Is Hurghada Safe in February 2026?

Unlicensed taxi and minibus drivers waiting outside Hurghada airport approach arriving tourists and offer transfers to resorts at prices that seem fair but are significantly above market rates. Some claim to represent official hotel transfer services.

How to avoid: Book airport transfers in advance through your hotel or a known operator. If taking a taxi, agree the price before loading luggage and confirm the resort name and address with the driver. Use Uber where available.

Vendors in the Hurghada bazaar area use children, family appeals, and persistent following to pressure tourists into buying carpets, alabaster ornaments, and papyrus at vastly inflated prices. Initial asking prices can be ten times the fair market value.

How to avoid: Take your time, compare prices across several shops, and be prepared to walk away at any point. Starting your counter-offer at 20–25% of the asking price is reasonable. Never feel obligated to buy after receiving tea or hospitality.

Excursion desks inside all-inclusive resorts sell tours at two to three times the price of the same trips offered by local operators in town. Tourists who do not leave the resort are a captive market and often do not realize cheaper options exist nearby.

How to avoid: Compare prices for excursions by walking to the El Dahar old town or Sakala areas to find local operators. The same quad bike, diving, or snorkeling trips are typically half the price or less outside the resort.

Camel handlers near desert excursion sites and the outskirts of Hurghada assist tourists onto camels at a low initial price, then walk the camel far from the drop-off point and demand a much higher fee to return, with the tourist unable to safely dismount.

How to avoid: Agree on the total price for the complete round trip before mounting. Bring only the agreed exact amount. If the handler demands more, stay calm and wait — they will eventually return to the start point.

Quad bike rental operators in the desert areas near Hurghada rent out damaged vehicles, then claim tourists caused the damage on return, demanding large sums. Operators may hold passports until paid.

How to avoid: Photograph every part of the quad bike before driving. Never hand over your actual passport — offer a photocopy. Get the operator's insurance details before riding. Pay by credit card where possible for dispute rights.