Dahab is one of my favorite digital nomad destinations in Egypt. Known for having the perfect combo of laidback beach life and remote work-friendly environment, no wonder it’s attracting digital nomads from around the world like myself. And since I often book long-term stays and work remotely from there, I often get asked: how to rent in Dahab? 

So, whether you’re traveling as a digital nomad or if you’re diving in Dahab and looking to get PADI-certified, you’ve come to the right place. I’m here to answer this FAQ in detail and guide you through the process of finding your ultimate Dahab home.

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Where to Stay in Dahab, Egypt: Your Neighborhood Guide

Assala

A tranquil neighborhood known for its unique charm and stunning coral reefs. It boasts a variety of aesthetically pleasing rentals and views, as well as a variety of amenities nearby.

Ideal for: travelers looking for tranquility and quality properties, without compromising amenities.

Eel Garden

Another tranquil area known for its beautiful beach and laidback atmosphere, that’s also popular among snorkelers and kitesurfers. 

Ideal for: travelers looking for tranquility and quality properties.

Lighthouse

A lively area, centrally located and named after the iconic lighthouse and El Fanar Street. It’s best known for its dining options, diving centers, and beachfront shops and cafés. 

Ideal for: travelers looking for a central location close enough to beach activities, shops, and dining options.

Mashraba

Another commercial area, but a busier one, that also partially stretches along the promenade. It boasts a wide variety of shops and restaurants.

Ideal for: travelers looking for more budget stays but still want to be close to the hustle and bustle of the town.

Ard El Game’eya 

This one’s a less touristy and a more residential area that’s a little far from the center and its attractions. 

Ideal for: travelers who don’t mind compromising proximity for more budget stays (and ideally have a bike or car for commuting).

Tanmia

Another residential area that offers a tranquil, budget-friendly living experience. It’s also removed from the touristy areas, but it’s closer to the Lighthouse area. 

Ideal for: travelers who don’t mind compromising proximity for more budget-friendly stays (and ideally have a bike or car for commuting).

3 Ways to Find a Place to Rent in Dahab

Option #1: Browse Facebook Groups

The easiest way to find a place to rent in Dahab is to browse relevant Facebook groups. Lots of local landlords and brokers post their listings on social media and Facebook is the platform where you’ll find endless options. You can also post what you’re looking for exactly and most definitely some people will reach out to you with offerings. 

Here are a few Facebook groups you can check out if you’re looking to rent in Dahab:

• Dahab Rentals
• Dahab rentals
• Dahab Apartments/Studio/Chalets (Rentals Direct From Owners)
• Dahab News & Talk (Residents & Community)
• Dahab Digital Nomads

Tips on How to Vet Listings and Spot Potential Scams

Before you go ahead and rent in Dahab the first place you like online, it’s crucial to be vigilant to avoid getting scammed. So, here are a few tips to vet listings while browsing to make sure everything’s safe and legitimate:

• Check the profile of the landlord or broker that posted the listing. I’m not telling you to stalk them, but going through their social media can help verify their identity and spot potential red flags.
• Request a video or a video call to remotely tour the property. This can help verify the legitimacy of the description and will help you check things that aren’t visible in photos like water pressure, for instance.
• Have someone go inspect the property themselves if you know anyone already staying in Dahab or arriving before you.
• Avoid sending a deposit before making sure the property is consistent with its description.
• Use verified and traceable payment methods and avoid wire transfers. Most locals there will probably share with you their Instapay or eWallet (such as Vodafone Cash) details, which are common in Egypt and legit, so don’t worry. However, Instapay currently doesn’t work with non-Egyptian cards, but if your landlord has a Vodafone Cash account, you can easily send the money from some local supermarkets across the country. If you’re outside of Egypt and traveling directly to Dahab, then you might want to check with the landlord if they have a PayPal account or if they can wait till you arrive.
• Look out for potential red flags during your communication with the landlord/broker. Are they unresponsive? Are they too pushy? How about their terms? Are they too vague?

What to Look for in Listings Before You Rent in Dahab

• A detailed description of the property: exact location, amenities, number of rooms, nearby attractions, house rules, etc…
• Clear high-resolution photos for the entire property.
• Consistency between photos and description.
• Clear rental terms and conditions: price, deposit, cancelation policy, etc…
• Reviews by former tenants if available.

Option #2: Book a Short-Term Stay First

The downside of renting in Dahab via Facebook is that you don’t get to see the property until you arrive. So, if the place turns out unlike the pictures or not up to your standards for whatever reason, by the time you arrive, it’s usually too late as most landlords/brokers will request a sending a deposit.

This takes us to option number 2 – if you have the budget and are not constrained by a pet (like myself), it’s best if you book a short-term stay first. Book a few nights at one of the many hotels or hostels in Dahab first for a chance to inspect properties in person. You might also stumble upon good properties that aren’t listed online when you’re physically there. Not to mention that this way you can take your time to explore different areas and compare living situations. 

Of course, the problem with that is that due to your limited time, you might miss out on great properties if they’re already booked. You might also end up paying more for booking last minute in some cases, and there’s the added budget for your hotel stay too, which will most likely be more expensive than a rental per night. 

Anyhow, if you’re looking for nice hostels/hotels in Dahab that won’t break the bank, here are some of my top recommendations:

• Rafiki Hostels (my TOP & MOST BUDGET-FRIENDLY recommendation)
• Diamond Dahab House
• Dahab Divers
• Alf Leila Boutique Hotel

Option #3: Leverage Your Network in Dahab

One of the most reliable ways to rent in Dahab is through someone you already know and trust. If you’ve been to Dahab before and have connections, leverage your social network! Consider contacting local friends, other digital nomads, restaurant owners, waiters, and baristas, only to name a few. Most probably someone (or more) will either know brokers or will be renting a place themselves – it’s a very common side hustle in Dahab. In the worst-case scenario, they will be able to guide you and connect you with the right people. 

Things to Consider Before You Rent in Dahab

Things to Inspect at the Property

As soon as you’re on ground and can inspect the property in person, there are a few things you need to look out for:

• Location safety
• Whether or not the windows are secure
• Whether or not the locks are properly secured
• Water pressure
• Electricity
• Internet speed (if WiFi was promised)
• Noise levels

Understand the Rental Terms

As I previously mentioned, vague rental terms can raise a red flag. That’s why it’s important to discuss and negotiate the terms and make sure everything is clear from the very beginning. Here are some of the important terms you should discuss with your landlord/broker before you rent in Dahab:

• Rental duration
• Utilities included
• Security deposit
• Maintenance responsibilities
• House rules (e.g.: Is indoor smoking allowed? Is the property pet-friendly? Are you allowed to host visitors?)

Things to Know in Advance

If it’s your first time to rent in Dahab, especially if you’re not Egyptian, there are a few local insights that you need to know to help you set the right expectations or be well-prepared.

• Landlords and brokers are required by the Dahab police to notify them whenever a new tenant rents a place. They also need to send a copy of your identification.
• Contracts are not common in Dahab if you’re renting for a short period of time. Sure, a few months is a long-term stay, but it’s not permanent. 
• Unmarried Egyptian couples are prohibited from staying together as per the Egyptian law. It’s completely fine if you’re in a foreign couple/group, but if one of you is Egyptian, then it might cause them trouble. It’s almost impossible to stay in a hotel as they’re liable, but some people work around this with rentals if the landlord is fine with it. However, it’s important to understand that it’s common to get turned down by some landlords as it’s socially frowned upon as well. 
• It’s very common for tenants in Dahab to lease rooms in their apartments, which I don’t always recommend unless it’s through someone you trust. It’s best if you deal with the landlord directly.

So, if you’re looking for a place to rent in Dahab, now you have everything you need to know. Make sure you check out my Dahab travel guide to make the best of your stay, and if you’re a digital nomad, then you might want to check out these remote work-friendly spots.

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Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

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This travel medical insurance is perfect for frequent travelers. It covers lost checked luggage, travel delay, doctors, hospitals, and more. It even covers the COVID-19 emergency quarantine period if deemed necessary by a physician.

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