Tips for Egypt
- When changing your English pounds into Egyptian pounds make sure that you also get lots of small change for tipping as its difficult to come by and you may find your self giving away 50 or 100 Egptian pounds which is about £5 or £10 English pounds.
- Make sure you take plenty of film or a big memory card for you camara as you'll find your self taking lots of pictures, especially if you plan to go on lots of trips.
- Stating the obvious, whilst there drink lots and lots of water, have a bottle with you every where you go otherwise you'll find yourself suffering from nasty stomach cramps.
- Watch out for slight of hand tricks by the Calesh drivers - you give the driver 50 Egyptian he shouts you back showing you only 5 or suchlike. Look them in the eye clearly showing howing much you are giving. As with any transport in Egypt - agree the price first and ensure you confirm the price is in local Egyptian - again, another experience is to get to the end and they say price agreed was in English Pounds / Dollars/Euros
- If you get stomach cramps, it is best to avoid the use of immodium as this will aggrevate the problem. It is better to get something from the local pharmacy and it could resolve some peoples complaints in as little as 4 hours! Alternatively, just get a rehydration sachet and try that first! Don't let Rameses Revenge spoil your trip!
- The Egyptian culture relies a lot on tiping as the average Egyptian earns only £25 - £40 English pounds a month. Do not go tipping every one every time as you'll run out of money very quickly, instead if there is one particular waiter or cook or tour guide that has been helpful tip him or her at the end of you week.
- When arriving at the International Airport you'll find that a "friendly" or "several" friendly Egyptians want to carry or take your bag for you. Do not be fooled, they will want money for it, even if they have just lifted your suitcase up and put it back down in the same spot, best just to lift you own bag if your not traveling far.
- If you go out through the towns or markets you'll get alot of hassle from the sellers, they can be very demanding and for some people can be quite an upsetting experience if you are not used to it. If you don't like it just don't give eye contact look straight ahead and keep walking. Some people love the bartering and if you good at it you'll get some very good bargins!! Bartering and haggling is the way it is done in Egypt, but the "tone" of the shop keeper should never become aggressive, profane etc. That is considered just as rude in Egypt as it is in your own country.
- If you go on trips - to the Valley of the Kings for example, take a toilet paper roll in your bag with you, as believe it or not there is someone at the door of the toilet (toilet in a cabin) as you go in, that will only give you one or two sheets, if you need a number 2 it's no use at all! Some of them even have the cheek to ask for money for the toilet paper!! Carry wet wipes, tissues and anti-bacterial hand spray with you at all times as there are usually no hand drying facilities and also no soap.
- Wear a hat at all times. The sun is very bright so it is helpful to wear sunglasses to stop the glare.
- Check out the Inside Page called 'Scams and Unpleasantness in Luxor' for more information.