To keep you informed
I have been vacationing in Egypt for 10 years already, for such a large number of trips I have collected useful tips for tourists planning a trip to Egypt, no matter this is the first or tenth time. Maybe someone who did not know about some of the features of this country and will take note of something interesting! I remember our first vacation in Egypt. To be honest, they did not know a lot and were poorly prepared.
So, in order:
- Many Egyptians living in cities and resort centers can communicate in English; road signs and street names often use both Arabic and Latin characters. In resort areas (in particular, in Hurghada, Sharm al-Sheikh), employees of hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes can often explain themselves in Russian, as well hotels where many Russian tourists, all inscriptions and announcements are duplicated in Russian.
- When visiting monasteries and temples, women should cover their shoulders and arms, do not wear short skirts, it is forbidden to wear shorts. Although now they offer such long paying for money!! ! Only during the visit I don’t need it, I’m not ready to get infected.
- It is advantageous to carry currency in dollars or euros. Of course, do not forget a bank card, change money only in currency exchange agencies. Private individuals are a variant of an unreal exchange rate.
- Do not forget to make photocopies of documents (passports), in case of loss it will be easier to restore.
- Beware! In principle, there are no traffic rules in Egypt. Drivers are guided by the signal - the one who honks has the main road.
- Excursions are a little more detailed here. In most cases, it is more profitable to buy from local guides now, it is better than from the operator or sellers on the beach. Guides, firstly, want to earn money and at the same time gain a large number of tourists, so they try very hard for the pleasure of tourists. The tour operator in the hotel appoints their hotel guides who work to ensure that you have your money sent to them, so you will be constantly scared and scared. In short, brain fragments are their job, but we are adults. I calmly order excursions on VKontakte from one guide, before that I ordered on the beach.
- Do not drink tap water and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
The Red Sea is wonderful, but when swimming in the Red Sea, try not to touch anyone from the underwater world with your hands, as most fish are poisonous (especially at night, so swim during the day), you can’t pick off corals (fine up to 100 USD). Export of corals is strictly prohibited. In Egypt, it is better to use special swimming shoes, you can buy them in local stores. Be sure to take a mask and snorkel with you on vacation in Egypt, the underwater world of the Red Sea is very multifaceted. These devices can also be bought locally in the shops of the hotel or in the city. Swimming naked is prohibited everywhere, including on beaches and in pools owned by hotels and clubs. Be careful! The sun is especially dangerous from eleven in the morning until three in the afternoon. If your skin is especially sensitive, we advise you to stock up on sunscreen and moisturizers after sunburn.
- You should bargain everywhere - it's quite easy to bring down the price by half, but if you are very persistent, you can achieve a 4-fold or even 6-fold price reduction. In general, the more firmly you stand your ground, the more respectfully they will treat you, this is not only with merchants, but also with taxi drivers. Before you hire a taxi or buy anything at the market, negotiate the price, and then under no circumstances make concessions. If you use taxi services, be sure to negotiate the price in advance to avoid possible unpleasant disputes with the taxi driver. Unscrupulous minibus drivers in resorts sometimes take a foreign tourist to their destination and then try to charge a taxi fare. You can buy alcohol only in hotels or restaurants. The best option is buying alcohol in duty-free for 3 days upon arrival, don't forget your passport, they won't sell it without it.
- Almost all Egyptian settlements have a special tourist police. Her employees can be seen by the armband "Tourist Police". The policeman is obliged to provide assistance, give the necessary information and speak English.
- On Friday before 12 noon, do not make appointments and do not break into closed stores. Until their owners serve the Friday prayer, nothing will work. In hotels on Friday, all staff work as on other days.
- Don't be nervous if you have to wait a long time: the Egyptian "five minutes" lasts three hours, but they're damn slow! We must rush them all the time!!!
- Having decided to ride a camel, you need to remember: you can ride it for free or 1 dollar, and to go down, very often you have to pay at least 20, or even more)).
- Hotels are not responsible for your valuables and money, so use the safe - in most hotels there is already a safe in the room, and in some at the reception.
- I also recommend that you take light cotton clothes and a hat with you on vacation in Egypt. Arafatka will help out even in the hot sun and wind. Women traveling to the city unaccompanied by men are advised to be more conservative when choosing clothes. For sightseeing, long skirts and cotton shirts covering the arms are good. Summer clothes are suitable for all seasons. During the winter months, for areas north of Cairo, it is recommended to bring a warm sweater with you.
- Despite the fact that the nominal mains voltage is 220 V, it is better to have a set of adapters with you.
- When it comes to photographing people (especially Arab women), it's best to get their consent first, don't skimp on smiles, and maybe pay a small baksheesh ($).
- Women traveling alone are exotic for Egypt. It is difficult for them to get rid of the annoying courtship of men. How to fight off Egyptian men depends primarily on the woman herself. Offers from men start already at the airport. Without exception, every man will propose to a woman, and so on from the director of the hotel to the janitor on the street! It has become familiar to me, I can only get rid of it with a direct answer ( I don’t want to meet you, I don’t like you, leave me alone, say with a serious expression on my face), otherwise it doesn’t leave , even become the most intrusive person a woman could meet. Stickler a man in Egypt is standard.
- It is allowed to export antiquities purchased in specialized stores from the country. At the same time, it is necessary to have a confirmation of purchase in the store, although I often fly and dragged many souvenirs to my friends without any receipts, because it is clear that I do not have a real golden pharaoh mask.
This is such a small list, but the most important useful advice for tourists in Egypt, - of course, be a person, treat everything positively and easily. Have a good rest and interesting trips!
