Budget Travel Tips for Egypt with GoTravelDaily

Budget travelers are often surprised by 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. 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 hostel life, you can explore much of Egypt on a budget while still occasionally indulging in some luxurious yet affordable treats. Below are the top tips for making your money go further.

Consider Alternative Airports

Securing a cheap flight is the gateway to a budget-friendly trip. 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 across 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 when 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.

Stay Central in Cairo

Cairo overwhelms the senses—there is much to see, eat, and experience. Avoid the capital’s notorious traffic and maximize your time by booking a room in the heart of the city; all the main attractions will be on your doorstep.

Downtown Cairo offers a vast selection of budget-friendly accommodations, including boutique hotels, hostels, and Airbnb options that provide easy access to significant sights like the Egyptian Museum and the Nile. Staying central also allows for convenient access to public transportation.

Eat Like a Local

Food is integral to Egyptian culture, and there’s no better way to learn about local life than by indulging in Egypt’s hearty street food. Egyptian cuisine tends to be cheaper than international food, offering a diverse range of delicious options.

The numerous street food vendors, particularly in Cairo, serve many delicacies, including vegetarian and vegan choices. You can enjoy a complete meal on the go for just $2, while meals in local sit-down restaurants typically range from $5 to $12.

The Art of Bargaining

If you spot a souvenir you’d love but the seller has quoted an outrageously high price, don’t get discouraged. This is part of the shopping experience. Street vendors often inflate prices for tourists, but with respectful haggling, you could secure a great deal.

Respond with an offer of less than half the asked price, and expect a friendly back-and-forth until you reach a conclusion. Remember, street sellers can be persistent, so don’t hesitate to keep your smiles while moving on if you’re not interested in a purchase.

Utilize Public Transportation

Public transportation costs a fraction of hiring a private driver in Egypt’s larger cities and is often more straightforward than negotiating taxi fares. With reliable public buses, trams, and Cairo’s Metro system, getting around can be economically advantageous.

Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem also operate in many cities and offer rides that are cheaper than in most other countries. For domestic traveling, consider trains and buses as budget-friendly alternatives to flying.

Budget-Friendly Passes

If your Egypt itinerary includes many museums and archaeological sites around Cairo and Luxor, it makes financial sense to purchase a Cairo Pass and a Luxor Pass. The Cairo Pass grants access to all essential sites and museums in Cairo and Giza for $100, valid for five days, covering entry to locations like the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza.

Similarly, the Luxor Pass provides access to all archaeological sites on both banks of Luxor for $100. Consider obtaining these passes to save you money if visiting multiple attractions.

Daily Cost Overview

• 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