A trip to Egypt offers a gateway to a world of ancient wonders and modern marvels. From the sprawling sands of the Sahara to the bustling streets of Cairo and the tranquil banks of the Nile, Egypt captivates with its rich history and vibrant culture.
Picture this: the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, the lively streets of Cairo, and the peaceful banks of drinking tea by the Nile—all waiting for you to explore. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or just someone with a serious case of wanderlust, Egypt has something for everyone. But before you pack your bags, let's talk about something super important—budgeting.
Don't worry, we've got you covered! This guide will help you plan your expenses so you can enjoy every moment of your Egyptian journey without stressing about the costs. Let’s dive in and start planning your dream trip to the land of pharaohs and beyond!
Flight Costs
Airfare is often the most substantial part of your travel expenses. Prices vary based on your departure location and the time of year:
From North America: Average costs are around $800-$1200, with direct flights available from major cities like New York.
From Europe: Flights can cost between €300 and €700. Southern European countries often have cheaper direct flight options.
From Asia: Expect to pay between $500 and $1500, depending on the airline and the number of stopovers.
From Australia: Flights range from AUD 1300 to AUD 2000, typically involving one or more stopovers in Asia or the Middle East.
From the Middle East: This region offers the most affordable options, ranging from $100 to $500, with many direct flights.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights:
Book in advance and use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights.
Be flexible with your travel dates to find the best deals.
Consider flying into Cairo, which often has the cheapest international flights.
Accommodation Costs
Egypt offers a wide range of lodging options to suit every budget:
Budget Accommodations: Prices start from $20 per night for hostels and guesthouses, ideal for backpackers and those looking to save.
Mid-Range Hotels: Expect to spend between $50 and $150 per night. These hotels usually offer comfortable amenities and central locations.
Luxury Resorts: In top destinations like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, luxury hotels can cost anywhere from $150 to over $600 per night, providing world-class facilities and exceptional service.
Explore accommodations all across Egypt here!
Daily Expenses
Managing your daily expenses effectively can help you extend your budget:
Transportation: Intra-city travel is relatively cheap. Cairo's metro ticket costs about $0.30, while taxis and ride-sharing services are also affordable. Inter-city train and bus tickets vary but are generally economical.
Local Transportation:
- Taxis: $2 - $5 for short trips within cities
- Metro (Cairo): $0.50 - $1 per ride
- Buses and minibusses: $1 - $5 per ride
Long-Distance Transportation:
- Domestic flights: $50 - $150 one way (Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, or Sharm El Sheikh)
- Trains: $15 - $40 one way (Cairo to Luxor or Aswan)
- Buses: $10 - $20 one way (Cairo to major cities)
Food and Dining
Local meals at street vendors or small cafes can cost as little as $1-$5. Dining at mid-range restaurants will typically cost between $10-$20 per meal. In luxury settings, expect to pay $30-$50 per meal.
Budget Dining:
- Street food: $1 - $3 per meal (try koshari, falafel, and ful medames)
- Local cafes: $3 - $7 per meal
Mid-Range Dining:
- Mid-range restaurants: $10 - $20 per meal
- International cuisine: $15 - $30 per meal
Luxury Dining:
- Fine dining restaurants: $40 - $70+ per meal
Activities and Sightseeing
Entry fees for major archaeological sites like the Giza Pyramids or Karnak Temple in Luxor range from $5 to $20. Special tours or activities like a Nile cruise or a desert safari can range from $50 to $150 depending on the package.
Entrance Fees:
Pyramids of Giza: $10 - $20: The cost can vary depending on whether you choose to enter the Great Pyramid or just explore the Pyramid complex.
Egyptian Museum: $6 - $12: Includes access to most exhibits; additional fees may apply for special exhibitions or the Royal Mummy Room.
Luxor Temple: $8 - $12: Fee covers entry to the temple complex, known for its vast array of ancient artifacts and structures.
Karnak Temple: $8 - $12: This covers entry to one of the largest religious building complexes in the world, featuring a vast mix of decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and other buildings.
Valley of the Kings: $10 - $20: Basic entry ticket includes access to three tombs; tickets for more famous tombs like that of Tutankhamun are sold separately.
Library of Alexandria (Bibliotheca Alexandria): $2 - $4: Access to the main library areas; some exhibitions and galleries may require a separate ticket.
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa: $4 - $6: A historical archaeological site, known for its blend of Pharaonic and Greco-Roman styles
Philae Temple: $5 - $8: This fee allows you to explore the temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis, located on a beautiful island.
Aswan High Dam: $2 - $3: Provides access to one of the modern engineering marvels of Egypt.
Blue Hole: Free entry: While the entrance is free, diving or snorkeling trips organized by local operators will have associated costs.
Colored Canyon: $3 - $5: A popular hiking destination known for its colorful rock formations.
Pharaoh's Island and Saladin Fortress: $5 - $10: Covers boat ride to the island and entry to the historic fortress.
Ras Muhammad National Park: $5 - $10: Entry fee for this national park, known for its pristine beaches and diverse marine life.
Elphinstone Reef: Diving costs vary: While there's no entry fee to the reef itself, diving tours will have associated costs depending on the provider.
Temple of the Oracle of Amun: $3 - $5: A historic site famous for its ancient oracle and connections to Alexander the Great.
Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls and Protected Area: $2 - $4: Entrance to the nature reserve, known for its waterfalls and lakes.
Guided Tours:
Day tours: $60 - $100+
Nile cruises: $500 - $1000+ (3-5 days, full board)
Desert safaris: $60 - $100 per day
Tips for Saving on Activities:
Purchase a multi-site pass if available.
Book tours and activities in advance for better deals.
Consider self-guided tours with a good guidebook or app.
Additional Costs
Souvenirs and Shopping: Markets like Khan El Khalili in Cairo offer a range of souvenirs from affordable trinkets to expensive gold jewelry. Local crafts and souvenirs can cost around $5 - $40 per item and Bargaining is common, aim to pay 50-70% of the initial asking price
Connectivity: Purchasing a local SIM card for data and calls can cost around $15, offering good coverage and speeds across the country.
Tipping: Known locally as 'baksheesh', tipping is a pervasive and expected part of the service industry in Egypt. Setting aside $5-$10 per day for tips is recommended. 10-15% in restaurants, small tips for hotel staff, drivers, and guides
Total Estimated Costs
Budget Traveler: $300 - $600 for a week
- Accommodation: $20 - $50 per night
- Food: $5 - $15 per day
- Transportation: $1 - $5 per day
- Sightseeing: $5 - $10 per day
- Extras (Souvenirs, Connectivity, Tips): $20 - $50
Mid-Range Traveler: $700 - $1,400 for a week
- Accommodation: $50 - $150 per night
- Food: $15 - $30 per day
- Transportation: $5 - $15 per day
- Sightseeing: $20 - $50 per day
- Extras (Souvenirs, Connectivity, Tips): $50 - $100
Luxury Traveler: $1,500 - $3,000 for a week
- Accommodation: $150 - $500 per night
- Food: $40 - $100 per day
- Transportation: $10 - $50 per day
- Sightseeing: $50 - $100 per day
- Extras (Souvenirs, Connectivity, Tips): $100 - $200
Emergency and Miscellaneous Expenses
It's wise to have an emergency fund of approximately $200-$300, which can cover unexpected situations or spontaneous adventures that might exceed your planned budget.
Cash Payments
Using Cash: Egyptian Pounds (EGP)
Primary Currency: The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), also known as "Geneih."
Denominations: Banknotes come in various denominations, including 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 pounds. Coins are available in 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 piasters, and 1 pound.
Widely Accepted: Cash is widely accepted across Egypt, especially in markets, small shops, and rural areas.
Tips: Always carry small denominations for tips, taxi fares, and minor purchases. It’s advisable to keep some cash on hand as smaller businesses may not accept cards.
Credit and Debit Cards: Major Card Providers
Visa and MasterCard: Widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores.
American Express: Accepted in fewer locations, mostly in upscale establishments.
ATMs: Easily found in cities and tourist areas, allowing you to withdraw Egyptian Pounds using your credit or debit card. Ensure your card is enabled for international use.
Transaction Fees: Be aware of potential foreign transaction fees from your bank. Check with your bank before traveling.
Mobile Payments: Emerging Trend
Mobile Wallets: While not as common as cash or cards, mobile payment options like Vodafone Cash are available and growing in popularity.
Usage: Primarily used by locals, but some businesses in urban areas are beginning to accept mobile payments.
Traveler's Checks: Less Common
Exchange: If you do carry traveler’s checks, they can be exchanged at some banks and large hotels, but this is becoming increasingly rare.
Online Payments
Booking and Shopping
Travel Services: Use online payment methods for booking flights, hotels, and tours through international platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb.
E-commerce: Some Egyptian e-commerce sites accept online payments, though cash on delivery remains a common practice for local purchases.
Tipping (Baksheesh)
Cultural Norm
Common Practice: Tipping, known as "baksheesh," is a common practice in Egypt. It’s customary to tip for various services, including restaurant staff, hotel porters, and guides.
The total cost of a trip to Egypt can vary widely based on your travel style, chosen activities, and the level of comfort you desire. By planning ahead and budgeting for these categories, you can ensure a trip that's financially comfortable and rich in experiences.
And there you have it, adventurer! Whether you're munching on delicious street food or relaxing in a luxurious resort, Egypt has endless experiences to offer. With a bit of savvy planning and budgeting, you can explore this incredible country without any financial hiccups.
Imagine strolling through ancient temples, cruising down the Nile, and soaking in the rich culture—all while sticking to your budget. So, get ready to pack your bags, embrace the magic of Egypt, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Your unforgettable adventure in the land of the pharaohs is just around the corner!
