Things to remember when travelling to Egypt for the first time?

Answer 1

I was just there in June (traveling alone) and it was one of the best trips I've ever had.

Pack: plenty of sunscreen, aspirin, Imodium ad, memory cards for your camera (you'll be taking lots of pix), band aid

Travel Tips: treat the locals with respect ...treat them like you want to be treated, dress conservatively (no tight - form fitting clothes), tipping is big there...so be aware of that, bartering is an art form.....so start practicing now.

General- the Egyptian pound is roughly 6.45 to our one dollar....so budget accordingly. Egyptians are not only Islamic but also have a very large Christian community (who are very proud to tell you that), the people are so warm and friendly....and proud of their history.

You are going to have a fabulous time.

Answer 2

I was just there in October (traveling alone) and had a great time. I would say the most important thing is to remember to keep a sense of humor and use your gut instinct. Most people are very nice and helpful but just like anywhere there are those who are being nice to get you to buy something. Usually a simply No Thankyou or La Shakram (sp?) stops them but there are instances where they get very pushy. The worse was at the Pyramid area and at Luxor Temple. Where you actually had go with Imshee (Go Away). After awhile it can get very old and tiring expecially when you can't even look at something even without touching it and they are on you like white on rice. Just keep a sense of humor about it and remember it is simply their way of life. Some people got really upset about it. and i mean REALLY upset. Don't let it ruin your vacation.

I disagree with "announcing" you are American in public. I was nervous at first about it and if they assumed I was anything but I just didn't correct them...but I learned quickly that they are very protective and considerate of Americans. It is NOT a problem.

Answer 3

pam is absolutely right! egypt is an amazing place specially for tourists (im egyptian)
u absolutely need to take ur camera! like she said, lots of pics! we tip a lot here but u dont have to do it everywhere.. pick ur battles! :)
bargaining, like she said, is an art. but of course u cant do it everywhere.. for example if u go to khan el khalili bazar (its an old place in egypt where they sell souvenirs, waterpipes, stuff like that) u HAVE to bargain! it's a must!! even if the buyer demands 1 pound u still ca get it for a half!!!
but, on the other hand, if ur in a resturant or buying some clothes in a "good" place u absolutely cannot bargain!
sunscreen is also a must! even if ur coming in the winter.. just in case!
i think that's all! if u still have any questions feel free to email me..
have loads of fun!!
oh one thing though, 1 dollar is approx. 5,50 LE not 6,?? something (I can't remember the amount she said exactly)
If you wanna stay up-to-date with currencies check www.xe.com

Answer 4

respect the traditions of egypt when walking in the city , don't wear very tight \ short \hot clothes , don't walk in dark streets alone
having an egyptian friend is a good thing when trying to buy something or wandering around..
don't get in problems , try to walk in small groups and in the good parts of the city , and try to know some arabic words in order to help you as not all the egyptians can speak english , and if you're an american or british don't announce it in public ...
thats all i can think of .. have a nice visit :)

Answer 5

first..welcome to Egypt
and it depends whether u r here on vacation or staying for a long time...but just do ur research for places u r intersted in..like touristic places or night life in egypt...
be cautios when u deal with egyptian guys in the bazars and in shops..if u r very nice to them they will expect that u like them!!
if u gonna buy sovenirs in bazars ...BARGAIN....it's like they will tell 300 pound...and the actual price is like 40 or 50 egp!
but as mentioned b4 in big malls and brand stores no bargain!
i belive u like it here....it's great
if u want more info u can email me
cheers

Answer 6

since your a girl cover up.helps to know arabic numbers so not to get ripped of.wear sun glasses all the time so not too make eye contact,if the currency is still the same as last time i was there (2000) E£5 looks the same as E£20 so merchants will say u gave them 5 instead of 20.loads more i could say.check out rough guide to egypt.i found it very helpfull.

Answer 7

Don't lock the house with the baby in the bedroom.
Remeber what u did when u travelled to Hawaii

Answer 8

camera-swimming suit-exchange from ur currency to pound(or visa)- clothes suitable for the desert or hot dry weather-lips stick

Answer 9

always have a bottle of water, dress correctly, treat them with respect, be careful of the sun

Answer 10

do not take long walks right away get used to heat it takes a couple of days even if ur fit,sunscreen and bullet proof vest.