Egypt: Top Budget Destination

With all the news of Egypt becoming increasingly popular as a holiday destination, and the luxurious Red Sea resorts the country has to offer, you would think that a holiday in this country would be an expensive matter. Nothing could be further from the truth. In this article I’ll explain why Egypt should be near the top of your list if you’re looking for a nice budget holiday.

Egypt: Plenty to do on a budget

By now, Egypt’s numerous sights and attractions are commonly known. From the ancient pyramids which can be visited up close to the towering Sphinx, luxury resorts and quaint cities, the country has something for everyone. If you’re into diving, you’ll find Egypt to be one of the prime diving destinations in the world. Fashion lovers can easily find both luxury brands and budget outfits in the city’s sprawling metropolises. Food lovers can enjoy high-end restaurants or delicious street food. The key to saving money and still having a great time is knowing where to go.

Hostel or (budget) hotel

First things first, the prices for accommodation can differ wildly in Egypt. If you don’t mind the lack of luxury, a room at a hostel will only cost you around 8 to 12 pound sterling a night. If you really want to limit your spending, you can look into dorms, which can cost as little 2 pounds a night. The downside with dorms is that you share the shower and bathroom with other guests. 

Of course, travelling on a budget does not mean you have to throw all thoughts of luxury aside. Prices in Egypt are low in general, which means that even luxury hotels are very affordable for the average traveller. A regular hotel will cost you around 20 pounds a night. A luxury hotel will rarely cost you more than 50 pounds a night. In general, the average cost for accommodation in Egypt comes out to around 15 pounds sterling a night per person.

Food

Being a popular tourist destination, Egypt has many restaurants that are catered specifically to tourists. However, these are generally considered tourist “traps”. The prices here are quite a bit higher compared to local restaurants, where you can get a mouth-watering falafel for as little as one pound. A full dish will only set you back around 3 to 5 pounds

If you decide to eat street food, make sure you keep a close eye on how the food is prepared. Hygiene isn’t always a priority, and you wouldn’t be the first tourist to be confined to their hotel beds with food poisoning.

Activities

There are some countries where food and accommodation are dirt cheap, but the cost for tourist activities are comparatively high. Thankfully, this is not the case for Egypt. For instance, a trip to the Great Pyramids of Giza only costs 5.50 pounds per person. Visiting the Valley of the Kings at Luxor costs 7.35 pounds per person. Complete guided tours can be had for 20 to 30 pounds. In conclusion, the total day cost of a trip to Egypt should not exceed 35 to 40 pounds, unless you are actively seeking out luxury.

Egypt Visa

Finally, or perhaps first of all, travelling to Egypt requires applying for the mandatory Egypt visa. This visa can be applied for online, removing the need to travel all the way to the embassy to get it. The online Egypt visa can be divided into two categories: a “single entry” variant, and a “multiple entry” variant. As the names imply, the single entry visa only allows you to enter the country once, while a multiple entry visa for Egypt allows you to travel to Egypt multiple times. Regardless, both visas are valid for a stay of up to 30 days. A valid passport is required to apply for one, and customs may ask for an itinerary on arrival, which must contain all  the booked flights and accommodation.