Shopping

Should you buy a snorkel mask and tube in Egypt, or bring your own?

Reports on buying snorkelling gear in Egypt are mixed: one Egyptian set lasted for years, while masks from Mango Market performed poorly even when they were not the cheapest option. Bringing a tested traditional mask and snorkel is the safer choice; the discussions do not provide current shop prices in Egypt.

1 source · 12 days ago

Do you need water shoes for swimming at Hurghada resort beaches?

It is sensible to pack water shoes for Hurghada, as some resort entry points have coral, rocks and occasional sea urchins. At beaches with a smooth sandy entry, however, most guests swim barefoot.

1 source · 17 days ago

Are small chocolate bars useful as tips or gifts for hotel staff in Egypt?

Small chocolate bars can work as a thank-you gift for hotel housekeeping and service staff in Egypt, particularly when you do not have small US-dollar notes. Some staff still prefer cash tips, so bringing both is most practical.

1 source · 16 days ago

Where can I buy an affordable suitcase or travel bag near my hotel in Hurghada?

Look for affordable luggage in the small shops on either side of the hotel, and negotiate: a carry-on bag was reduced from $20 to $11, while a large suitcase cost $18. For more shops, head to Mamsha promenade or the Kawthar area.

2 sources · 23 days ago

Can I order seafood from a local market for delivery to my hotel in Egypt?

Seafood from a local market can be ordered via WhatsApp: ask for the current selection and prices, then arrange delivery to your hotel entrance. Shrimp received positive feedback, while one traveler found the white fish disappointing.

1 source · 26 days ago

How many medicines can travelers take out of Egypt in their luggage?

The discussion does not confirm a fixed export limit for medicines from Egypt. Avoid carrying a suitcase full of medication; a practical rule of thumb mentioned is up to five packs of each product per person, but customs officers have discretion.

1 source · 32 days ago

How to deal with pushy shopkeepers in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt?

Shopkeepers in Sharm El Sheikh’s tourist areas can be persistent about inviting visitors into shops or making a sale. A polite but firm “no, thank you” and continuing to walk usually works without further trouble.

1 source · 44 days ago

Where to buy cigarettes in Egypt, how much do they cost, and what is the cigarette allowance for entry?

In late August 2026 a participant wrote that, as far as she remembered, Egypt allows one carton of cigarettes per person on entry, and that e-cigarettes go in hand luggage; check the exact allowance against Egyptian customs rules. According to June 2026 reports the local choice is wide — slims and regulars, with or without a flavour capsule — but not everyone likes the taste, so some smokers buy a carton of their usual brand at departure duty free, for example Davidoff at about $18.

1 source · 45 days ago

Are there shops inside Egyptian all-inclusive hotels, and is it worth buying fruit there?

Most Egyptian all-inclusive hotels have small shops on-site, but prices are higher than outside; fruit selection is limited (mostly mango). For better prices and variety, head to Naama Bay (about 5 minutes away) where shops have fixed pricing.

1 source · 53 days ago

Can you find whole wheat, rye, or bran bread in Egypt hotels/restaurants instead of white bread?

Authentic dark rye bread like in Russia/Eastern Europe isn't really available in Egypt, but some hotel restaurants offer small grey rye-style rolls — it's a good idea to bring some familiar bread for the first few days.

1 source · 53 days ago

Where to buy alcohol near hotels in Egypt (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh resorts)?

You can order alcohol delivery straight to your hotel via specific Telegram channels/websites, buy it at shops about 300 meters outside the hotel gate (pricier), or stock up at duty-free before your flight.

2 sources · 55 days ago

Do kids need water shoes and swim vests for the beach in Egypt (Red Sea)?

Yes, water shoes are essential because of coral, sea urchins and hot sand, and regular armbands are usually enough for swimming since Red Sea water is dense and buoyant. Swim vests are sometimes available at hotels, but it's best to check in advance or bring your own.

1 source · 56 days ago

Where can I shop for groceries and go for an evening walk in Sharm El Sheikh if my hotel area has few shops?

For budget groceries, travelers recommend Fix; Mango Market is another option for essentials, although opinions on it vary. For an evening walk and more shops, take a taxi to SOHO Square or the Old Market.

1 source · 59 days ago

Where to buy sunscreen and basic pharmacy items in Egypt (resort towns)?

Sunscreen and after-sun cream are sold in local pharmacies and small shops near hotels; prices can vary a lot (up to 2x) between nearby pharmacies, so it's worth comparing a couple before buying.

1 source · 68 days ago

Where can I shop for beach essentials near an Egyptian resort hotel?

For beach essentials, walk from the reception away from the sea to the market; a recommended shop is on the right-hand side. Shops can also be found along the promenade, outside the hotel, and near the water-slide area.

1 source · 24 days ago

Where can I find a fixed-price supermarket and an affordable pharmacy near my hotel in Egypt?

A large mall with a fixed-price supermarket on the ground floor is about a 10–15 minute walk to the left from the hotel. For medicines, walk roughly 2 km to the right for a pharmacy with a wider selection and lower prices.

1 source · 79 days ago

Is it cheaper to buy snorkeling gear and toiletries in Egypt or bring them from home?

A snorkel mask can be found in Egypt for about $15, cheaper than similar gear in home-country sporting goods stores (roughly $30+). Toiletries and drinks at local shops near hotels cost around $1 each, but some travelers still prefer to bring chocolate and specific brands from home.

1 source · 83 days ago

Where to buy cigarettes and snacks cheaply in Egypt - hotel shop vs duty free vs local stores?

Hotel shops charge more for cigarettes (~$4 a pack with capsule), while local town stores sell them for as little as $1. It's cheaper to bring alcohol and cigarettes from home or buy at airport duty free; bargaining over small snacks like chocolate isn't worth the hassle.

1 source · 111 days ago

Where to buy snorkeling masks and coral souvenirs in Egypt (prices)?

Snorkeling masks and coral souvenirs are sold at street bazaars near hotels (e.g. near Cleopatra) and shops like Gomla — masks cost $7-12, corals $2-6; always haggle.

2 sources · 90 days ago

Are hotel-front souvenir markets in Egypt (like Cleopatra Bazaar) overpriced, and which shopping areas have fixed prices?

The Cleopatra Bazaar branch right at the hotel entrance tends to overcharge, while their second location (further past Senzo Mall) has fixed prices. For fairer deals, locals recommend malls like Gomla, Metro, Aten, or Bestway (often walkable from hotels).

2 sources · 4 days ago

Where to buy fruit cheaply in Egypt (instead of at the hotel)?

Hotel fruit is the most expensive option — cheaper to buy from roadside stalls or the local ATEN store, which beats the METRO supermarket chain on price and selection.

1 source · 84 days ago

Should you pack a shower mat when traveling to Egypt?

Yes — many travelers recommend packing a small rubber shower mat since bathroom floors in some Egyptian hotels/apartments can be slippery or not very clean; you can just leave it behind at the end of the trip.

1 source · 87 days ago

Where can you buy alcohol in Egypt near tourist areas, and are there any sales time restrictions?

Yes, in Egypt’s tourist areas you can usually find alcohol shops within walking distance; travelers mentioned Drimkins and a small liquor shop on the main shopping street. Exact sales hours were not confirmed, and online sources seem inconsistent, so it’s best to check locally.

1 source · 90 days ago

Which food souvenirs are worth buying in Egypt, and what should travelers avoid?

According to travelers in July 2026, the coffee in an orange pack turned out to be a good buy from Egypt, along with dates and halva. Boxed lokum, by contrast, got a very poor rating. You can try coffee in small bricks first: the lighter one is milder, the darker one stronger; cognac, one participant joked, can be picked up at duty free.

1 source · 83 days ago

Should you buy a full-face snorkeling mask in Egypt, and how much does it cost?

Travelers in summer 2026 said a full-face snorkeling mask is more comfortable than a separate mask and snorkel, especially for women and children. In July 2026 one traveler bought such a mask at a bazaar in Egypt for about $9 and was happy with it. The key is getting the size right: a mask ordered online in advance turned out too big for a child.

1 source · 91 days ago

How much do essential oils, creams, soaps, and oil perfumes cost in Egypt, and how much should you haggle?

Travelers say starting prices for oils and cosmetics in Egypt are often inflated, so it’s normal to bargain 40–50% below the first offer. Reported examples include 3 creams plus 3 soaps for $30, marjoram oil for about $25, joint cream for about $35, and 50 ml oil perfume for about $35.

1 source · 91 days ago

Where can I buy groceries, fruit, and Egyptian sweets outside the hotel in Hurghada?

In Hurghada, groceries and sweets are easy to find outside hotel grounds: travelers often mention Metro and Aten across the road, plus Mix Market and TK Market on the main street. For fruit and more local products, walk into the residential blocks where small shops sell mangoes, halva, and Turkish delight.

1 source · 81 days ago

Where to buy sweets and souvenirs in Egypt at fixed prices without bargaining?

For no-haggle shopping, travelers most often recommend Senzo Mall and Gomla Market, where prices are fixed and you can buy groceries plus some souvenirs. For luggage, the Cleopatra Bazaar area was reported cheaper: about EGP 800 for a small suitcase versus EGP 1,200 at Gomla.

1 source · 39 days ago

How much do snorkel masks and snorkels cost in Egypt, and is it better to bring your own?

Between June and September 2026, a basic mask-and-snorkel set in Egypt cost roughly $10–20: about $20 after bargaining at a beach shop, $10–15 at Mango Market, and $10 instead of $15 after haggling at a hotel shop. Some travelers feel local masks are lower quality and bring their own gear from home. If you buy locally, try the mask on, test the seal and check your receipt carefully.

2 sources · 5 days ago

What swimming and snorkeling gear should you buy for a trip to Egypt: a rash guard, kids’ floaties, or a full-face snorkel mask?

For swimming in Egypt, travelers tend to prefer a lycra rash guard over regular two-piece swimwear because it stays in place better in the water. For beginner snorkelers, a full-face mask is seen as the easiest option, and inflatable arm floaties can be useful for kids.

1 source · 94 days ago

Where can I find a convenience store near my resort in Egypt for drinks and basic supplies?

Small shops selling drinks and basic supplies are often either inside the resort complex or just across the road from the hotel. Travelers mention stores near the fountains, on the road toward the seahorse statue, and inside Saraya along the aquapark shuttle route.

1 source · 26 days ago

Where is it safest to buy alcohol while traveling: duty free, airport shops, or regular stores?

Based on these traveler comments, duty free and airport shops seem to be the safest options for alcohol purchases. Regular non-duty-free stores were viewed as questionable, with concerns about counterfeit products.

1 source · 97 days ago

Where can I buy a snorkel mask and beach essentials near my hotel in Egypt?

There may be no rental service at the hotel itself, but travelers report a cheap shop just across the road, slightly to the left, next to a grocery store. It sells snorkel masks, aqua shoes, beach shirts, and souvenirs.

1 source · 85 days ago

How much do T-shirts, bags, and simple necklaces cost at tourist markets in Egypt, and should you bargain?

Based on travelers' experience at a market in Egypt in summer 2026, a T-shirt cost $5, a seller offered simple necklaces at $10 each, and a bag first priced at $20 was bargained down to a much lower price. Bargaining is worth it: the opening price is clearly inflated. When paying for a T-shirt with a $100 note, one traveler got the change in $1 and $5 bills.

2 sources · 100 days ago

Is Mango Market worth visiting for cheap shopping in Egypt, and is it safe to buy after-sun products there, or is Fix Price a better option?

Based on chat feedback, Mango Market was disappointing for general bargain shopping, and one after-sun product reportedly turned skin blue. For cheap household items and fun impulse buys, travelers more often preferred Fix Price.

1 source · 61 days ago

Can you buy water shoes and reef shoes at Egyptian resorts, or should you bring them from home?

Water shoes and reef shoes are available for purchase at Egyptian resort shops, so you don't need to bring them from home. Resort shops typically accept both USD and Egyptian pounds.

1 source · 103 days ago

Can you buy clothes, shoes, and toiletries in Egypt at the resort?

Yes, basic toiletries are available in small shops near the resort market area, and beach gear can be found in shops along the path to the beach.

1 source · 37 days ago

Where to buy groceries and household goods at local prices in Egypt (not tourist markup)?

Avoid tourist-oriented supermarkets like Red Sea and Cleopatra Market. Look for local household stores inside nearby malls or fixed-price supermarkets a short walk from the hotel strip.

1 source · 109 days ago

Are there shops and a pharmacy near hotels in Egypt (resort areas)?

Yes, small shops and a pharmacy are about a 10-minute walk from most hotels — exit and turn right along the road to find them on the opposite side.

1 source · 53 days ago

Are there shops and pharmacies near hotels in Egypt (Hurghada area)?

According to hotel guests, there are shops both on the grounds and right outside the gates: in the main building, near the Point and to the right of the exit, with supermarkets beyond the barrier. The hotel has a pharmacy, and in August 2026 guests called prices in the on-site shops fair; a June review said the cheapest option is the supermarket at Senzo Mall.

3 sources · 8 days ago

Does Mango Market in Egypt sell luggage, and what currency are prices in?

Suitcases, according to a June 2026 account, are definitely sold in the small shops around Mango Market and across the street; the participant could not remember whether Mango Market itself stocks them. Travelers quoted prices in US dollars: in July 2026 a full-face snorkel mask was bought there for 8 dollars. In September 2026 participants wrote that Mango Market runs a free shuttle to and from hotels.

1 source · 23 days ago

Where to buy chocolate and snacks in Egypt — tips and prices

At Homla supermarket (right side past the checkouts) you can find chips and chocolate from around 140 EGP. Always check expiry dates — some products have them covered up.

1 source · 114 days ago

Best souvenirs and gifts to bring back from Egypt

Chocolate pebbles (mol chocolate) make great gifts from Egypt. Ferrero Rocher is surprisingly expensive there and highly appreciated. For hassle-free shopping, Mango Market accepts cards and has fixed prices.

1 source · 8 days ago

Where to buy groceries and snacks near a resort hotel in Egypt?

Basic snacks and drinks are available just across the road from the hotel. The nearest proper supermarket is Senzo Mall, about 15–20 minutes on foot.

1 source · 13 days ago

Where to shop in Egypt — supermarkets vs local markets?

Local Egyptian markets offer the best deals but require bargaining. The Bestway supermarket is a convenient stop, while large malls tend to disappoint with high prices and limited selection.

1 source · 93 days ago