Practical Information: Dahab

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

Main providers in Egypt are Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, Etisalat Misr, and WE. All have good coverage in Dahab.

Purchase & Usage

Purchase at Sharm El Sheikh Airport or official stores in Dahab.
Passport is a must for registration.
Data packages are affordable (e.g., 15-30 GB for 200-400 EGP).

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Most hotels, guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants in Dahab feature free Wi-Fi.

Availability & Reliability

Quality and speed may vary in public Wi-Fi.
Dive centers typically provide Wi-Fi for their guests.
A local SIM card with a data plan often presents more reliable internet access. Consider an ESIM from Airalo or a portable device from Solis Wi-Fi.

Postal Services

A local post office is available in Dahab. Services are functional for sending postcards or small packages.

Considerations

International mail may be slow.
For important documents, a reputable international courier service is available in Sharm El Sheikh.
Plan for potential delays in postal delivery.

Language & Translation

The official language is Egyptian Arabic. English is widely spoken in Dahab's tourist areas.

Helpful Tips

Hotel staff, dive instructors, waiters, and shopkeepers often speak English.
Some locals speak German, Russian, or French.
The Google Translate app (with offline Arabic pack) is very helpful. Consider Rosetta Stone for deeper language learning.

Basic Arabic Phrases

Common Greetings & Polite Words

Hello: Ahlan (or Salam Alaikum)
Thank you: Shukran
Please: Min fadlak (male) / Min fadlik (female)
Excuse me/Sorry: Asef

Practical Phrases

Yes: Aywa
No: La'
How much?: Bikam?
Water: Maiya

Effective Communication

A local SIM card often provides the best internet experience. Learning a few Arabic phrases goes a long way in local interactions.

Business Hours & Schedules

Dahab's business landscape varies, with certain hours common for different services.

Shops

Generally open from 10 AM or 11 AM to late evening (10 PM or 11 PM), especially on the promenade.

Restaurants/Cafes

Open from early morning for breakfast until late into the night (1 AM or 2 AM), especially on the main promenade.

Dive Centers

Typically operate from 8 AM to 6 PM, with diving trips starting early in the morning.

Banking & ATMs

Banks typically open Sunday to Thursday.

Access Times

Most banks are open from 8:30 AM to 2 PM.
ATMs are widely available in central Dahab and operate 24/7.
ATMs for major banks are CIB, National Bank of Egypt, and QNB Alahli.

Religious & Public Holidays

Holidays may alter business hours and transportation availability.

Dates & Effects

Friday: Main holy day, reduced hours for some businesses.
Ramadan: Restaurants open after sunset; daytime services may be slower.
Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha: Businesses may close or have limited hours, crowded transport.

Seasonal Schedules

Low Season

Peak summer heat may bring reduced hours for some smaller businesses.
Very quiet winter periods may also see reduced schedules.
Some guesthouses or cafes may close temporarily.

High Season

Expect full operating hours across most businesses.
Spring and Autumn are typically busier.
All tourist services will be readily available.

Awareness of Local Hours

Being aware of typical business hours and holiday schedules aids in smooth planning, specifically during religious observances.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Dahab is generally relaxed, but local customs and traditions are present. A demonstration of respect for local culture is appreciated.

Greeting Customs & Attire

A handshake is common between men, and between women in business contexts.

Social Norms

A nod or hand over the heart is appropriate when unsure.
"Salam Alaikum" is an universal Arabic greeting.
Modest dress (covering shoulders and knees) is appreciated, especially outside tourist areas or when interacting with locals. See Swimwear options on Amazon.

Dining & Photography

Always use your right hand for eating, passing food, or handling money.

Practices & Permissions

The left hand is considered unclean.
Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially women and children.
Do not photograph military installations, police, or security checkpoints.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Public displays of affection are generally not accepted.

Avoid These

Avoid overt public displays of affection, especially between unmarried or same-sex couples.
Avoid discussing politics or religion in a critical manner.
Do not consume alcohol openly in public outside licensed areas.

Gender Considerations & LGBTQ+

Egypt is a conservative society.

Important Notes

Public displays of affection, especially between same-sex couples, are not accepted.
Solo female travelers may experience more unwanted attention; dressing modestly may minimize this.
Dahab is generally more relaxed than major cities.

Religious Site Conduct

When visiting St. Catherine's Monastery:

Dress modestly (shoulders, knees covered, and for women, hair covered).
Maintain quiet and respectful behavior.
Remove your shoes if entering prayer areas.

General observance:

Follow all instructions from staff or religious authorities.
During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure & Transport

Dahab's unpaved, sandy pathways and uneven sidewalks present challenges for wheelchair users.
Access to shops and restaurants often involves steps.
Shared taxis (pick-up trucks) are not accessible. Private taxis may need assistance.

Attractions & Resources

Some newer resorts may have accessible rooms; direct inquiry is advised.
Many historical and natural sites have uneven terrain, making access difficult.
Dedicated services for visual or hearing impairments are limited.

Navigating Dahab

For travelers with mobility challenges, planning with tour operators specializing in accessible travel for Egypt may be the best approach for tailored transport and accommodation.

Practical Information