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During our stay in Cairo, we were often stopped in the street by helpful people offering advice. About 20% of these are genuine. The remaining 80% will have a warm conversation with you, invite you for tea at their workplace or home, which inevitably turns out to be a shop. Either their own or that of a close relative. After some polite conversation you will be shown the typical junk people buy in Egypt - resin statues, fake papyrus, perfume essences, scarves, "Bedouin" jewelry, sand in a bottle, alabaster jars etc etc. They make it hard to leave as they are masters of the hard sell. Just don't go with them and refuse offers to go with anyone unless you genuinely need one more ugly curio for your mantelpiece. Many people who offer advice will ask for a tip after directing you or pointing out something of interest. Amusing at first, but sickening after a few days!
Written Jan 1, 2012
Before you even set foot inside the pyramids area, you are set upon a myriad vultures. All friendly, asking where you are from etc and saying don't worry they work for the pyramids co. THEY ARE ALL 'GUIDES' and they all want money and they do not add value. The stickiest bull dusters you've ever encountered. This is a filthy, disgusting place. If sustainably developed as a tourist destination, it could truly be a national asset. Currently a national disgrace. This place runs on kickbacks, tips and corruption.
Unique Suggestions: Ignore simply anyone approaching you for anything. Read your tourist guides, go educated and find your own way.
Fun Alternatives: Buy a book with pictures of the pyramids. They're not worth visiting.
Written Dec 30, 2011
The Vendors at Giza were just over the top aggressive and had a few tricks up their sleeves to make sure you bought from them. If you are going to buy, learn to barter, if you don't know how to barter, watch someone else do it or bring a friend who know's how.
I'm surprised the vendors didn't charge us for the air we breathed! I was taking a picture of a pyramid when a vendor walked into my shot then demanded a $1 for taking his picture; just walk away.
They will give you things like a head wrap and when you try to give it back they won't take it back, they want your money. One elderly woman just walked away with it which turned the tables on the vendor who now had to get it back or lose a sale; quite funny to watch.
Unique Suggestions: Learn to Barter, I can't emphasize this enough.
Women, read up on what to wear while in Egypt. The more skin you show, the more attention you will attract. Basically, keep your arms and legs covered, bring a scarf to cover your hair if you like but not mandatory.
Fun Alternatives: You've come so far to see the Pyramids but be prepared.
Updated Nov 5, 2010
Especially when you are travelling with children, tell them not to take anything that's been offered by the sellers. They literally push stuff into kids hands. Once your child take it, then there is no giving back.
Written Dec 29, 2009
AFTER WAITING MY ENTIRE LIFE TO VISIT THE PYRAMIDS, I WAS HOPING TO JUST BE ABLE TO WANDER AR0UND AND TAKE IT ALL IN. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN FOR ME AND IT WON'T HAPPEN FOR YOU. FROM THE TIME WE GOT THERE UNTIL THE TIME WE LEFT, WE WERE CONSTANTLY HARASSED AND CHASED AROUND BY ANNOYING PEOPLE TRYING TO SELL US CHEAP CRAP. I FELT AS IF I SPENT MOST OF MY TIME DODGING THEM AND VERY LITTLE TIME DOING WHAT I WANTED TO DO WHICH WAS TAKE IN THIS AMAZING PLACE IN PEACE. THE EGYPTIAN GOVERNMENT REALLY NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS AS I WOULD NEVER GO BACK AGAIN JUST BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I ALSO FELT AS IF EGYPT REALLY EXCELLED AT EXTRACTING THE MOST MONEY OUT OF US ON THIS TRIP.
Unique Suggestions: DO NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT AND DON'T EVEN SAY "NO".......I FELT THAT "NO" WAS AN OPENING TO THESE PEOPLE TO JUST HARASS YOU EVEN MORE. ALSO, BEWARE THE VENDOR WHO TRIES TO SHOVE THINGS INTO YOUR HAND OR UNDER YOUR ARM....IF YOU TOUCH IT.....YOU BUY IT.
Written Jun 1, 2009
Helpfulness
Just assume these 2 things. 1) The souvenir books they sell you are poor quality and will fall apart and 2) The water sellers will short change you or refuse to give you any change. Especially if your tour bus is leaving. That's why I like my picture of a Policeman beating some seller for being in the wrong area.
Unique Suggestions:
Have small coins or single Egyptian dollars. 1 Egyptian dollar is fine for a bottle of water. Walk away if they will not accept that. Alternatively grab the bottle from them and throw the money at them, then jump on the bus. These guys are THIEVES. Do not think otherwise
Updated Feb 6, 2009
When the sellers tell you they give you the stuff as a gift, it is not true cos once you accept one they keep giving you more and keeps saying it is gift. but no...
Unique Suggestions: Bergain and offer the half of the price if you are about to buy.
Fun Alternatives: Don't touch anything if you are not really going to buy. Cause when it once comes into your hand they don't let you give it back untill you buy it.
Written Jun 1, 2008
Helpfulness
It's strictly forbidden to climb up the Pyramids in Giza. But everybody want to make a photo at the Pyramid background with oneself in front of it. So did I! As it appeared it was very simple! It costed only 1LE and a person who allowed me and my friend to climb up the Pyramid made several photos (though he asked $1 at first!).
I was very glad that I managed to solve this problem but while I was walking around the Pyramid several policemen asked to allow me to climb up the Pyramid! Very kind men!
Updated Oct 25, 2007
stay away from the tout's. they will gouge you as much as posible. a firm " no " should help. if this does'nt work ask them firmly to show some respect.
Unique Suggestions: if you must buy a souviner, go to the village of nazlet el-samman. located in front of the sphinx. do not pay requested price, haggle over the price and save yourself some money.
Written Feb 27, 2007
Helpfulness
You are sure to encounter the Pyramid touts as you make your way down the road leading to the monuments. They apparently sell different sorts of trinkets... and also rides on camels and horses.
If you really want to ride a camel or a horse its good to know a few things.
Unique Suggestions: First, find out the current price for riding a camel/horse before you head to the pyramids. You can inquire at the hotel or with an up to date travel book so you will know where you'll stand.
I asked what the average price was when I got back to the hotel and I was told the price should be around 10 dollars. I will raise my hand and admit that I paid about 20 dollars for a horse ride. I am sure others have paid twice that, so I don't feel so bad... but I learned a lesson.
Second, be very clear to the camel/horse guy that you want to see the pyramids. I say that because they might try to give you a quick little tour and then quickly usher you to a papyrus shop nearby. If you dont want to go to a papyrus shop be clear that you have no interest and that you want to see the Pyramids.
Lastly, if you are a woman do not allow the camel guy to climb on behind you. When I rode the horse my guide was a man and a young boy. They helped me get on the horse, but I managed to trot along on my own. It was fine.
But I have read accounts where some women have been groped because they allowed the camel guy to ride with them, so if you don't want to ruin your Pyramids experience then follow this tip.
Updated Jan 19, 2007
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Reviews and photos of Pyramids of Giza attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Pyramids of Giza sightseeing.
You are sure to encounter the Pyramid touts as you make your way down the road leading to the monuments. They apparently sell different sorts of trinkets... and...
23 members live in Pyramids of Giza
Q: Have booked this hotel for wedding anniversary in may ,did not use starwood preffered guest number as trying to keep a...
A: why not call and ask and tell them that it is a surprise...
Read 3 Replies
1
Giza is a suburb of Cairo. It is located on the distance of 12 kilometers from the center. To get Giza it is necessary to cross the Nile across one of bridges and appear on the left bank. The...
2
It is indeed a memorable trip to Giza in Egypt in October 2008. This is definitely a place to see in this North African country. Giza is well known for its famous pyramids and the Great Sphinx which...
3
Trip to Ancient History... Delivered.
Well, with 10 months to go before our wedding, we found a great deal on a trip to Egypt... so off to Cairo! It was just a bus ride away to the Pyramids. We arrived on a Tuesday afternoon, and were......
4
Does this page really need an intro? I doubt there is a person who doesn't know what Giza plateau is. However, it may be different from what you imagine or expect. For instance, for me, the first...
5
The Pyramids were fabulous, of course!
A fellow traveler on my tour was nice enough to get the rear view of my camel ride down to the smallest of the three pyramids. That's me with the ponytail and my fiance, Mark with me. About 5 camels...
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