Quick answer
Many Red Sea hotels sell a special room rate that only Egyptians and residents of Egypt can book, and they check a valid Egyptian ID, Egyptian passport or residency at check-in. At ReserVella, prices shown in Egyptian pounds (EGP) are for Egyptian guests; guests of other nationalities, including visitors from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, are quoted in US dollars (USD). We pay attention to which rate you qualify for and confirm it in writing before you pay.
If you have compared prices for the same Red Sea resort, you may have seen two very different numbers: one in Egyptian pounds and one in dollars or euros. That is usually not a mistake. Many hotels in Egypt run separate rates for Egyptians and residents and for international guests. This guide explains how that works, what you need to bring, and how we quote you.
The short version
| Who is travelling | Rate you can usually book | How ReserVella quotes | What to bring to check-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egyptian citizens | Egyptians & residents rate, where the hotel offers one | EGP | Valid Egyptian ID card or Egyptian passport |
| Foreign residents of Egypt | Often the Egyptians & residents rate (confirmed per hotel) | We confirm the currency in your quote | Valid Egyptian residency |
| Gulf (GCC) and other international guests | International rate | USD | Passport |
What is an "Egyptians and residents" rate?
It is a room rate or room type that a hotel reserves for Egyptian citizens and for foreigners who live in Egypt. Pickalbatros, for example, states in its hotel policies that Egyptians and residents can book a special room rate, that a valid Egyptian ID, Egyptian passport or residency must be shown at check-in, and that extra charges apply if it is not. The same policy says Egyptians pay in Egyptian pounds and that, under Egyptian law, foreign guests pay in foreign currency. You will find this rule on our Pickalbatros hotel pages, such as Pickalbatros Citadel Sahl Hasheesh.
Luxury hotels outside the Pickalbatros group do the same. Booking sites list a "Special Offer – Egyptians and Residents Only" room at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh, with extra charges if a valid Egyptian ID, Egyptian passport or residency is not shown at check-in. Each hotel sets its own terms, so we check them for the hotel and dates you choose.
Why the price can be very different
The resident rate is priced for the local market and paid in pounds, while international rates are set in foreign currency. The gap varies by hotel, season and room type, so the only reliable comparison is a full quote for your dates, including the meal plan and any taxes, for the rate you actually qualify for.
How ReserVella quotes your stay
- Egyptian guests: we quote in Egyptian pounds (EGP). The "from" prices on our hotel pages are in EGP for Egyptian guests.
- Gulf and other international guests: we quote in US dollars (USD) for your dates, room and meal plan.
- Residents of Egypt: tell us your nationality and that you hold Egyptian residency; we confirm with the hotel which rate and currency apply.
- Payment: by InstaPay or bank transfer, after you have the confirmed price and conditions in writing.
Tips for guests from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf
- Tell us the ages of all children: at Pickalbatros resorts the first child under 12 stays free, and the hotels ask for birth certificates at check-in.
- For a family, ask about two-bedroom family rooms, which many large resorts offer.
- Married couples should bring their marriage certificate. Many hotels in Egypt ask Egyptian and often Arab couples to show one at check-in, and honeymoon offers can require a recent certificate.
- You can message us in Arabic or English on WhatsApp, phone or email.
Checklist before you pay
- Which rate is this: Egyptians & residents, or international?
- Which currency will you pay in, and is the total including taxes?
- What does the meal plan include?
- What are the cancellation terms for this rate?
- Which documents must every guest show at check-in?
Send your dates, nationality and who is travelling through the trip form and we reply with a quote in the right currency. See also our FAQ on prices and payment, and who we are.