budget travel guide to egypt

Egypt on a budget – Ultimate beginners guide to Egypt

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So you want to travel Egypt cheap! But how much does a trip to Egypt cost? This ultimate Egypt on a budget guide covers everything from getting there, best budget accommodation in Egypt, best way to get around, and all the cheapest and best activities.

I’ll also show you what you can expect to pay, how to save costs in Egypt, as well as my TOP TIPS to save more money for your Egypt itinerary.

This budget trip to Egypt article is for solo travelers, couples and friends, as well as families. It includes how much you should expect to spend and the costs associated for hotels, food, activities and transport.

Money saving articles to help you save even more

Further reading: Planning a trip overseas you can actually afford

Further Reading: A cheats guide to saving money while traveling.

Fast Facts about Egypt

• What this guide to Egypt is and isn't

How to travel Egypt cheap – things to consider

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• Population – 105 million
• Currency – Egyptian Pound
• Official Languages – Modern Standard Arabic
• Percentage of Egyptians that can speak English : Basic English is taught in school but it is not spoken as a second language s,o you may find many Egyptians only know basic words and sentences.
• Yearly Visitors – 13.1 million (2019) – the year of COVID in 2020 was 3.7 million
• Climate – Egypt has 2 seasons. Nov to April is winter where temperatures are mild during the day and can be quite cold during the evening. Summer is May to Oct and is hot and dry with little to no rainfall.
• Average Stays in Egypt- The average stay is 6 to 7 days with many European and Asian visitors making up this percentage. For those coming from further away, such as North America and Australia, stays of up to 14 days is more common.

Important information for budget travel in Egypt

For the budget traveler, Egypt is the perfect place to visit.

Seeing Egypt on a budget is not too difficult, but you do need to be aware of when to budget and when to pay a bit extra. I can’t stress this enough, as there will be times when going the cheapest option will cause you to highly regret your decision.

I know you have probably dreamed of going to Egypt for many years, so let’s get this right, OK.

What this guide to Egypt is and isn’t

I’m no backpacker, so this is NOT a backpackers guide to Egypt. I really want to show you the cheapest and BEST way to see and tour Egypt, not just the cheapest.

So I’m not going to do is tell you the cheapest way to see Egypt if I wouldn’t advise my worst enemy to do it this way. I’m not going to show you the cheapest travel hacks if they are considered unsafe or unacceptable. That’s because I want you to absolutely love Egypt as I do.

So rather, this Egypt budget guide is an affordable, safe and best way to tick off all those bucket list items, while saving money along the way, I’ll show you the perfect way to travel Egypt on a budget, as well as my best Egypt travel tips.

Having been to Egypt 11 times and seeing so much of the country, I can certainly help you plan the ultimate budget trip to Egypt.

Firstly, you need to think about what type of trip this is.

For many it will be a all about the ancient wonders such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, the Nile and Abu Simbel. They are the big draw cards and for good reason.

But I also recommend Sakkara, Alexandria, the Red Sea and my favourite, the Sinai Mountains.

The first thing to establish is your Egypt on a budget itinerary.

What are the cities you plan to visit and how long you will need at each? Also consider the distance and travel times. If internal flights are beyond your budget, then train and bus travel, though much cheaper,will also take much longer. These are all things you need to factor in.

I also suggest looking at what attractions you want to see and do. Once you have established how much this is all going to cost, you can start budgeting everything else such as food, accommodation and transport.

Finally, if this is your first and last trip to Egypt then try not to exclude things just because they cost extra. I suggest saving extra and just doing it.

You may like to read my article on How to save money for Travel here.

This is my travel motto –

While many say November to April is the the best time to go to Egypt, I beg to differ. BUT it all depends on what type of weather you want and also how well you handle the heat.

November to February: days are warm an sunny, perfect for touring the country. It’s not too hot so makes for more comfortable conditions. Nights are cool to chilly.

March & April – temperatures starting to warm up but still very comfortable for cities such as Cairo, Luxor and Aswan.

July and August : extremely hot with temperatures ranging from 35-40 Celcius in Cairo and up to 45 Celcius in Aswan. (which has also recorded temps up to 50) Suitable for Red Sea resort areas such as Hurghada, Sharm El Sheik and Marsa Alam.

May, June, September & October: hot days and balmy nights perfect for Red Sea resorts. Hot in the cities but much more bearable then the months of July and August.

I personally love September, especially the last 2 weeks. But I also like the hot days and nights.

When I travel to Egypt, I tend to spend as much time in the cities as I do relaxing and snorkeling the Red Sea. So I definitely want beach weather too. For some, September may still be too hot, so otherwise May, June and October are good months for both seeing the ancient wonders and spending time in the water.

Also, during my very first trip to Egypt many years ago, it was early September and the Upper Egypt cities of Luxor and Aswan were unbearably hot. But it was also exactly what I was expecting in the desert and took it as part of the experience.

On a later trip in December I was shocked to how cold it was at night and didn’t pack accordingly.

You’re traveling on Egypt time

One thing to remember is that Egypt travel time is rarely ‘on time”.

Your 2 hour bus trip may take 3 hours. You tour guide might be 30 minutes late. One thing is for sure, don’t rely on what you read or get told. This does not mean showing up late yourself as we know this will be the one time everything is running to schedule.

Negotiate everything

Not everyone is comfortable with heavy bartering, but you’ll need to start if you are to negotiate a fair price. Also, if you really want to get good at budget travel in Egypt, you’ll need to get comfortable with bartering.

This includes tour guides, taxis and any type of market or bazaar. For this reason, pre-booking your accommodation and tours could save you lots of hassle and save you being ripped off.

Don’t worry about entry tickets to major attractions such as the pyramids, you’ll be fine as the prices are set. If in doubt, take a list of expected attraction entry prices with you to compare.

As for taxis, always negotiate the price before you set off, not after you arrive or it’s going to be a verbal stand off that you don’t want to have.

Also, many tourist attractions will have guides waiting to take you around. If you choose to use a guide,the prices are all negotiable. Start with at least half the asking price and go from there. This also includes markets where souvenirs are being sold.

Dress appropriately

Wearing the right clothing is not only important, but appropriate.

I can’t tell you how many times I have seen tourists wearing next to nothing at the Pyramids of Giza, either unaware or unfazed. I’ve seen topless women at the Red Sea resorts and couldn’t believe they forgot where they were.

Proper dress code should be shoulders and knees covered. Pack light, loose and breathable fabrics and avoid dark colours that feel hotter to wear. I also try to wear full length pants or skirts in lesser areas of tourism simply out of respect.

Places you can dress with less concern are the Red Sea Resorts and high end hotels and restaurants. Places like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are open for dress code so short skirts and sleeveless tops and dresses are widely acceptable.

Keep all your valuables on you

For best practice, carry all your valuables with you such as money,camera and passport.

I also recommend carrying money in different spots such as in you wallet but also somewhere else safe. Don’t worry because pick pocketing is not a thing here, it’s more that you don’t wan’t to flash all your funds everywhere you go.

Speaking of cash

I always take US Dollars with me to Egypt as it is widely accepted in many places. You can cash it in at the airport and many reputable hotels. Many of the big attractions also accept US dollars and you’ll be given the local currency of Egyptian Pounds back in change.

I prefer not to use credit card but have it with me as a back up.

How much does a Budget trip to Egypt cost?

Want to know how much a budget trip to Egypt costs?

The following budget costs are based on two types of budgets.

• The cheapest way to travel, cheapest places to stay and affordable sightseeing
• The most convenient way to travel, highly rated budget hotels and affordable must see and do activities

Starting with at least an idea of how much you want to spend is a good way to understand what type of budget trip this is going to be. After some initial research you might discover Egypt is more expensive than you expected. Or even cheaper than you thought. Wouldn’t that be awesome!

Expected daily costs and what it includes:

• trains & buses
• eating local food (no high end restaurants)
• must see major affordable attractions

Expect to pay USD $55 – $70 / EURO $52 – $68/ AUD $68 – 140 per person per day

• cheap 2 to 3 star hotels
• taxis or Uber & bus or train in mid class seating
• including entry costs to major attractions

Expect to pay USD $68 – $100 / EURO $65 – $95/ AUD $100 – 140 per person per day

Expect to pay USD $65 – $85 / EURO $60 – $80 / AUD $90 – 120 per person per day

Expect to pay USD $140+ / EURO $133+ / AUD $200 + per family per day

What you should know about public transport

I want to tell you that public transport is reliable and clean, but unfortunately it is not always the case.

If you do choose only public buses and trains over taxi and Uber, expect to save up to USD $20 per day. This really depends on how much you move around of course. Buses and micro buses can be as cheap as $1 per ride making it a very cheap alternative to taxis.

Yes. Using the public buses is no easy feat for most. You may be facing overcrowding, non English signage and non English speaking drivers, tonnes of confusion and most likely no air conditioning on board. It takes a cool customer to navigate and achieve getting from point A to point B. Flagging a bus can alsobe a bit tricky when you don’t know where the allocated stops are.

Taxis can sometimes be equally as frustrating as you have to negotiate the cost everywhere you go. But you will get to where you need to much quicker and hopefully in air conditioned comfort.

I find the heat makes me easily flustered and ready to give up, because I’ve just about had enough. It certainly can test your patience, so pay the extra for the vacation you deserve.

The best way to get around Cairo is by Metro train and taxis.

With the traffic in Cairo being seriously congested, the quickest, easiest and most convenient way is to take the train.

Cairo Metro: from less than $1 Us dollar per trip

You’ll also need to take a taxi for the shorter distances that the train does not reach.

For the best way to get to other cities such as Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan, the train wins hands down, with first and second class options and a sleeper train as well.

Cairo to Alexandria: from $2 USD

Cairo to Luxor: from $4 USD

Cairo to Aswan: from $4 USD

Sleeper Overnight trains from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan start from $110 USD

Special Note: Children will usually be charged around half the amount of an adult ticket.

Flight costs for Egypt

International flights will arrive at Cairo International Airport

There are up to 45 carriers flying into Cairo at any given time. So chances are one of your preferred airlines are heading there.

Egypt’s National Carrier- Egypt Air flies to and from many worldwide destinations. They are also part of Star Alliance and may code share with several airlines.

Other popular airlines that fly into Cairo include:

• Etihad Airways
• Turkish Airlines
• United Airlines
• American Airlines
• Singapore Airlines
• British Airways

Egypt Air operates the majority of domestic flights and you can expect to pay around USD $70 plus for each leg.

While this may be more expensive than , let’s say the metro, it will save you a lot of time when traveling from main cities within the country.

• sign up to newsletters and notifications from the airlines direct
• use your frequent flyer / mileage points
• be flexible with month of travel (key in various dates and days to make comparisons)
• Use a multiple search across all airlines such as CheapOair or Skyscanner.

The sooner you know you are going, the longer you can keep an eye out for flight specials which do come up quite regularly. If you can secure good priced flights, you should be able to do Egypt on a budget much easier.

Egypt Estimated Costs – Egypt on a Budget

It’s time to look at the costs associated with doing Egypt on a budget , which includes accommodation and the most popular tours and attractions.

With a population of nearly 22 million, Cairo is buzzing all day and night.

During the hotter months it is best to get an early start so you can rest up during the afternoon if needed. Then head back out during the evenings when the temperatures are more pleasant.

Recommended days in Cairo

For a first time visitor I recommend 2 to 3 full days in Cairo to see all the attractions.

Also be aware that traffic is horrendous much of the day and and night, so getting around takes time. Probably much longer than you expect.

As for driving yourself, this is certainly a skill best kept for those who live here.

Pricing in USD via Booking.com

Note : hotel prices may fluctuate at different times of year, and you may also find cheaper prices if on sale.

The following hotels feature private rooms (some apartments) with en-suites and breakfast included. They also rate extremely high with guests and are super cheap. No need for a hostel at these prices.

Giza Pyramids Hotel

You’ll get an entire apartment with kitchen, Netflix, air conditioning and breakfast included. Rated 10/10 by guests.

Single traveler from $8 per room

Twin share from $9 per room

Family of four from $35 per room

Number One Pyramids Hotel

This apartment features full kitchen, spa bath, washing machine and breakfast. Plus you’ll find many more facilities including a children’s playground and casino on site. Guests rate it 9.3/10.

Family of four from $40 per room

Jana Pyramids View Inn

Hotel room with 2 x double beds, kitchenette, satellite TV and balcony. Breakfast is included and guests rate the property 9.8/10

Single traveler from $12 per night

Twin share from $13 per room

Family of 3 (child must be over 10 years) from $13 per room

Top attractions in Cairo

• Giza Pyramids & Sphinx – 80 EGP
• Sakkara Pyramids – 80 EGP
• Grand Egyptain Museum – 400 EGP
• Khan El Khalili Markets – free
• Cave Church – Free
• Nile River- Free

Affordable tours and attractions under $50 USD

Dinner Cruise on the Nile : approx $42

Pyramids/ Sphinx/ Camel Ride/ Lunch: approx $40

Cave Church and Old Cairo: approx $50

Located some 670 km from Cairo, Luxor sits on the east bank of the Nile.

The city and surrounding area is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, making it a must see city for anyone visiting Egypt. It is also perfect for those wanting to see Egypt on a budget, with super cheap transfers by train and plenty of affordable accommodation.

Recommended days in Luxor

For all the best sights, a total of 2 to 3 fulls days is recommended for Luxor.

Luxor is home to many of Egypt’s most prized attractions, including Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings and cruising the Nile River.

I also highly recommend seeing Luxor Temple at night.

All pricing is in US dollars via Booking.com

Villa Kaslan Apartments

This ground floor apartment feature kitchen and air conditioning. There is a restaurant and pool on site.

Single traveler from $27 per room

Twin share from $27 per room

Family of four from $32 per room

Venus Hotel and Hostel

Superbly located, the hotel features single to family rooms with free breakfast.

Single Traveler from $18 per night

Twin Share from $21 per room

Family of four from $33 per room

Nefertiti Hotel

Basic rooms with breakfast included. The property features a roof top terrace, tour dest and 24 hour reception.

Single Traveler from $20 per room

Twin share from $24 per room

Top attractions in Luxor

• Luxor Temple – 100 EGP
• Karnak Temple – EGP 120
• Valley of the Kings – EGP 150
• Valley of the Queens EGP 100
• Temple of Hatshepsut EGP 80

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon – approx $35

Sunset Felucca ride 2 hours – approx $19

Valley of the Kings / Temple of Hatshepsut / Lunch – from $50

Half Day East Bank/ Karnak Temple / Luxor Temple – from $40

The jewel of the Nile, Aswan is truly a wonder in its own right.

It is the gateway to the Abu Simbel, an historical two temple landmark carved into the side of a mountain. it was built by Ramses II and is one of Egypt’s most popular sights.

Recommended days in Aswan

A minimum 1 to 2 full days is recommended in Aswan with an extra day for those venturing to Abu Simbel.

Heading south from Luxor, many tourists choose to cruise a Nile River Cruise, soaking up the incredible scenery along the way.

After being on the move between cities and attractions, it’s a great way to slow down. It’s also very affordable even for those seeing Egypt on a budget.

This 3 day cruise from Luxor to Aswan includes all meals, tours and sightseeing from only $220 USD per person .

Read more about Amazing Sailing Nile Cruise here.

The Mango Guest House

Walking distance to beach (3 mins) , a restaurant on site and breakfast included.

Single traveler – from $15 per night

Twin share from – from $22 per room

Family of four- from $37 per room

Go Inn Backpackers

With breakfast includes, free WiFi and positive reviews.

Single traveler dorm – from $7 per person

Twin share private- from $22 per room

Top rated attractions

• Abu Simbel – approx 250 EGP
• Elephantine Island
• Unfinished Obelisk – 80 EGP
• Philae Temple – 60 EGP

Affordable tours for under $50 USD

Abu Siimbel Tour from Aswan- from $37

Nubian Village Tour by boat – from $35

Philae Temple/ High Dam/ Unfinished Obelisk – from $50

Felucca tour to Elephantine Island/ Agha Khan / Botanial Gardens – from $35

A short 2 hour drive from Cairo is the seaside city of Alexandria.

Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt’s second largest city is home to historic Greco-Roman influences such as the Roman Amphitheater and Pompey’s Pillar.

Recommended days in Alexandria

1 to 2 full days is best when going to Alexandria.

For those short on time, all the main highlights can be seen in a day trip from Cairo . Alternately, an overnight stop is perfect with those with extra tine.

Prices in US Dollars via Booking.com

Alexander the Great Hotel

A short walk to the beach, this hotel features free WiFi and balcony.

Single traveler – from $27 per night

Twin Share – from $42 per room

Family of four – from $59 per room

Ithaka Hostel

Single traveler – from $11 per person mixed dorm

• National Museum – approx 35 EGP
• Roman Amphitheater – 80 EGP
• Pompey’s Pillar – approx 80 EGP
• Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqafa – approx 80 EGP
• Citadel of Qaitbay – approx 60 EGP

Affordable tours and attractions

Catacombs/ Roman Amphitheater / Pompeys Pillar/ New Library/ Lunch & more – approx $56

A trip to the Red Sea Resorts is the perfect end to any trip to Egypt.

A diving and snorkeling mecca, the Red Sea is simply amazing. With crystal clear water, enjoying the many water activities is a highlight, but for those who just want to swim, sun bake and relax, spending your days on the beach is perfect.

How many days at Red Sea Resorts

As a minimum, 3 to 4 nights is a good amount of time to unwind and do some incredible water activities.

Personally, I usually spend a week at the resorts and have no issue filling in the time, but that’s because it’s a highlight of my trip, rather than an end to a bigger vacation.

Here is an overview of each resort area, what to expect, how to get there, and budget expectations.

• closest resort for those traveling to Luxor with cheap transfer
• big party scene
• plenty of budget hotels to choose from
• affordable snorkel and dive tours

Hurghada is quite a big city and there are many resorts that hug the shoreline for private beach access. It is the type of city that is perfect for swimming and any other water activities. It also has quite a big party scene and plenty of restaurants to choose from.

For those who would prefer a more relaxing resort area to stay, I recommend Marsa Alam to the south. This up and coming area is much smaller and doesn’t have the party scene or amount of resorts that Hurghada does.

If beach side is out of your budget, there are some good places close to. It’s all about location when staying in Hurghada, so you can walk everywhere and keep your Egypt travel budget down.

Marina Square Hostel

Located in the middle of the action, close to the beach and includes breakfast.

Single traveler – from $11 per tent

Twin Share – from $36 per room

Magic Beach Hotel

This “all inclusive” hotel is beach front and rates highly from guests. All meals and select activities are included.

Single traveler – from $70 per night

Twin Share – from $85 per room

Family of four – from $120 per room

Activities and Tours under $50 USD

Full Day snorkel with lunch to Orange & Giftun Island – approx $33

Quad Bike 3 hour Desert Safari – approx $24

Full Day Scuba Dive with lunch – from $32

SHARM EL SHEIKH

Sharm El Sheikh is my absolute favourite Red Sea resort area.

Located on the Sinai Peninsula, the area is simply breath taking.

Known for it’s amazing coral and marine life, plus on land bucket list adventure such as climbing Mount Sinai , Sharm El Sheikh is the perfect place to stay. You’ll find plenty of party action, plus hotels and resorts for all budgets. You can also choose to spend your time relaxing.

For a more quiet stay, Dahab is close by and is home to the famous Blue Hole.

For a more detailed article on Sharm El Shiekh including overview and things to do, go to What to do in Sharm El Shiekh

Staying in Naama Bay mans means staying right in all the action. It is the best beach in Sharm plus there are many highlights all within walking distance.

All prices in US Dollars via Booking.com

Naama Blue Hotel

Close to the beach with private beach access. Features include a swimming pool, in house activities and a tour desk.

Single traveler – from $30 per night

Twin Share – from $34 per room

Family of four – from $60 per room

Oonas Dive Club

Beach frontage and caters to all travelers. There is a restaurant on site with free WiFi and breakfast included.

Single Traveler – from $45

Twin Share – from $54

Family of four – from $104

Activities and tours under $50 USD

Full day snorkel to White Island & Ras Mohammed Marine Park – approx $32

Bedouin Dinner and Show in the Desert – approx $22

Mount Sinai overnight hike – approx $45 HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Egypt has some amazing dishes and street food to try, and eating out in general is pretty cheap. So doing Egypt on a budget is not too hard with food.

A budget of $20 USD maximum per day should easily cover your food costs. For those with free breakfast in their hotel rate and eating mainly take out and cafes, you could get this down to $10 per day.

For takeaway vendors, you can get a meal of Kushari for around $2, a delicious and hearty meal. Even in a restaurant you shouldn’t pay anymore than $5 to $10.

For easy sandwiches and salads on the go, you can’t go past On the Run which is a fuel station and coffee house. The popular chain is cheap and clean and has a big range of western style light meals and snacks.

Water is super cheap from less than $1, and if you can afford to try a freshly made mango juice you won’t be disappointed. It is simply delicious.

Some of Egypt’s best dished include:

• Kebabs – mouth watering pieces of grilled meat goes well with flat bread and salad.
• Kofta – ground meat and spices rolled into a sausage shape
• Shawarma – thinly sliced grilled meats and salad wrapped in a flat bread
• Kushari – rice, lentils, pasta and tomato sauce makes a great vegetarain option
• Falafel – chick peas ground and rolled into balls then deep fried.

A trip to Egypt is probably only done once by many, so do it right first time.

Remember, this is a third world country and if you decide to do every single thing extra cheap, you may be disappointed. For this reason, my biggest tip for cheap Egypt travel is to decide what will be acceptable and what would be unacceptable. Because paying a little extra might be the difference from a bad experience and a really great experience.

Personally, I would never stay in a hotel that didn’t have good reviews. I also choose to use taxis over micro buses within Cairo , but that’s my choice, yours might be different.

I hope this guide has given you some tips and ideas to make your perfect vacation a reality, without breaking the bank.

Booking resources for budget travel

CheapOair – these guys service over 400 airline carriers with huge discounted prices.

Booking.com – the biggest range of hotels / apartments / entire homes

Hotels.com +plus get a free night for every 10 nights you save up.

VRBO – for private rentals on condos, cottages, homes and apartments.

RentalCars.com – why look at one car rental company when you can look at them all.

Expedia – Book your flight and hotel together to get great discounts. Plus cruises.

Viator – for day tours from a range of tour suppliers

Klook – for all your entry tickets plus skip the line

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7 top tips for exploring Egypt on a budget

Aug 17, 2023 • 5 min read

If you're traveling around Egypt on a budget, you'll find plenty of inexpensive things to do and places to stay © Larisa Shpineva / Getty Images © © Larisa Shpineva / Getty Images

Budget travelers are often surprised at how much you can get for your money when exploring  Egypt .

You don't need to break the bank to have a truly immersive experience here, and with a little research and planning, you’ll make the most out of your time and money.

If you opt for local food and embrace the hostel life, you can explore much of Egypt on a budget while still occasionally indulging in some luxurious yet affordable treats. These are our top tips for making your money go further.

Don't assume flying into Cairo is the only option

Securing a cheap flight is the gateway to a budget-friendly trip, and if you have destinations on your Egypt itinerary beyond  Cairo (and you should!), you can save hundreds by booking a flight to one of the country’s other international airports. 

Flying into Egypt through Luxor , Aswan , Hurghada , Sharm El Sheikh , Marsa Alam or Alexandria could cost you less than half the price of a flight into the capital.

Embrace hostel life

To save on accommodations in Egypt, choose shared hostel dorms, camps and basic hotel rooms. You’ll find many options in every part of the country, with some beds going for less than US$20 per night. Sharing rooms with multiple single beds is a great way to save money if you’re traveling with friends.

For budget hotels, expect to pay between $25 to $50 per night for a double room depending on the city and season.

When in Cairo, stay in the heart of the city

Cairo overwhelms the senses – there’s a lot to see, eat and experience. Avoid the capital's notorious traffic and make the most of your time by booking a room in the heart of the city; all the big sights will be on your doorstep.

Downtown Cairo offers a large selection of budget-friendly accommodations, including boutique hotels, hostels and Airbnbs that put the Egyptian Museum and the Nile within walking distance. Staying central also means easy access to public transportation and quick pickups from ride-hailing apps to get to spots like Khan Al Khalili , Islamic Cairo and the Giza Plateau.

Eat like a local

Food plays an important role in Egyptian culture, and there's no better way to learn about local life than by eating your way through Egypt's hearty street food. 

Egyptian cuisine tends to be cheaper than international food, and you'll find an array of delicious, cheap and diverse options.

The plethora of street food vendors, especially in Cairo, offer many delicacies for you to choose from, including vegetarian and vegan options. You can get a complete meal on the go for just $2. Meals in local sit-down restaurants range from $5 to $12.

If you have a kitchen in your accommodations, pick up fresh fruits and vegetables from the many carts dotting every street to make a meal.

Practice the art of bargaining

You spot a souvenir you’d love to take home with you, but the seller just hit you with an absurdly high number. Don’t give up: this is part of the process. Street vendors usually hike up prices for foreigners, but if you respectfully haggle, you could get a great deal. 

Confidently hit back with a little less than half the quoted price. You’ll likely enter a tennis match with the seller slowly increasing the price and you slowly lowering it until you eventually meet somewhere in the middle. 

Street sellers can be a little aggressive in Egypt, and you’ll find yourself saying "no thank you" often. Don’t feel obliged to buy something you don’t want – simply offer a friendly smile and move on. 

Ask around in other shops to gauge the average cost. Don’t commit to the first price you’re offered, be smart about your dealings and flex your negotiation muscles.

Master public transportation

In Egypt's bigger cities, public transportation costs a fraction of the price of hiring a private driver. Using public buses, trams and Cairo's Metro can also be easier than negotiating a taxi fare. Cairo has many companies running public bus services, but  Mwasalat Misr is the most reliable, economical and easiest to navigate. 

Ride-hailing apps – Uber, Careem, Swvl and Didi work in some of Egypt's cities– are much cheaper in Egypt than in most other countries. They also provide several ride modes that are cheaper than a car, including scooters and buses.

For domestic traveling, trains and buses are more budget-friendly than flying. You can travel from Cairo to Alexandria for $5 on a five-hour train ride. A 12-hour train ride south to Luxor and Aswan costs around $10. 

If you’re planning to travel to Sinai , Siwa or other destinations not on the train network, you have plenty of bus travel companies to choose from. Go Bus is one of the more popular choices and can be booked online in advance, with the average ticket costing around $10.

If you’re traveling between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan and want to save even more, opt for the sleeping train or an overnight bus ride and save a night on accommodations.

Buy a Cairo Pass and a Luxor Pass

If your Egypt itinerary includes a lot of museums and archaeological sites around Cairo and Luxor, it makes financial sense to buy a Cairo Pass and a Luxor Pass.

The Cairo Pass gives access to all of the main sites and museums in Cairo and Giza for $100. It's valid for five days, with unlimited entries to sites like the Egyptian Museum, the Pyramids of Giza , Saqqara and Dahshur . You can purchase a pass at the Egyptian Museum, the Giza Plateau or the Citadel . 

The standard Luxor Pass ($100) gives you access to all archaeological sites on both the east and west banks of Luxor, except for the tombs of Seti I and Nefertari, which are included in the more expensive (but still money-saving) premium Luxor Pass ($200). You can purchase the Luxor Pass at  Karnak or the  Valley of the Kings .

To buy a pass, you'll need your passport, two photocopies of your passport, two passport photos and the exact cost of the pass in cash. Travelers with valid student IDs get 50% off the pass price.

Daily costs

• Room for two at a budget hotel: $20–40
• Public transport ticket: $0.20–0.50 
• Coffee: $1–3 
• Falafel sandwich: $1–3 
• Dinner for two at an average restaurant: $10–20
• Beer at a bar: $2–3

This article was first published Sep 4, 2022 and updated Aug 17, 2023.

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The Cost of Travel in Egypt: My 2023 Budget Breakdown

After spending five months travelling in Egypt, stopping for about two of those in Cairo, I got a real sense of how varied, unpredictable, and totally chaotic the country is. The messiness that characterizes every aspect of Egypt, from its streets riddled with cars, donkeys, and people (who never walk on the sidewalk!), to its complex cultural norms that seem to often contradict one another, but are followed rigorously by most, came to be what I loved about it. 

Despite how traditional Egypt may appear on the surface, if you stay for a while and you meet the right people, you’ll discover a hidden world of rebellious Egyptians who subtly defy tradition and are willing to fight tirelessly for a more tolerant and modern version of the country they love.

Egypt has attracted history fans for decades, and whilst the pyramids were mind-blowing and the ancient temples are spectacular, those weren’t the things that kept me in Egypt. If you’re willing to throw yourself into the chaos and go beyond the usual tourist attractions, you’ll learn about the politics and social norms that have shaped Egypt into what it is today.

I mostly stayed in the north of the country, and I began my trip in Dahab, along the Red Sea, where I spent my days diving, chilling at beach bars with spectacular views, and haggling at stalls. Though many save this destination till last, I think this laid-back town, that is touristic yet still authentic, is the perfect place to start. Essentially because it’s quintessentially Egyptian, but a less intense and chaotic version of every other destination. 

To be honest you can skip the other destinations along the Red Sea, like Hurghada, without missing out on much. These big resort cities don’t give you much insight into the real Egypt and they’re more expensive too – so unless it’s an all-inclusive holiday you’re after I’d head straight to Cairo.

The destinations that I was most captivated by were Cairo, because of how diverse it is, and Siwa, because of how much culture is packed into such a small place. 

Before we get into the intricacies of what you can expect to spend in Egypt, it’s worth noting that it is a super budget-friendly destination. Egypt is by no means expensive, and you can travel there from as little as $20 a day, with no luxuries included of course. 

The Cost of Accommodation in Egypt

Like in most countries, what you’ll spend on accommodation really depends on the type of property you’re looking for. Egypt has a range of options, from hostel dorms starting at as little as $5 in cheaper destinations, to fancy hotels in the center of Cairo, like Hilton, that will cost you upwards of $100 a night. 

The great thing about Egypt is that because it’s such a budget friendly country, even if you want to stay in higher end accommodation during your trip you won’t necessarily have to spend hundreds of dollars to do so. You can easily find double rooms in luxurious hotels for as little as $50 a night. 

Whether you want to exchange a few hours of work for your bed or you’re looking to splash out, you won’t struggle for options. If you’re on the tightest of tight budgets, there are several options that’ll land you with  free accommodation  while you’re in the country. 

Admittedly, Egypt isn’t the best destination for volunteering . There are some options on sites like WWOOFing , but they’re limited. When I looked there was one in Dahab and one outside of Cairo. But it’s worth having a look — you never know what you might find! 

Other sites worth checking are Workaway and WorldPackers . When I was looking, there weren’t many orientated around social or environmental work, but there were some options for working at hostels and hotels in marketing and secretarial roles. Readers of this site get a $10 discount for  WorldPackers  with the promo code neverendingfootsteps .

But when it comes to volunteering it might be easier to figure it out once you’re there. You can look for local organizations and wait for opportunities to reach you by word of mouth – Egypt still doesn’t have the most wide-spread online presence. 

Another option for those looking for free accommodation is Couchsurfing . If you haven’t heard about it before, how it works is that you stay on someone’s free sofa, or in their spare room, completely for free! 

Now, it’s a bit of a trade off because you never know what your host will be like until you’re there (although each host has a profile with reviews left by other travelers), but I’ve met lots of friends through couchsurfing.

If you’re a female traveler and you’re in Egypt by yourself (as I was), I’d be a bit more wary of using Couchsurfing. I hate the idea that being a woman holds us back from anything, and I always travel with a sense of freedom and independence, but the reality is that Egypt is very different culturally speaking and the interactions between men and women follow a completely new set of rules that can be hard to understand. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t couchsurf, just to be a bit more selective about who your host is. Perhaps opt for a female host and check to see if other females have left reviews on the contrary. 

There are plenty of Couchsurfing hosts in Egypt , especially in the big cities – so a free night’s sleep isn’t out of the question!

Housesitting  is another option. This is where you’ll take care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, and usually look after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you do have that freedom, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while.  Trusted Housesitters  is one of the best sites for getting started with housesitting.

The Best Hostels in Egypt

There are lots of hostels in Egypt, and they became my go-to choice of accommodation after staying in a series of very disappointing Airbnbs (which tended to be at least double the price, not clean at all, and very basic). 

Curiously, the rules at hostels in Egypt are a little different. People with Egyptian and Arab passports aren’t allowed to stay in mixed dorms like other travelers, and there are a lot more all-female dorms than in other countries. It’s also complicated getting private rooms with Arabic travelers unless you’re married. These rules reflect the religious values that still dictate the country’s laws. 

All that said, let’s have a look at some of the top hostel picks in Egypt’s most famous cities.

• Alexandria:   At Ithaka Hostel you’ll pay $12 for a comfortable bunk bed in a dorm. It’s conveniently located in the city center, close to the seafront. The hostel has a quiet and cozy vibe. Bear in mind, there tend not to be many travelers in Alexandria.  It’s a bargain for a cute, colorful hostel with welcoming staff. The best thing is that a breakfast of falafel, salad, Arab flatbread, and pickles is included! I don’t recommend the AirBnbs in Alexandria, or in general across Egypt.
• Cairo : When I was in Cairo, I stayed in the Australian Hostel . You can get a single room with a shared bathroom for $10 , and a twin for $15 ! The location is good too, it’s in a busy area in the city center so there are loads of restaurants and shops around. The only drawback of this hostel is that there aren’t many common areas and there’s no kitchen. However, they have really affordable private rooms! Funnily enough, they have a luxury and non-luxury version of their hostel, which are in the same building. Check on Hostelworld for both, and on Booking if you want to stay in the luxury edition.Other hostels worth checking out are the Dahab Hostel which has a cute garden area, and Maadina Hostel – both are around the same price, with dorms for less than $10 ! 
• Dahab : If you’re in Dahab, book your stay at Rafiki Hostels . For $10 you’ll get a bed in a dorm, and for $27 you can book a private double room. The climate around the Red Sea is pretty warm, so I was glad for this hostel’s little dipping pool, and there’s a lovely balcony area with gorgeous views where you can hang out with other guests. The hostel runs lots of fun activities throughout the week to keep you busy. It’s situated right by the beachfront and breakfast is included – I loved it! 
• Luxor : For something a little different, stay at the Al Salam Camp . The hostel is designed similar to a Bedouin camp, giving it an authentic Egyptian atmosphere. Dorm beds are just $8 . I loved the unique design of this hostel, and saving money on accommodation meant I could spend more on activities in Luxor!
• Aswan : I spent my time in Aswan at the simple but comfortable Go Inn Backpackers . The hostel is by the riverside, so it boasts incredible views. The rooms were pretty basic, but for $8 a night I wouldn’t expect much more! Plus, the staff were super helpful and knew a lot about the different tours and activities worth doing in Aswan, which saved me a lot of research. 

The Cost of Hotels in Egypt

When I’m travelling, I’m always conscious to book the absolute best accommodation out there — well, as long as it doesn’t amount to hundreds of dollars a night. I can easily spend several hours researching accommodation for every stop along my way, ensuring I’ve chosen the place in the best location with the friendliest staff, and the greatest value for money.

My biggest tip? When you head to  Booking  to find a hotel, ignore the results that are sorted under “Our Top Picks” — that’s a list of all of the hotels that pay Booking the highest commission, some of which have some pretty poor write-ups. Instead, opt to sort the properties by “Top Reviewed”. That way, you’ll be able to see which options genuinely have the best reviews.

Dahab:  This stunning little apartment just outside of Dahab is the perfect place to come and relax and reset. There’s a cute outdoor area with a hot tub, lots of sun loungers – the optimal place to read a book or enjoy some star gazing. The apartment is quaint and cute, elegantly decorated with boho-chic decor. You can’t go wrong at  Villa Can Kiko .

Nuweiba:  While you’re in Nuweiba, you have to stay in a wooden cabin or Bedouin tent on the beach. They’re positioned at the edge of the shore, just metres away from the Red Sea.  Dayra Camp  is a popular option, visited by young adults who come from Cairo looking to relax and escape the loud crowds and intensity of the city. It’s got a somewhat hippy feel to it, and it’s not exactly luxury accommodation but it’s cheap, cool, and a great spot. 

Cairo:  The  Houseboat65 Hotel  offers something a little different. You get the best of both worlds here: the privacy and intimacy of an apartment and the perks and great service of a luxury hotel.

I particularly love the views of the Nile. You’ll feel like you’re in a dream as you sit on the waters edge sipping your morning coffee and watching little boats float by. It’s also the perfect place to escape the noise of the city without compromising on location!

This stunning property gave me the perfect balance between modern and traditional. I relished all the well-thoughtout details around the property and was delighted by the undeniably Egyptian feel of the place. 

Siwa:  Accommodation in Siwa is very simple and down-to-earth. It’s not exactly luxurious, but it’s comfortable and it does the job. I stayed  here , and really enjoyed it! The pictures don’t do the garden justice, and the owners were extremely kind and welcoming. There’s an outdoor fire too, so you can sit under the stars at night and watch the flicker of the flames. The kitchen is very basic, but the included breakfast is served in the garden, and it is always filling and delicious!

Elephantine Island:  This humble but comfortable property on Elephantine Island is run by a super friendly and welcoming family. There’s a little balcony in most of the rooms, and it’s right by the Nile so the views are incredible. If you’re looking for some peace and tranquillity,  Bayt Zaina  is the perfect place to come. 

Luxor:  This quintessentially Egyptian hotel on the West Bank feels homely, luxurious, and old-fashioned all at once. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and there’s a super lovely pool you can cool down in too! I’d highly recommend staying at  Djorff Palace  whilst you’re in Luxor.

Accommodation cost summarized  : Overall, you should budget around $10 a night for hostel dorms and around $15-$20 a night if you’re planning on staying in private rooms in hostels or basic hotels. If you’re planning on renting apartments or staying in rooms in slightly nicer hotels it should come to about $40 a night .

The Cost of Transportation in Egypt

There’s lots to see in Egypt, and there is an array of ways to get around the country, from buses to boats. Egypt is a pretty big country, so if you’re in a hurry you might want to consider some domestic flights to get from Cairo to other popular destinations further south, namely Luxor and Aswan. 

Let’s break the cost of transport down to give you a better idea of how much getting around will cost in Egypt!

Local transport cost : Depending on where you are in Egypt you can look into different local transport. I found that in Alexandria the local buses were pretty efficient and easy to figure out (especially since they essentially just run along the seafront, connecting the peripheral areas of the city to the city center). The buses, which look more like minivans, cost about 8 Egyptian Pounds at the time (less than 50 cents ). 

However, in Cairo I completely gave up on using public transport. The city is huge, and there’s often bad traffic on the roads so it was complicated figuring out the bus routes, and you’d often spend way longer than expected getting from one destination to the next.

On the other hand, the metro is absolutely rammed and the one time I used it I got off feeling sweaty, claustrophobic, and overwhelmed. My Egyptian friends laughed at me when I told them I had used the metro – they all use Uber to get around. I soon gave up on the public transport in Cairo and did the same.

Even at night Uber’s are a safe and affordable option. You can expect to pay about $2-$3 for a 30-minute ride depending on the time of day. They also have motorbike options on Uber in Egypt. They’re cheaper and whizzing through the traffic on a scooter is definitely a thrill!

Regional transport costs in Egypt : Egypt has a very varied landscape, which makes an array of transport options possible. Depending on where you’re going, it’s worth considering looking at flights, boat trips, and night buses to travel across Egypt. Here are some common routes and approximate prices:

Alexandria to Cairo by train : The most comfortable way to get from Alexandria to the capital is by train. Travel with Egyptian National Railway, they’re safe and comfortable.

Overall, the journey takes just under four hours. You can get your ticket at the station at the ticket desks or self-service machines (but be careful, they don’t always work) or you can book them on the Egyptian National Railway website, although that doesn’t always work either…

The trains run more or less every hour, but stop running at around 8pm. They leave from the Alexandria station and terminate at the Cairo Ramses station. You can choose between the express and ordinary trains, and select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class tickets.

The drawback of this transport method is that as of 2023, foreigners will have to pay an additional foreigner fee on their tickets. So, whilst 2nd class tickets used to cost just $7 , they’re now $20 . Yikes.

Cairo to Luxor by cruise : If you want the true Egypt experience, take a cruise between Cairo and Luxor. It’s by far the most luxurious mode of transport – and it’s sure not to disappoint. 

You can take fast cruises that don’t stop along the way and get you between these two iconic cities in a matter of days, but for the true cruise experience, splash out on a cruise with Movenpick. The journey takes around 12 days overall, with stops at destinations like Tell El Amarna and Abydos along the way. 

Admittedly I never took a Nile cruise because I was a bit short on time when I travelled to Luxor, but I regret not doing so. Everything from food to the day tours you’ll take are included, and cruises start at $700 ! 

Dahab to Cairo by bus : Dahab is a very small town, so the easiest way to book your ticket is to head to the main road that runs along the outskirts of the town. There is one main bus station there and a few small terminals that correspond to specific bus companies. You can ask around for prices and bus schedules to see which is best for you!

You can take the bus by day, but I recommend doing it as an overnight bus (that way you save some money on accommodation, and you don’t miss out on time you can use for sightseeing!). The journey takes about nine hours in total. Tickets cost somewhere between $10-$25 depending on what company you travel with, and the best choices are East Delta Travel or Go Bus Egypt. Both companies operate basic buses which are comfortable enough, but don’t expect a lot of leg room or a full night’s sleep.

The one downside of this journey is that there are various checkpoints along the way where they stop the bus and ask to look at the passenger’s luggage and passports. So, if you get woken up in the middle of the night, don’t panic – it’s just another checkpoint. It’s also worth finding out which stations they terminate at in Cairo when you’re choosing between bus companies. 

Aswan to Cairo by flight : You can also do this trip on a cruise boat along the Nile, but it takes much longer. The fastest (and often cheapest way) is to fly. Flights start at $50 and the price varies depending on whether it’s peak tourist season or not, and how far in advance you manage to book your ticket. However, if you’re booking at quite last minute and you fly with a budget airline you shouldn’t need to spend more than $100 .

EgyptAir and Air Cairo are the companies that have the best economy tickets for this trip. You can look on Skyscanner to find price comparisons across a range of companies in one place!

Cairo to Siwa on an overnight bus : For just 275 Egyptian Pounds (just over $11 ) you can get from Egypt’s busiest city to one of the most remote desert towns. The night bus from Cairo to Siwa is the most convenient way to get to this out of reach destination. Each night a bus leaves from Cairo at 10pm, and arrives in Siwa the next morning. How long the journey will take is a little ambiguous, but estimate around 12 hours. 

Buses depart from the Turgoman station and Cairo Gateway Bus Station and the company you’ll be travelling with is West Delta. It’s worth booking your ticket the day before directly at the station if you can, just to avoid disappointment. 

Hiring a car and why not to do it : You can hire a car in Egypt, but I strongly suggest you don’t. The roads are absolute chaos and you’re more likely to end up getting in an accident than enjoying the fun road trip you might have envisioned. 

If you’re still determined to rent a car, I’d recommend getting to Egypt first and seeing the roads for yourself, then deciding whether you’d be comfortable driving there. 

The Cost of Food in Egypt

Food is incredibly cheap in Egypt. In fact, if you dine at local restaurants or street stalls it’ll be the least expensive part of your trip. The food is a little greasy at times, but it’s always hearty and delicious. It’s super easy to be vegetarian, and even vegan, in Egypt as they have a range of veggie-friendly dishes that are easily available even in remote towns.

In Egypt you eat most dishes with your hands and a piece of aish baladi (a flatbread similar to a pitta) to help scoop the food up. Of course, if you’re in a restaurant or you’re eating a more messy and intricate dish, you will be given cutlery. 

One of the staple foods in Egypt is falafel. Unlike in other Arab countries they’re made with faba beans instead of chickpeas, making them more dense and heavy. You can get a falafel wrap in Egypt for as little as 5 cents , but they average about 25 cents from a street cart or local stall. 

A peculiar dish worth trying is koshari. It’s a carb-filled and hearty meal made up of a mix of pasta and rice, topped with fried onions, chickpeas, and an assortment of other toppings that are then covered in a vinegary tomato sauce. It doesn’t sound very appealing but somehow it works! A pot of koshari from a local restaurant will cost you about $2 .  

If you’re in Cairo, some of the best koshari spots are Sayed Hanady, Koshary El Tahrir, and Koshari Abou Tarek. 

Egypt also has a range of incredible dips that are perfect for a light lunch. My favorites are hummus and baba ghanoush, which are perfect for scooping up with some warm aish baladi. You’ll pay about $1 for a pot of either. 

Breakfast : Egyptian breakfasts don’t disappoint and are typically buffet style. Plates of falafel, eggs, a salty and creamy cheese mixed with tomatoes, olives, dips like hummus, and lots of aish baladi are laid out before you. This mezze platter style makes Egyptian breakfasts fit for a king! You can expect to pay around $3-$5 for a traditional Egyptian breakfast, depending on portion sizes.

Another breakfast favorite worth trying is shakshuka. In this dish eggs are poached in a tomato sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, green pepper, bell peppers, onions, olive oil, and topped with herbs like coriander. It makes sense then that the name of the dish is derived from the Arabic for “shaken together” or “mixed”.

It’s usually served in the pan and you can then scoop it up with bread straight from the skillet. Expect to pay around $2 for a shakshuka in an economical local restaurant.

Lunch : For lunch opt for something like a shawarma or kofta kebab that you can get when you’re out and about and eat on the move.

You can spend as little as 50 cents for lunch in Egypt, if you go for an on-the-go wrap style lunch, or as much as $10 if you decide to eat at a nice restaurant and order a big main plate. 

Dinner : After a day exploring, enjoy a sit-down dinner. Try bamya, an Egyptian style okra and lamb stew in a tomato sauce. The name makes sense since the word bamya means “okra” in Arabic. The dish is usually served with rice! 

You’ll typically pay around $3-$5 for a hearty and filling dinner in Egypt at a local restaurant, though prices at hipster restaurants in Cairo’s city center range around $10-$15 .

Alcohol : Alcohol is one of the most expensive things in Egypt. That’s largely due to the fact that there’s a large Muslim community in the country, and there are high alcohol taxes that make it expensive to import anything. You’ll pay about $2 for a small bottle of beer from a local shop, $2-$3 for a can of mixed spirits, and about $20 for a bottle of spirits and some $7 for a mid-range bottle of wine.

Most restaurants don’t sell alcohol, and during Ramadham there are few bars that sell it and you’ll need to show your foreigner ID to be served! Trust me, if you lay off the alcohol you’ll save yourself a lot of money. 

Overall cost breakdown of food : If you decide to cook simple food with locally sourced ingredients in an Airbnb expect to spend about $5 a day on food . Similarly, if you’re eating out and getting your meals from street carts and local restaurants you can spend as little as $5 a day and eat really well. 

Eating at mid-range restaurants that are frequented by tourists will bring your costs up to around $20-$30 a day , whilst dining at fancy restaurants and sampling luxurious meals will cost around $50 a day . If you’re drinking beer on the daily and having a glass of wine with meals, add on about $15 . 

The Cost of Activities in Egypt

There’s loads to do and see in Egypt, and sometimes it’s logistically a lot easier to do it with a tour. Most of the time, a simple day tour to a well-known site will cost you around $30 . If there’s an entrance fee for the site, or your meals are included this could go up to around $50 . Either way, even the most popular and sought after tours in Egypt are pretty budget friendly.

Remember that if you’re booking in person, you should always haggle to get the price down! 

Here are five of the most popular tours to give you an idea of prices.

Visiting the pyramids of Giza : You can’t come to Egypt and miss out on seeing the pyramids. Whilst it’s quite straightforward to visit this iconic site by yourself (you can take an Uber from Cairo to the entrance, and then back again afterwards), taking a tour is beneficial as there isn’t any actual information about the pyramids across the site. Consider this half day tour here for just $35 .

Nile dining experience: There are various tour agencies that run sunset river cruises down the Nile, but this one comes accompanied by a traditional Egyptian meal and a belly dance show! I thought it was fabulous, and very fairly priced at just $30 . I’d recommend doing it in a group.  

Diving in Dahab: My favorite Egyptian experience was diving in Dahab. The coral reefs and marine life are absolutely spectacular, and I was just meters away from the shore. I did it with a local diving agency called Aqua Divers and I found them to be very friendly, professional, and reassuring. 

For a single dive at the site known as the Lighthouse I paid $25 . They give you an entry course first to check you’re prepared and know the essentials when it comes to safety and communicating underwater. 

Trip to Abu Simbel from Aswan: Aswan and Luxor are famous for their temples, and few are as impressive as Abu Simbel. There are two temples on the site that were built by the Egyptian king Ramses II. The Great Temple of Ramesses II is protected by four momentous 20-meter seated pharaohs and smaller standing sculptures that are thought to depict his family (children, mother, and wife).

However, the site is pretty far away from the city of Aswan itself (about three hours by bus), so it’s worth taking a tour for a hassle-free experience. I booked this one for $70 and had a pleasant experience. If you’re a bigger group it gets cheaper!

Hot air balloon ride in Luxor: Soaring over Luxor in a hot air balloon as the sun rises over the milky Nile River and the barren landscape is a once in a lifetime experience. I didn’t have much time in Luxor so I decided to combine my hot air balloon trip with a tour that included the most famous Luxor attractions (Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple ,The Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon). I paid $180 for this tour (a little more on the expensive side), but it was worth the time and planning it saved me. If you’re in a rush, this is the tour for you. 

How Much it Costs to Travel in Egypt

Overall, if you stay in the cheapest hostel dorms, stick to eating wraps from food stands, and opt for cheaper tours, you can travel Egypt for as little as $25 a day comfortably. If you spend humbly but you don’t hold back, you’ll average about $40 a day, and if you do a lot and stay at mid-range hotels you’re looking at $50 a day. 

It’d be hard to spend more than an average of $100 a day in Egypt, but if it’s luxury you’re seeking then that’s a comfortable amount to budget for. When I was there, I found there were days where I spent as little as $10 a day, and others where I spent around $50. All in all, Egypt is a great budget destination!

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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How to Visit Egypt on a Budget: What to See & What to Skip

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There is far more to Egypt than the pyramids. There are the ancient and quite impressive statues of Ramses in Abu Simbel. The chaotic camel market in Dawar. Floating the Nile on a felucca boat near the lush oasis of Aswan. Yet most blogs about Egypt recommend 5-10 days in the country. If you go by this advice (especially for those trying to visit Egypt on a budget) you’ll sorely regret it. Egypt has enough attractions and culturally important destinations to fill a multi-month trip. But most people (like us) don’t have the luxury of staying in Egypt for quite so long. So let me break it down for you. These are the truly worthwhile destinations in Egypt for travelers on a budget who can’t afford to shell out hundreds of dollars visiting every single ancient temple. 

Let’s dig into each popular attraction (& some not-so-popular ones) and I’ll break down if it’s worth the cost or effort of visiting— essentially if you’re visiting Egypt on a budget, should you see it or skip it. 

And I’ll throw in all my Egypt budget tips to help you get the cheapest prices possible for each. In fact, let’s start with those.

Tips for Scoring Cheap Admission to Temples & Attractions

4 ways to get cheaper admission to all the major attractions in Egypt.

1. Bring a Student ID Card. Or any card that might resemble a student ID.

Students of all kinds get 50% off all admission tickets. This means you’ll save literally hundreds of dollars if you’re visiting lots of temples. Most ticket-checkers are extremely lax and often can’t speak English meaning…if you show them a card and explain you are a student they will probably give it to you. If not– at least you tried.

2. Bribe the Tomb Guides

This sounds sketchy but is actually super common. For example, in the Valley of the Kings, you can only visit 3 tombs with a general admission ticket. But if you want to visit 4 or 5 consider just offering the guard 30-50 Egyptian Pounds to let you inside. Again, the worst case is it doesn’t work.

3. The After Hours Bribe

Once an attraction has “closed” you can usually get the ticket guys to let you in with a bribe. We did this at several temples in Luxor and at the Nubian church in Aswan. They will usually still charge you the ticket price or just under if you’re lucky.

4. If you are a passport holder from ANY Arabic country…congrats you pay local entrance fees!!

Often this means 10 Egyptian Pounds while foreigners pay 100 Egyptian Pounds. Seriously. You should visit every temple and attraction on this list if that is the case.

Transport & Accommodation in Egypt on a Budget 

Here’s how to lower your day-to-day costs in Egypt to save more money for activities. 

1. Never get a private car. 

There is no situation where a private car is cheaper or worth it if you are on a budget. Even if you share the car with 3-4 other travelers it’s SO much cheaper to take the train or even a tourist bus. 

2. Book Accommodation in Person. 

If you’re worried about the hostel or hotel being full you should book 1 or 2 nights online and then add additional nights in person. For our hotel in Luxor, online it was 300 Egyptian pounds per night but in person, it was 200 Egyptian Pounds. 

3. Take the day train if you have the time. 

It’s significantly cheaper. Like $5 vs $80. It’s not a wonderful experience but it’s so much cheaper you almost have to endure it. 

4. Eat local food! 

I’ve said it 1000 times and I’ll say it again…eat local food. I won’t get into it here but check out my full blog post about the best cheap eats in Egypt. 

NO DRONES. Egypt has a strict no drone policy. Seriously leave the drone at home. They will find it in the airport and they don’t give you the opportunity to ship it anywhere they just confiscate and keep it. That’s a serious financial mishap to get your $300 drone confiscated.

Consider Joining The Best Street Food Tour in Cairo: A Chef’s Tour

We often had trouble finding more than falafel and pita when we aimlessly wandered around by ourselves. Don’t get me wrong…both are delicious. But this tour helps you to really uncover the foodie scene within the city from the eyes of your local guide. The best part? You’ll also come away with loads of information about the city as a whole and get to taste culturally important dishes and learn the significance behind them. And everything is absolutely delicious.

What to See & What to Skip in Egypt (for Budget-Travelers)

For ease of planning, I’ll break it down into cities starting with Cairo the beloved or hated (depending on who you ask) capital of Egypt.

Cairo 

Cairo has a reputation of being a little hard to love. But for us, it was love at first sight. These are some of the best things to see in the city.

Sultan Hassan & Sultan Rifay Mosque in Cairo — See 

Religion is central to Cairo. Specifically Islam. There are more than 1,000 mosques in the city. These are two of the prettiest. If you’re unfamiliar with mosques or even just interested in seeing some of Cairo’s most beautiful architecture you have to pay these two a visit. 

Another favorite: Al Ahzur Mosque.

Basically, just go inside some mosques. Most are free and most are beautiful. If you’re a woman cover your elbows, knees, and always bring a headscarf!

If you stay downtown at Holy Sheet Hostel you can walk to almost all of these attractions and see the Cairo of today along the journey. 

Cost: 130 Egyptian Pounds per person or $8. (Al Ahzur is free).

Muhammad Ali Mosque (Citadel) — Undecided 

The citadel tickets are surprisingly expensive. And it’s quite a walk (or Uber) to get here. The massive metallic domes of the mosque are visible from most of the city and although the inside is undeniably beautiful— you are going to see a lot of mosques. 

For me getting to visit this green dome only visible from inside the citadel made it worth it. Also, you get up-close shots of the main silver mosque and panoramic views of the city below. This is one you’ll have to decide if you’re interested in visiting. 

Cost: 180 Egyptian Pounds Per Person or about $12 .

Hanging Church (Coptic Cairo) — Skip 

I was unimpressed with the hanging church. Yes, it is the oldest church in Cairo. But even though it’s 100% free to visit I felt like we could have spent our morning better. 

If you do decide to visit: It’s a long way from other attractions in Cairo so we took the metro which had a station right at the entrance. & tickets cost about 66 cents or 10 Egyptian pounds for a one-way ticket. 

If you really want to see the area I recommend heading to the Abu Sergia Church instead. It contains a cave where Jesus supposedly stayed. A little more history makes it a more interesting and less crowded stop.

Saqqara + Sphinx + Great Pyramids of Giza — See 

I don’t care how touristy or how many scammers flood the grounds of the pyramids— you must visit them.  

I highly recommend visiting with a driver. This is the only time I’ll recommend this to budget travelers. & it was not cheap. It costs $240 (USD) for 2 people (typically) including the full-day driver/Egyptologist to guide you through the site + breakfast/lunch + all entrance tickets to the sites. 

Here is my driver Sam’s WhatsApp number. He was amazing, knowledgeable, and would be happy to have you. Another perk of having the guide was that he took us to some other tombs including a pyramid we could go inside for free (with incredible hieroglyphics). 

Sam (Egyptologist): +20 122 281 3770

Try to find a few more people to split the cost with and it will be even cheaper! Sam has a car that will easily accommodate 4 passengers. I understand that this option is not viable however for most travelers visiting Egypt on a budget.

Be sure to get a licensed guide! If they don’t have the proper tourist license they can’t actually take you to the front entrances of these UNESCO sites. 

The real budget-friendly option: You can visit the pyramids independently. But I WOULD NOT recommend going this route if this is early on in your Egypt trip. First, read my blog post on How to Avoid Getting Scammed in Egypt. Then give yourself a week or so to get good at evading the scammers. If you go this route you will probably need to visit Saqqara (the very first pyramid) on a different day than the Great Pyramids but it will undoubtedly be cheaper.

Skip Memphis (a temple often combined with the ones above). Our guide recommended we skip Memphis and after researching I’m glad we did. It’s essentially a poorly preserved open-air museum. There are far cooler places to see in Egypt. 

Pyramids of Giza + Sphinx Ticket Cost: 200 Egyptian Pounds ($18)

Saqqara Cost: 80 Egyptian Pounds ($6)

Cost of a 2-person car w/ private driver all included: $240 USD 

Want to sleep in Giza and wake up to a spectacular view of the pyramids? Be sure to book on the West side of the pyramids. Rooms on the other side of Giza will not have that iconic view. And Giza itself is nothing special.

Khan el Khalil Market — See (Sort of) 

This is a tourist market. Therefore I wouldn’t recommend you buy anything here. But visit in the late afternoon & evening just to see the array of stalls and crowded walking streets. Also if you walk from Holy Sheet Hostel you’ll walk right through an even better night market meant for locals that is even more crowded and chaotic. This is the place to make your purchases if you want anything while visiting Egypt on a budget.

Climb Bab Zuwayla Minarets in Cairos Oldest Street — See

This is the best view in all of Cairo. The entrance is also on Cairos oldest street a great area for walking around. 

Cost: 40 Egyptian Pounds per Person ($3)

Egyptian Museum Old- Undecided

The museum is cool. It really is. But for 200 Egyptian Pounds, you’d expect the artifacts to be in some kind of order/ them all to have labels describing what I’m looking at. And I did not find that to be the case. This museum does house a collection of mummified animals, some small mummies, King Tut’s sarcophagus, and all the incredible artifacts that were in his tomb.

My official stance is that it’s probably worth it unless museums really aren’t your thing & if you have a student card it’s 100% worth it.

I recommend waiting until after you have visited Luxor and the Pyramids to hit the museum just so you have a greater understanding of Egyptian history.

Cost: 200 Egyptian Pounds per person. ($13)

Egyptian Museum New – See

This museum is worth the trip to Coptic Cairo (or so I’m told). This is where the mummies are! Including King Tut. If you have to pick between the two museums- this is better for your “Egypt on a budget” visit.

Cost: 200 Egyptian Pounds ($13)

Luxor 

I hate Luxor. I’ll just go right out and say it. And if you’re visiting Egypt on a budget, you’ll probably hate it too. It’s filled with scammers and people always looking to hassle you. Check out my entire blog post on scams to avoid in Egypt for tips on avoiding them.

Luxor Tip: Stay on the West Bank of Luxor. The East Bank is insanely crowded and has low standards for budget accommodation. The West Bank is the only reason we actually enjoyed Luxor. This is where we stayed . For those visiting Egypt on a budget, you can contact him directly to make a booking for even cheaper. WhatApp: +20 100 209 8288

Luxor Temple — Skip 

Why do I recommend you skip one of the most famous temples in Egypt? Because you can essentially see the entire temple from outside. Luxor is a collection of open-air pillars sitting right near the Nile. You can walk around the complex and admire all the hieroglyphs and carefully carved pillars without paying the incredibly high entrance fee of 240 Egyptian pounds. 

It’s also the busiest temple in Luxor. Do a walk by in the evening to see the pillars lit up. 

Cost: 240 Egyptian Pounds ($16)

Karnak Temple — See 

100% worth visiting. This is one of my favorite temples in Egypt. Most blogs recommend visiting right after it opens at 6 AM but it’s still pretty busy. Instead, as long as you’re not visiting in summer I recommend visiting at 12 (noon) when all the tours go to lunch. 

Valley of the Kings — Undecided 

Honestly, it might be blasphemous to even consider skipping the Valley of the Kings. This is where the Great Pharaoh’s tombs were discovered in the 1920s. 

But it was expensive and I thought that most of the tombs were only a little impressive. 

I don’t regret visiting. But I do regret getting a taxi (even a shared one) instead of going with my gut and renting a bicycle for 50 Egyptian Pounds per day. Egypt is so flat that as long as you aren’t visiting in the peak heat of summer you can easily bike to the valley of the kings, Hatshepsut, Dier el-Medina, and more in one day. Bikes are the perfect mode of transport for those visiting Egypt on a budget.

If you decide that you cannot skip the valley of the kings here’s what you need to know…

1. Your entrance ticket gives you entrance to 3 of the “basic” tombs. 

Based on our research & recommendations from locals–the 3 most impressive are Ramses 3, Merenptah, Tausert + Setnakht. You can find them all on  maps.me . Know which tombs you want to visit before you go.

2. There’s no reason to pay for the shuttle because it’s literally a 5-minute walk around the bend from the ticket office. 

Be sure to check out my whole blog post on common scams in Egypt because many happen here in the Valley of the Kings. 

3. You have to pay extra to visit the special tombs. 

I’ll go over which ones are worth it below. Special tombs are Seti 1, Ramses 5 + 6, and King Tut.

4. Skip the photo pass.

You technically need to purchase a 300 Egyptian Pound photo pass to take photos with a camera (cellphones don’t need to pay) inside the tombs. But in some cases, we managed to sneak a photo or two. It doesn’t seem strictly enforced.

5. Again 11-12 (noon) is the most empty time to visit.

It’s beneficial to have fewer people anytime you’re going deep into the tomb’s small spaces. 

6. You can bribe the guards to let you into more tombs than the 3 your ticket permits. 

But we felt seeing the ones we did was sufficient. No need to explore further unless you’re a huge history buff.  

Cost of Valley of Kings Entrance Ticket: 240 Egyptian ($16) per person

TICKET OFFICES CLOSE AT 3:45 PM. This is super early considering the temples and tombs themselves are often open until 6 PM or later. We missed out on seeing Dier El-Medina one day because we weren’t aware of this rule.

Extra fee for Ramses 5 + 6 Tombs — See

If you could, I would recommend travelers visiting Egypt on a budget ONLY visit these 2 tombs in the Valley of the Kings. But unfortunately, you have to buy a general admission + this extra ticket. If you go to the Valley you can’t skip these tombs. The extra fee is totally worth it.

Cost: 100 Egyptian Pounds ($7) per person. 

Extra fee for King Tuts Tomb — Skip 

This is only a popular tomb because everyone knows King Tut. His tomb is not one of the more intricately decorated ones and at 400 Egyptian Pounds, it’s one of the most expensive. 

Note: There are no mummies or artifacts still in the tombs. They have all been moved to the Egyptian Museums to be preserved. 

Hatshepsut — Skip the entrance fee & See the Temple

The outside of this temple is what really blows people away. Carved into a cliffside the columns are striking. But it’s always crowded, expensive, and the temple inside is just alright in comparison to others you’ll see. 

Instead of paying the 140 Egyptian Pound entrance fee just bike up and take some photos with a zoom lens. 

Dier el-Medina (the worker’s tombs) — See 

My favorite of all the tombs in Egypt. These are the most colorful and some of the best-preserved sites. It’s also not nearly as busy as many of the other tombs. 

These tombs were built by the workers for themselves right behind their homes. On-site you can enter 3 brilliantly painted tombs and explore their old church and dwellings. 

Cost: 100 Egyptian Pounds ($7)

Dendara Complex — See 

This was one of the only places we did not make it to that we really wanted to. Several people who had made the long journey raved about the temple. Apparently, it’s barely visited and very cheap. Let me know if you manage to make it to this lesser-visited gem.

Valley of the Nobles —Skip 

Another recommended temple that’s just ok. Your money is better spent elsewhere in my opinion. 

Valley of the Queens and Nefertiti — Skip 

Unless you’re looking to splash out you’ll likely skip Nefertiti’s tomb. It’s renowned as one of the best and most colorful (we wouldn’t know as we didn’t go) but at almost $40 per person to enter…it’s well out of our temple budget. 

Felucca ride in Luxor — Skip 

Luxor is the worst. There are so many touts, scams, and you can’t ever just eat your falafel in peace. You’ll get offered a million felucca rides but wait until you arrive in Aswan. Not only is it easier to get a decent price but the Nile is far prettier here. 

Government Market in Luxor — Skip 

This is a tourist trap. Again— be sure to check out my comprehensive guide to scams in Egypt. 

Television street — See 

This might be the East Bank of Luxor’s only saving grace, & Karnak Temple of course. TV street is the Mecca of street food in Luxor. You can get fresh sugar cane juice, shawarma, and tons more for under 30 Egyptian Pounds ($2). 

Best around dinner time after dark. 

Edfu Temple — See 

Edfu is one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt. It’s also one of the most common places travelers get conned into taking a private car because it is halfway between Luxor and Aswan. 

Don’t do it. 

Take the daytime train from Luxor to Edfu & spend one night in the small town. This costs 70 Egyptian Pounds ($4) instead of nearly $25 per person in a shared van/car. 

There is plenty of food and accommodation in Edfu to keep you satisfied for a single day. 

Edfu Ticket cost: 180 Egyptian Pounds ($13)

Cruise from Aswan to Luxor or Vice Versa — Skip 

There’s no other way to say it. These cruises are for old people—sorry. People who want to just lay around and be entertained by staff dressing up as mummies. I’m not kidding that actually happens. These cruises are overpriced, bad for the environment, and far over-hyped. You’ll also be shuttled to the temples together–which means you are guaranteed to have not a single photo without hoards of people. This is not the route for travelers visiting Egypt on a budget or…anyone under 65 at all.

If sailing down the Nile sounds romantic to you…consider a multi-day felucca journey. Anything with a sail is much more magical, right? It’s also a lot cheaper and more fun.

Aswan 

My favorite city for traveling to Egypt on a budget.

Kom Ombo Temple — Undecided 

The temple itself is relatively new by Egypt standards and not super well preserved. The only reason I enjoyed our visit was the mummified crocodile museum that’s attached. 

This temple is for the crocodile-faced god Sobek. 

Kom Ombo is also a 30-minute minibus + a quick tuk-tuk ride from Aswan. It’s in the same place as the Dawar camel market which you MUST visit so if you decide you want to go to Kom Ombo be sure to combine the two. 

Mini Bus from Aswan Bus Station to Dawar: 8 Egyptian Pounds (50 cents) 

Tuk Tuk to Temple: 25 Egyptian Pounds total ($2)

Kom Ombo Ticket Cost: 140 Egyptian Pounds ($9)

Dawar Camel Market — See 

Probably my very favorite and least touristy stop in all of Egypt. I love visiting a wildly crowded chaotic market. We took lots of photos (at locals’ request), met tons of camel farmers, and even drank fresh camel milk!! 

This is 100% free except for transportation. You’ll take the same minibus you would for Kom Ombo + a long walk or a 10 Egyptian Pound tuk-tuk ride to the market itself. 

The market is at its best in the early morning 9 AM at the latest and on Tuesday/Wednesday. Tuesday is the most crowded & has Buffalo, cows, goats, and sheep in addition to camels but Wednesday is HUNDREDS of camels. I think any day is worth a visit though. 

Warning: This is not a market for the faint of heart. These are traditional farmers and many of the animals will be food. There’s even a spot on-site that seems to be a slaughterhouse of some kind. But the farmers do love to show off their animals. You’ll also get a lot of attention especially if you’re a woman. It was all friendly but I was with a small group including 3 men so I can’t say how it would be for a solo female. 

Colorful “Nubian” Village — Skip 

Another tourist trap. This is a market they funnel the cruise ship passengers to. Don’t bother visiting. 

Philae Temple — Skip 

Ok, maybe I was just templed out at this point but it just didn’t seem to be worth the hassle & the price tag. This is on an island so you’ll also need to take a ferry if you decide to visit. 

Elephantine Island — See

This is a real Nubian town. Mudbrick structures, lots of cats and dogs, great Tagine (definitely pay a visit to King Jamaica’s— two can easily share a single Tagine & he has camel meat). Lots of people choose to stay on the island but we didn’t. I think even though it’s more beautiful it’s a little too isolated to stay overnight in Aswan. 

The ferry is 5 Egyptian Pounds. (30 cents)

We stayed at David’s Hostel. If you are a budget traveler- YOU HAVE TO STAY HERE. David is an angel. He gave us all the budget tips, told us how to get everyone via minibus, and was probably the only person we met in Egypt who truly gave us the real local prices for things. He made us breakfast and tea for free each morning & even packed it for us when we went to Abu Simbel at 3:30 AM. $12 for two people. Can’t beat it. Another plus— he will write everything out in Arabic for you to help make your transport smooth on the buses. 

Nubian Dinner + Desert Hike to Monastery for Sunset — See

For a real Nubian experience, charter a little boat from Elephantine Island to the sand-covered island across from it. At the base of the massive sand dune, you’ll find a very laid-back Nubian restaurant with good tagine and excellent BBQ chicken. For sunset, you should hike up to the ancient crumbling monastery, explore a little, and then enjoy dinner on the brightly colored cushions at the restaurant below safe from the wind.

This is entirely free except for the boat and the dinner. Dinner for two can be had for 150 Egyptian Pounds and the boat should be around 50. You can find the monastery easily on Maps.me.

Tombs & Church Sunset Viewpoint — See 

Another great sunset spot in Aswan is the hillside tombs. You have to pay an entrance fee to the Nubian people to visit but you can get cheap transport by taking the public ferry from Aswan city. They close at 4-5 PM so if you show up after you’ll just have to pay 50 pounds to the guy hanging out near the booth. Or try and sneak past him. That’s up to you. It just doesn’t seem like the most official ticketing pro

Entrance Fee: 50 Egyptian Pounds + 5 Egyptian Pound Ferry ($4)

Abu Simbel — See (w/ conditions)

Abu Simbel is beyond impressive. 4 towering statues of Ramses overlooking the incredible lakeside shores of Lake Nasser. But getting there isn’t easy. The temple of Abu Simbel is about a 4.5-hour drive south from Aswan nearly to Sudan. You have two options for reaching the temple…a $23 per person shuttle bus that picks you up at 3 AM and allows you to have a few hours at the temple complex. Or take the local minibus. If you stay at David’s Hostel he can help you get familiar with public transport in Aswan. But basically…the minibus will be cheap but due to the incredible distance you’ll be traveling, it will take all day.

Entrance Tickets to Abu Simbel are $15 per person.

This means I think that Abu Simbel is worth the price IF you can take the whole day and ride the public bus for a couple of dollars.

If you’re short on time and must take the shuttle…I think you’ll be a little let down by the hour or two you get to spend at the temple.

Ancient Souks — See

This is one of the best markets in Egypt. Good street food, lots of products (see my common scams for an example of prices you should pay), & great to wander at night. 

Sunset Sail on the Nile— See

This is the area you want to sail on the Nile. The river is wide here in Aswan. It’s also surrounded by green fields and just overall the prettiest stretch of the Nile River. You can get an hour-long cruise on a felucca with tea for around 150 Egyptian Pounds total for the boat ($10). I recommend going for sunset.

Botanical Garden— Skip 

It’s a relaxing way to kill some extra time. But don’t go out of your way to visit. 

Siwa Oasis  – Undecided

Despite spending 3 weeks in Egypt we still never made it to Siwa. Mostly because the only way to reach this desert oasis is via a 12-hour overnight bus ride. Which wouldn’t be the end of the world except that you then have to return the same way you came. And that’s a lot of travel time.

Siwa has beautiful desert dunes, lovely accommodations, cool springs, and spectacular salt pools for floating in. But we decided not to go because we’ve been fortunate enough to experience desert scenery in other places. And the idyllic salt pools are really just a photo op (they are manmade and there are lots of construction equipment nearby).

White Desert  – A Cheaper Siwa alternative

We also did not make it to the White Desert but if desert dunes and pretty sand landscapes are what you are after a tour of the White Desert is much easier to swing than Siwa. It’s cheaper to visit and far closer to Cairo.

You’ll have to book a tour to visit this alien landscape. So I wouldn’t recommend visiting if you’re also planning a visit to Siwa.

Alexandria 

Alexandria is a rare ocean-side city in Egypt. It boasts attractions like the iconic “Library of Alexandria” (but the real one burned down long ago), which is now an interactive museum. There’s also an old castle by the sea. We spent one single day in the city and felt like it was enough. None of the attractions are really worth mentioning here.

Hurghada  – Skip

Hurghada is a resort town on the Eastern coastline of Egypt. Yes, it’s beautiful but you can enjoy better snorkeling in Dahab for a far cheaper price. This town is hugely popular with Russians looking for all-inclusive vacations.

Dahab  – See

Another often cheap option when flying into Egypt is to fly directly into Sharm el Shiek on the Sinai peninsula. We scored $70 flights into the country from Turkey this way. Although Sharm has little appeal, Dahab is a now booming dive/snorkel town just an hour drive away.

You can take the public bus for around $3 per person, GoBus for $8 per person, or team up with people at the airport to share a taxi if you’re arriving at odd hours (there is always a slew of people arriving headed straight to Dahab it’s easier than you think). The taxi should charge 500 Egyptian ($25) for the entire ride. Typically, it’s easier to arrange a driver ahead of time because negotiating with taxi drivers at the airport (or anywhere in Egypt) is brutal.

Tip: If you’ve just arrived in Sharm el Shiek Airport, be sure to pay the $25 cash for your Egyptian visa. SES has this weird loophole that technically if you’re planning on not leaving the peninsula (ie. just vacationing in Dahab + SES) you don’t need an Egyptian Visa. This means sometimes travelers get confused and don’t buy one. It’s a huge headache if you leave Dahab without a visa. You’ll get stopped at a checkpoint taken off the bus and sent the 6 hours back the way toy came to fill out forms and buy a visa at customs.

Dahab used to be a hippy town. Now, it’s turned over a more expensive leaf. We stayed at BishBishi Camp because it was the cheapest accommodation with A/C in Dahab, walking distance to everything, and served a good breakfast.

Snorkeling or Diving The Blue Hole – See

This is without a doubt the best thing to do in Dahab. If you have a diving certification, this is bound to be one of the favorite dives of your life. Snorkeling too. Here’s a quick breakdown of the three best places to snorkel/dive colorful reefs in Dahab in order.

• The Blue Hole.
• The Lighthouse. Just head straight out from the Lighthouse restaurant in town and eventually, you’ll see the coral shelf.
• Ras Abu Galum. You have to take a boat to reach the isolated Bedouin town but the reef is great here as well.

So how do you snorkel these sites on a budget?

For the lighthouse site, you can simply rent a snorkel mask from anywhere in town for 25 Egyptian Pounds or $1.50 for the day. The other two sites can either be accessed with a tour (popular + easy option, but completely disorganized + overpriced) OR you can visit them independently.

To get to the Blue Hole you should either rent a bike or pay for a short 10-minute taxi ride to the town. Dahab is hot and the road is bumpy + uneven, but if you choose to taxi you’ll be required to stop at a checkpoint + pay a $10 snorkel fee for the Blue Hole site. In my opinion, this is 100% worth it.

Once at the Blue Hole town you can rent a snorkel mask from the many restaurants + water shoes + a life jacket if you need one. The waves in Dahab + the Blue Hole are actually massive and make for difficult swimming sometimes. From here, follow the crowds to the left and snorkel the shelf upstream from the blue hole and work your way with the current into the hole itself.

To get from the blue hole to Ras Abu Galum you’ll take a quick walk to the boat dock (anyone can direct you) buy round trip tickets from the official with a clipboard + then catch a ride to the snorkel site itself from one of the many Bedouins on the other side. There are restaurants everywhere for food + drinks but it is quite overpriced.

I’m thoroughly impressed if you’ve made it this far but now you know all the best places to see in Egypt + what you should skip to stay on a backpacker’s budget in Egypt.

Save This Post For Later!

Further Reading...

How to Avoid Getting Scammed in Egypt (Common Egypt Scams)

Skip The Tour: 10 Reasons to Travel Egypt & Jordan Independently

17 TASTY Traditional Egyptian Foods to Try (+ Where to Get Them!)

Great tips. My dream is to visit Egypt one day. I’m already studying some phrases in Arabic because I’m passionate about the country’s culture and mythology. I am from Brazil

Like your recommendations. I’m expecting to return to Egypt after my last visit nearly 50 years ago (hitch hiking from Morocco). It was one of the most interesting places I visited and the people were friendly. There’s plenty of places I didn’t visit and your advice will be with me this time.

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How to Eat, Sleep, & Beach in Uvita on a Budget (Costa Rica)

Beyond_the_bucketlist.

How to Visit Egypt on a Budget

One of the countries high up on my “must visit” list is Egypt. As a lover of history, I long to release my inner archaeologist and explore the many ruins of the country. While it might be a long time before I get there, my friend Jeremy Scott Foster from TravelFreak has visited a couple of times. In this guest post, he’ll give you his best tips for saving money on your next visit to Egypt!

I’ve been to Egypt twice. On my first trip four years ago, I solo traveled the Sinai Peninsula along the Gulf of Aqaba, stayed in shared hostels for $5 USD per night and took overnight buses that cost just as little. On my most recent trip last year, I traveled from the very north of Egypt in Alexandria south to Cairo, and then further south along the Nile River to the border with Sudan.

And, throughout it all, I fall deeply in love with this country where foreign perception of violence keeps so many at arm’s length.

The tourism industry in Egypt is still feeling pain as a result of the political upheaval, civil unrest, and terrorism-related activities that have marred its recent history. As tourist numbers have dwindled and competition for the tourist dollar has become fiercer, travel deals have proliferated.

But what most visitors miss is what you can gain — free of crowds and for little money too.

From the chaos of Cairo to the more laid-back vibe of Luxor, Egypt is an ideal destination for budget travelers.  

1. How to Save Money on Accommodation

Stay in hostels instead of hotels – Typically, you can expect to find a bed in a shared dorm room (with 4+ beds) for between $5-8 USD per night, or a comfortable private single room for about $15 USD per night. You will likely have to share a bathroom, but at least you have your privacy.

Use Hostelworld to look for the best prices. I recommend Dahab Hostel in Cairo and Al Salam Camp in Luxor.

Use Booking.com to compare prices for hotels – If you’re looking for cheap hotels or guesthouses in Egypt, I recommend checking Booking.com. A private room in a guesthouse or hotel goes for about $40 USD per night.

Prices are generally listed per room, not per person. So, if you are traveling with a friend, you can save even more money by splitting the cost.

Look for accommodations that add offer a little extra – I also found that, coupled with accommodation, it was pretty common for hosts in guesthouses to offer extras such as breakfast and local tours at very reasonable prices. One of my incredible hosts cooked a traditional hot breakfast with tea and coffee for just $1 USD. Best of all, he was more than happy to recommend some inexpensive local places to eat and buy food.

Look beyond the standard hotel rooms for accommodation options – Airbnb and Vrbo are great options for vacation rentals . On these platforms, you can also find options to stay in a local’s house. You can usually find some pretty luxurious apartments starting from $50 USD per night. You’ll also have full access to your own kitchen, which means you can further cut your costs by cooking at home.  

2. How to Save Money on Food

Why bother with a burger when you can eat the most delicious falafel in the world for $1 USD?

Navigate the narrow alleyways of any bustling Cairo market (like Khan El Khalili or Mohammed Ali Street) to seek out the best shawarma ($2 USD). Or grab a stuffed falafel sandwich from a street vendor on your way from one ancient relic to another ($2 USD). You can literally find Arabic bread for 5 cents. It’s all cheap and very filling.

And, the hummus. It’s so. Darn. Good.

If you’re staying at a guesthouse, it’s common practice for them to offer full dinners for about $10 USD. The truth is that they’re actually just sourcing the food from restaurants in the neighborhood and taking a cut, so by seeking out your own food options, expect to spend about ¼ of the price.

With that said, don’t be afraid of street food or street vendors, especially if the food is cooked in front of you. And if there is a crowd of locals waiting, then chances are you’re onto a good thing.

Eat at a kosheri – A kosheri is a small, local restaurant that serves up generous portions of pasta, chickpeas, lentils, etc. often for less than $1 USD! There’s no menu, you just select the size of your portion and then you’re served this mishmash of deliciousness.

Cook your own meals – As mentioned, preparing your own meals while traveling is also a great money saver. If you have access to a kitchen, just ask your host to point you in the direction of the nearest market. They also have the lowdown on where to eat for cheap, so take advantage of their local knowledge!  

3. How to Save Money on Transportation

Now, when I say convenient, I mean they’ll get you to where you need to go relatively quickly. But I would be remiss if I didn’t add a few disclaimers.

Taxi drivers can be aggressive on the road, leaving you white-knuckled from hanging on for dear life. I’ve never experienced a more heart-stopping journey than a Cairo taxi ride.

Furthermore, while Cairo does have metered taxis, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Meters are notoriously unreliable or rigged, and drivers frequently “forget” to turn them on. It’s one of the oldest travel scams in the book.

The best practice is to use an unmetered taxi and agree on a price with the driver before getting in . (Outside Cairo, most taxis are unmetered, so no matter what, always agree on a price upfront.)

If you’re not sure how much is an acceptable price, ask someone at your hostel or guesthouse for a pricing recommendation, and then start your bargaining at about ½ that price. Oftentimes even they will give you a higher estimate than is normal (it’s locals helping locals), but the real price should be about ¾ of what you’ve been recommended.

For longer-distance trips, hiring a car with a driver is the most cost-effective option. The price will be the same whether you’re traveling by yourself or with a group of four, so round up some travel buddies and split the cost.

But of course, be prepared for some aggressive haggling to get the best price. Be clear about where you want to go and for how long you will need the driver. Don’t worry if negotiations break down, though. When it comes to haggling over price, never be afraid to walk away. There are plenty of drivers available, so just move on to the next one.

Take the local train – Taking the train between Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan is the most popular mode of transport for this route.

If time or budget is a concern, you can take an overnight train. By taking the sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan, you’ll save a night’s worth of accommodation in a hotel. A deluxe sleeper cabin for one is about $110 USD, while a two-berth cabin is $80 USD per person. Cabins are secure, and fares include an airline-style dinner and breakfast. The food is basic, but it’s edible.

But for a real bargain, you can book the day train between Cairo and Luxor or Aswan for as little as $10 USD. However, there’s one caveat: for safety reasons, the Egyptian government prohibits foreigners from purchasing day train tickets for this route. Officials say this is because only the night trains have armed guards in case of a terrorist attack, but this is an incredibly rare occurrence.

It’s easy to get around this, though. You’ll need to book tickets online at enr.gov.eg (you’ll have to register an account but it’s easy to do) or ask your guide, host, or driver to book the tickets for you. They will likely oblige for a small fee.

There are no reports of ticket attendants kicking any foreigners off the day train, so you’ll be fine. And if not, you’re only out $10 USD.

Get the Flight Pass – The fastest way to travel around Egypt is by plane. Egypt Air is the national carrier and Star Alliance Member serving most major domestic destinations. Its Flight Pass is a cost-effective option that allows you to lock in low fares for domestic flights even if you haven’t determined your travel dates.

All you have to do is purchase a minimum of four flights (or credits) and choose a time when you’d like to travel in the next 12 months. You can then book your flight up to seven days before departure.

On the downside, you’ll have to always fly back to your original departure point. That is, instead of flying from Cairo to Luxor and Alexandria, you’ll need to fly Cairo to Luxor and back to Cairo before going to Alexandria. That said, the Flight Pass is still about 30% cheaper than booking the same multi-destination flights with other airlines.

The Flight Pass is super customizable. You can select the number of flights (e.g. four, which is two round-trip flights) for a period of time (e.g. within one month), and also how early you can book your flights (e.g. one week before travel). This means that if you pick Cairo as your origin, you can select two round-trip flights to Aswan, Luxor, Alexandria, Sharm E Sheikh, or Hurghada. Each flight is $73 USD one-way.

But if I were to book a flight from Cairo to Luxor for one week from now, that same leg would cost at least $142 USD!

You can play around with this pass. For example, if you purchase a similar pass to the one above but select “one month” for how early you can book, the flights become $66 USD each per one-way.

If that’s too much of an inconvenience for you, there are plenty of other airlines offering affordable flights. When it comes to finding cheap flights on other airlines, I use Skyscanner. By being flexible with your dates, you can save up to 50%. Keep in mind, though, that you might be traveling at inconvenient times, like the middle of the night.

In the Skyscanner search bar, instead of entering specific dates, select the “Entire Month” option. This will show you a calendar with fare prices for departing and returning flights for every day of the month. This also works for one-way flights. However, it does not work for multicity flights.  

4. How to Save Money on Tours and Guides

If you’re a Type A traveler who needs a plan in hand before you even arrive, you’re not going to like this. But online agencies charge massively inflated prices, and you will end up paying a lot less if you deal directly with the tour company or guide locally on the ground.

Add in the feel-good factor of your money going directly to your guide, their family, and community (and not to some middle person, agency, or large corporation) and you’ve got yourself a win-win situation.

You may need to be a little more flexible with your dates. But you will have the added advantage of being able to negotiate (haggle, in reality), which translates to overall savings.

Tours, private drivers, and the quintessential cruise down the Nile can all be booked locally at significantly lower prices than booking in advance. So, if you can stomach it, wait until you get your boots on the ground before booking your tours.

Guides, in my experience, are an invaluable source of local knowledge and information. They have the inside scoop on the best vantage points for photos at all the epic landmarks. In addition, they’re great at dealing with those persistent and sometimes aggressive street vendors.

The best guides can be found by asking for recommendations from other travelers who have used their services, but I always recommend my Egyptian brother, Rami.

Back in 2015, on my first trip to Egypt, Rami and I connected by way of a mutual friend. We hit it off, and ever since then, I’ve helped him to grow the little tour business he and his family-run. It feels good to be able to help a local family in such a positive way.

He’s honest, affordable, reliable, incredibly communicative, well connected, and did I mention honest? That’s one of the difficult parts about traveling in places like Egypt: when people are selling you things, it’s hard to know who you can trust.

But Rami is my man. Send him an email at [email protected] and let him know Jeremy sent you (there are no commissions here — this is just a helpful referral to a well-deserving friend). He will sort you out or put you in touch with someone else in your preferred destination.  

5. How to Save Money on Entrance and Admission Fees

Get a travel pass – You can get a Cairo Pass or a Luxor Pass (multi-entrance discount passes) from the Ministry of Antiquities, the Egyptian Museum, or the Giza Plateau for about $80 USD. You’ll save about 50% off entries to over 30 attractions in Cairo and Giza. You’ll find very little information about these passes online, however, so your best bet is to just show up at one of those locations and inquire there.  

Suggested Budgets for Traveling in Egypt

The biggest way to reduce costs is to stay in dorm rooms or hostels. If you opt for a private room or mid-range hotel, you can expect to spend $30-40 USD more per night.

Where and what you eat also adds to your daily budget. For example, street food is an affordable and filling option for dining in Egypt. You can eat everything from falafel and sandwiches to shawarma and koshari noodles for as little as $1 USD.

Eating in a restaurant is more expensive, but still relatively cheap compared to Western countries. Meals in a mid-range restaurant start at $4 USD, while international dishes can be around $10 USD.

Transportation is another added cost. Train travel can be cheap but may not be the most efficient option if your time is limited. So, if you plan to fly between your destinations, expect to add $50-$100 USD to your budget for each flight.

Of course, your daily budget will also increase if you book private guides or splurge on souvenirs and gifts.

And remember, haggling is one of the most important skills if you’re looking to save money in Egypt. Taxis, excursions, and other services can usually be bargained down to a lower rate than what is initially quoted. So, if you have a high tolerance for haggling, your daily budget could easily be less.

Regardless, it’s always better to go slightly over budget, especially somewhere with as many must-see sights and experiences as Egypt!

The key to budget travel in Egypt is to be generally well informed and to have a good sense of humor (the latter goes a long way when dealing with vendors). Haggling and scammers are all part of everyday travel life in Egypt. There are very few goods and services that can’t be bargained for.

Most importantly, always, ALWAYS ask for and agree on a price first before accepting any goods or services. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to politely say no and walk away.

Now it’s time to start planning your trip to Egypt for maximum adventures at minimum cost in the land of Pharaohs, pyramids, and wonders of the ancient world. Get to it!

Jeremy is the adventurous traveler behind TravelFreak, a website dedicated to helping people create lives they are passionate about. You can check out his blog to learn more or find him on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter .

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

• Dahab Hostel (Cairo)
• Al Salam Camp (Luxor)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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• Travel Planning Guide

Egypt Travel Budget - Visit Egypt on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Egypt Costs

• Is Egypt Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Egypt cost?
• Tips for Visiting Egypt
• Egypt On-Your-Own Itineraries
• Egypt Hotel Prices
• Egypt Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Cheap Hotels in Egypt
• Best Luxury Hotels in Egypt
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Egypt
• Best Hotels for One Week in Egypt
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Egypt
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Egypt
• Best Beach Hotels in Egypt
• Best Adults Only Hotels in Egypt
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Egypt
• Best Business Hotels in Egypt
• Best Hotels for One Night in Egypt
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in Egypt
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Egypt
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Egypt Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt
• The Best Historical Tours in Egypt
• The Best 10-Day Tours in Egypt
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Egypt
• The Best 3-Day Tours in Egypt
• The Best 2-Week Tours in Egypt
• The Best 3-Week Tours in Egypt
• The Best River Cruises in Egypt
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Egypt
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Egypt
• The Best Coach Bus Tours in Egypt
• The Best Adventure Tours to Egypt
• The Best Eco Tours in Egypt
• The Best Train & Rail Tours in Egypt
• The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Egypt
• The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in Egypt
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt
• The Best Cultural Tours in Egypt
• The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Egypt
• The Tours for Animal Lovers in Egypt
• The Best Camping Tours in Egypt
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Egypt
• The Best Religious Tours in Egypt
• The Best Honeymoon Tours in Egypt
• The Best Tours Under $1000 in Egypt
• The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt
• The Best Budget Tours to Egypt
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Egypt
• The Best G Adventures Tours to Egypt
• How much does it cost to travel to Egypt? (Average Daily Cost)
• Egypt trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Egypt?

Is egypt expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Egypt?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Egypt?

You should plan to spend around $17 (E£798) per day on your vacation in Egypt. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $5.10 (E£243) on meals
• $2.82 (E£134) on local transportation
• $15 (E£700) on hotels

A one week trip to Egypt for two people costs, on average, $235 (E£11,178) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 17 E£ 798
• One Week Per person $ 117 E£ 5,589
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 235 E£ 11,178
• One Month Per person $ 503 E£ 23,953
• One Week For a couple $ 235 E£ 11,178
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 469 E£ 22,356
• One Month For a couple $ 1,006 E£ 47,906

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Egypt cost?

A one week trip to Egypt usually costs around $117 (E£5,589) for one person and $235 (E£11,178) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Egypt on average costs around $235 (E£11,178) for one person and $469 (E£22,356) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Egypt will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Egypt on average costs around $503 (E£23,953) for one person and $1,006 (E£47,906) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Egypt is $187 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Ramses II Legend Tour Package 10 Days - 13 Destinations $ 1,755
• 10-Day Ancient Egypt Tour with Nile Cruise 10 Days - 11 Destinations $ 2,358

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Egypt is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability . Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.

Within Africa, Egypt is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Africa for its affordability . Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Egypt.

For more details, see Is Egypt Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Egypt?

The average Egypt trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Egypt travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Egypt

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Egypt is $7.35 (E£350). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Egypt is $15 (E£700). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 7.35 E£ 350
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 15 E£ 700

Hotel Prices in Egypt

Looking for a hotel in Egypt? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Egypt based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $80. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Cataract Layalina Resort Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 25
• Cairo Heliopolis Towers hotel Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 145

Local Transportation Budget in Egypt

The cost of a taxi ride in Egypt is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $2.82 (E£134) per person, per day, on local transportation in Egypt.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 2.82 E£ 134

Recommended Services

• Snorkeling excursion in semi-submarine withِ transfer - Hurghada Viator $ 6.30
• Private Transfer from Sharm El Sheikh Airport to City Hotels Viator $ 12

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in Egypt are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Egypt, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Metro Ride E£ 4.00
• Taxi to Train Station E£ 4.00
• Taxi Ride E£ 15
• Taxi Ride E£ 20

Food Budget in Egypt

While meal prices in Egypt can vary, the average cost of food in Egypt is $5.10 (E£243) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Egypt should cost around $2.04 (E£97) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Egypt is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 5.10 E£ 243

Recommended

• Cairo cooking class with an Egyptian family Viator $ 44
• Cairo Nights Food Tour with 15+ Tastings Viator $ 49

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in Egypt are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Egypt, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Juice E£ 2.00
• Juice E£ 5.00
• Breakfast for Two E£ 30
• Seafood Dinner (for 2) E£ 95

Entertainment Budget in Egypt

Entertainment and activities in Egypt typically cost an average of $5.56 (E£265) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 5.56 E£ 265

Recommended Activities

• Luxor Day Tour from Hurghada Viator $ 234
• Full-Day Tour From Cairo: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, and Saqqara Viator $ 110

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Egypt are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Egypt, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Egyptian Museum Entry for Two E£ 308
• Boat Ride (for 2) E£ 27
• Entry to Camel Market for Two E£ 40
• Camel Ride for Two E£ 60
• Temple Kom Ombo for Two E£ 60
• Temple Karnak for Two E£ 130

Tips and Handouts Budget in Egypt

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Egypt is $0.90 (E£43) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Egypt is constant requests .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 0.90 E£ 43

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Egypt

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Egypt is $0.89 (E£42), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 0.89 E£ 42

Alcohol Budget in Egypt

The average person spends about $1.51 (E£72) on alcoholic beverages in Egypt per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 1.51 E£ 72

Water Budget in Egypt

On average, people spend $0.10 (E£4.93) on bottled water in Egypt per day. The public water in Egypt is not usually considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 0.10 E£ 4.93

Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Egypt.

Why would you recommend Egypt to budget travelers? Or, why not?

We saved so much money in Egypt by arriving without reservations and negotiating the prices down. This really only works if you're planning to stay a local, budget hotels, but the prices can be crazy cheap.

Are you an experienced traveler? Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. + Add Comment

Related Articles

Egypt on a budget.

At A Glance

• Touts are very aggressive in this country. Be prepared to negotiate hard. Vendors will have you constantly saying "no, thank you." In touristy areas you'll be asked for a tip for even the most simple tasks. Do not feel obligated to give money to everybody who asks. If you do, you will quickly be broke. Instead, simply acknowledge the request and move on. Most touts will not follow you.
• Head to the local markets to buy fruits and vegetables. If you're good at negotiating you'll get a decent deal on any number of food items. This is a great way to have a makeshift meal or snack that is fresh and delicious. Depending on the season you can get any number of fruits or vegetables. If you have access to a knife, you can peel it up and dig in on the spot.
• Egypt is a very touristy country. Make a point of getting off of the beaten path a little bit. Head to some towns or neighborhoods that are not frequented by tourists and you'll have a very unique experience that you might otherwise miss out on. Cairo in particular has some neighborhoods that are fun to explore, but may not be listed in a guide book. Make sure you have at least a day to just wander through the city.
• You can easily arrange your Nile Cruise after you arrive in the country. There are many travel agencies that will sell you a cruise. Negotiate hard on the price and if possible ask to see the ship in advance before booking.
• Tours are not necessary, but can be informative. Since history is a major draw in this country it helps to have a good guide who can offer you the information you need or might be interested in. Guides can also help you avoid some of the more aggressive touts that hang out at some of the major sights.

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods, more related articles.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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