Last updated: January 2026
Introduction: Where to Buy Alcohol in Egypt as a Tourist
Buying alcohol in Egypt is straightforward if you know where to look — but it is not as visible or accessible as in many European or Western countries. There are no alcohol sections in supermarkets, no corner shops selling beer, and no universal availability across the country. Instead, alcohol is sold through a specific set of licensed channels, and the easiest of those for tourists is Drinkies.
This guide covers every option available to tourists:
- Drinkies — Egypt’s main licensed retail chain, including delivery
- Airport duty-free — the 48-hour rule and what to expect
- Hotel and resort bars — the most convenient but most expensive option
- Licensed restaurants — where to find them and how to check
- Local brands to know — Stella beer, Sakara, Omar Khayyam wine
- Prices — what to expect and how to save money
- Safety rules — what to avoid when buying and transporting alcohol
Drinkies — Egypt’s Main Alcohol Retail Chain
Direct answer: Drinkies is the most practical and widely available option for tourists who want to buy alcohol to consume privately (in a hotel room or resort). It is Egypt’s largest licensed alcohol retailer and operates both physical shops and a delivery service.
What Is Drinkies?
Drinkies is a licensed alcohol retail chain operating across Egypt. It sells beer, wine, and spirits — both local Egyptian brands and a selection of imported products. It is the closest equivalent to a licensed off-licence or liquor store that tourists will find in Egypt.
Where Are Drinkies Shops Located?
Drinkies shops are found in:
- Cairo — multiple branches across the city, particularly in areas with international hotels
- Alexandria — branches in main tourist and residential districts
- Hurghada — in and around the resort strip
- Sharm el-Sheikh — in tourist zones
- Other major tourist and urban areas
Important: Drinkies shops are not always obviously signposted. Ask your hotel concierge for the nearest branch rather than relying solely on online maps.
Drinkies Delivery Service
Drinkies offers an alcohol delivery service in some areas. Where available, you can order through their app or website and have alcohol delivered to your hotel or accommodation. This is particularly useful if:
- You do not want to travel to a shop
- You are in a resort area where the nearest shop is not walkable
- You want to stock your hotel room without going out at night
Confirm locally: Delivery availability, hours, and coverage change. Ask your hotel reception if Drinkies delivery is available at your location, or check the Drinkies app when you arrive.
What Does Drinkies Stock?
- Local beers: Stella, Sakara (most affordable, widely stocked)
- Local wine: Omar Khayyam red, white, and rosé
- Imported beers: Selection varies by branch
- Imported spirits: Available but expensive compared to local options
- Soft drinks and mixers
Practical Rules for Buying from Drinkies
- Bring your passport or ID — you may be asked to show it
- Keep bottles sealed when transporting them back to your hotel
- Go directly to your accommodation — do not stop to drink in a public place on the way
- Keep receipts in case you are questioned
- Consume in your hotel room or resort, never in public spaces
Airport Duty-Free — The 48-Hour Rule
Direct answer: Many Egyptian airports offer duty-free alcohol to arriving tourists, and some operators allow purchases within 48 hours of arrival. However, policies change and vary by airport, terminal, and operator — always confirm on arrival.
How the 48-Hour Rule Works
Some Egyptian duty-free operators (including Egypt Free Shops Company and EGYPTAIR Duty Free) state that tourists can access duty-free services within 48 hours of landing in Egypt — not just at the point of arrival. This means you may be able to return to the airport or a designated duty-free counter after checking in to your hotel.
However:
- The 48-hour window is not guaranteed at every airport or terminal.
- Access procedures, counters, and hours vary.
- Policies can change without public notice.
- Always confirm the current procedure at the duty-free counter when you first arrive.
Practical Tips for Duty-Free Alcohol
- Keep your boarding pass, passport, and arrival stamp accessible.
- Keep all receipts for anything purchased.
- Keep bottles sealed until you are in your hotel room or resort.
- Pack bottles carefully to prevent breakage — wrap in clothing inside your bag.
- Do not assume the same allowances apply on departure as on arrival.
Customs Allowances
Official customs rules for bringing alcohol into Egypt can change. Do not rely on older posts or forum advice. Check official guidance for your nationality before travel and confirm the current rules at the airport on arrival.
Official reference: Egypt Duty Free Shops (EFSCO) | EGYPTAIR Duty Free
Hotel and Resort Bars — Most Convenient, Most Expensive
For tourists who do not want to shop for alcohol, hotel and resort bars are the most convenient option. The alcohol is already there, it is licensed, and you do not have to transport anything.
What to Expect
- International hotels and resort bars will have a selection of local and imported beers, wines, and spirits.
- All-inclusive resorts often include drinks in the package — but sometimes only house brands or at specific hours.
- Prices are significantly higher than Drinkies or licensed shops.
- Some hotels are alcohol-free by choice — always confirm before booking if this matters to you.
How to Save Money at Hotel Bars
- Choose local brands (Stella, Sakara, Omar Khayyam) over imported options.
- Check the menu before ordering — prices vary widely between hotels.
- Ask what is included in your package before ordering extras.
- Check your bill for service charges.
Browse our Egypt tour packages including Nile cruises with onboard bar service.
Licensed Restaurants
Some restaurants in Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, and Sharm el-Sheikh hold alcohol licenses and serve beer, wine, and spirits with food. These are usually restaurant-bars attached to hotels or upscale dining establishments in tourist areas.
How to Find Licensed Restaurants
- Ask your hotel concierge — they will know which local restaurants are licensed and tourist-friendly.
- Look for restaurants attached to or recommended by international hotels.
- Do not assume a restaurant serves alcohol because it looks “Western” — always ask.
What to Do if You Are Unsure
If you are not certain a restaurant is licensed, the safest option is to choose your hotel bar or restaurant instead. Attempting to drink in an unlicensed restaurant can cause social problems and potential legal issues.
Local Egyptian Drinks — What to Buy and Try
Stella Beer
Stella is the most popular beer in Egypt and has been brewed locally since 1897. It is a light, refreshing lager that is widely available everywhere alcohol is sold in Egypt — from Drinkies shops to hotel bars to Nile cruise lounges. It is consistently the most affordable beer option and the one most tourists end up drinking most of the time.
- Style: Light lager
- ABV: Approximately 4.5%
- Available: Drinkies, hotel bars, resort bars, licensed restaurants, Nile cruises
- Price: Cheapest available beer option in most settings
Sakara Beer
Sakara is a more recent Egyptian beer brand and is slightly stronger than Stella. It comes in several varieties. Sakara is widely available at Drinkies and most licensed venues and is similarly priced to Stella.
- Style: Lager (standard and gold varieties)
- Available: Drinkies, hotel bars, resort bars, licensed restaurants
- Price: Comparable to Stella
Omar Khayyam Wine
Omar Khayyam is Egypt’s most well-known local wine, produced by the Egyptian International Beverage Company. It comes in red, white, and rosé varieties and is named after the Persian poet.
- Varieties: Red, White, Rosé
- Available: Drinkies, upscale hotel restaurants, some licensed restaurants
- Price: Significantly cheaper than imported wines
- Quality note: Acceptable as a local wine; not comparable to European wines in terms of complexity, but perfectly fine for casual drinking
Other Local Options
- Auld Stag whisky — a locally produced blended whisky, available at Drinkies
- Local gin and spirits — available at Drinkies; quality varies
- Imported spirits — available but significantly more expensive
Quick Comparison: Local vs Imported
| Type | Local Option | Price Range | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beer | Stella, Sakara | Low (Drinkies) to medium (hotel bar) | Drinkies, hotel bars, resorts |
| Wine | Omar Khayyam | Medium (much cheaper than imported) | Drinkies, hotel restaurants |
| Spirits | Auld Stag whisky, local gin | Medium | Drinkies |
| Imported beer | — | High | Drinkies, hotel bars |
| Imported wine | — | Very high | Hotel restaurants |
| Imported spirits | — | Very high | Drinkies, hotel bars |
Safety: What to Avoid When Buying Alcohol in Egypt
Never Buy from Informal Sellers
If someone offers to sell you alcohol from an unmarked vehicle, a street stall, or an informal arrangement, decline. Counterfeit and contaminated alcohol is a known risk in some tourist areas globally, and Egypt is no exception. Stick to licensed shops like Drinkies and licensed hotel and resort venues.
Warning signs of unsafe alcohol:
- Unusually low price
- No label or a damaged/photocopied label
- Broken or re-sealed tamper seal
- Unusual smell or taste
If you feel unwell more quickly than expected, or if a drink tastes or smells wrong, stop drinking and get help from hotel staff or a doctor.
Transport Rules
- Keep alcohol sealed when transporting from shop to hotel.
- Do not carry open containers in public — this is illegal.
- Go directly to your accommodation after buying.
Buying Alcohol During Ramadan
During Ramadan, Drinkies shops may operate with reduced hours or may be closed at certain times. Hotel bars and licensed restaurants may also reduce alcohol service or change serving hours. Always confirm availability at the start of each day during Ramadan — do not assume the same hours will apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Where can I buy alcohol in Egypt?
Tourists can buy alcohol from Drinkies licensed shops, airport duty-free on arrival, hotel and resort bars, and licensed restaurants. Availability is limited outside major tourist areas.
2) What is Drinkies Egypt?
Drinkies is Egypt’s largest licensed alcohol retail chain, with shops in Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, and other tourist areas. It also offers delivery in some locations. It stocks Stella beer, Sakara beer, Omar Khayyam wine, and imported options.
3) Does Drinkies deliver in Egypt?
Drinkies offers delivery in some areas. Availability varies by location. Check the Drinkies app or ask your hotel concierge to confirm delivery coverage at your location.
4) What is the duty-free 48-hour rule in Egypt?
Some duty-free operators in Egypt allow tourists to buy alcohol within 48 hours of arrival. Policies vary by airport and operator — confirm at the duty-free counter when you arrive.
5) What local beers are available in Egypt?
The main local beers are Stella (light lager, brewed since 1897) and Sakara (slightly stronger lager). Both are widely available at Drinkies and licensed venues and are much cheaper than imported beers.
6) What is Omar Khayyam wine?
Omar Khayyam is Egypt’s most popular local wine brand, available in red, white, and rosé. It is sold at Drinkies and in hotel restaurants. It is affordable compared to imported wines.
7) Can I buy alcohol in supermarkets in Egypt?
No. Most supermarkets do not sell alcohol. Buy from Drinkies, duty-free, or hotel and resort bars.
8) How much does alcohol cost in Egypt?
Local brands from Drinkies are the cheapest option. Hotel and resort bar prices are the highest. Imported options are expensive at all venues. For budget drinking, buy local brands (Stella, Sakara, Omar Khayyam) from Drinkies.
9) Is it safe to buy alcohol in Egypt?
Yes, if you buy from licensed sources: Drinkies, duty-free, hotel bars, and licensed restaurants. Never buy from informal sellers — counterfeit alcohol is a real risk.
Related articles:
- Can You Drink Alcohol in Egypt? Full Tourist Guide (2026)
- Drinking in Public in Egypt: What Tourists Must Know
- Alcohol in Egypt Hotels & All-Inclusive Resorts
- Ramadan in Egypt for Tourists: Food, Alcohol & Etiquette (2026)
Explore Egypt with us: Cairo Tours | Luxor Tours | Nile Cruises | All Egypt Packages
