Local traditions and culture in Egypt

No, I don't smoke! As a matter of fact I'm allergic to tobacco ash. So, I was not tempted to try the shisha pipe, but noticed that, for many people, that was a must do. My hotel in Cairo had a good idea and placed the smoking area in the roof.

Nice place to have a pipe, watching the pyramids, or better than that, watch the pyramids without any pipe at all.

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For a western, not used to this kind of deal, it starts to seem odd. It's rather umcomfortable to offer someone a third or fourth of the price he asked you. But that's the use. And bargaining is not a conflict but almost a social way of fraternization.

So don't hesitate:make your (small) offer. And even if the deal fails, you will be more considered after a hard bargaining than if you waste your money accepting the high prices they always start asking. Besides, once caught the rhythm, it is funny.

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Walk Like An Egyptian

All the old paintings on the tombs,
They do the sand dance don't you know.
If they move too quick (oh whey oh),
They're falling down like a domino.
All the bazaar men by the Nile,
They got the money on a bet.
Gold crocodiles (oh whey oh),
They snap their teeth on your cigarette.
Foreign types with the hookah pipes say,
Ay oh whey oh, ay oh whey oh
Walk like an Egyptian

The blonde waitresses take their trays,
They spin around and they cross the floor.
They've got the moves (oh whey oh),
You drop your drink then they bring you more.
All the school kids so sick of books,
They like the punk and the metal band.
When the buzzer rings (oh whey oh),
They're walking like an Egyptian.
All the kids in the marketplace say,
Ay oh whey oh, ay oh whey oh
Walk like an Egyptian

Slide your feet up the street bend your back,
Shift your arm then you pull it back.
Life is hard you know (oh whey oh),
So strike a pose on a Cadillac.
If you want to find all the cops,
They're hanging out in the donut shop.
They sing and dance (oh whey oh),
Spin the clubs, cruise down the block.
All the Japanese with their yen,
The party boys call the Kremlin.
And the Chinese know (oh whey oh),
They walk the line like Egyptian.
All the cops in the donut shop say,
Ay oh whey oh, ay oh whey oh,
Walk like an Egyptian,

Walk like an Egyptian.

Egypt is one of the best countries for solo travel. Having said that, for my first time in a country where not only do I not speak the language but can't read it either I would go for the tour option. Once you know how the country operates (as far as tourism is concerned) you can return solo to catch up on the bits you missed. I've been to Egypt 3 times.

Advice on dress and conduct - remember this is a Muslim coutry and dress and behave with respect for that culture. Cover your shoulders and knees and avoid showing cleavage. Light, loose clothing in natural fibres (cotton, linen) is the best. An ideal outfit is crop pants, a singlet/tank top and an open, sleeved shirt. Carry a scarf with you for visiting mosques etc. No shoes allowed in mosques.

Don't drink the water. The water in Cairo is treated but treated so much it is horrible to drink. Bottled water is available everywhere and very cheap. It is hot during the day even in winter/spring so carry water with you always. Always use bottled water to clean your teeth.

Be careful what you eat. The food is really good in Egypt but be aware of how the salads may be washed (even in fine hotels). My rule is unless it is cooked or can be peeled don't eat it. You won't starve.

Always visit a travel doctor before any overseas travel and make sure any vaccinations are up to date. I always carry medications for headache, nausea, diarrhea and a broad spectrum antibiotic and so far have never needed anything. I also include throat lozenges, band-aids, safety pins etc.

Carry toilet paper with you when you are out and about (a few sheets in a small plastic bag). Most of the toilets in the main tourist areas are OK(ish) but often have no paper. Attendants will charge you. Also carry a small bottle/tube of hand sanitiser.

Regarding money - the local currency is the Egyptian Pound - LE. They will take US Dollars, British Pounds and Euro but you will lose on the exchange rate. ATM's are everywhere and will accept most of the card types (VISA and Maestro/Cirrus).

Regarding visas - most nationalities have rights to a visa into Egypt. A single entry tourist visa for 1 month can be issued at the airport on arrival and costs $15 US for the processing fee. For any other type of visa you need to contact the consulate at home.

Bargaining - it is the rule. You must bargain if you want to buy. Except in normal supermarkets/stores. The accepted rule is to cut the stated price by 50% and work from there. If you really want the item and you think the price too high don't let on and walk away - you'll be amazed at what will happen. Regardless, it is all part of the fun and the vendor hardly ever loses!

Egypt is a very honest country and crimes against tourists are rare. Nonetheless it is always wise to be on your guard with your possessions.

Check out the electricity situation and make sure you have the correct adaptors/transformers etc for all your gear (phones, cameras, notebooks etc) and spare batteries/rechargers etc.

It sounds a lot to remember but not really. General info for any trip.

You will have a great time in Egypt.

My tip on bargaining should work for you in many a marketplace, give it a try:

When you find an item you like, Think about how much YOU want to pay for it.
This will be your maximum price.

Always remain calm and polite and playfully answer any questions with a question of your own about the quality or origin of the item, the integrity of the business or merchant or business premises and do not ask the price for the item, instead tell the seller the amount you would like to pay, making your first offer as far below your maximum price as you feel comfortable. Providing that you never exceed your maximum, you will always end up with a bargain.

The sellers initial price or even the 'best price' is not an issue, so long as both parties are happy and it has been a happy, stress free enjoyable day which is what holidays are all about. I'd be interested to know how many people try or do this.

About Money in Egypt

On the forum many questions are asked about how you deal with money in Egypt and what you should take with you from home.

First of all: Don't buy Traveler Cheques. They are outdated by the ATM Machine and take a lot of hassle either to purchase them and to cash them in Egypt.
Take at least 2 Credit Carts of different companies with ATM access possibilities.
Than take either USD, Euro's or GBP. Not to much, just to have some money to change at the Airport into Egyptian Pounds and to help you in case of emergencies. When you loose your Credit Cards for instance. 400 to 500 Euro's should be enough. But it depends on your way of traveling; how long, how you it and what you want to do in Egypt.
Most 5 star hotels demand to be paid in either USD, Euro's or GBP.
National flights and the Sleeper train also need to be paid in those currencies. Or a Credit Card will do in all those occasions.

Have about 50 Euro's, or a similar equivalent in your own currency, changed at the airport.

If you need more Egyptian money, use the ATM machines. Every big 5 star hotel has them and most banks.
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When arriving in Egypt you will notice that Baksheesh is something that will cross your path every day.

It is hard to translate Baksheesh because the practice has at least 3 different forms.

1. A way of giving alms. Giving alms is a common practice in Egypt because it is one of the 5 pilars of Islam. You will notice that there are a lot poor people there depending on alms. Give them a few piasters or pounds.

2. As a kind of tipping. There are a lot of people in Egypt that will serve you in any kind of way. Most of the time unasked. They will open the door for you, carry your luggage, help you in and out a car, clean your room etc. All these services demand baksheesh. Also a few piasters or pounds will do.

3. To open doors for you that otherwise would be closed. You will find that there is a lot possible in Egypt. A tempel closed because of renovation activities? Some baksheesh can make it opened for you. Something special to see at a certain site? Be sure someone will offer you to show it for a small baksheesh. Have your picture taken with that pitoresk fellah on his donkey car.. Baksheesh!

I can go on and on about this subject.
Some people will get annoyed by it. To me it is part of the charm of Egypt. You will be surprised what a small amount of Baksheesh can offer you. If it was only the interaction with the people.., that is a priceless experience in itself.
Make sure you have small notes!

Because of the practice of Baksheesh it is a must to have small notes. But trying to get these can be quite a hazard, because the people in Egypt tend to keep them. Possibly for the same reason you want to get them.

Best way to do it is to buy some things, like candy, on the streets and pay with bigger notes. Buy them one by one and not in a bulk! ;-)
My daughter got some chicken wings from K.........y Fried Chicken and got paid back in only one pound notes. Great service!!! She learned the practice of Baksheesh very quickly!

But a BIG warning is at place here! Learn soon to recognize the bank notes in Egypt! There are some villains that try to give you 50 piasters in stead of 50 pounds! Also it can happen that you give 50 piasters thinking it to be 50 pounds, or the other way around.
A 50 piaster note is mostly always recognisable because it is more outworn, because it changed hundreds of hands. Keep them in a special part of your wallet, away from the 50 pounds notes.

The art of bargaining.

Haggling is also something you need to learn when coming to Egypt.
Some people love it, some people hate it.

To haggle is not just in order to get the best price. It is a way of socializing. Egyptian people are very open and love a good joke. They want to know you or at least show interest in you.
The game goes both ways. You might fall for them and you will pay far to much, or they will fall for you and give you a bargain.
But thay will always give you the idea that you got a bargain.

It requiers special skills.
1. Ask someone you know and trust what would be a reasonable price. That might be your guide. Don't do this in front of the salesman. You will not get an answer.
2. Don't buy in the first shop you enter. But go on and compare prices and qualities.
3. Don't show interest in an item you want to buy. That will give the sales man a head start.
4. Have in mind what you want to pay and don't go above that. Walk away! Big chance the sales man will come after you and settle for your price!
5. Think up front if you really need the article. A lot of people buy things during holidays that end up a few years later in a boot sale.
6. Look for short comings in the items! A poorly sown dress or a difference in colour, what ever. If it is easily set right or not noticable it still can be a good buy and it will give you a good chance for a discount!
7. Try to buy in a bulk! If you buy more items it is reasonably to ask for a discount. Remember this when you are with a group!
8. Bargaining not only is appliable on the streets. In a restaurant, when you are with a group you can bargain for extra's, like a free desert or something.
9. Also in Hotels often prices are negociable, even by phone or on the Internet.
10. And remember: Egypt is a Third World country! You have more to spend in a week than they will earn in a year or even more than that. So be a bit "easy" when it comes to spending money.
It is easy to do in Egypt, because everything is cheap compared to what most of us are used to.

GO TO MY TRAVELOGUE ABOUT MONEY IN EGYPT
IT WILL TELL YOU THE SAME BUT HAS THE PISTURES OF THE BANKNOTES. SPECIALLY THE 50 PIASTER AND 50 LE TRAPS!

As a Westerner, I am not used to bargaining. As a Westerner who is currently working and living in Japan ( the land of politesse, modesty and silence ), bargaining is almost alien to me. However, when I travel, I adapt immediately and very well to my surrounds and thus, I learned to bargain on my first few days in Cairo ( at the Khan ) and became an expert at it by the 2nd time I visited later in the week.

THE ART OF BARGAINING

1) You have to go into any market / bazaar / souq with the very real notion that YOU are the buyer with money and they are the ones who need that money. There are many sellers who sell the same if not similar items....and there is only one of you who is willing to spend some money on a good item. Hence, the favour is always in your hands.

2) Walk into a store and look " disinterested ", as if just casually browsing without any intent to buy. In fact, I even top it off with a very " bored " look and a rather firm stance in my attitude as if I have been a local or an expat in the place for a while and nothing fazes me.

3) Always remember : Shop owners will NEVER SELL below cost price. So your aim is to pay a price that is a bit higher than the cost price ( by approx. 5 Egyptian pounds ). How do you determine the cost price ? ( because obviously, the store owner will not tell you this very important piece of information ...read below! )

4) Once you find something that you are interested in, as the store owner how much it is. Of course, he or she will give you a ridiculously high price ( usually 5 times more than the cost price ). When he/she does this, immediately say " I am only willing to give you _____ " ( 80 % less of the original cost...OR a ridiculously low price of almost 90 % off ). I set the price REALLY LOW ( what I am willing to pay ) to determine what the cost price is.

5) How do you know that you have hit the cost price of the item ? The owner will vehemently say " No ". If the owner says " No ", then walk away and say " thank you, I will go back to the original store who gave me the price I want ". If he tries to run after you and say, " Ok, my friend...let's talk ", then YOU KNOW for a fact that you haven't hit the cost price yet and he is willing to sell at your very low price that you demanded rather than the ridiculous price he quoted. If he doesn't run after you, then the low price you gave him really is, in fact, BELOW the cost price. Once you know the cost price for the item, then you can always go to ANOTHER store and offer another price to the next shop owner.

6) The art of bargaining comes with a ploy on words, compliments, jokes and sharp intuition skills. Once you sit down to bargain, then stick with the price you are willing to give the seller, bc they will always try to persuade you into giving more or buying more items from his store. If you know what you want, then stick with it, look at it, inspect it and then pay the price you have both agreed on initially ( i.e. the low price before you pretended to walk away from the store ).

7) During the dialogue of bargain, you have to be firm, resolute but cordial and charming ( throw in jokes etc ). Egyptians love charming barterers.

8) Usually, during the bartering, they will offer you tea or something to drink. Take it. Drinking it does NOT oblige you to buy. It is a customary thing that is offered bc Egyptians really do enjoy the whole banter etc. This gives them enough time to work their magic on you, but this also gives you time to practice you bartering skills.

9) DON'TS :

- Never ever offer a price...have the seller agree on it...and then renag and offer a lower price. This is in bad taste and very rude.

- Never ever promise that you will come back to buy something....when you know that you won't. This is very sad bc the seller does get his hopes up and will go out of his way to accomodate your request or slight interest, by getting another statue or item of higher value from another town, shop, village at his expense.

- Never ever lose your temper if the seller is trying so hard to sell you more items or get more money from you. Remember that it is all a shopping game and they enjoy the banter...if you bargain hard and stand your ground with a smile, smart jokes, a thick skin etc, then they will respect you more for it.

- Never ever just buy an item without even a slight attempt at bargaining. If you don't bargain, it can be seen as slightly offensive by some ( but other are just willing to take your money, no questions asked )......For those who find it offensive that you didn't bargain, it's bc they want to believe that their products actually mean something and that you care enough to measure or find its worth and value.

Happy bargaining! It will help you grow a thick skin and like me, I thoroughly enjoyed the banter and always came out in a great mood after the transaction!

When you are bartering for your trinkets the merchant will most likely offer you a glass of Egyptian tea. You can decline but you'll hear all about the Eyptian hospitality rule where it is his obligation to offer you a drink. If you're not into tea you can ask for a soda and he'll be more than happy to oblige. Shopping is a leisurely activity and you should be ready to spend a little time bartering for your treasures. The drink is to allow you to linger, give the owner a chance to open a dialogue with you about what you are looking for, how much you want to pay and so forth. To rush in, buy your souvenirs and run off are foreign to them. In addition, it's been my experience that the longer you remain, the better the price will be. I've been in shops where I've put together a few things that I'm interested in buying and when the price stalls and they no longer want to barter I let them know that I want to continue to look around and check out other shops. This may budge them - or it may not. There is no shame in leaving and then returning the next day. They are more than happy to resume bargaining where you left off the previous day. It will also happen that you are 10 feet out the door of the shop and they call you back agreeing to your final price.