Is Egypt Expensive To Visit in 2023?

Are you wondering, is Egypt expensive to visit in 2023? In this detailed Egypt budgeting guide, we will discuss the costs and expenses of accommodations, tours, visas, and more. Let’s dive in and find out – is Egypt expensive for tourists?

---

---

I absolutely loved my time in Egypt. And I realize, that is not the report that every solo female traveler in Egypt will give!

But after my countless months traveling the Middle East in the last decade, I can sincerely appreciate the loud chaos, the dust, and the unpredictability of Cairo. In typical fashion, it is exactly this that I love – the wild mayhem contradicting the deep traditional feeling of this ancient place.

Egypt sits at the top of so many peoples bucket lists. Haven’t we all studied the ancient pyramids in school, or ruminated on how they could have possibly been built?

You can likely picture the vibrant hieroglyphics, the famous mummies, and the ancient Pyramids of Giza even if you’ve never seen them firsthand.

However, if you want to see them firsthand (and you absolutely should) I am here to help make that possible.

This guide will break down average costs in Egypt to help you budget for your trip. We’ll dive into accommodation costs, visas, food prices in Egypt, and tours, to ultimately answer – is Egypt expensive to visit?

How Expensive is Egypt?

As with any destination, travelers’ budgets can vary from shoestring to Luxury. Egypt provides possibilities on both ends of the spectrum.

Because of that, you’ll hear a lot of conflicting budget reports.

Before we get into the separate categories on what you can expect to spend in Egypt, it’s worth noting that Egypt is a very budget-friendly destination. For example, my sister-in-law couldn’t believe how little I spent on a pyramid-view hotel room in Giza (more on that below!)

Suffice it to say, Egypt is by no means considered expensive. You can travel Egypt from as little as $25 per day. But, you can also spend up to hundreds of dollars per day, depending on what you choose. 

Let’s dive into some of the specifics on what travel in Egypt costs.

Is Egypt Expensive for Tourists?

Egypt can be expensive for tourists, but it can also be extremely cheap for tourists. It depends on how extravagant or how basic of amenities you choose to book.

Tourists have a lot of control over accommodation costs, food costs, tour costs, and transportation costs. But there are some basic expenses that all general travelers should expect to pay.

For example, most travelers, regardless of the rest of their budget, will need to factor in Visa costs, a local SIM card, and transportation from the airport.

Still wondering, is Egypt expensive for tourists? Let’s break down the cost of each of these items.

Egypt Visa on Arrival costs

Total Cost: $25 USD

United States citizens do need a visa to enter Egypt, but it can be obtained on arrival at the Cairo International Airport.

A single-entry 30-day tourist visa will cost 25 USD and it must be paid in cash. The process is simple.

In the Cairo International Airport, just before the passport control line, you will see one or two bank windows against the wall. Simply pay for your visa in cash at one of the small kiosks. They will hand you the Egypt Visa, which you will take with you to passport control.

Pro Tip: If you are a citizen of the USA, Canada, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, and a handful of other countries, you qualify for a Visa on Arrival at the airport. Check your eligibility here.

Egypt SIM Card costs

Total Cost: $15-25 USD

If you need a SIM card for your phone, or plan to use data while traveling through Egypt, you can purchase one inside of Cairo International Airport. Vodafone, Etisalat, and Orange are all available.

I personally recommend Etisalat, as I am familiar with them due to their presence in the United Arab Emirates. The kiosk is in the baggage claim area near Belt 5.

However, all the SIM kiosks are open 24 /7. They also accept both Visa and Mastercard if you prefer to pay by credit card.

To give you some ballpark on what to expect, note that less than $20 USD will provide 10 GB of data for 30 days.

You May Also Like: Solo Female Travel in Egypt: What It’s REALLY Like

Egypt Airport Transfer costs

To get from the airport to your hotel, travelers have several options. These may vary in some Egypt airports, but in general here are your choices and things to consider.

1. Private Airport Transfers

If it is your first time in Egypt, or you are solo traveling in Egypt, you may want to pre-arrange your airport transfers.

This is also a great idea if you are arriving late at night after a long flight and expect to feel sleep-deprived and brain-dead. Nothing is worse than navigating a new (and chaotic) city when you feel like that.

So, is Egypt expensive for airport transfers? In the grand scheme of things, no. While this will often be the most expensive of airport options, sometimes it is worth it for the peace of mind.

2. Taxis and Ubers

Taxis, and Ubers when available, are the cheapest option to use. The fee depends on how far you will be traveling and from what airport.

In general, expect fares to range from 40 to 200 EGP (roughly $1 to $7 USD) depending on the location and distance.

Pro Tip: Uber is available in Egypt, at least in particular cities. Reach my full guide on using Uber in Egypt before you book.

Why? Because there are extra things to consider in Egypt, such as that license plates are written in Arabic. My guide will help you navigate such facts and help you use Uber in Egypt with ease.

3. Hotel shuttle or cab

Your hotel, particularly if it is a higher end option, may provide an airport shuttle for guests. These are becoming more uncommon nowadays to get for free, however, some may still arrange it for a fee.

If it is going to cost me money anyway, I personally prefer to book the service on my own. Then if there are any flight delays or questions about where to meet I can contact the company directly rather than using my hotel as a messenger.

Most visitors, including myself, will end up using some combination of pre-arranged rides and Taxis / Ubers throughout their trip.

The Cost of Accommodation in Egypt

As with most destinations, accommodation costs can vary greatly in Egypt.

Shoestring travelers may find dorm beds for as low as $10 per night. Luxury travelers may find hotel rooms for $300 per night. And, there is a whole world in between.

So, if you are wondering if Egypt is expensive for tourists, expect accommodations to be one of the main factors.

However, you have a lot of control over what you spend on hotels in Egypt. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and comfort I could find on the lower end of the dollar-spectrum.

Let’s break down what to expect to pay for hotels and hostels in Egypt.

While you will find an active AirBnb market in Egypt, I do not recommend using it. Too many of them are outrageously priced due to cleaning fees and service fees, and frankly they aren’t always clean.

Do yourself a favor – book a hotel in Egypt. It will likely cost less, be cleaner, and have significantly better service when you need something.

GET THE BEST HOTEL PRICES HERE!

Overall, you should budget at least $10 a night for hostel dorm beds; around $15-$20 a night for private rooms in hostels: and $40 a night for a clean and basic hotel. And again, luxury can just go up and up from there.

How to keep hotel costs low in Egypt

In just about every country I visit, I always weigh the balance of cost and comfort.

For example, I want to get the absolute best location in a comfortable and clean private room, but at the lowest price possible. That’s the ideal, right?

Because of this, I often spend hours researching my accommodations and what is walkable, what the rooms are like, etc etc.

So when I search for hotels on my preferred booking platform (I always get the best hotel prices here) here is how I navigate it.

I enter in my “must-haves.” You can filter out items like Wifi, Breakfast, Air Conditioning, a Private Bathroom, and more. Simply check the filters that are important to you.

Then, when those populate, I take it one step further. I hit the “Sort” button and reorganize the list from lowest price to highest price.

From there, I read reviews, check the locations to see if it is near the places I plan to walk, and anything else important for that location.

Pro Tip: Still in the planning stages of your Egypt itinerary? Be sure to bookmark my post on the 17 best trip planning websites so that you get all the best prices and deals!

Booking hostels in Egypt

There are loads of hostels to choose from in Egypt. I recommend using the same exact formula as mentioned above when searching for hostels.

However, there are a few more things to know before booking hostels in Egypt. There are a few key differences here that you may not be used to.

Those with Egyptian passports, as well as Arab passport holders from abroad, are not allowed to stay in mixed dorms.

While this is a super common thing for westerners, mixed gender rooms are not an accepted thing in the Muslim world.

On the bright side, this makes for a lot more all-female dorm rooms than I typically see in other countries.

Pro Tip: Note that in many dorms, it will be complicated to get a private room with an Arabic traveler of the opposite gender unless you’re married. These rules are reflected in many parts of the Arab world.

GET THE BEST HOSTEL PRICES HERE!

The Cost of Food in Egypt

Is Egypt expensive in terms of food and meals? Nope! It is actually incredibly cheap compared to the western world.

If you are like me and prefer small local restaurants and street food, your costs will be very manageable. In fact, they will be one of your lowest costs of the entire trip!

Pro Tip: Book a hotel that provides breakfast to save even more on food.

While in Egypt, you need to try the national dish, koshari. It’s a filling meal made up of a mix of pasta, rice, chick peas, fried onions, and more. It is then covered in tomato sauce.

I realize it sounds like a strange mixture, but I promise it works! A bowl of koshari from a local restaurant will cost you less than $2 USD.

Another common food found all across Egypt is falafel. Egypt’s falafel is often made from fava beans rather than chick peas, which means they are a heavier, heartier meal here.

Falafel wraps from street food stalls in Egypt can cost as little as .25 cents! Even if you bought one every day for lunch in a week, you still are spending less than $2 USD on lunches across the board.

I’m sorry, but that is amazing!

Pro Tip: For anyone who is vegetarian like me, you will have zero issues eating in Egypt. Plenty of common foods like falafel and koshari are vegetarian and even vegan in nature.

Hummus and baba ghanoush, served with warm delicious bread, is also a staple. Expect to pay about $1 for either option.

Costs per meal in Egypt

Costs will inevitably vary depending on the caliber of restaurant you choose.

My rule of thumb is to skip touristy spots and frequent the local stalls as often as possible.

Nonetheless, here are some examples of what you can expect to pay – and eat – for each meal in Egypt.

Breakfast in Egypt

As mentioned above, I purposely booked hotels that provided breakfast on site.

Egyptian breakfast are typically served buffet style. Visitors will collect the items they want from platters of falafel, hummus, eggs, figs, tomatoes, olives, and much much more are typically there for your choosing.

If you were to buy this out at a restaurant rather than eat it at a hotel, expect breakfast in Egypt to cost around $3-$5 USD. You will eat well, I can promise you that!

Lunch in Egypt

Besides the .25 cents falafel wraps mentioned above, you can also find plenty of other wrap-like options as you explore.

Shawarma, kebabs, and more can all be purchased for well under $1 each.

If you prefer to sit in a restaurant and eat, expect to pay anywhere from $2 – $10 depending on your order and appetite.

Dinner in Egypt

Most travelers I know prefer to have a sit down dinner. If this applies to you here is what to expect.

After a long busy day exploring all the things to do in Cairo, sit down for a filling, yet reasonably priced, dinner.

In smaller restaurants, you can spend under $5 USD for a meal. If you prefer a more trendy restaurant in the tourist areas of the cities, these can cost up to $15 per meal.

Choose from plates with rice, meats, stews, or veggies. It all depends on where you go.

How Much is Alcohol in Egypt?

Alcohol is quite expensive in Egypt. It is not traditionally consumed by the Muslim residents. Beyond that, there are hefty alcohol taxes on all imports, which is then passed on to the buyer.

Most restaurants don’t sell alcohol. Expect to buy it in shops and bars, if you want it. Or, just don’t buy it and you will save a lot of money.

Expect to pay around $2 for a bottle of beer from a local shop, and about $7 for a mid-tier bottle of wine. While this is steep in Egypt, note that it is still cheaper than most prices in the USA.

Cost of Food in Egypt Summary:

Here is a rough guide on what to expect to spend in each of the following situations.

• Cooking in a hostel or guesthouse: $5 USD per person per day
• Street food and local stalls: $5 USD per person per day
• Mid-range restaurants frequented by tourists: $20-30 UDS per person per day
• High-end restaurants: $50 USD per person per day
• Factor in alcohol if you plan to drink in Egypt.

You May Also Like: Visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt

The Cost of Activities in Egypt

The cost of your activities will be impacted greatly depending on if you are going to them solo or joining tours.

Additionally, your group size and the time of year you visit will have an impact on your daily tour costs. And, honestly, costs vary quite a bit depending on what is included and excluded.

Expect to pay a higher fee per person if you are with a small group. Expect to pay less if you are on a big bus type of tour.

Note that the average tour cost will be higher from late December through February due to the holidays.

Here are a few tours that I highly recommend taking in Egypt:

---

The Cost of Transportation in Egypt

There is a lot to see in Egypt, from the attractions in Cairo, the capital city, to the empty Black and White Desert in the west.

A lot of the popular sights are fairly spread out across Egypt. Thankfully, there is a wide array of transportation options to get around the country.

Let’s break down the cost of transport in Egypt, to give you a better idea of how much you’ll need to budget.

Getting to Egypt

Most international visitors will arrive to Egypt through Cairo International Airport (CAI). International flight costs can vary greatly depending on where you fly from, what season it is, what class you choose, and how far in advance you book your ticket.

For those reasons, I won’t even attempt to ballpark flight costs, because they simply can’t be ball-parked.

Buses in Egypt

Go Bus and Superjet provide extensive transportation options throughout Egypt. These services operate across the country, including popular but remote destinations like Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, and Luxor.

The buses offer convenient amenities such as air-conditioning and toilets. Prices can be checked here.

Trains in Egypt

The train system is another popular mode of transportation in Egypt. For tourists, the overnight sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan is the most preferred route.

It is advisable to book in advance to secure a seat. Unfortunately, as of 2023, foreigners will have to pay an additional foreigner fee on their tickets. This is more than doubling the fee on some routes.

Nonetheless, trains are still a popular way to travel. Check routes and prices here.

Domestic Flights

Most domestic flights in Egypt are operated by EgyptAir, who are fairly reliable and cheap. Book online for the best prices, in advance.

Note that this is probably the most expensive way to get around, but if you are short on time it might be worth it.

You May Also Like: The Best Things To Do in Cairo

The Cheapest Times to Visit Egypt

Egypt, like every other destination, has high seasons and low seasons. In general, the cheapest month to visit Egypt seems to be July through September as well as certain times in the fall.

This is likely for two reasons. One, summer weather is at its peak in July and August. The temperature will regularly sit in the triple digits. With many of Egypt’s famous sights being outdoors, such as the Pyramids and other attractions in Cairo, this makes exploring the country rather uncomfortable.

Additionally, September marks the end of summer, when many tourists’ vacations are coming to an end and more travelers have to worry about back to school (and back to work.) So you can often find deals in September and into November as well.

Note that the price of hotels can skyrocket during key holidays like Christmas and New Years.

My first trip to Egypt fell in the month of November. The temperatures were comfortable and sunny, and the costs were quite low, overall.

Is Cairo Expensive to Visit?

No, Cairo is not expensive to visit, especially when compared to most western destinations. Cairo hotels average between $20 to $110 per night with an average cost of around $46 USD. A dorm bed can cost as little as $10 USD in Cairo. And, local food can cost less than $5 per day if you’re frugal.

Is Hurghada Expensive to Visit?

For travelers, costs in Hurghada can be kept pretty low. Prices will not be too drastically different than in Cairo.

Yes, there are some mega-luxury resorts you can book. But, there are also plenty of cheap and budget-friendly options, too.

In comparison to the USA, you can expect Hurghada’s costs to be about 70% cheaper than costs in the USA.

You May Also Like: What NOT To Do in Egypt

Is Alexandria Expensive to Visit?

Alexandria, Egypt is a very inexpensive city to visit. In fact, it is within the top 2% of cheapest cities in the world. By some estimates, it is even cheaper than Cairo. Suffice it to say, Alexandria is a very budget-friendly place to visit.

How Much it Costs to Travel in Egypt

By now we have established that your trip to Egypt will vary in price depending on how budget minded or extravagant you choose to be on your trip.

As a rule of thumb, I would advise even shoestring travelers to have a minimum of $500 budgeted for their week on the ground in Egypt. This will allow for public transport, a dorm bed, local food, and attractions. It will also allow a buffer for any surprises.

For mid range travelers, I would suggest a minimum of $1000 for one week in Egypt, not including flights. You will be able to book a mid range hotel and use a mix of public transport and and Ubers to get to and from your sights. Trains and buses will keep you from going over, and you’ll have a buffer for mishaps.

For luxury travelers, the sky is the limit. It will really depend on your hotel and tour packages!

Egypt Budgeting FAQs

For anyone still wondering, is it expensive to travel to Egypt – the following frequently asked questions may help to clarify.

Let’s dive in to any remaining concerns about budgeting for Egypt.

Is Egypt cheap or expensive?

Egypt is considered very cheap to travel around by most people in the USA and UK. Compared to the US and most of Europe, Egypt is a very affordable destination.

Is it safe to go to Egypt?

Egypt can be a safe place to visit, as long as travelers take some basic precautions. After visiting Egypt as a solo female and watching for scams and hassles, and keeping in mind what not to do in Egypt along the way, I can say that Egypt was overall safe. I would not hesitate to return.

Is it worth hiring a tour guide in Egypt?

In some cases, it will be worth hiring a tour guide in Egypt. hiring a tour guide will be ideal for travelers who either a) feel intimidated by the country and don’t feel confident traveling solo; b) want to have a stress free time without all the extra planning; and c) those who don’t mind paying extra for the service.

BROWSE TOP EGYPT TOURS HERE!

What are the top attractions in Egypt?

Egypt is home to so many incredible sights that it is hard to name a few top ones. But, here are some of the best!

1. Pyramids of Giza – obviously the most famous attraction to visit!
2. Luxor’s Temples – one of the most awe inspiring places to visit in Egypt.
3. Cruising the Nile – an experience you’ll never forget.
4. The Black and White Desert – easily my favorite place in Egypt, on par with the Pyramids.
5. Abu Simbel – An iconic and gargantuan structure.

What are some free things to do in Egypt?

While the major attractions in Egypt will all carry an entrance fee, there are a few free things worth seeing. Check out the Khan Al Khalili market in Cairo, which is free to wander, if you want to get a true Egyptian bazaar feel. The Nile River is free to walk along, though a cruise will cost you. And, Soho Square has a well known dancing fountain.

How much does a meal cost in Egypt?

A meal in Egypt can cost anywhere from .25 cents for a falafel wrap from a street food cart to $50 USD for a luxurious dinner. Most mid-range travelers will spend around $20-$30 per day on meals in Egypt.

Here is a helpful list to break food costs in Egypt down further:

• Cooking in a hostel or guesthouse: $5 USD per person per day
• Street food and local stalls: $5 USD per person per day
• Mid-range restaurants frequented by tourists: $20-30 UDS per person per day
• High-end restaurants: $50 USD per person per day
• Factor in alcohol if you plan to drink in Egypt.

How much money do I need per day in Egypt?

Budget to mid-range travelers should plan to spend roughly $25 – $75 USD per day in Egypt. Those who are looking for more luxury experiences could easily spend $100 and more including and depending on their accommodation choices.

My personal budget varied per day depending on what activities I took part in, but generally they fell between the $25 – $75 USD range.

How much money do you need for a week in Egypt?

Even budget travelers should be sure that they have around $500 minimum on hand for a week in Egypt. That includes accommodations in hostels or low-budget hotels, as well as extra for budget transportation and activities each day. It also leaves a cushion for any unexpected costs and emergencies, which I always recommend being prepared for.

I ALWAYS GET THE BEST HOTEL PRICES HERE!

Should I bring USD to Egypt?

Yes, you should bring USD to Egypt, especially if coming from the United States. First, many vendors will accept US dollars. Always check that you are getting the same price in dollars as you would in Egyptian Pounds. If not, pay with EGP. Check the exchange rate here.

Second, I always recommend having some cash on hand for emergency exchanges. If your card gets lost, stolen, or stops working, having cash on hand will make it easy to get by. Simply exchange your USD for EGP and spend your cash as you wait to get your card issues sorted.

How much is $100 US in Egypt?

At the time of writing, $100 US Dollars is equal to £3,090 Egyptian Pounds. However, this exchange rate fluctuates regularly. Always check for updated information here.

How much is a can of Coke in Egypt?

In the grocery stores, a small can of Coke will cost around £10 EGP, or under .35 cents in USD. At small roadside shops and convenience stores, expect to spend a bit more.

Do you have to pay to see the Pyramids?

While you may get a far-away view of the Pyramids from various hotels and viewpoints or free, to see the Pyramids of Giza close up there is an entry fee. The current entrance fee to visit is

Egyptians and nationals of other surrounding Arab countries can enter for free. Tourists from other countries will need to pay 200 Egyptian pounds for entry.

Here are the best option for guided tours to the Pyramids:

---

How much is it to visit the Pyramids?

Egyptians and nationals of other Arab countries can enter the Giza Pyramids Complex for free. Visitors from the USA and other countries need to pay a fee of 200 Egyptian pounds per person.

Can you use US dollars to tip in Egypt?

Yes, you can use US Dollars to tip in Egypt. In fact, many guides prefer to receive USD over EGP.

Be sure to bring small bills like $1, $5, $10, and maximum $20 for tipping / spending. Anything above $20 may cause you issues to break for change.

Additionally, always be sure that if you use USD to pay for anything, you are getting a comparable rate to if you pay in EGP. Most times, vendors will try to charge you more in dollars so carry both currencies to get the best prices.

Final Thoughts: Is Egypt Expensive To Visit?

Egypt is not expensive to visit at all based on western standards. The food is cheap, accommodations are very budget-friendly, and transportation is reasonable.

Oftentimes, the largest cost for tourists beyond flights will be tours and entrance fees. I found that individually, entrance fees were never too bad. But since there is so much to see in Egypt, from ancient tombs to educational museums, it does add up.

Still, compared to other places in Europe or within the USA, Egypt is an incredibly budget-friendly place to visit!

Pin Me for Later!