Question 1

Do I need a visa for Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Most nationalities arriving by air into Sharm El Sheikh can get a free 15‑day Sinai‑only stamp on arrival, which covers Dahab, Sharm, Nuweiba, and the South Sinai coast up to Taba. To leave the peninsula (Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada) or stay longer than 15 days, you need the full Egypt visa: 25 USD, available on arrival in cash or as an e‑visa beforehand. We're glad to help you figure out which one you need.

Question 2

How does money work in Dahab?

Accepted Answer

The currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Bring cash in euros, dollars, or pounds and exchange at trusted offices in Mashraba — they give better rates than the airport. Larger restaurants and dive centres accept cards, but small cafes and Bedouin shops are cash‑only. Tipping is standard: round up or leave 10% in restaurants, a few pounds for porters and taxi drivers.

Question 3

Are there ATMs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with caveats. ATMs in Dahab regularly run out of cash, especially on weekends and during peak season. Foreign cards sometimes get rejected even when the machine has cash. Withdraw what you need for several days when you find a working one, and always travel with a backup means of payment.

Question 4

Can I drink the tap water?

Accepted Answer

No. Tap water in Dahab is desalinated and not suitable for drinking — use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth (a 1.5L bottle costs about 10 EGP). Tap water is fine for showers, washing dishes, and rinsing produce.

Question 5

What about electricity and plugs?

Accepted Answer

Egypt uses 220V at 50Hz with European‑style Type C and Type F plugs (the two‑round‑pin kind). UK, US, and travel adapters are easy to find at the local supermarkets if you forget one. Power outages happen occasionally — most apartments keep a few candles and a power bank on hand.

Question 6

How do I get from Sharm El Sheikh airport to Dahab?

Accepted Answer

It's about an hour by car (90 km). We can arrange a private transfer for you (around 35–50 USD depending on time of day and vehicle) — just send your flight details when you book and we'll have someone with a sign waiting in arrivals. A taxi from the airport rank costs more and is harder to negotiate at 2 a.m. There's also the East Delta bus, but it only runs a few times a day and is rarely the best option for fresh arrivals.

Question 7

Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

Dahab is genuinely safe — small town, low crime, friendly locals. Outside of Dahab, the Sinai interior has check‑points and some travel restrictions, especially north of St. Catherine; stick to organised tours for desert trips and you'll be fine. Solo female travellers report feeling comfortable. The usual common‑sense rules apply: don't flash large amounts of cash, don't leave valuables on the beach unattended.

Question 8

When is the best time to come?

Accepted Answer

Late September through early June is the sweet spot — warm days, comfortable nights, water temperature 22–26°C, perfect for diving and freediving. June through August is hot (35–40°C) and very windy: ideal for kitesurfing, hard for everything else. December and January get genuinely chilly at night (10–15°C); bring a fleece.

Question 9

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Reef‑safe sunscreen (almost impossible to find locally), polarised sunglasses, a light fleece for evenings October–March, your dive certification card if you have one, your own mask and snorkel if you're picky about fit, and a power adapter if you're outside continental Europe. Modest dress is appreciated in Mashraba market and around the mosque, but Dahab is laid‑back: bikinis and shorts are normal on the seafront.

Question 10

Do I need permits for Blue Hole or Ras Abu Galum?

Accepted Answer

Blue Hole is inside the Ras Mohammed‑adjacent protected area; entry is included in any organised dive or freedive trip and costs about 5 USD if you go on your own. Ras Abu Galum is a protected area accessible only by camel, boat, or jeep with a guide; tours include the permit. We'll book either through one of the dive centres we trust and the permit gets handled in the background.

Frequently asked questions