Practical information
The questions people actually ask about living on and visiting Egypt’s Red Sea coast — answered by the desk, with the official source linked. Reference pages are checked and dated; the last review was 24 July 2026.
Reference pages
Emergency numbers and official contacts
Start hereEgypt emergency lines, Red Sea hyperbaric chambers and diving emergency hotlines, embassies and official travel advice.
Visa and entry
Visa on arrival versus the official e-Visa for Hurghada and Marsa Alam, passport validity, length of stay, and the Sinai rule that does not apply here.
The two Red Sea airports
Hurghada (HRG) versus Marsa Alam (RMF), what arrivals actually looks like, transfer times and how early to be there for the flight home.
Accessible travel
Wheelchair access at Red Sea resorts, getting into the sea, adaptive diving, transport — and the specific questions to ask a hotel before booking.
SIM cards, eSIM and getting online
Buying an Egyptian SIM at the airport, the passport registration rule, when an eSIM is the better call, coverage and internet calling.
Practical guides
- Your First 48 Hours in Hurghada: A Realistic Plan
A friend's-advice plan for your first two days: land, SIM, cash, marina evening, then boat or old town — with swaps for kids, divers, and tight budgets.
- Hurghada Airport to Your Resort: A Calm Guide to Getting There
From HRG to El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi, Soma Bay and Safaga: drive times, transfer options and tips for a smooth arrival.
- Getting Around the Red Sea Coast: Buses, Flights, Taxis and Car Hire
How to move between El Gouna, Hurghada, Safaga, El Quseir and Marsa Alam: intercity coaches, domestic flights, taxis, microbuses and car hire, explained.
- Money on the Red Sea: Cash, Cards, ATMs and Tipping
How money works on Egypt's Red Sea coast: the pound, cash vs card, ATMs, small notes, safe exchange and tipping (baksheesh) without the awkwardness.
- Staying Healthy on the Red Sea: Water, Sun, Stomach Upsets and Pharmacies
A practical, general health guide for the Red Sea coast: bottled vs tap water, ice and salad caution, managing stomach upsets, sun and heat, pharmacies and a basic medkit.
- Red Sea Beach and Sea Safety: Currents, Marine Life and Sun
A calm, practical guide to staying safe on the Red Sea coast: swimming and snorkelling, currents and wind, beach flags, marine life and sun.
- Egypt Etiquette for Visitors: Tipping, Dress, Haggling and Respect on the Red Sea Coast
A warm, practical guide to baksheesh, modest dress, gracious haggling, photo manners and Ramadan basics on Egypt's Red Sea coast.
- What to Pack for a Red Sea Holiday (the Things People Forget)
The save-and-forward packing list for a Red Sea beach, diving and desert trip: reef-safe sun cover, reef shoes, small cash, meds, dive cards and a modest layer.
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