How to get a taxi from Hurghada airport without a working bank card?

Hurghada Airport may not have Wi‑Fi, and a local SIM can take 30–60 minutes to start working. If you already have internet, an InDrive or Uber ride is about US$5–6; without internet, negotiate with a taxi outside and pay in cash, US dollars, or euros, typically US$10–15. A pre-booked transfer costs around US$25 and may be more convenient for a night arrival, solo travel, or children.

An Uber driver may ask for extra money, but you can insist on the fare shown in the app; in the reported case, the ride was ultimately completed at the Uber-app price.

You can set up InDrive in advance at home, using your regular phone number (e.g. Russian number) — the verification code arrives via Telegram. After landing you just need internet access (local SIM, e-SIM, or Wi-Fi) to use the app with that same number.

If your card doesn't work, you can get cash dollars from ATMs with a currency exchange function — no card needed, just insert cash bills (one such ATM is at the Sea Life hotel reception, similar ones are found around town). Photograph your bill before inserting it into the machine, just in case. You can also try exchanging dollars at hotel souvenir shops (e.g. at Club Resort) — same rate as the ATM, but they take about $2 commission and there's a risk they might try to shortchange you.

If you don't have mobile internet but the hotel has Wi-Fi, you can still book a taxi via app by connecting to the hotel's Wi-Fi.

You can flag down a taxi directly on the street: negotiate the price, sit in the back seat, and pay the agreed amount after getting out of the car.

Heads-up: after a safety incident, some hotels' management now bans outside taxis (Uber, InDrive, etc.) from entering the hotel grounds — the driver won't be let in even if you give the car's plate number at reception. To use an outside taxi, you may need to sign a waiver at reception stating you're arranging the ride yourself and accept responsibility for your safety, or walk about 700 meters to the gate outside the hotel to meet the car.

If you book a taxi via an app (e.g. Uber), let hotel reception know — staff will ask security to open the gate so the car can drive right up to reception, meaning you don't need to leave the complex grounds.

You can ask the hotel reception to call a taxi for you — a handy option if you don't have a local SIM card or app.

Taxis in Hurghada can be paid for in US dollars — drivers generally accept foreign currency.

Install the InDrive app and book a taxi through it — hailing a cab on the street will cost more. An internet connection is required to use the app.

ABC Taxi is worth trying — reportedly cheaper than booking through tourist websites.

When booking a taxi online, the app may show card payment as an option, but drivers often switch to cash payment in practice — always have local currency on hand.

Exit the terminal and walk to the second barrier — that's where taxis wait. Agree on the fare and the return pickup time right away. Payment is made in cash on the return trip.

If your bank card doesn't work, ask someone at the airport to book a Yandex taxi on your behalf and reimburse them in cash. This is a practical workaround if you don't have a local SIM card yet.