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Egypt price guide

Prices in Egypt in 2026: fair price vs tourist trap

Short answer: very cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 50% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair price.

29 prices checked Apr – Aug 2026 8 verified and 21 estimates How I check

Fair prices at a glance

All 29 prices are also in the free app for iPhone and Android, and they work offline. Get it

One day in Egypt: E£664 or E£2,190

About $13 or $42 a day.

The first number is what locals pay, the second what tourist spots charge for exactly the same day.

Same day, same things: the tourist version costs 3.3× as much.

Restaurant meal alone: E£1,050, or 48% of the tourist-trap day.

+E£1,526 (about $29) for the same day

What's in the day. Middle of each range
Item Fair (E£) Trap (E£)
Street food meal 50 275
Restaurant meal 350 1,050
Coffee (espresso) 60 125
Water 1.5 L 12 45
Local beer 148 375
Public transit ticket 2 rides 30 70
Short taxi ride about 1 km 15 250
Total 664 2,190
  • Sightseeing comes on top: a ticket to a top museum or attraction is E£700 –⁠ E£1,600 (about $13 –⁠ $31).
  • Accommodation is left out on purpose: it swings too much with the season and the night of the week for one honest number.

Where tourists overpay most in Egypt

Tourist-trap price compared with the fair price, using the middle of each range.

  1. 1 City taxi 1 km Fair E£10 – E£20 Trap E£100 – E£400 Tourist prices are about 16.7× the fair price
  2. 2 Local handcraft Fair E£250 – E£1,500 Trap E£3,000 – E£8,000 Tourist prices are about 6.3× the fair price
  3. 3 Street food meal Fair E£20 – E£80 Trap E£150 – E£400 Tourist prices are about 5.5× the fair price

Check a price you were quoted

Pick what you are buying, type the price, and see where it lands.

about $3.80

Tourist-trap price

Fair E£10 – E£20 Trap E£100 – E£400

E£200 is 13.3× the middle of the fair range (E£10 –⁠ E£20).

Tourists often get charged E£100 –⁠ E£400. From E£100 you are paying the tourist-trap price.

In the app, every expense you log on a trip gets the same check, offline.

Fair vs tourist prices in Egypt, item by item

What 29 everyday things should cost, and what tourists often pay instead. Typical for Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Hurghada.

Show prices in
  • Fair price
  • Tourist-trap price
  • Verified
  • Estimate

Bars run from zero to each item's top tourist-trap price.

Food & drinks 8 prices, up to 5.5×

Restaurant meal: fair is E£200 –⁠ E£500. From E£600 you are on the tourist menu.

  • Water 0.5 L

    Bottled, convenience store

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 5.5× the fair price
    Fair E£7 – E£15 ≈ $0.13 – $0.29
    Trap E£40 – E£80 ≈ $0.77 – $1.50

  • Coffee (espresso)

    Cafe or street vendor

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair E£40 – E£80 ≈ $0.77 – $1.50
    Trap E£100 – E£150 ≈ $1.90 – $2.90

  • Local beer

    Draft, at bar or restaurant

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair E£95 – E£200 ≈ $1.80 – $3.80
    Trap E£250 – E£500 ≈ $4.80 – $9.60

  • Restaurant meal

    Tourist area, main course

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair price
    Fair E£200 – E£500 ≈ $3.80 – $9.60
    Trap E£600 – E£1,500 ≈ $11 – $29

  • Street food meal

    Local market or stand

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 5.5× the fair price
    Fair E£20 – E£80 ≈ $0.38 – $1.50
    Trap E£150 – E£400 ≈ $2.90 – $7.70

  • Cocktail at bar

    Mixed drink, bar

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.9× the fair price
    Fair E£250 – E£450 ≈ $4.80 – $8.60
    Trap E£500 – E£800 ≈ $10 – $15

  • Bottle of wine (restaurant)

    House wine, restaurant

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.3× the fair price
    Fair E£250 – E£400 ≈ $4.80 – $7.70
    Trap E£600 – E£900 ≈ $11 – $17

  • Fresh juice

    Cafe or street stall

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.4× the fair price
    Fair E£15 – E£40 ≈ $0.29 – $0.77
    Trap E£65 – E£120 ≈ $1.20 – $2.30
Transport 4 prices, up to 16.7×

Airport taxi to the center: fair is E£200 –⁠ E£400. At E£450 or more, walk away.

  • Airport taxi to center

    Standard route

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.3× the fair price
    Fair E£200 – E£400 ≈ $3.80 – $7.70
    Trap E£450 – E£900 ≈ $9 – $17

  • City taxi 1 km

    Metered or typical fare

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 16.7× the fair price
    Fair E£10 – E£20 ≈ $0.19 – $0.38
    Trap E£100 – E£400 ≈ $1.90 – $7.70

  • Public transit ticket

    Single ride

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.3× the fair price
    Fair E£10 – E£20 ≈ $0.19 – $0.38
    Trap E£20 – E£50 ≈ $0.38 – $0.96

  • Private transfer (app)

    Grab / Bolt / Uber

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.7× the fair price
    Fair E£30 – E£200 ≈ $0.57 – $3.80
    Trap E£250 – E£600 ≈ $5 – $11
Souvenirs 3 prices, up to 6.3×

Fridge magnet: fair is E£50 –⁠ E£300. Above E£300 you are paying the souvenir-stall markup.

  • Fridge magnet

    Tourist shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.6× the fair price
    Fair E£50 – E£300 ≈ $0.96 – $5.70
    Trap E£301 – E£950 ≈ $6 – $18

  • Printed T-shirt

    Tourist shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.1× the fair price
    Fair E£250 – E£500 ≈ $4.80 – $9.60
    Trap E£800 – E£1,500 ≈ $15 – $29

  • Local handcraft

    Ceramics, textiles, etc.

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 6.3× the fair price
    Fair E£250 – E£1,500 ≈ $5 – $29
    Trap E£3,000 – E£8,000 ≈ $57 – $155
Daily essentials 6 prices, up to 3.9×

Tourist SIM: fair is E£100 –⁠ E£250. From E£300 it is the tourist-kiosk price.

  • Tourist SIM card

    Data package

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.6× the fair price
    Fair E£100 – E£250 ≈ $1.90 – $4.80
    Trap E£300 – E£600 ≈ $6 – $11

  • Sunscreen SPF50

    Pharmacy or shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.9× the fair price
    Fair E£200 – E£600 ≈ $4 – $11
    Trap E£800 – E£1,500 ≈ $15 – $29

  • Water 1.5 L

    Supermarket

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.9× the fair price
    Fair E£8 – E£15 ≈ $0.15 – $0.29
    Trap E£30 – E£60 ≈ $0.57 – $1.10

  • Cigarettes

    Pack of 20

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair E£48 – E£111 ≈ $0.92 – $2.10
    Trap E£120 – E£200 ≈ $2.30 – $3.80

  • Painkillers (paracetamol)

    Pack of 20 tablets

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.8× the fair price
    Fair E£13 – E£40 ≈ $0.25 – $0.77
    Trap E£50 – E£100 ≈ $0.96 – $1.90

  • Mosquito repellent

    Spray or lotion

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.6× the fair price
    Fair E£150 – E£250 ≈ $2.90 – $4.80
    Trap E£251 – E£400 ≈ $4.80 – $7.70
Services 4 prices, up to 4.3×

One-hour massage: fair is E£600 –⁠ E£1,500. From E£2,000 you are paying for the address.

  • Men's haircut

    Local barbershop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 4.3× the fair price
    Fair E£100 – E£250 ≈ $1.90 – $4.80
    Trap E£500 – E£1,000 ≈ $10 – $19

  • Laundry (per kg)

    Laundry service

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.3× the fair price
    Fair E£30 – E£60 ≈ $0.57 – $1.10
    Trap E£100 – E£200 ≈ $1.90 – $3.80

  • Massage (1 hour)

    Standard full-body massage

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.1× the fair price
    Fair E£600 – E£1,500 ≈ $11 – $29
    Trap E£2,000 – E£4,500 ≈ $38 – $86

  • Women's haircut

    Basic cut, salon

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair E£200 – E£350 ≈ $3.80 – $6.70
    Trap E£450 – E£900 ≈ $9 – $17
Attractions 4 prices, up to 2.4×

Top museum or attraction: fair is E£700 –⁠ E£1,600. Above E£1,600, check that you are not buying through a reseller.

  • Top museum / attraction

    Entrance ticket

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair E£700 – E£1,600 ≈ $13 – $31
    Trap E£1,600 – E£3,000 ≈ $31 – $57

  • Half-day group tour

    Organized excursion

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair price
    Fair E£1,500 – E£3,500 ≈ $29 – $67
    Trap E£4,000 – E£8,000 ≈ $77 – $155

  • Full-day group tour

    Organized excursion 6-8h

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair price
    Fair E£1,600 – E£3,700 ≈ $31 – $71
    Trap E£4,200 – E£7,500 ≈ $80 – $145

  • Cooking class

    Local cuisine cooking class

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair price
    Fair E£2,000 – E£4,000 ≈ $38 – $77
    Trap E£5,000 – E£8,000 ≈ $96 – $155

Converted at 1 USD = 52.28 EGP, the rate on October 3, 2026. Approximate.

Money and tipping in Egypt

Currency

Egyptian pound (EGP)

  • 1 USD = 52.28 EGP

Rate as of October 3, 2026

Quick converter, EGP to USD

$19

Approximate. Your card or exchange booth adds its own margin.

When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose EGP. The rate it offers is almost always worse.

Tipping in Egypt

Egypt has a strong "baksheesh" tipping culture, tip 20–50 EGP for small services like opening a door or taking a photo at a site; in restaurants, 10–15% is expected.

Bargaining in Egypt

Haggling is a cultural norm in traditional markets. Start by offering 40–50% of the initial price and negotiate politely. It is a social interaction, not a battle; if the price remains too high, feel free to walk away. Avoid bargaining in fixed-price shops or malls.

Fuel prices per liter

  • Gasoline E£24 / liter ≈ $0.46
  • Diesel E£20.50 / liter ≈ $0.39

Fuel prices as of

Scams and safety in Egypt

What tourists actually run into, from overcharging tricks to local laws. Open any item for the details.

Scam or crime Giza camel-and-ticket scam

At Giza Plateau, Saqqara and Luxor's Karnak, 'guides' insist the official entrance is closed, lead you to a private gate, charge 30 USD for a 10-minute camel ride, then demand another 40 USD to 'get down'. Genuine tickets are sold at the main gate in Egyptian pounds only. Walk to the posted ticket office, refuse any 'closed' claim, agree all camel prices in writing before mounting, and carry a 100-pound note for authentic entry.

Scam or crime Cairo taxi and papyrus 'Gallery' trap

Cairo taxi drivers offer 'free tours' that end at papyrus, perfume or cartouche 'galleries' where you are pressured to spend 200–800 USD on machine-printed banana-leaf 'papyrus'. Real papyrus is pressed, cream coloured and priced in Egyptian pounds at the Papyrus Institute. Use Uber or Careem exclusively, refuse any free ride, and buy souvenirs only at museum shops with receipts.

Law Blasphemy, photography and drone bans

Egypt's blasphemy law (Article 98f) jails foreigners 1–5 years for social-media posts deemed to insult Islam, Christianity or Judaism. Photography of military sites, airports, bridges and the Nile's Aswan dam is criminal. Drones without a military permit are confiscated at Cairo airport (≈4,000 per year). Don't post religion-critical content from Egyptian soil, never photograph uniformed personnel, and leave drones at home.

Health Heat, dehydration and Red Sea Reef injuries

Summer temperatures in Luxor, Aswan and Cairo exceed 45 °C; 20+ tourist deaths per year from heatstroke. In Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh and Marsa Alam, stepping on fire-coral or stonefish on the Red Sea reef can require emergency air-evac costing 15,000 USD without insurance. Drink 3+ litres daily in Egyptian pounds budget, wear reef shoes, and never enter the water at dusk.

Emergency numbers in Egypt

Not sure who you need? Call this one. 122 Police

Egypt has no single universal emergency number. Dial 122 for police, 123 for ambulance, 180 for fire.

Medical costs

  • Doctor visit Private clinic, general consultation without insurance $10 –⁠ $60 ≈ E£525 –⁠ E£3,140
  • Hospital night One night in a general ward without insurance $100 –⁠ $300 ≈ E£5,230 –⁠ E£15,700
  • Ambulance Emergency transport to hospital $30 –⁠ $200 ≈ E£1,570 –⁠ E£10,500
  • Dentist Check-up or basic treatment at a private practice $15 –⁠ $35 ≈ E£785 –⁠ E£1,830

Typical private prices a tourist pays without insurance.

Good to know before you go

Gestures and etiquette 1 note

Left hand & foot etiquette

Never use your left hand for eating or greeting people, it's considered unclean. Avoid showing the soles of your feet to anyone, as this is a serious insult. In rural areas, the thumbs-up gesture can be considered offensive, so stick to verbal expressions of approval instead.

Buying souvenirs 1 note

Papyrus, spices & Egyptian cotton

Hand-painted papyrus art is Egypt's signature souvenir, buy from certified workshops (tourist stalls often sell banana-leaf fakes). Egyptian spice blends like dukkah and koshary seasoning are aromatic kitchen gifts. Egyptian cotton products (towels, sheets) are renowned for quality. Essential oils and perfumes from Khan el-Khalili bazaar and carved alabaster pieces round out the options.

Driving and tolls 1 note

Highway tolls and driving tips

Major highways like the Cairo-Alexandria road have toll plazas. Fees are paid in EGP, typically ranging from 5 to 50 EGP. Many routes now use electronic systems. Driving in Egypt is challenging due to chaotic traffic and night hazards; hiring a private driver is recommended for safety.

Did you know? 3 notes

  • The Great Pyramid of Giza was built around 2560 BC, making it over 4,500 years old. It was the tallest man-made structure for nearly 4,000 years.
  • Egypt is 96% desert. Almost all of its population lives along the Nile River, which provides water, fertile soil, and transportation.
  • Baksheesh (tipping) is a way of life in Egypt. Small tips are expected for almost any service, from opening a door to pointing directions.

Cities these prices cover 5 cities

The prices on this page are typical for these cities and the tourist areas around them.

  • Cairo القاهرة
  • Luxor الأقصر
  • Aswan أسوان
  • Sharm el-Sheikh شرم الشيخ
  • Hurghada الغردقة

How Egypt compares

The TruePrice Index for Egypt, next to the countries people weigh it against and its nearest neighbors, all on one scale. 100 is the median of the 60 countries I track.

  1. Ethiopia 33 Prices about 34% lower than in Egypt
  2. Egypt 50 This page
  3. Tunisia 56 Prices about 12% higher than in Egypt
  4. Morocco 101 Prices about 2.0× as high as in Egypt
  5. Turkey 112 Prices about 2.2× as high as in Egypt
  6. Jordan 116 Prices about 2.3× as high as in Egypt
  7. UAE 161 Prices about 3.2× as high as in Egypt

Bars show each country's TruePrice Index. The dotted line marks Egypt.

See all 60 countries in the TruePrice Index Browse every country guide

Common questions about prices in Egypt

Is Egypt expensive to visit?

Short answer: very cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 50% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 3.0× the fair price. On the TruePrice Index, Egypt scores 50, the 8th cheapest of the 60 countries I track.

How much does a day in Egypt cost, without flights and hotel?

Roughly E£664 (about $13) a day at fair prices, or E£2,190 (about $42) at tourist prices. That covers two meals, a coffee, a bottle of water, a beer, two transit rides and a short taxi ride. Sightseeing comes on top (E£700 –⁠ E£1,600 for a top museum or attraction), and accommodation is not included.

Do you tip in Egypt, and how much?

Egypt has a strong "baksheesh" tipping culture, tip 20–50 EGP for small services like opening a door or taking a photo at a site; in restaurants, 10–15% is expected.

What currency does Egypt use?

The Egyptian pound (EGP). On October 3, 2026, 1 USD was worth 52.28 EGP. Card terminals and ATMs that offer to charge you in your home currency usually give a worse rate, so pay in EGP.

How much is a meal and a beer in Egypt?

A restaurant main course is E£200 –⁠ E£500 (about $3.80 –⁠ $9.60) at fair prices, while tourist menus charge E£600 –⁠ E£1,500. A street food meal runs E£20 –⁠ E£80. A local beer is E£95 –⁠ E£200 (about $1.80 –⁠ $3.80), or E£250 –⁠ E£500 in tourist bars.

How much money should I bring to Egypt?

Budget roughly E£664 (about $13) a day for food, drinks and getting around at local prices, or about E£2,190 (about $42) at tourist prices. Add E£700 –⁠ E£1,600 for each major sight, plus your accommodation.

What is the emergency number in Egypt?

If you are not sure who you need, call 122, the police line. Direct lines: ambulance 123, fire brigade 180.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from, and how sure I am about each one.

Prices
29 items: 8 verified and 21 estimates
Checked
to
Exchange rate
1 USD = 52.28 EGP,
Fuel prices
Cities
Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Hurghada
Page updated

What the labels mean

Verified
Checked against recent local sources.
Estimate
Based on related prices and not yet confirmed.
Rough estimate
Thin data. Treat it as a ballpark.
Fair price
What locals typically pay.
Tourist-trap price
What tourists are commonly charged in tourist areas.
Markup
The middle of the tourist-trap range divided by the middle of the fair range. 3.0× means three times the fair price.
TruePrice Index
Fair prices for all 29 items compared with the median of the 60 countries I track. 100 is the median, 50 means half the median price and 200 twice it.

How to cite

TruePrice Index, October 2026, truepriceapp.com/en/trueprice-index/

Spotted a price that looks off? Email me at [email protected] and I will check it.

Guides: prices and traps in Egypt

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