Safety

The 'broken TV' scam at checkout in Egyptian hotels — how it works and how to avoid it

Some Egyptian hotels accuse guests of damaging room equipment (like a TV) right before checkout and hold their luggage hostage until they pay — one reported case involved paying $375 in cash to get bags released.

1 source · 2 days ago

Are sand fleas a problem on Egypt’s beaches, and how can travelers avoid bites?

Sand fleas can occur on Egyptian beaches, but reactions vary widely: some travelers have no symptoms while others develop an itchy rash. One report noted no issues at Baron hotel.

1 source · 3 days ago

Is it safe to swim in the Red Sea in Egypt when there are waves, rocks, or currents?

Swimming can be unsafe on rocky Red Sea beaches when waves or currents are present: travelers reported cut feet, an injured hand, and an ankle injury. Wear reef shoes, avoid entering in a visible current, and use the pool when the sea is rough.

1 source · 4 days ago

Why do some Red Sea beaches in Egypt get closed (sharks, rough water) and how do I know if it's safe to swim?

Beaches and piers in Egypt get closed when sharks are spotted or waves are rough, and reopened once the danger passes — timing is unpredictable. Also, wet tiles on piers and near pools get very slippery, so walk slowly even in flip-flops.

1 source · 10 days ago

Do you have to attend the hotel's mandatory welcome/guide meeting in Egypt, and is it safe to skip it or book excursions on your own?

There's no legal requirement to attend the hotel rep's welcome meeting in Egypt, but staff often use pressure tactics (scare stories, graphic photos of accidents) to sell in-house excursions — many travelers simply stop going to these meetings altogether.

1 source · 12 days ago

What to do if a family member traveling in Egypt stops responding — how to contact the hotel to check on them?

Contact the hotel reception directly - the phone number is usually listed on the hotel's Booking.com page or official website, and staff can confirm whether the guest has checked in or try to ring their room.

1 source · 13 days ago

Is the submarine (bathyscaphe) tourist excursion in Egypt safe?

On Aug 5, 2026, the fully-submersible tourist submarine operated by "Sindbad" sank off the coast, and 6 passengers didn't manage to get out in time; the tour was resold by various travel agencies (like Biblio Globus, Albatross) but run by the same operator.

1 source · 14 days ago

Why do Egypt hotels smell bad in the evening (is the water safe)?

The smell comes from non-potable technical water used for evening garden irrigation after 5pm — it happens at every hotel, even 5-star ones, is not dangerous, and fades by nightfall.

1 source · 14 days ago

Are cockroaches a common problem in Egypt hotels?

Yes, cockroaches are common in Egypt due to the climate, including in hotels, but they're not dangerous and don't usually infest rooms. Hotels regularly do pest control.

1 source · 15 days ago

Why do lifeguards whistle at swimmers on Red Sea beaches in Egypt and ask for your sunbed/room number?

Lifeguards on Red Sea beaches whistle when swimmers cross the buoy line toward the reef or deep water, and may ask for your sunbed/room number just to confirm you're a hotel guest, not a stranger — it's routine, not harassment.

1 source · 15 days ago

How can I stay safe at hotel pools and beaches in Egypt, including pool supervision and protecting belongings on sunbeds?

Hotel pool lifeguards can respond quickly, but children and non-swimmers should never be left unattended, particularly near water slides and deep sections. Do not leave valuables or personal items unattended on a beach sunbed, as the spot may be taken or your belongings moved.

1 source · 16 days ago

Why do some Egypt beach resorts smell of sewage, and how to avoid it when booking a hotel?

Some Egyptian resorts (even 5-star ones in Sharm El Sheikh) water their lawns and grounds with untreated sewage water, causing a strong smell especially after 4pm — this issue isn't limited to one hotel or star rating.

1 source · 12 days ago

Is it safe to leave belongings on hotel beaches in Egypt, and can you walk on the beach at night?

Theft happens occasionally but isn't widespread — usually other guests, not hotel staff, are responsible; most resort beaches have security, and evening walks are allowed, unlike in the UAE where beaches get closed at night.

1 source · 19 days ago

Is food poisoning common at Egyptian all-inclusive resorts (Rixos, Dana), and is it the food or the pools?

Travelers report poisoning cases at Dana Beach and Rixos resorts, but according to guest experience it's more often caused by pool water contamination (kids swimming for hours without bathroom breaks) than the food itself.

1 source · 20 days ago

Is it safe to swim at Red Sea hotel beaches in Egypt — how strong is the current and how deep is the water at the ladder entry?

Depth and current strength vary a lot by hotel and weather: many hotels have a jetty with a ladder leading straight into deep water, while sandy-beach entry can be shallow (waist-to-chest deep), but currents can pick up on windy days. Life vests are usually available for free from reception or lifeguards.

1 source · 20 days ago

Why do Red Sea resort beaches close the pontoon and restrict swimming beyond the buoys?

During strong waves (usually in the afternoon), lifeguards temporarily close the pontoon for 2-3 hours or only allow swimming within the buoy zone; mornings are usually calm.

1 source · 20 days ago

Are there jellyfish and sharks at Egypt Red Sea resorts, is it safe to swim from the pontoon?

Jellyfish occasionally appear at Red Sea resorts, especially in summer, but stings are usually mild. Shark encounters near shore are very rare, and swimming from hotel pontoons is generally considered safe.

1 source · 21 days ago

Is Egypt safe for female travelers (harassment and safety concerns)?

Kidnapping stories are mostly rumors, but street harassment does happen, especially in non-touristy cities like Alexandria. Tourist resort areas like Hurghada are considered much safer due to heavy security presence.

1 source · 22 days ago

Can non-swimmers snorkel safely from a pontoon in Egypt?

Yes—travelers who are not confident swimmers can snorkel from Egyptian pontoons using a life jacket and mask. Check currents, confirm that a lifeguard is on duty, and do not enter the water in unsafe conditions.

1 source · 23 days ago

Can you swim beyond the buoys or between Reef Oasis and Sunrise beaches in Sharm El Sheikh?

Do not swim beyond the marked buoys toward Sunrise: lifeguards reportedly whistle swimmers back when they leave the designated zone. Some guests have swum along the coast toward Reef Oasis without being stopped, but check the boundary with the lifeguard first.

1 source · 24 days ago

Is hotel drinking water and ice safe to consume in Egypt?

Travelers generally report no problems drinking water from hotel dispensers in Egypt, although it may have a chlorine taste at first. Many use bottled water for brushing teeth and are more cautious with ice in drinks.

1 source · 25 days ago

Do you need an all-inclusive wristband at Egyptian resorts, and what to do if hotel security won't recognize you as a guest?

At most Egyptian resorts, security identifies guests by room card/number rather than requiring a wristband like in some other countries. If reception refuses to let you in, call the tourist police — they'll check camera footage and resolve the issue.

2 sources · 26 days ago

How to protect your belongings from theft at Egyptian hotels (especially before departure)?

Keep valuables locked in a padlocked suitcase, not just the room safe — theft happens from bags left in plain sight too; lost items like sunglasses or flip-flops often turn up at the hotel reception desk.

1 source · 27 days ago

Is it safe to walk into the sea over the coral reef from shore in Egypt, and do you need reef shoes?

Walking directly into the sea over the reef from shore is dangerous — sea urchins hide under rocks and the live reef is fragile; you can only walk along the shallow coral strip wearing reef shoes, staying inside the buoy line.

1 source · 27 days ago

Are food poisoning and rotavirus outbreaks common at Egypt all-inclusive resorts, and how risky is it for kids?

Media panic about mass food poisoning at Egyptian resorts flares up periodically, but confirmed cases are limited — for example, the Xanadu resort (Hurghada/Makadi area) had a rotavirus outbreak in May that the hotel denied while some guests confirmed symptoms in reviews.

1 source · 28 days ago

Do you need mosquito repellent in Egypt and are jellyfish/lionfish/sharp coral dangerous at the beach?

Yes, mosquitoes and midges bite in the evenings - bring spray repellent and a plug-in fumigator (or ask at reception). At the beach avoid touching ropes and anything attached to them (they sting), lionfish hide in the closed island's corals and come out after 5pm, and walking barefoot risks cutting your foot on rocks/coral.

1 source · 36 days ago

Do lifeguards watch children at Egyptian resort pools and beaches, or is it the parents' responsibility?

In Egypt, lifeguards at the pool and beach don't monitor individual children — supervision is entirely the parents' responsibility, especially in deeper sea water.

1 source · 29 days ago

Is it safe to swim far out or to a neighboring beach/island in Egypt's Red Sea resorts?

Swimming far out in the Red Sea is risky — currents and tides can sweep you away, and you likely won't reach a neighboring hotel beach or island anyway since security guards turn away non-guests from private beaches.

1 source · 30 days ago

Is it safe to swim in the lagoon/bay area due to fuel and oil pollution from boats?

On some days the lagoon smells strongly of fuel and shows a rainbow oil sheen after yachts and boats pass through — better to skip swimming at those times, as it leaves an oily film on your mask and skin.

1 source · 33 days ago

How strict is hotel security at Egyptian resorts (ID checks at the gate)?

At large Egyptian resorts, security guards stop guests at the outer gate and again at the building entrance, asking for room number and surname — a wristband alone is often not enough, and checks can happen twice per trip.

1 source · 34 days ago

Are there aggressive birds (crows) attacking tourists on Egyptian beaches in the morning, and is the hotel pool safe due to bird droppings?

Yes — at some resorts crows can attack people near the pier early in the morning (defending a nest), but they're calm during the day when there are more people around. Also avoid the pool early morning: bird droppings (and even a dead pigeon) have been spotted in the water.

1 source · 34 days ago

Is it safe to enter the sea in Egypt if you’re not a confident swimmer and need to be able to stand on the seabed at all times?

Do not assume you can safely walk out to a comfortable depth in the sea in Egypt: during a rip current, even knee-deep water can pull you away from shore. If someone is afraid of deep water, current conditions matter more than depth alone.

2 sources · 36 days ago

Is it safe to leave personal items or pool towels unattended at hotels in Egypt, and what should you do if something goes missing?

Travelers report that in Egyptian hotels it’s better not to leave electronics, beach gear, or even towels unattended by the pool or in the room. If something goes missing, go to reception immediately, ask for CCTV checks, and verify the towel-card desk if pool towels are involved.

1 source · 37 days ago

Are surgeonfish dangerous when entering the water in Egypt, and what’s the safest way to get in from a pier ladder?

Surgeonfish are sometimes seen around piers and rocky shore entries in Egypt, but they usually leave swimmers alone unless provoked. The practical tip is to enter calmly and promptly via the ladder, avoid lingering on the steps, and stay away from rocks at the shoreline.

1 source · 6 days ago

Is it safe to use hotel pools in Egypt, or is the sea a better option?

Based on traveler reports, many people in Egypt avoid hotel pools—especially kids’ pools—because of hygiene issues and prefer the sea instead. If you swim far out into deep open water, be aware that marine life there can be more aggressive.

1 source · 39 days ago

Is it safe to leave phones, cash, and passports in a hotel in Egypt, and what happens if you lose something?

Based on traveler reports, lost items in Egyptian hotels are often taken to reception, and valuables left in rooms are commonly untouched even after housekeeping or minibar service. But phones left by the pool or in public areas should be checked for immediately at reception or the bar, as that’s where they are usually handed in.

1 source · 39 days ago

Are pests a problem in Egypt hotels, such as cockroaches in rooms or crows stealing food?

Traveler reports suggest that some Egypt hotels do have pest issues: cockroaches may appear in rooms, sometimes across multiple rooms, and bold crows can steal food in outdoor areas. If this matters to you, check very recent hotel reviews and inspect the room on arrival.

1 source · 41 days ago

Is hotel ice in Egypt safe for drinks, and is it usually made from tap water or filtered water?

In most resort and chain hotels in Egypt, bar ice is usually made from filtered water or bought from a supplier, so hotel drinks with ice are generally safer than drinks outside the hotel. If you have a sensitive stomach, the safest option is to ask for no ice and stick to sealed bottled water.

1 source · 42 days ago

Can you swim beyond the buoys or shark net at Red Sea resort beaches in Egypt, and how strict are the lifeguards?

At Red Sea resort beaches in Egypt, swimming beyond the buoys or shark net is usually not allowed, and lifeguards actively enforce it from both the beach and the pontoon. In bad weather, some piers are closed with a warning flag and chain, especially where the water is deep and waves are stronger.

1 source · 42 days ago

Is it safe to swim or snorkel at El Fanar in Sharm el-Sheikh, and how strong are the currents near the jetty?

Swimming and snorkeling at El Fanar is doable, but currents can be noticeable; avoid heading for the white buoy if the lifeguard says the current is active. Strong swimmers reported about 40 minutes one way between jetties, while less confident swimmers found it uncomfortable.

1 source · 43 days ago

Is it safe to swim in Egypt when the beach flag is yellow or red, and what do those sea flags mean in practice?

In Egypt, a yellow flag usually means swimming is allowed with caution, but waves can still be strong, especially near ladders and pontoons. A red flag is often posted because of dangerous currents, not just wind, so lagoons are the safer option on those days.

1 source · 43 days ago

Can you swim beyond the buoys at Egypt beaches, and how strictly do lifeguards enforce it?

At most Egyptian beaches, lifeguards actively monitor the area up to the buoys; beyond that, you are generally on your own. Enforcement can be strict on some beaches, especially near restricted or military areas.

1 source · 43 days ago

Is it safe to swim along the beach and use a neighboring hotel pier in Sharm El Sheikh?

Travelers report a quiet stretch to the right of the beach near an abandoned hotel, with a sandy bottom and little marine life, used mainly for relaxed swimming. However, solo women were advised not to go there alone, and access to a neighboring hotel’s pier or swimming past boundaries should be checked with beach staff or lifeguards first.

1 source · 45 days ago

Can hotels in Egypt add extra charges at checkout, and how can travelers protect themselves from disputed fees?

Based on traveler reports, the main concern is not standard hotel pricing but disputed charges at checkout for small paid extras and services. To reduce risk, confirm at reception when paid items are charged and ask for clear written rules on baggage handling and incidentals.

1 source · 45 days ago

How often is the red flag raised at Egyptian beaches and the sea closed for swimming?

Red flags do occur periodically in Egypt — the sea can be closed in the morning and reopened around midday. A yellow flag means rough waves but swimming is still allowed.

1 source · 6 days ago

How dangerous are underwater currents at Egypt beach resorts and when is the pier closed?

Underwater currents can be extremely strong — lifeguards regularly pull swimmers to safety. The pier is typically closed from around 11am to 2pm due to dangerous conditions.

2 sources · 49 days ago

Is it safe to swim beyond the buoys at Egyptian resort hotels?

Swimming beyond the buoys at Egyptian resort hotels is unsafe due to yacht traffic and significant depth. Security patrols in small boats and will bring you back.

1 source · 50 days ago

Are there lifeguards on Egypt beaches and how strictly are swimming rules enforced?

Egyptian beaches are well-patrolled with lifeguards every few meters, mandatory buoy boundaries, and a rescue boat beyond the buoys. Rules are strictly enforced.

1 source · 29 days ago

Can towels get stolen at the beach or pool in Egyptian resorts?

Yes, it happens — guests sometimes take others' towels to avoid paying the lost towel fee (around $20). Staff say cameras are present, and leaving towels on loungers during lunch is generally considered safe.

1 source · 20 days ago

Are you allowed to swim past the buoys at Egyptian beaches?

Swimming past the buoys is not allowed at Egyptian beaches. Lifeguards will whistle and signal you back, and the swim zone is marked with a rope and buoys.

1 source · 6 days ago