“Is it safe there?” – this is a question we get from about 50% of people considering a trip to El Gouna. And I get it. Egypt has a certain reputation in the media, and anyone who’s never been there has understandable concerns.
So here’s an honest perspective from someone who lives and works in El Gouna year-round.
El Gouna Is Not Typical Egypt
This is the key thing to understand. El Gouna is a private resort managed by Orascom – one of the largest developers in the Middle East. In practical terms, this means:
- Security at all entry points – you can’t get into El Gouna without being checked. Every car, every person.
- Clean, well-maintained environment – no litter, no chaos. Streets are tidy, buildings maintained, greenery watered.
- Its own infrastructure – El Gouna has its own hospital, fire station, school, and desalination plant.
- Minimal crime – thanks to the gated system, crime is virtually nonexistent.
When you arrive from Hurghada airport (about 30 minutes’ drive), you pass through the gate and suddenly you’re in a different world. Clean, quiet, safe. Many of our customers say they feel safer here than at home in Europe.
Getting from the Airport
You fly into Hurghada (HRG). There are direct flights from most European cities – Prague, Vienna, Berlin, Munich, Zurich, and others. The flight takes 4-5 hours.
At the airport:
- Visa – purchased right at the airport. For EU citizens, it costs 25 USD. Pay in cash (USD or EUR) or by card. It’s a counter right before passport control – don’t overthink it, it’s routine.
- Transfer – we recommend booking a transfer in advance. We offer transfers for €35-40 (depending on direction). A driver waits for you with a sign and within 30 minutes you’re in El Gouna. Alternatively, take a taxi – but agree on the price beforehand.
Currency and Payments
The Egyptian pound (EGP) is the local currency. The exchange rate fluctuates, but approximately: 1 EUR = about 50-55 EGP (check the current rate before your trip).
- Cards – most restaurants and shops in El Gouna accept them. Visa and Mastercard without issues.
- ATMs – available in several locations around El Gouna. Withdrawals in EGP; fees depend on your bank.
- Cash – keep some EGP on hand for tips, tuk-tuks, and smaller shops. Exchange offices are in Downtown and at the airport.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in Egypt. It’s part of the culture and a significant portion of many people’s income. Rough guidelines:
- Restaurant: 10-15% of the bill
- Baggage porter: 20-50 EGP
- Tuk-tuk: round up
- Housekeeper: 50-100 EGP per day
Don’t overthink the exact amounts – but don’t skip tipping entirely.
Water and Health
Drinking Water
Don’t drink tap water. Buy bottled water – it’s available everywhere and costs very little. Restaurants always serve bottled water. Follow this rule and you’ll have no problems.
Food
Hygiene in El Gouna is at a high standard. Restaurants are subject to inspections and standards match European levels. That said – for the first day or two, go easy on exotic food and give your stomach time to adjust.
Medical Care
El Gouna has its own hospital with emergency services. There are additional hospitals in Hurghada. Medical care is accessible and quality – but it’s not free.
Travel insurance is a must. Choose insurance that covers sports activities including kitesurfing. Without insurance, you pay everything out of pocket – and even though prices are lower than in Europe, you don’t want to deal with that.
Getting Around El Gouna
In El Gouna, you get around by:
- Tuk-tuks – small open vehicles, El Gouna’s taxis. A few dozen EGP per ride anywhere in the resort.
- Golf buggies – available for rent, a great way to get around the resort.
- Walking or cycling – El Gouna is compact and has bike paths.
- Car – available for rent, but you don’t need one in El Gouna.
Other Things to Know
Weather
Warm year-round. Even in “winter” (December–February), it’s 20-23 °C during the day. In summer (June–September), over 35 °C, sometimes reaching 40 °C. The sun shines virtually every day.
Time Zone
UTC+2 (Egypt Standard Time). From Central Europe: +1 hour in winter, same time in summer (Egypt does not observe daylight saving time).
Communication
Wi-Fi is available in hotels and restaurants (including ours). Mobile data: I recommend buying a local SIM card at the airport – Vodafone or Orange Egypt. It costs a few euros for a data package covering your entire stay.
Language
In El Gouna, you can get by with English practically everywhere. German is also common. Czech – well, at our Kitepower center, definitely.
Summary
El Gouna is a safe, clean, and well-organized place. It’s not the typical Egypt you see in documentaries about Cairo. It’s a modern resort with European standards on the shores of the Red Sea. We live here year-round and have never had a safety issue.
If safety concerns have been holding you back from traveling to Egypt – trust that El Gouna will pleasantly surprise you. And once you visit for the first time, you’ll understand why 80-90% of our customers come back.
Planning a trip? Check out our courses or read about what to pack.