Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | E£200–500 | E£700–1,500 |
| Food | E£80–180 | E£250–500 |
| Transport | E£30–100 | E£150–300 |
| Activities | E£400–700 | E£1,000–2,000 |
| Daily Total | E£710–1,480 | E£2,100–4,300 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Getting There
- Aswan International Airport (ASW) has flights from Cairo (1.5 hours). Taxi to city centre E£200–300. EgyptAir is the main carrier
- Train from Luxor (3 hours, E£40–100) or Cairo (13 hours, overnight sleeper $60–90 foreign price). The Luxor–Aswan train follows the Nile — window seat recommended
- Buses from Luxor (3–4 hours, E£60–100) via Upper Egypt Bus Co. Nile cruise ships from Luxor (3–4 nights) dock at the Corniche
Health & Safety
- Aswan is extremely hot in summer — 45°C+ from May to September. Visit October–April for comfortable temperatures. Drink 3+ litres of water daily and avoid midday sun
- Don't drink tap water. Bottled water E£5–10 everywhere. Aswan is very safe — one of the safest cities in Egypt with low crime and friendly people
- Pharmacies on the Corniche stock basic medicines. The nearest major hospital is in Aswan city. Bring high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is intense year-round
Getting Around
- Aswan is compact and walkable on the East Bank. The Corniche runs along the Nile and connects all the main hotels, restaurants, and the souk. No Uber — use regular taxis
- Taxi around town E£20–50. Negotiate before getting in. Motorboats to islands and the West Bank E£50–150. Feluccas E£200–300/hour
- The West Bank (Nubian villages, Nobles' Tombs, Monastery) requires a boat crossing. Sites south of town (dam, Philae) need a taxi — E£200–400 half-day
Connectivity
- Mobile coverage is good in the city and on the main road to Abu Simbel. Patchy on the Nile and in the desert. Download offline maps before arriving
- WiFi at most hotels and some Corniche restaurants. Speeds are slower than Cairo. Vodafone and Orange have shops in the city centre for SIM cards (E£200–400)
- WhatsApp is the primary communication app. Cell signal drops during the Abu Simbel drive — the Sahara crossing is a dead zone for most of the route
Money
- ATMs on the Corniche and near the train station. Cash is essential — most restaurants, boats, and the souk are cash only. Bring enough EGP for your stay
- Aswan is cheaper than Luxor and much cheaper than Cairo. Food, accommodation, and transport are bargains. Site entry fees are the main expense
- Tipping is expected but amounts are smaller than Cairo. E£5–10 for small services, E£20–50 for boat captains and guides. Carry lots of small notes
Packing Tips
- Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees. A wide-brimmed hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen are essential — the Aswan sun is relentless
- Comfortable sandals or walking shoes. The terrain is sandy and rocky on the West Bank. Bring a light jacket for early morning Abu Simbel trips and felucca sails
- Binoculars for birdwatching and temple detail. A daypack with water, sunscreen, and snacks for island and West Bank excursions. Quick-dry clothing for boat trips
Cultural tips
Nubian Hospitality
Nubians are among the most hospitable people in Egypt. If invited for tea in a village home, accept gracefully — it's a genuine cultural tradition, not a tourist trap. Buying handicrafts is appreciated but never expected.
Crocodile Tradition
Baby crocodiles in Nubian homes are a centuries-old tradition — crocodiles represent protection in Nubian culture. The animals are well-cared-for and eventually released. The E£20 fee supports the families.
Fair Baksheesh
Aswan is more relaxed about tipping than Cairo or Luxor. E£5–10 for small services, E£20–50 for guides and boat captains. The pressure is much lower but tips still supplement low wages — give generously when service is good.
Nubian Language
Nubians speak their own language (Nobiin) alongside Arabic. Learning basic greetings — "Ari kayee" (hello), "Kashkerey" (thank you) — earns enormous goodwill. The Nubian language has no written form and is at risk of disappearing.
Photography Respect
Always ask before photographing Nubian villagers — most are happy to pose but permission matters. Don't photograph inside homes without explicit invitation. The colourful house exteriors are fair game and expected.
