Sharm El Sheikh

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, and while Sharm is far more permissive than Cairo or rural Egypt, a few rules still apply. Alcohol is available at most resorts and tourist bars — no issues there. But cover up when you head into markets or mosques. Women need shoulders and knees covered in those spaces. At the beach and in resort zones, normal swimwear is fine. Use your right hand when handing over money or goods. The left hand is considered unclean. Tipping — called baksheesh — is expected everywhere. Budget 5–10% at restaurants, and a few dollars for tour guides and drivers. Bargaining is not just acceptable at the Old Market, it's the whole point. Start at roughly half the asking price and negotiate from there. Vendors expect it. Don't feel rude — they'd be more surprised if you didn't haggle. During Ramadan, refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect, even as a non-Muslim visitor.

Within the resort zones, Sharm is considered safe and millions visit without incident every year. Naama Bay and SOHO Square are pedestrian-friendly and heavily monitored. The main irritations are financial rather than physical: overcharging on taxis, inflated excursion prices from street touts, and aggressive sales tactics at the Old Market. These are annoyances, not threats. For genuine safety: store your passport in the hotel safe and carry a photocopy. Book marine trips and desert excursions through licensed operators. Pre-book airport transfers rather than taking random street cabs late at night. The broader Sinai Peninsula has a complex security history, and northern Sinai has active travel warnings from most governments — but Sharm is in South Sinai and operates under a dedicated resort security framework with checkpoints and regular patrols. Solo female travelers generally report feeling comfortable, particularly in the main resort zones. Emergency: Sharm El Sheikh International Hospital operates 24/7 at Tel 069 3600000. Dial 122 for general emergencies. Don't photograph military installations, police buildings, or uniformed personnel — it's illegal in Egypt and enforced.

No Uber, no ride-hailing apps. Taxis are the main way to get around, and they are everywhere — but none use meters. Always agree the fare before you get in. A typical 5-mile trip runs roughly E£65–80 (about $1.50–2). Naama Bay to Sharks Bay costs $5–10 depending on your negotiating. Airport transfers run $11–35. The blue-and-white microbuses along Peace Road are officially off-limits to tourists (it's actually against local rules), but some travelers use them anyway for around E£10 ($0.21) between Naama Bay and Hadaba. Private minibus rentals for groups start around E£597 per day. If you're planning multiple day trips — Ras Mohammed, Dahab, Tiran Island — seriously consider booking a car rental or bundling transport into a guided tour. It's often cheaper and far less stressful than negotiating a separate taxi for each leg. Hotel desk transfers cost more than street rates but involve zero hassle.