Medicine prices in Egypt: how official prices work and how to avoid overpaying

In Egypt, the prices of registered medicines are set nationally, and the official price is printed on the pack. To avoid overpaying, check the printed price, ask for a receipt, and ask about equivalents with the same active ingredient.

This guide is for visitors who want to know what they are paying for. It explains how prices are set, what changed in 2026, and what the «Государственная аптека» sign on our window means.

How medicine prices are set in Egypt

Medicine pricing in Egypt is centralised and controlled by the government. Manufacturers must print the price on the medicine pack. The Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), created in 2019, now runs the system.

Egypt regulates medicine prices to keep medicines affordable. Prices are set in Egyptian pounds, but most raw materials are imported and paid for in US dollars.

That gap matters. The Egyptian pound lost much of its value between 2022 and 2024. Production costs rose, while selling prices stayed mostly fixed, and many prices were then raised in 2023 and 2024.

The approved price is binding. Under the current rules, pharmacies may not show or sell a registered medicine at a different price. Exceptions, such as approved discounts, need the EDA’s prior approval.

What changed in September 2026

EDA Decree No. 480 of 2026 took effect on 24 September 2026. It reviews prices with a formula based on three factors:

• the exchange rate (60%)
• inflation (30%)
• central bank interest rates (10%)

The calculation runs every six months, or sooner in exceptional cases. A price change can be considered when the formula moves by at least 10% for at least 45 days.

Increases are not automatic, because the company must apply. The EDA can also cut prices when the formula points down.

The decree applies to medicines priced or repriced after it was issued. It does not reset every pack already on pharmacy shelves. It also fixes the margins that distributors and pharmacies can earn.

Is the official price printed on the pack?

Yes. Manufacturers in Egypt must print the price on medicine packs, and the price is in Egyptian pounds.

You may see the same medicine with two different printed prices. Older packs keep the price that was printed before a change. Ending this “dual pricing” is one aim of Egypt’s new medicine tracking system.

The national track-and-trace system for medicines is due to start on 16 October 2026, with a first group of products. A pharmacists’ syndicate source told the news site Al Manassa that QR codes may later replace printed prices. The codes would show the official price.

For now, the printed price is your guide.

What «госаптека» means

Russian-speaking tourists call a pharmacy like ours «госаптека». It is short for «государственная аптека», which means “state pharmacy”.

Our shop window says «Государственная аптека». The words refer to state-set prices on registered medicines. They do not mean that the pharmacy is owned by the state.

At Apteka Sharm, registered medicines are sold at the official prices set in Egypt, with no tourist mark-up. Read more on our fair prices page.

Why some prices in tourist areas are higher

State-set prices apply to registered medicines. Many other goods in tourist areas may not carry a printed state price, such as cosmetics, oils, herbs and souvenirs. Without one, it is harder to compare, and prices can differ between shops.

Official travel advice also warns about overcharging. Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs says tourists, particularly in resorts, report being overcharged for treatment and medicines.

The UK government says some hotel doctors have overcharged for treatment and medicines. It adds that pharmacies outside hotels often supply medication at lower prices.

Egyptian consumer law protects you. Sellers must show prices clearly, including taxes, and must give an invoice with the price, date and product. Deceptive pricing, including fake discounts, is not allowed.

Practical tips to avoid overpaying

1. Ask first on WhatsApp. Send the name or a photo of the box, and ask for the price before you visit. You can also use our price check service.
2. Read the printed price. For registered medicines, compare the price on the box with the price you are charged.
3. Ask for a receipt. Sellers must give an invoice. Keep it, because your travel insurer may need it for a claim.
4. Ask about equivalents. The same active ingredient can come in several brands, each with its own official price. Locally made medicines can cost 50–60% of the imported version, according to CI Capital research reported by EnterpriseAM.
5. Know the generic name. Travel doctors advise listing your medicines by generic name, not brand name. It makes comparing much easier.
6. Check the price first for other goods. For cosmetics, oils and gifts, look at the shelf price or ask before you pay.
7. Check the currency. Official prices are in Egyptian pounds. If you pay in another currency, ask which exchange rate is used. At Apteka Sharm you can pay in any currency.

Where to find official prices in Sharm

Apteka Sharm has 5 pharmacies across Sharm El Sheikh. Two of them are on Google Maps.

One is in Naama Bay, beside Maritim Jolie Ville Resort & Casino. The other is in Nabq (El Montazah), inside Aladdin Shopping Center. Both are open every day until 1:00 AM.

See all our pharmacy locations.

Need help in Sharm?

Want to know a price before you come? Message us on WhatsApp or call +20 120 344 2201, in English, Russian, Ukrainian or Italian.

Hotel delivery is free for orders from $30. With purchases from $50, we also offer a free transfer from your hotel to our pharmacy and back.