More about Safaga
Why Cruise to Safaga?
There are good beaches nearby for windsurfing, while scuba diving on the Red Sea reefs is spectacular
The town is dusty and offers little to lure tourists, while strong thermal winds blow throughout the year
It's a good access point for tours to Luxor's temples and tombs, in the Nile Valley
Good to Know?
Avoid aggressive souvenir vendors, especially in Luxor. It is best to say a firm "no" when offered merchandise on the street. If you don't, expect to be pestered for several minutes.
Getting Around?
Taxis are not readily available at the port, nor are they in town. If you do see one, you can flag it down, as in other cities, but if you want to take a taxi, it is best to arrange one in advance through your ship. The ride to town should cost less than $4. Taxis to Hurghada are about $20 each way. Taxis to Luxor can run $100 or more each way and must be arranged in advance, due to requirements that they travel in police convoys.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
The Egyptian Pound is the currency, and $1 U.S. equals about 5.69 Egyptian Pounds. (Check XE.com for the latest currency rates.) Most souvenir shops are happy to take U.S. dollars. Bank branches (Banque Misr and Banque du Caire) in Safaga have ATM's, which dispense Egyptian Pounds. Exchange traveler's checks on your ship or at hotels and banks. Credit cards are widely accepted at shops and restaurants.
Language?
Arabic, but English is readily spoken by those in the tourist trade.
Where You're Docked?
Port Safaga is mostly an industrial port, located about 1.5 miles from the town of Safaga. There are no tourist facilities at the port.
