This is the guide I wish I had received the first time I arrived in Sharm for the first time. Nobody gave me one. Learning everything cost me time, some mistakes, and a few scams. Today I list them for those planning their first trip.
1. Currency exchange: never at the hotel bar
Exchange rates at your hotel bar are always worse than what you’ll find outside. The difference can be 5-10% per day. If you plan to spend, for example, 300 euros in cash during your holiday, exchanging at the airport or at a city exchange office means having 15-25 euros more to spend. Better to exchange small amounts at a time. ATMs are available and functional (accepting Visa/Mastercard), with usually honest rates.
2. Taxis: agree on the price first
Taxis in Sharm don’t have meters (or rather: they do, but rarely use them). Agree on the price before getting in. For reference: airport to Naama Bay should cost between 200 and 300 Egyptian pounds, internal transfers within Naama Bay 50-100 pounds. Uber works in some areas but is less reliable. Careem is an Arab alternative to Uber, often better in some parts of Sharm.
3. The “taxi driver’s recommended” restaurants
If a taxi driver offers to take you to “a fantastic Italian restaurant”, refuse. The driver gets a commission (typically 10-15% of your bill). It’s not that the restaurant will necessarily be bad, but you’re going there for the wrong reason. Choose where to go first, then tell the driver to take you there.
4. Water
Drink only bottled water. Even for brushing teeth, in the first days. Sharm tap water is treated but the bacterial flora is different from European standards and can cause gastrointestinal issues. A 1.5 liter bottle costs 10-15 Egyptian pounds at supermarkets, 40-60 at hotel bars.
5. The sun
Even in December, Sharm has strong sun. High-protection sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. Don’t underestimate first-day sunburns — they ruin a holiday. Beach in the morning (8-11) and late afternoon (16-sunset) is reasonable; midday is dangerous even in January.
6. Ramadan
If you happen to be in Sharm during Ramadan (the Islamic fasting month, which rotates each year), you’ll find some restaurants closed during central hours or with reduced hours. Many Italian establishments remain open but with more limited menus during the day. Egyptians wait for “iftar” (breaking the fast at sunset) — and if you’re in areas frequented by residents, you’ll see a spectacle of set tables in the sunset light.
7. Tipping
In Egypt, tipping (backshish) is culture, not extra. In Italian restaurants in Sharm, 10% is standard, 12-15% is for excellent service. For hotel porters 10-20 pounds. For tour guides 100-200 pounds per day per person, if you’re satisfied.
8. Communication
In Sharm, decent English is spoken practically everywhere. In many Italian restaurants there’s also Italian-speaking staff. Arabic isn’t necessary but some words help: “shukran” (thank you), “salam aleikum” (peace be upon you — greeting), “min fadlak” (please to a man) / “min fadlik” (please to a woman). Egyptians appreciate the effort.
9. Hours
Egyptian hours are shifted forward compared to ours. Lunch is between 13 and 15. Dinner between 20 and 23. Italian restaurants respect more European hours (dinner from 19), but after 22-23 there’s still activity. Nightlife in Naama Bay truly begins after 23:00.
10. Safety
Sharm is one of the safest cities in Egypt — checkpoints at the entrance, hotel vigilance, tourist areas watched. Aggressors aren’t an issue. What can happen are small tourist scams (inflated prices, overly-friendly “friends” in markets). Common sense and a firm smile saying no are enough. Women can walk alone without particular problems, even at night in main areas.
