The secrets of buying genuine Egyptian papyrus in Hurghada
Papyrus is one of the most beautiful and authentic souvenirs you can bring home from Egypt. More than 80% of the souvenirs sold at street markets, however, are made from pressed banana leaves or sugar cane, and they crumble away within a couple of years.
10 signs of genuine papyrus in 2026
- The structure held up to the light: Real papyrus is made of two layers of crossed fibres that form a clear grid.
- The strength and water test: Real papyrus can be crumpled and wetted — it neither tears nor turns soggy.
- The smell: Genuine papyrus has no harsh chemical odour.
- A certificate of authenticity: At the specialist workshops every piece comes with a stamped certificate.
- The artist's signature: Quality papyrus paintings are hand-painted in tempera or gouache and carry the artist's signature.
- Papyrus that glows in the dark: A popular novelty of 2026 — paintings in phosphorescent colours whose scene changes when the light goes out.
- Price matters: A genuine A4 papyrus cannot cost one or two dollars. Realistic prices start at 15-20 dollars — see our tips on shopping at the oriental market.
- Buy from specialist institutes: Hurghada has official papyrus museums and galleries with fixed prices; you will pass several on the Hurghada city tour, and the motifs make far more sense after a day trip to Luxor.
- Rules for transport: Ask for the papyrus to be packed in a rigid plastic tube so that it travels safely.
- Framing: Papyrus is best framed under glass with a small mount, which keeps the colours vivid; ready-framed pieces are also available in our online shop.
