How Much Spending Money Do You Need in Hurghada (2026 Guide)
Wondering how much spending money you need for Hurghada from the UK? This guide breaks down daily budgets, excursion costs, tipping, and realistic weekly spending for British holidaymakers.
If you’re planning a Red Sea holiday, one of the biggest questions is how much spending money you actually need.
Compared with the United Kingdom and other European countries, prices in Egypt can feel very affordable – but your total spend depends heavily on how you holiday.
Many visitors visit Hurghada on all-inclusive packages and spend very little outside their hotel. Others budget extra for boat trips, desert safaris, meals out, and shopping. Both are completely normal.
This guide gives realistic 2026 spending estimates based on typical holiday habits, helping you plan properly and avoid either overspending or running out of cash mid-holiday.
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Hurghada Spending Money
Most tourists visiting Hurghada stay all-inclusive, which already covers food, drinks, and entertainment. This dramatically reduces how much daily spending money you need compared with European destinations.
However, many holidaymakers underestimate how much extras cost. Excursions, spa treatments, shopping, and premium experiences often become the biggest part of your spending – not food or drinks.
Your comfort level also matters. Travellers happy using local taxis, cafés, and markets will usually spend less than those using hotel restaurants, private transfers, and organised premium tours.
Top Tips for Spending Money in Hurghada
1. Set a Realistic Daily Spending Budget Before You Travel
For most holidaymakers in Hurghada, realistic daily spending (excluding hotel) is:
- Budget traveller: £15–£30 per day
- Mid-range holidaymaker: £30–£70 per day
- Experience-heavy or luxury extras: £70–£150+ per day
If you are staying all-inclusive and only leaving the hotel occasionally, many visitors spend £150–£300 total across a week.
If you plan multiple excursions and premium experiences, weekly spending can easily reach £300–£600 per person or more.
2. Excursions Usually Take the Biggest Chunk of Your Budget
Excursions are where most tourists spend the most extra money.
Typical prices (2026 average):
- Snorkelling / boat trips: £25–£60
- Desert safari trips: £40–£90
- Private tours or premium experiences: £100+
If you book two or three excursions during a week, you could spend £150–£250 just on trips alone.
Many travellers consider this the highlight of their holiday, so it’s smart to plan this budget separately.
3. Plan for Tipping (It’s Normal and Expected)
Tipping is a normal part of tourism culture and service jobs.
Typical tip amounts:
- Hotel staff: £1–£2 equivalent
- Drivers or porters: £1–£3
- Full-day excursion crew: £5–£10
Across a week, most travellers tip around £20–£50 total. Small amounts are appreciated and can noticeably improve service.
If you want to know more, read our guide to tipping in Hurghada.
4. Bring Both Cash and Card for Flexibility
Cash is still widely preferred outside hotels, especially for taxis, markets, and small shops.
Many travellers bring:
- £100–£200 cash to exchange locally
- Debit or credit card as backup
ATMs are common in tourist areas, but fees can vary. Withdrawing larger amounts less often is usually cheaper.
5. Set a Separate Budget for Shopping and Extras
Impulse spending is common on holiday – especially for souvenirs, spa treatments, and evenings out.
Typical extras:
- Spa treatments: £30–£80
- Souvenirs and gifts: £20–£100+
- Drinks or taxis outside hotel: £10–£30 per evening
Many tourists set aside £100–£200 “fun money” for the week to stay in control of spending.
Rounding Things Up
For most holidaymakers, a safe weekly spending estimate (excluding hotel and flights) is £200–£500 per person. This usually covers tips, a couple of excursions, and general extras.
If you want multiple excursions, spa visits, and regular nights out, budgeting closer to £500–£800 per person is more realistic.
If you are strict all-inclusive and only plan one excursion, you might spend under £200 total – one of the reasons Hurghada remains popular with travellers looking for value holidays.
Hurghada Spending Money FAQs
Most travellers bring pounds and exchange locally or withdraw local currency from ATMs.
Usually yes for food, taxis, and excursions, although resort prices can feel similar to European resorts.
Many tourists carry £20–£50 equivalent daily and leave the rest in the hotel safe.
Sometimes, but quality and insurance cover can vary. Cheapest isn’t always best.
Yes, ATMs are widely available in tourist zones and hotels.
My Final Thoughts
Hurghada can be one of the best value winter sun destinations for travellers, but spending varies massively depending on your holiday style. All-inclusive guests can spend very little, while experience-focused travellers may spend much more.
The best strategy is setting three budgets before you travel: daily spending, excursions, and extras. This makes it much easier to relax and enjoy your holiday without worrying about money.
