice safe? At the hotel, generally yes; on the street, avoid it.

Do you have to pay for toilets? Often a small tip in public places.