Dahab

• Getting around

  Masbat and Mashraba are entirely walkable, and most snorkeling and diving sites are a short drive or even a walk from the promenade — a bicycle or a quick pickup-truck taxi covers everything else.

• Connectivity

  Local SIM cards are available in town, with reasonable coverage along the coast though it can weaken further inland toward the canyons.

• Respect the laid-back vibe, but dress modestly off the beach

  Beachwear is fine right on the promenade, but cover up a bit more when walking further into town or visiting a Bedouin camp inland.

• Bargaining is normal

  Prices at souvenir stalls and with camel/canyon guides are often negotiable — a friendly back-and-forth is expected, not rude.

• Basic Arabic goes a long way

  "Shukran" (thank you) and "min fadlak" (please) are appreciated everywhere, especially with Bedouin guides.

• Reef-safe sunscreen & snorkel gear

  Many of Dahab's best sites (Blue Hole, Three Pools) are shore-entry, so having your own mask and fins means you can snorkel whenever you like without renting.

• Layers for desert evenings

  Desert and mountain evenings cool down fast, even after a hot day — a light jacket or fleece is worth packing for a Bedouin camp night or a Colored Canyon trip.

• Sturdy sandals or trekking shoes

  The Colored Canyon and White Canyon involve scrambling over uneven rock — closed, grippy footwear beats flip-flops here.

• Hydration in the desert

  Drink 2-3 liters of water daily, more on canyon hikes or desert safaris — shade is scarce once you leave the promenade.

• Diving and freediving safety

  The Blue Hole has a serious reputation for a reason — never dive it without proper certification, a local guide, and full respect for depth and no-decompression limits.

• Minor injuries & illnesses

  For small cuts, stings or an upset stomach, ask your guesthouse about the nearest pharmacy or clinic — options are more limited than in bigger resort towns.

• Never dive or snorkel alone at the Blue Hole

  Currents and the sheer drop-off have led to serious accidents over the years — always go with a guide or a buddy, and stay well within your certification level.

• Check kitesurfing conditions

  Wind is generally reliable but can gust strongly — a lesson with a certified local school is worth it even for experienced kiters unfamiliar with the lagoon.

• Protect the reef

  Never stand on or touch coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen — Dahab's shore-entry reefs are heavily visited and easily damaged by careless fins.

• Cushion-café dining is the Dahab experience

  Low tables, floor cushions and a menu of fresh seafood, Bedouin bread and Egyptian classics right on the water — this style of restaurant is Dahab's signature and worth doing more than once.

• Drinking water

  Stick to bottled water, and be cautious with ice from anywhere that doesn't look like a proper restaurant.

• Fresh seafood

  Several promenade restaurants display the day's catch — grilled fish and calamari are a highlight, generally priced by weight.

• Visas

  Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival (around $25) or an e-visa in advance. Note that the free Sinai-only entry stamp available at some land borders does not cover a Sharm airport arrival.

• Airport transfers

  Pre-arrange a transfer from Sharm El Sheikh Airport — there's no direct airport in Dahab itself.

• Emergency numbers

  Police 122, Ambulance 123, Tourist Police 126 — see the full Emergency section below for hospitals and more.

• Checkpoints

  Police checkpoints are common on Sinai's roads — keep your passport accessible when travelling between towns.

Currency & payments

The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). Cards work at bigger guesthouses and dive centers, but Masbat's small cafés, taxis and market stalls are largely cash — carry enough EGP for daily spending.

Daily budget guidelines

Budget traveller: €20-35/day (guesthouse room, cushion-café meals, local diving). Mid-range: €45-75/day (comfortable guesthouse or small hotel, regular diving/excursions). Luxury: €100+/day (boutique beachfront stay, private guides). Dahab is consistently cheaper than Sharm or Hurghada for equivalent diving and accommodation.

Tipping & baksheesh

Tipping ("baksheesh") is customary here as elsewhere in Egypt: €1-2 for restaurant staff, €2-4 per day for dive guides, and something small for camel or canyon guides. Keep small-denomination EGP notes on you.