Are you dreaming of exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders? Wondering about the costs? Egypt is a budget-friendly place, like Southeast Asia. You can see its beauty without spending too much, whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for luxury.
Key Takeaways
- Egypt is a budget-friendly destination, with costs similar to traveling through Southeast Asia.
- Even with a preference for upscale hotels and Nile River cruises, it’s possible to enjoy a comfortable trip without overspending.
- Accommodation options range from budget hostels to luxurious hotels, with mid-range options providing excellent value.
- Hiring a guide and driver can enhance your experience, with tour costs varying based on group size and travel season.
- Entrance fees for popular attractions and sites can add up, but planning your itinerary strategically can help manage these costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Go to Egypt
Egypt is a budget-friendly place, like Southeast Asia. You can do a lot without spending much. Even fancy hotels and Nile River cruises are affordable.
Travel experts say a 7-day trip to Egypt costs about $1,000 to $1,380 for one person. This depends on where you stay, how you get around, what you see, and where you eat. Here’s what it includes:
- Accommodation costs range from $350 to $700 for mid-range places, or up to $2,100 for luxury hotels
- Transportation costs are $5 to $10 for taxis, $20 to $30 for trains, and $50 to $80 for one-way flights
- Entrance fees are around $10 for the Great Pyramids of Giza and $15 for the Egyptian Museum in Cairo
- Local restaurant meals cost $5 to $10, with street food as low as $1 to $2
For a Egypt vacation package, One Nation Travel has a 7-day tour starting at $1,380 per person. It includes where you stay, how you get around, and what you see. Always check for hidden fees and know what’s included when booking your trip to Egypt.
In the end, Egypt travel costs are doable for both those on a budget and those looking for luxury. It’s a place that’s both affordable and rewarding.
Visa on Arrival and SIM Cards
Planning a trip to Egypt? You need to know about visas and SIM cards. The process is easy for many travelers.
USA, Canada, European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Norway, Russia, and a few others can get a Visa on Arrival at Cairo International Airport. It costs $25 USD. This is handy because you can get it right when you arrive and start exploring Egypt.
For those who want their visa before they go, it can take 6 months to 1 year or more. The e-Visa system is for over 70 countries. It’s faster than the 5-year visa on arrival, with different costs.
| Visa Option | Cost | Validity | Application Process |
| Visa on Arrival | $25 USD | 4 weeks with a 2-week grace period | Obtained at the airport upon arrival |
| E-Visa | Varies | 3 months | Apply online |
| 5-year Visa | $700 USD | 5 years | Obtained at major Egyptian airports upon arrival |
You’ll also need a SIM card for your stay in Egypt. At Cairo International Airport, you can buy a SIM card with 10 GB of data for 30 days. It costs $17 USD at the Orange kiosk near baggage claim.
Airport Transfers and Transportation Costs
Getting from the airport to your hotel in Egypt is easy. Taxis are the cheapest option, costing from $2 USD to $16 USD. This depends on where you’re going and how far it is.
For a smoother ride, book a private transfer through your hotel. It costs about $45 USD. This way, you start your Egypt trip without any stress. The authors of this article used both hotel and tour company transfers for their group of six.
| Transportation Option | Cost (USD) | Capacity |
| Private Car | $22.70 per passenger, $45.40 per vehicle (1-2 passengers) | 1-2 passengers with minimal luggage |
| Private Minivan | $13.10 per passenger, $52.40 per vehicle (1-4 passengers) | 1-4 passengers with luggage |
| Private Shuttle | $9.46 per passenger, $75.70 per vehicle (1-8 passengers) | 1-8 passengers |
| Private Minibus | $9.23 per passenger, $120.10 per vehicle (1-13 passengers) | Up to 13 passengers |
Book your Egypt airport transfer at least 24 hours in advance. Aim to book 3 to 5 hours before your flight. This makes your arrival smooth and stress-free.
Accommodation Options and Costs
Looking for a place to stay in Egypt? You’ll find many options. Prices range from $5 USD for hostels to over $100 USD for hotels. There’s something for every budget.
Budget Hostels and Hotels
Travelers on a tight budget will love Egypt’s hostels and hotels. In cities like Alexandria and Cairo, dorm beds cost $8 to $12 USD per night. Some hostels have special rules, like no mixed dorms for certain passport holders.
For a private room, look for budget hotels. They cost $10 to $50 USD per night. These places offer a clean and comfy stay without breaking the bank.
Mid-Range and Luxury Options
Want more comfort? Mid-range hotels in Egypt cost $50 to $150 USD per night. They have air conditioning, private bathrooms, and sometimes pools. They’re great for those who want a bit more than a basic room.
Luxury hotels in Egypt are a splurge. They cost over $150 USD per night. These places offer top-notch service and views of famous sights like the Pyramids of Giza.
| Accommodation Type | Price Range (per night) |
| Budget Hostels | $8 – $12 USD (dorm bed) |
| Budget Hotels | $10 – $50 USD |
| Mid-Range Hotels | $50 – $150 USD |
| Luxury Hotels | $150 – $500 USD |
No matter your budget, Egypt has a place for you. With some research, you can find the ideal spot to rest while exploring this amazing country.
Free Accommodation Opportunities
Traveling to Egypt doesn’t have to cost a lot. There are many free places to stay for those on a budget. You can volunteer through WWOOFing, Workaway, and WorldPackers. They let you trade your time and skills for a place to stay, helping you save money and learn about the culture.
Couchsurfing is another good choice. It’s a network where you can find hosts who offer free places to stay. But, female travelers in Egypt should be careful when picking a host.
- Volunteering programs like WWOOFing, Workaway, and WorldPackers offer free accommodation in exchange for your time and skills.
- Couchsurfing connects you with local hosts who provide free accommodation, but female travelers should exercise caution when choosing a host.
- Housesitting is a long-term option that allows you to stay in someone’s home for free while they are away, making it a great choice for extended stays or retirees.
Housesitting is great for long stays. You take care of a home while the owners are away. It’s perfect for long trips or for retirees. It’s a smart way to save money and live like a local.
| Accommodation Option | Typical Cost | Pros | Cons |
| Volunteering (WWOOFing, Workaway, WorldPackers) | Free accommodation in exchange for your time and skills |
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| Couchsurfing | Free accommodation with a local host |
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| Housesitting | Free accommodation in exchange for caring for someone’s home |
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By using these free places to stay, you can travel to Egypt without spending a lot. Whether you volunteer, couch surf, or housesit, you’ll save money and enjoy your trip. These options let you explore Egypt without breaking the bank.
Recommended Hostels in Major Cities
Exploring Egypt’s major cities, you’ll find many budget-friendly hostels. These places offer comfort without costing too much. From Alexandria’s coast to Luxor’s history, there’s a hostel for every traveler.
Hostels in Alexandria
In Alexandria, the Ithaka Hostel is a great choice. Dorm beds cost about $12 per night. You get a tasty breakfast of falafel, salad, and more.
The hostel is friendly and close to the city’s sights. It’s perfect for those watching their budget.
Hostels in Cairo
In Cairo, the Australian Hostel is a favorite. They have single rooms for $10 and twin rooms for $15. It’s a comfy and cheap place to stay while seeing the city’s famous spots.
Hostels in Dahab
Dahab has many good hostels like Dahab Hostel, Maadina Hostel, and Rafiki Hostels. Prices start at $10 for a dorm bed. You can find a private double room for $27.
Hostels in Luxor
In Luxor, the Al Salam Camp has dorm beds for just $8. It’s a cozy and affordable spot to see the ancient sights. The hostel is well-located and welcoming.
Hostels in Aswan
The Go Inn Backpackers in Aswan is another great choice. Basic rooms cost $8 per night. It’s by the river and has a helpful staff.
Choosing these hostels in Egypt’s big cities lets you stay comfortably and affordably. You’ll dive into the country’s culture and history.
Tour Costs and Hiring a Guide
Traveling in Egypt by yourself is doable. But, getting a guide and driver can make your trip better, especially at historical sites. The price for these tours changes based on how many people are going and when you go.
The average cost for an 8-day Egypt tour is about $1,600 per person. This includes staying in 4-star or 5-star hotels, a 5-star Nile River cruise, and guides. Prices for Nile River cruises start at $800 per person for 5 days/4 nights in the low season. In the high season, it’s around $900 per person.
Private tour guides in Egypt cost about $150 USD for a day. This includes visits to the Giza Pyramids, Memphis, and Saqqara. Group tours for the same places cost as low as $69 per person for groups of 6. Activities like camel rides at the pyramids cost between $5 to $20. A hot air balloon ride is $75 to $200, and a Felucca ride on the Nile is $30 to $50 extra.
Traveling in Egypt can cost from $50 for a basic trip to $150 to $200 per day for a more luxurious experience. Luxury trips can be from $1,230 to $2,500 per person. Solo trips cost between $900 to $3,200 per person. Budget trips range from $470 to $1,770 per person.
Think about getting a guide and driver for your Egypt trip. There are many Egypt tour costs and Egypt tour prices to choose from. You can find something that matches your budget and what you like.
Entrance Fees for Attractions
When planning your Egypt adventure, remember to include entrance fees for attractions. These costs are quite reasonable. This lets you explore Egypt’s history and landscapes without spending too much.
The Egypt attraction entry fees are from $5 to $15 USD per person. Iconic sites like the Egypt pyramid entrance costs are $18 USD. For special experiences, like Queen Nefertari’s tomb, expect to pay around $62 USD.
| Attraction | Entrance Fee (Egyptian Pounds) | Entrance Fee (USD Approx.) |
| Giza Pyramids | 540 | $18 |
| Egyptian Museum of Antiquities | 450 | $15 |
| Luxor Temple | 400 | $13 |
| Valley of the Kings | 600 | $20 |
| Philae Temple | 450 | $15 |
| Abu Simbel Temples | 600 (900 during Sun Festival) | $20 ($30 during Sun Festival) |
| Karnak Temple | 450 | $15 |
| Valley of the Queens | 180 | $6 |
| Valley of the Nobles | 100 – 150 | $3 – $5 |
| Luxor Museum | 300 | $10 |
Children between 6 and 12 years old pay half the ticket price. International Student Identity Card (ISIC) holders get discounts at many attractions.
Buy tickets in advance online or at the entrance. This avoids payment issues. Also, know about extra fees for photos or videos at some sites.
Plan ahead and budget for Egypt attraction entry fees, Egypt pyramid entrance costs, and Egypt temple admission prices. This way, your Egyptian adventure will be smooth and fun without surprises.
Food Costs
Exploring Egypt shows that food prices change a lot. You can find cheap street food or fancy dining. There’s something for every budget and taste.
Street food or fast food in Egypt is very cheap. Meals cost only $1.20 to $1.80 USD. Try falafel sandwiches or Egyptian street food for a local taste without spending much.
Casual dining costs about $3 to $6 USD per meal. Local restaurants serve real Egyptian dishes in a cozy setting. It’s a good deal for your money.
Mid-range restaurants offer meals from $9 to $18 USD per person. These places have better food and service. It’s a step up from casual dining.
High-end or luxury dining costs $30 to $60 USD per meal. These fancy restaurants have gourmet food and great service. They’re perfect for a special treat.
Remember, tipping is customary in Egypt. Expect to tip about 10% of the bill at sit-down meals.
Egypt has many food options and prices for all budgets. Choose wisely to enjoy Egypt’s food without overspending.
Souvenirs and Shopping
Egypt is a shopper’s dream, filled with unique and affordable souvenirs. You can find traditional clothing, handmade jewelry, and intricate crafts. Shopping here is both enriching and budget-friendly.
Prices for souvenirs in Egypt vary. Traditional clothing costs $10 to $50 USD. Handmade jewelry, like silver necklaces, ranges from $20 to $100 USD. Egyptian rugs, with their unique designs, cost $100 to $500 USD.
Smaller items, like papyrus paintings, are priced at $10 to $50 USD. Remember, prices can drop when you negotiate, especially in flea markets. They also change with the season.
Egypt Handicraft Prices
Egypt is known for its high-quality, handcrafted items. You can find glassware and woodcarvings at low prices. Bargaining in eastern countries like Egypt can lead to purchases at half the original price, making shopping affordable and a favorite activity for tourists.
| Souvenir Item | Estimated Price Range (USD) |
| Cotton Shirts | $10 – $50 |
| Handmade Jewelry (Silver or Gold) | $20 – $100 |
| Handmade Egyptian Rugs | $100 – $500 |
| Papyrus Paintings | $10 – $50 |
Shopping in Egypt is a great way to dive into the culture or find a special memento. With many souvenir options and affordable prices, you’ll find the perfect item to remember your trip.
Conclusion
Egypt is a great place to visit without spending too much money. It’s like traveling in Southeast Asia. You can see a lot and do a lot without spending a lot.
Accommodation, transportation, and food are cheaper than in many other places. Even if you want luxury, like fancy hotels and Nile River cruises, it’s still affordable.
Planning ahead and looking for deals can make your trip unforgettable and cheap. Daily costs are about $22.72 USD. Entrance fees are from $5.20 to $13.85. Meals are about $4.89 USD a day.
Egypt has ancient wonders like the Pyramids and the Valley of the Kings. It also has vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. Egypt is great for everyone, and it won’t cost too much.
By planning your trip well, you can have a memorable and affordable vacation in Egypt.