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Money
One of the secrets to budget travel in Egypt is to carry plenty of small Egyptian notes, such as one pound and 50 piaster (half pound) notes. Actually, small bills sometimes seem hard to find, but many hotels, particularly the five star variety, have banks where one may load up on these.
In many instances, taxi drivers and merchants who sell tourist items will claim to be unable to make change for larger bills, so being able to pay the exact amount is important. Also, as noted below, small bills will be very handy for tipping.
Local Transport
Most people who travel independently to Egypt will still be better off arranging day or half day tours to most sight seeing areas. Such tours can be arranged from most hotels. Larger hotels will frequently have more then one tour operator available. While one may visit areas such as the Khan el-Khalili market, or the Citadel within Cairo very inexpensively by Taxi, the same does not hold true for tours of the Sakkara and Memphis, for example, outside of Cairo. For this, companies such as Misr Travel offer half and full day tours, including guides at very reasonable prices. For example, Misr Travel Company's half day tour of Memphis and Sakkara is about $40.00, while a full day trip into the Fayoum and Lake Qarun is $65.00, and can be arranged from most hotels.
Taxis
Regardless of whether one takes organized tours to sightseeing areas, a taxi ride or two is inevitable. Most people will not wish to rent a car to drive, particularly in Cairo, and will probably not have the proper international drivers licenses and insurance even if they wished to. For the uninformed, taxis can be very expensive. At worst, a tourist may exit a five star hotel, climb in the nearest taxi and request a destination. Upon arrival, the tourist asks the price, and pays perhaps four or five times the Egyptian price for a similar ride. This can quickly destroy a planned budget Egyptian travel sites will often advise people to negotiate the price of the Taxi in advance. This continues to be good advise for someone who wishes to rent a taxi for a day, a number of hours, or who expects the taxi to wait while one visits sightseeing areas.
But for normal trips around town, this simply is not the way to get the best fares. Egyptians hail a cab without negotiating a price because they know the approximate cost for their destination. Upon arrival, they simply pay that amount. There may even be a small tip involved if the taxi driver is particularly courteous, informative or funny, but the amount is paid as a lump sum. Hence, it is important for tourists to have an idea of what the taxi driver expects for trips to various parts of the city. Even so, one might find the taxi driver arguing the price if the tourist appears overly wealthy. For this reason, it is often best to walk a short distance from a five star hotel prior to hailing a cab. There does not seem to be the same problem involved with three and four star hotels. However, other tricks include making camera equipment as inconspicuous as possible and not engaging the taxi driver with tourism questions. Invariably, the taxi driver will wish to become your tour guide. In fact, one trick we have used is to have the hotel write the destination in Arabic, handing this to the taxi driver, and then saying little if anything while in route.
On the other hand, taxi drivers who speak the language of the tourist can be helpful, and will try to be. Allowing the taxi driver to provide information should result in a small increase in the fare from the prices outlined below.
1: Nile Hilton to the Citadel - 7 to 10 L.E.
2: Citadel to Khan el-Khalili - 4 to 5 L.E.
3: Nile Hilton to the Khan el-Khalili 4 to 6 L.E.
4: Nile Hilton to Heliopolis 12 to 15 L.E.
4: Nile Hilton to Airport with bag handling 25 L.E.
5: Nile Hilton to Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo) 10 to 12 L.E.
6: Nile Hilton to the Giza Pyramids 12 to 20 L.E.
7: Nile Hilton to Zamalek 4 to 5 L.E.
The reason for the difference in fares depends on traffic and traffic jams. For example, if the taxi trip is taken during rush hour and takes twice the normal amount of time, then the taxi driver should be paid more. Also, these rates are for one passenger. The amount should be increased by a modest amount for additional passengers. For example, a trip which would cost 5 L.E. for one person should probably be increased to 7 L.E. for two, or perhaps 8 or 9 L.E. for three people.
Keep in mind the exchange rate. For example, a trip which costs 10 Egyptian pounds (L.E.) is about $2.89 USD. You should consider a lower limit for short trips. For example, a trip from the Nile Hilton to Garden City, while a short trip, should still run three to four pounds. Below this amount, it is hardly worth the taxi driver's time. Most of these prices are above that which an Egyptian will pay for good reasons. The average Egyptian income is less then that of most tourists, and it should not be the aim of tourists to pay the Egyptian rate. Taxi drivers do not get rich, few own their own cabs, and most must pay a daily fee to the owner which is the same regardless of how good a day the driver had.
When paying for the taxi, exit first, pay the taxi driver through the window, and walk away. This is really what the driver expects. If he suspects that you are a wealthy tourist, he may put up some argument, but simply avoid this and keep walking. However, one must remember to carry plenty of small Egyptian notes. In order for our suggestions on paying taxi drivers to work, one must pay the exact amount. Giving the taxi driver a larger note and expecting change will promote a discussion as to the amount of the fare.
It is really not recommended to attempt to hire a taxi for a day, or even for several hours. Taxis are plentiful in Cairo, and it is much better usually to simply take a taxi to a destination, and then find another taxi when you are ready to leave. However, if you decide to hire a taxi to tour outlying areas such as Sakkara and Dahshur rather then taking a more economical organized day tour, expect to pay between 120 and 150 L.E.
Food and Other Necessities
How budget minded are you? One may spend a lot of money eating in Egypt, or very little. On the lowest side, our advise would be to hit the supermarket and buy sandwich and other cold meals. Even many of the three and four star hotels will have mini fridges where such items may be kept. In particular such items as bottled water, soft drinks and cigarettes can be obtained from a reasonably sized market much less expensively then at most hotels.
Cairo has a number of new supermarkets. By a coke here for 1.5 L.E., or as high as 10 L.E. at your hotel.
Meals at five star hotels will most likely be the most expensive way to eat in Egypt, though we do not mean to be critical, as this is perhaps true throughout the world. After all, these restaurants are often the best, at least from the standpoint of facilities, and one may expect the food to be consistently good. Yet a breakfast at a five star hotel which costs 45 L.E may be free at many three or four star hotels which include the cost of breakfast in the price of the room. Lunch and dinner in these hotels may also be somewhat reasonable, and, given the cost of searching around for alternatives, may be the best bet.
At any rate, we cannot really recommend eating the fare of street vendors, of which there are many, even though this might make for a very economical meal. Probably the best prices can be found in Egyptian family style restaurants off the beaten tourist track. Restaurants such as the Al Tekkia which we reviewed last month are clean and reasonably priced, and we must encourage our readers to keep an eye on our restaurant reviews for future additions. Other plentiful options include traditional fast food establishments where a western style hamburger may cost in the range of $3.00 to $4.00 USD.
Telephones
The simple rule is, find out how much before making the call, any call. For most hotels in Egypt, even local calls will have a charge, and long distance charges back home may vary extensively between different hotels. For three or four star hotels, most of the time everything, including food, drinks in the hotel bar, taxis, will be less expensive then a five star hotel, but telephone charges may be an exception. Many of the budget hotels lack the new, direct dial international phone systems. In fact, of all the three and four star hotels we have visited, only the Hotel Longchamps currently has a modern phone system. Hence, making a direct call to Europe or the Americas may cost two or three times the normal direct dial rate.
However, many long distance carriers have local access numbers that can be dialed. These include AT&T, Worldcom, and Sprint among others. These vary and the number is subject to change, so we will not attempt to list the access numbers here. Most hotels will have these numbers and will supply them if asked. If not, call one of the five star hotels such as a Sheraton or Sonesta and ask.
When making these calls, one must either have a calling card with the company, or make a collect call. However, these lines are frequently busy for any specific carrier, so carrying multiple calling cards is not a bad idea. In fact, most of these lines are busy throughout the day. If international phone communications is important, we highly recommend finding a hotel with a direct dial international phone system.
Hotels with direct dial international phone systems are fairly reasonable, though one must remember that calling anywhere from Egypt is inherently costly.
Beer, Liquor and Wine
Drinking in hotel or other bars can be expensive, particularly depending on the type of liquor ordered. Local beer such as Sakkara, or my favorite, Stella, as well as the local tasty wines are reasonable. European liquors and beer are less reasonable, and American alcoholic beverages are either non-existent or completely unreasonable. For example, a local beer will generally cost in the range of 8 L.E. (Egyptian pounds), or a little over $2.00 USD. This is not a bad price, as the bottles are larger then those in Europe or the US, and the alcoholic content is greater. It can probably be found for even less. A European vodka shot will probably cost more like 20 L.E., while a shot of Jack Daniels, if they have it, will run as high as 50 L.E. These prices may very somewhat, but to say the least, if one likes American or European brands, drinking can get expensive.
The solution to this is to either bring it in with you, or obtain it from the duty free shop upon entry. One may bring up to two liters of alcoholic beverages into the country. While this may sound like additional luggage, the empty space will often be used to carry souvenirs back. However, prices at the airport duty free shop are reasonable and up to four litters may be purchased upon entry to the country. Prices are often about what one would pay at home. Also, keep in mind that EgyptAir, a frequent carrier of tour groups will not serve alcoholic drinks in-flight (though they occasionally provide complementary wine prior to boarding. However, they do allow people to carry aboard reasonable amounts of alcohol for self service.
Tipping
Tipping, what is known as Baksheesh, or Ba'Sheesh, is common, expected and not an invention of Egypt. However, there are limits. One need not tip for a service that has not been rendered even if asked. For taxis in particular, the price discussed above is usually paid without a tip, unless the taxi driver has rendered a service you find to be specifically helpful. As with hotels throughout the world, porters and others should be tipped when bags are carried or room service is delivered.
Egyptians are by nature courteous and gracious hosts. Asking a stranger on the street for directions does not warrant a tip, and in most cases, the stranger would probably be offended. Many, including taxi drivers, may wish to point you out to a good shop. Most will then receive a commission from any sale made, so here again, a tip is not warranted.
Baksheesh is a great excuse to carry a few one pound notes (Egyptian) at all times. One pound is worth less then 30 cents USD, so keep this in mind.
Shopping
Simply put, and not unlike most other tourist destinations, the further one can get away from shopping areas which cater to tourists, usually the better the shopping. Hotel shops are probably the worst, followed by independent shops
in close proximity to the hotels, particularly the five star hotels. Other places to avoid include the peddlers and small shops near tourist attractions such as the Pyramids at Giza.
Cokes, batteries, water and similar items can usually be purchased without the hassle of negotiation and much cheaper in supermarkets. But of course, many items which the tourist will wish to purchase such as gold cartouches, Egyptian theme clothing or T-shirts and statues replicas are souvenirs by definition and must be purchased, for the most part, from a market that caters to tourists.
Places like the Khan el-Khalili continue to be some of the best places to buy souvenirs. However, it is often best to walk away from the center of things, and find some of the less frequented shops just outside of the Khan.
In addition, a considerable aptitude for negotiation will unquestionably result in lower prices in areas which cater to tourists, such as the Khan and tourist shops around the pyramids and old or Coptic Cairo. Most everywhere else such as grocery stores, shopping malls and the shopping area downtown, prices are fixed, and not really negotiable at all. In some of the shops, one might make a friendly effort to secure a small discount, but a strong attempt at negotiation will probably offend the salesperson.
When negotiating, show only a slight interest in the item and then, work the price down. At that point, the price will probably be only three to four times that which an Egyptian would pay. Then tell the vendor that you will thank about it, take a longing look at the item, and begin to drift away ... not too fast. With luck, the price will come down further.
But stop. Even as you walk away, the price may come down more, but don't buy from the first vendor, at least not yet. In order to really scout out the best price, no matter how low this first vendor goes, try a few more vendors repeating this to really get a feel for the best price. There is usually no problem in returning to the original merchant and accepting his lowest price.
Keep in mind one other facet of shopping in Egypt. Almost every tour guide and taxi driver maintains an agreement with a number of shops for commission. This is not an exception, but rather an expected source of income for people in these trades. Of course you will find others who will also insist on leading you to "the best perfume bottle" factory, a better hotel or a less expensive restaurant. Just remember that all of these people have a profit motive.
Also keep an eye out for our shopping reviews in our Tour Egypt Monthly magazine, where we will highlight alternative markets and provide more insight into shopping in Egypt.
The costs associated with a budget trip to Egypt include, but are not necessarily limited to the airfare or other transport to Egypt, lodging, food, transportation to different destinations in Egypt and tickets to enter the various attractions one wishes to see. Most people will also be interested in finding the least expensive places and means of buying a few souvenirs.
Budget travel does not necessarily imply independent travel. In many instances, an economy tour may ultimately yield a much more pleasant and even less expensive Egyptian holiday then an independently arranged trip. Tour operators frequently receive deep discounts from hotels and airlines as well as provide more efficient means of transportation within Egypt. Even the most experienced independent traveler may not be able to beat the cost of a value tour, particularly if a full agenda of sight seeing is required. For an example of a value tour
Yet travelers should be advised that independent travel within Egypt is nothing to fear. One of the most unusual aspects of Egypt in regards to other tourist destinations is that Egyptians in general will go out of their way to help tourists. They are gracious hosts, even those outside of the tourism industry. Most hotel personnel, if asked, will provide a world of information and be very helpful. They will almost always be able to arrange various tours, and in the case of some chains, be able to guide and accommodate you from one end of Egypt to the other.
In addition, most monuments, particularly the better known monuments, will have identification plaques and often detailed descriptions. Along with a good travel guide, one who is intent on independent travel should have little trouble in doing so.
In general, everything from hotel rooms, to flight reservations, to full tours will be less expensive during the off season. Most tourist traffic to Egypt begins in the latter half of June, and continues through the middle of September. Ramadan is also a busy time for Egypt, but also very fun, while the ultimate peak season starts just before Christmas and ends after New Years, due to the holidays in European countries
Egypt could be said to have six different tourist super-sites. Each has its own flavor, and mostly each serves a different purpose. Surprisingly, or perhaps not, most of these tourist areas do not depend on ancient monuments to sustain them. In fact, only Luxor is completely dependent on this trade. These super-sites consist of:
Alexandria and the immediate area around the City. It could in fact be argued that this area extends to Marsa Matruh to the west on the coast. The area has a Mediterranean feel about it, and the attraction is the Mediterranean Sea, and to the people of Cairo, a somewhat cooler climate.
Cairo and the immediate area around the City. Cairo has everything. Cairo has great hotels, entertainment, restaurants, all manner of monuments from throughout the history of Egypt and it is often the entry point for most people visiting Egypt. It even has bowling allies and several golf courses to chose from.
Luxor, and the surrounding area. Luxor is a living museum with vast numbers of ancient Egyptian monuments. It is also highly oriented to tourists, and might be thought of in the same regard as a theme park, where the attractions just happen to be real monuments.
Aswan and the surrounding area. Aswan is probably the least of the super-site tourist areas, but has great hotels, along with the huge Lake Nasser just to the south.
Hurghada and the surrounding area, particularly El Gouna. Not to far apart are El Gouna, Hurghada and Safaga, and these areas contain just about everything a tourist would like to have, with the exception of ancient monuments. They make up for that with every variety of water sports, several golf courses, casinos and more. The Red Sea area has less of an Egyptian feel, but not as European as the Sinai.
Sharm El Sheikh, and the surrounding area including Sharks Bay. This is the Sinai super-site, again with most everything any tourist might wish. There are even some wonderful Christian monuments nearby, and the water sports, as at Hurghada, are all inclusive.
This is not to say that there are many more tourist destinations, particularly on the Red Sea and in Sinai, and on Egypt's mainland interior, the oases. However, in much of the rest of the mainland interior, travel and destinations are limited. However, the tourist super-sites encompass perhaps ninety-five percent of the ancient monuments, and most else there is to do in Egypt.
Major Destinations
Alexandria and the North Coast
Beautiful beaches and Mediterranean resorts.
The Delta from North of Cairo to the Mediterranean East of Alexandria
With Tanta, Zagazig, Dumyat, Damanhur, El Mansura, Benha
Cairo and the Lower Nile Valley from Cairo to El Tabbin
With Abu Sir, Dhashur, Giza, Meidum, Saqqara
The Lower Nile Valley from El-Minya to El-Minya
With Atfih, Beni Suef, Ihnasya el Madina, El Lahun, El Minya
Upper Nile Valley from South of El-Minya to Qena
With Abu Tig, Akhmim, El Araba el Madfuna, Asyut, El Badari, Dairut, Durunka, Girga,Hiw, Sohag, Qena, El Qusiya
Luxor/Thebes, from South of Qena to North of Idfu
With Luxor and the Surrounding Area
Aswan and Nubia, from Idfu to Abu Simbel
With Elephantine Island, Kitcheners Island, High Dam
Red Sea
With El-Gouna, Hurghada, Suez, Berenice, Ain Sukhna, Al-Quseir
Sinai
With El Arish, Ras Mohamed, Dahab, Taba
The Nile Delta and Northeast Egypt
The Egyptian Traveler's Survival Kit
Egypt is a sophisticated and modern country, and most anything that you need may be purchased in Egypt. But providing that you do not wish to purchase such things as shoes in Egypt, and that other items may be difficult to find, or very expensive, we have compiled a checklist of some of the more important items you may wish to carry with you. This list may seem rudimentary for the seasoned traveler, but for many making a first time trip to Egypt, it may prevent problems.
Contending with Sun and Heat
Hats and other covering: Large brimmed hats that provide not only a head covering but also a certain amount of shade will come in very handy in the hot Egyptian sun. In addition, women will be more acceptable when touring old churches and mosques if they are wearing some sort of head covering. In addition, scarves or other apparel should be taken along to cover shoulders and arms, and again, or not only important for visiting religious sites, but also to keep the sun off during treks. In very hot weather, a cloth hat or scarf that can be soaked will also help keep your head cool.
"Squeeze Breeze": this is a water bottle with a sprayer and a battery-operated fan attached, which is available in such stores as Wal-Mart in the US. This item literally kept our Senior Editor, Mary Kay Radnich, from hitting the deck in the 104F heat on the West Bank, late one morning. If you can find something like this among the beach toys this summer, pick it up.
Sun block: While sun blocks may be purchased in Egypt, you might prefer to bring your own favorite brand, but do bring it. We have often, and I wish to emphasis, very often, seen tourists with painful sunburns after a days worth of sightseeing.
Sunglasses: Another item that may be purchased in Egypt are sunglasses, but again, many people will prefer to bring their own. There will be many times that tourists find themselves in a blaring, sand and desert landscape and there is nothing better than a good pair of sunglasses, with the highest UV rating you can find.
Canteen or water holder: Staying hydrated will mean the difference between a comfortable tour and one that might end with trouble. Most people quickly learn to carry a water bottle with them, and bottled water is easily accessible. However, lugging around a water bottle in your hand can be tiresome. It is much better to bring along either a canteen, or some other utensil that will allow you to carry the water bottle on your waist or around your shoulder. Fanny packs or backpacks with holders for water bottles, and for women, even a shoulder bag type of purse will make this more convenient.
Other Needs
Very good, comfortable walking shoes: This is probably one of the first things most people will tell you to bring to Egypt. Most tourists will be doing a considerable amount of walking, and shoes should not be just comfortable, but comfortable to walk long distances. Unlike leather shoes for mountain walks and such, it is also preferable for walking shoes to be breathable and perhaps made of a lightweight nylon or similar fabric. "Tennis shoes" or other sporting type of shoes are good for this. Also, keep in mind that there are a lot of steps in Egypt.
Power Adapters: Power Adapters come in two different varieties. Some electronic equipment have switches to allow you to change the power input type. For these, a simple wall adapter is all that is required. However, other electronic devices do not have such switches and in this case, you not only need a wall adapter, but also a power converter. Egypt uses 220 volt and plugs are two prong rounded
All pricing is quoted in Egyptian pounds except where otherwise noted. Entrance Fees to Museums and Historical Sites in Egypt. Prices are subject to change. Where one single entry fee applies to several different tombs, still/Video pricing is for each tomb. For the latest exchange rate of Egyptian pounds to most other currencies.
Note: Most tombs do not allow flash photography.
Alexandria Entry Price Still/Video Photography
Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa 12.00
Fort Qait Bey 6.00
Greco-Roman Antiquities Museum 8.00
Montazah Palace Gardens 2.00
Pompey's Pillar 6.00
Roman Amphitheater 6.00
Aswan
Abu Simbel Temple
Nefertari Temple 10.00
Ramses II Temple 20.00
Botanical Gardens 5.00
High Dam 2.00
Nubian Museum 20.00
Philae Temple 20.00
Philae Temple Sound and Light Show 33.00
Tombs of the Nobles 12.00
Unfinished Obelisk 10.00
Cairo
Agricultural Museum 0.10
Citadel 20.00
Coptic Museum 16.00
Dr. Ragab's Papyrus Institute 4.00
Dr. Ragab's Pharaonic Village 50.00
Egyptian Antiquities Museum 20.00 10.00/Unknown
Antiquities Museum Mummies Hall 40.00
Gayer Anderson House 16.00
Islamic Art Museum 16.00
Mahmoud Khalil Museum 25.00
Mohammed Nagui Museum 10.00
Makhtar Museum 1.00
National Museum of Egyptian Modern Art 10.00
October War Panorama 10.00
Pyramids of Giza (Each) 20.00
Railway Museum 1.50
Solar Boat Museum 20.00
Near Cairo
Saqqara 20.00
Dahshur 10.00
Hurghada
Museum of Marine Biology 5.00
Red Sea Aquarium 5.00
Luxor
East Bank
Karnak Temple 20.00 OK
Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show 33.00
Luxor Temple 20.00 OK
Luxor Museum 30.00 10.00/100.00
Mummification Museum 20.00 10.00/100.00
West Bank
Colossi of Memnon Free OK
Valley of the Kings
Combo Pricing any Three of the Below 20.00
Ramses I 5.00/100.00
Ramses III 5.00/100.00
Ramses IV 5.00/100.00
Ramses V 5.00/100.00
Ramses VI 5.00/100.00
Ramses VII 5.00/100.00
Ramses IX 5.00/100.00
Seti II 5.00/100.00
Amenhotep II 5.00/100.00
Tawsert/Sethnakhte 5.00/100.00
Merneptah 5.00/100.00
Tuthmosis III 5.00/100.00
Saptah 5.00/100.00
Individual Pricing
Ay 10.00 5.00/100.00
Temple of Hatshepsut 12.00 OK
Ramesseum 12.00 OK
Medinat Hab 12.00 OK
Deir el-Medina (Sennedjem, Inherkau, Tempel) 12.00 5.00/100.00
Deir el-Median Pashedu 10.00 5.00/100.00
Temple of Seti I 12.00 OK
Tomb of Tutankhamun 40.00 No
Valley of the Queens
Titi, Amenherkhopshef, Kahemwaset 12.00 5.00/100.00
Nefertari 100.00 No
Tombs of the Nobles
Nakht, Menna 12.00 No
Rekmire, Sennefer 12.00 5.00/100.00
Ramose, Userhet, Khaemhet 12.00 5.00/100.00
Khons, Userhet, Benia 12.00 5.00/100.00
Pabasa 12.00 5.00/100.00
Keref, Anchhor 12.00 5.00/100.00
Khokha Area 12.00 5.00/100.00
Roy, Shroy 12.00 5.00/100.00
North and South of Luxor
Abydos 12.00
Dendera 12.00
Esna 8.00
Edfu 20.00
Kom Ombo 10.00
Sinai
Ras Mohammed National Park $10.00
St. Catherine's Monastery $10.00
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