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Egypt!
Share your travel knowledge!Common Scams
Egypt is a wonderful place to visit but there are some common scams that you need to be aware of at popular tourist sites. Don't take it personally, instead treat it as an experience and you'll have some interesting stories when you get home.
At the airport
People acting as porters will offer to take your bag to help but will want to be paid. Always agree on a price in advance if you need help and don't let them take over if you don't want help.
An official looking person will tell you that your transfer is not able to make it and a taxi has been arranged instead. Ring your tour company to confirm as it is most likely a trick.
Taxi's
Always agree on the price before you get in. Don't believe it, if you are told by an official looking person outside that your hotel booking was not made or the hotel is overbooked. Go inside and check at reception for yourself.
The free gift - never take it
Someone will offer you (or your children) a free gift such as a scarf, scarab or such. They will pretend to be interested in your visit and where you are from but will eventually ask for a gift in return or a few pound for their family. They will try to make you feel guilty because they gave you a gift.
Free Camel Rides
They will offer you free camel rides into the desert by wont let you down or take you back unless you pay. If you want a camel ride, negotiate the price first.
Cheap horse and cart rides
Common in Aswan. Horse and Cart rides will be offered to you for say 5 pound. This will be agreed. Then when you get off they will tell you it was 5 English Pounds not 5 Egyptian Pounds or alternatively that it is 5 Pound each. Also they will often take you via a friends shop or tell you that the attraction that you want to visit isn't open yet.
Photo's
Be aware that if you take photo's of camels, children or locals that you may be told afterwards that you have offended them and you need to pay even if you have asked permission in advance. Locals who offer to take your photo will normally want payment also. Sometimes it may be necessary to get someone to take your photo (eg at the Pyramids) so it is best to agree on the price in advance and rely on the tourist police (who still want payment).
Learning some Arabic reduces the number of people who will try to scam you. If you get into trouble or are in a situation that where you feel threatened or uncomfortable, tell the person that you want to sort out the misunderstanding and ask them to come with you to the tourist police. They will soon leave you alone.
Don't let this scare you but instead treat these tips as a precaution. Most people in Egypt are very helpful and friendly. It is a very safe place to visit, however unfortunately the majority of people are very poor and unsuspecting tourists are a good source of money to help their family.
Nuweiba', Sinai Region, Egypt
A great place to dive, and for cultural visit trips, for example the Sinai
http://www.ultramarina.com/article.php3?id_article=57
For women travelling, you better wear "respectful" clothes, long leaves and if skirt, long outside the hotel area. You won't get into trouble but the men will stare at you and make you unconfortable.
Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt
If you stick to the main streets, then you aren't likely to have much trouble. However, for women, if you are visiting the markets in the back streets, it is best to have a male companion. Wearing modest clothing is a plus, but you are likely to get leered at and whistled at anyway.
Abu Sunbul, Nile Valley, Egypt
South of the country,very very conventionnal, dress like the native. It is better any because it's very warm and those dresses are very fresh.
Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt
When travelling in Cairo and the more cultured parts of Egypt it is important to have your wits about you. I would suggest that women never travel alone and travel between cities/districts on transport that has an armed guard. It has been known that passengers on night buses have been held at gunpoint. People will also ask to see your passport when travelling between cities.There are many beggars in Cairo, some of which have removed their own limbs to encourage donations, it is very sad but true unfortunately.People will expect you to haggle with them. If you pay what is being asked, you have definitely been done!The streets are lined with markets and bizarres, selling more or less anything you can think of. Market traders will pester you so much that you may become frustrated and annoyed. It is best to just ignore these people, rather than get stressed out. Its not worth the hassle!The pyramids at Giza are an essential expedition when in Egypt. They are quite spectacular. Do not believe pessimists who suggest that they are not as good as they expected. These people obviously do not appreciate their glory. Make sure that you have guided tours where possible to gain an in-depth appreciation of these magnificent structures. There is access into 2 of the pyramids for a small charge. It is very claustrophobic inside and is not suitable for asthmatics or people with back problems. There is not a great deal to see inside, no tombs or hieroglyphics, however it is a very humbling feeling to be inside such a structure, having known its history.The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is absolutely amazing. Take lots of time to have a good look round and if nothing else, pay the extra few pounds to see the 'Mummy Room'! The room contains several real mummies, preserved in glass cabinets. These remains are thousands of years old, some of which still have their hair, fingernails, and eyeballs. There are floors in the museum dedicated to Tutankhamun . Anyone expecting his mummy to be here will be disappointed as his remains are at the Valley Of The Kings, South West Egypt. However, there is an extensive collection of his jewellery, headdresses etc and the numerous sarcophagases/tombs he was buried in to keep his body protected. The Citadel is also a place to visit while in Eygpt. This is the most famous mosque in Islam as it contains the body of Mohammed the prophet. Visitors have to prepare themselves before entering the building. Shoes have to be removed and women need to cover any naked pieces of flesh with large sheet-like pieces of material. The building is made from alabaster which was taken from the Great Pyramid of Giza. The alabaster was used as a protective covering, yet was taken to build the mosque. The pyramid has a small tip of alabaster remaining, which looks like snow from a distance.The best piece of advice I can give is to have a tour guide wherever possible, and sample as much culture in this city as you can possibly digest. Tour guides provide masses of information and take you to places you could not possibly find if travelling on your own. Cairo is the 3rd most populated city in the world (18 million citizens) and definitely deserves to be explored in detail.Would I go back?????At the drop of a hat!!!!!
Al Uqsur, Nile Valley, Egypt
The locals are very friendly but do not understand and accept any other than hetero way of living. Be careful Do Not show affection in public. Even showing affection in public by holding you wife tightly might arouse contradiction......For ladies, moving around will be much easier if you wear loose long sleeve clothing , sorry, but it's just because that the uneducated public are not use to appreciate the naked beauty.
Al Uqsur, Nile Valley, Egypt
luxor a fabulous city. loads oof historical sites. relaxing holiday socialising limited to the hotels mostly . great local food and friendly locals. women may feel a little intimidated by all the attention.. more suited for couples. dont forget vacines. hotels are amazing .
Al Jizah, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt
Ok the most important place to visit where the realy anicent Egypt is. Pyrimids, sphanx, best place to eat with the enterainment at afternoon in Al-Felfela Village, not far the kardasa the area for all the jalalebs.
Cairo, Cairo & Surrounding Region, Egypt
Women, please respect the culture and at least cover your shoulders and thighs. It makes it a lot easier for you. You will generally get harassed if alone, but dressing modestly is just respectful. No mini skirts and halter tops to Cairo. It's okay for beach places like Hurgada and Dahab.
Asyut, Nile Valley, Egypt
une semaine de rêve : croisière sur le nil, parcour de plusieurs villes, escales,escapades au temple abu simbel, très beaux paysages et couchers de soleil!
Al Ghardaqah, Red Sea Region, Egypt
Man sollte ein Hotel mit Strandanlage buchen..
