Hurghada Information

• Typical Taxi Prices

• Typical Shopping List

• Typical Bar Prices

A holiday in Hurghada on the Red Sea Riviera means year round sun tanning and fun: aqua parks, shops and snorkelling trips! Once only famous for its amazing scuba diving, Hurghada now spreads along 35km of coast. Very popular among wind and kite surfers, it is the only medium size Egyptian town on the Red Sea and as such it offers a unique atmosphere.

Egypt is a very safe place to travel, but as with travelling in any foreign country, be alert, stay in groups if possible, and don’t flash huge wads of money around. In crowded areas, protect your belongings from possible pickpockets, especially in the most touristy spots. These measures are more common sense than anything else.

Changing Money/Travellers Cheques:
The Egyptian currency is the Egyptian Pound (L.E.) and 1 pound is split into 100 Piaster.  Banks (HSBC or CIB) will gladly convert your money into Egyptian Pounds and exchange for  smaller denominations.  It's nearly always possible to pay in Sterling, Dollars and Euros, but this can get confusing, stick to one currency. 

The most important thing to remember is the Arabic holiday is Friday/Saturday and most banks close on these days.  They reopen Sunday.  There are many cash points which you can use.

Travellers cheques can be exchanged at any branch of CIB or HSBC which are both located at the local promenade. They will charge ~GBP£2 for the privilege. 

The Sun:
Beware of the sun at any time of year! You can easily burn without noticing, or suffer from sun stroke.  For people with delicate skin and white complexion, it is extremely dangerous to stay under the sun, even for 1hour. Be sure to hide under shadows and bring a lot of sunscreen!

Beaches:

We are a short walk to Old Vic Beach.  It costs around 20 Egyptian Pounds.   Make sure you're paying ~20LE/£2 for the private beach access, not 200LE/£20.

Car Rental:
We all get bad stomachs on holiday.  If you have get bad diarrhoea you can buy a local medicine called ENTOCID 1 (pronounced En-toe-seed), in most pharmacies. (Costs around 2LE/20p for 8).

Unwanted Attention (Ladies):
Once dressed in a way that does not show too much skin, women will find that they will be mostly left alone. In any society there are the good and bad.   If you find yourself the centre of unwanted attention, just ask to be left alone in a firm way. If this does not work, raise your voice with a firm "NO" and you will find that this usually will get any unwanted followers let you be.  If left alone even for a few minutes in public places, you will find it common to be approached by local men, they are normally polite but persistent.

Car Rental:
In view of the traffic congestion and the scarcity of parking spaces, renting a car with a driver is recommended.  Be aware that the cheaper the company, the less likely it will be registered. Your best bet is to rely on international rental agencies like Avis, Hertz or Budget, etc. Prices are higher, but for the sake of safety and less aggravation, it’s well worth it. If contemplating driving a rental yourself, you will need your passport, a valid international driver’s license and be at least 25 years of age. Be sure to check the contract carefully and check that all dents and scratches are listed and therefore are not your responsibility. All major credit cards are accepted.
 

CAR RENTAL OPTIONS

Avis - (www.avis.com)
Phone - 2-065477400 - Sheraton Road
Average price for 5 seater/week - ~UK£205

Hertz - (www.hertz.co.uk)
Phone - 0653444146 - Safaga Road
Alternatively: Phone - 0693662299 - Al-Hadaba Bank

Average price for 5 seater/week - ~UK£160

SIXT - (www.sixtusa.com)
Phone - 2069600136 - Fax - 2069601040 - Namaa Bay Area

Average price for 5 seater/week - ~UK£290

Also try Lastminute.com for any special deals
Lastminute.com has a list of all car hire firms in Egypt and prices for a 5 seat car for a week range from ~£250 and up.

In case of a Minor Car Accident:

• Take all possible precautions to prevent additional accidents by stationing people to direct traffic and clear the road.

• Give your name and company address only to appropriate officials.

• Do not sign your name on a card or piece of paper for anyone.
  Do not remove the vehicle from the scene of the accident until police arrives.

• Do not give statements or express opinions except to the appropriate officials.

• Do not admit fault or liability!

• Get the necessary data concerning the other vehicle involved. 

• Contact your insurance company and your Embassy.

• If situation becomes inflammatory, leave the site and go immediately to the nearest police station.