Hurghada Local Customs

Hurghada is one of few resorts of the world where Russian tourists prevail. About one million persons from Russia have visited Egypt last year. Overwhelming majority have visited Egypt through Hurghada.

Many tourists like to have a rest among the compatriots. I do not concern to them. Especially I do not like to lay on a beach and to hear Russian-speaking chatter. It suffices me at home! Therefore when the Russian tourist boom in Hurghada in the beginning of 1990th began I have told, that I possibly would be the last Russian tourist who visits Hurghada for the first time. Later 15 years I can tell that it has turned out almost true. The majority of my colleagues have already visited Hurghada. I was one of the last.

Hurghada became for me a prologue and an epilogue on the big excursion travel across Egypt. I am grateful to it for the warm sea and the hot sun!

Ladies, get used to men coming up you, seeking for fun... If you are not interested, ignore them. Otherwise, you won't be able to get ridd of them! And believe me, they can be very charming and good looking, not to mention persistant... It is acustomed with them to sweet-talk, and it isn't something you should hold against them. Some might even dare to pinch or slap you on the bottom! I didn't have any unpleasant experiance, but than again, I am not the "exposing" type. A few girls from the group had been approached in a nasty way with a line: "How much is a b..job?" This is why I always repeat: do not act like a dog that's been set free after a long time! Be polite, dress politely and there isn't going to be any troubles for you. That doesn't mean that you have to walk around covered.

Remember when I said "after survivng the shock of our tour guide's driving" ? Well, the guy is unbeliveable! During the ride he let go of the stearing weel many times, was turned behind and talking to us... And when we asked him how come none uses lights in the evening he simply replied : "Why should we if we can see everything this way?"

Last week Prasnjavi told me that he got much better explanation and more beliveable one, but you'll have to ask him about it. It wouldn't be fair if I missused his story!

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Although Egypt is an Islamic state where alcohol is forbidden, you can consume and buy alcoholic drinks in most of the major hotels and bars in Hurghada.
You can drink as much as you want, but remember you're still a guest.
So don't provoke the local people by walking drunk around the city.
CHEERS.

I really don't know if this tip is a common local custom.
But there where so many men asking us to change their Euro coins into banknotes.
Give them a helping hand, because most of the banks don't change coins.

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Hybiscus flower in Egypt is not only used for decoration purposes but the local tradion uses one of the variations of this plant for making delicious tea! They drink it both hot and cold.
This resort pays special attention to irrigation so that these magnificent flowers can blossom even under the strong desert sun.

They earn almost nothing and we gave around $10 in tip for a week to the guy cleaning our bungalow. They are so friendly, and they give you extra towels and flowers if you are friendly too... We got flowers in a coca-cola bottle cut in half. And extra toilet-paper too....
So cute! :-)

Try to get used to being asked where you are from! You'll be asked that same question wherever you go. You can answer it, and prepare yourself for more personal ones, or ignore it, and be left alone! You choose!