Egypt has always attracted tourists from all over the world. But coming there, you should “keep your eyes open” – the country promises not only pleasant surprises.
Amazing monuments of ancient civilization simply attract tourists. Residents in Egypt are hospitable and friendly, but they perceive visitors only as a source of income. Moreover, “hospitable hospitality” begins right at the moment you descend from the plane.
Expensive visa
At the airport in Egypt, all foreigners must apply for a tourist visa. Its cost is $25. However, even before the check-in desks, you are offered to issue it for … 30 dollars. Knowledgeable people are surprised at the increased price, but they hear in response to their natural question: the service has risen in price. Do not take on faith everything that you are told, even guides: the cost of a visa is set by the Egyptian government on the first day of the new year, that is, the first of January, and does not change throughout the year. So the cost of a visa is still $25, and applying for it yourself is not at all long and not difficult.
“Impoverished” taxi drivers
Don’t be discouraged by the presence of a meter in Egyptian taxis – they are not used, so it is better to agree on a price in advance. The trip from the airport to the hotel will cost about 15 dollars, and it is highly advisable to have change money with you. If you pay with a $20 bill, you probably won’t see change. The taxi driver will emotionally claim that he does not have a penny, and even turn his pockets inside out for greater persuasiveness. As a result, he will receive a generous “tip”, and you will give yourself a word next time to have small bills with you. However, there is another option: using a smartphone, call a taxi using an application (Uber, Careem).
Feature of the price tags
In tourist areas for shopping or in restaurants, you can pay in both US dollars and Egyptian pounds. But how to understand in what currency the price is indicated? Many owners are cunning, indicating only numbers on the price tags. Tourists think that they have lunch for 70 pounds, and at the end of the meal they receive a bill for 70 dollars – 15 (!) Times more. So, when faced with a similar situation, check in which currency the price is indicated.
Lack of hotel rooms
Having booked a hotel in Egypt, do not think that you are guaranteed a comfortable stay. Tourists who have often arrived are first kept in the lobby of the hotel for a long time, and then … they are settled in a utility room. The administrator sincerely assures that all the rooms are occupied, but for a surcharge … he is ready to find a better room.
The way out is simple – call the tour operator or the hotel management and defiantly complain about the current situation. Often it is enough just to start dialing numbers on the phone, and a free number appears. But calling the tour operator will help in case of fraud.
“Free, gift!”
Numerous merchants in crowded places strive to “make happy” you with a penny souvenir, while saying: “Free, a gift!”. As soon as tourists take the little thing in their hands, the rhetoric changes: the seller demands to pay for a trinket worth … 10-15 dollars. If you like it – feel free to bargain. And if you are not in the mood for shopping, return the souvenir and remember: while you are in Egypt, you need to forget about the word “free”. This also applies to “friendly services”.
Don’t accept “selfless” help
Egyptians cannot live without tips. If a local resident offered to take a picture of you or carry your suitcases, he will definitely ask for a dollar. Refused? The beggar will follow you for a few more minutes. The only salvation is not to ask for help and not to accept it. Another type of divorce “in a friendly way” – a person starts a conversation, surprising with the knowledge of many words in Russian, offers to go to his shop, where he treats him to tea or hookah, pours out his soul, and then … begins to shamelessly sell goods at “uncompetitive” prices – oils, tea, souvenirs. The expectation that it would be embarrassing to leave empty-handed – you have already drunk tea, and, as it were, made friends with the owner of the shop …
Expensive but “safe” excursions
In hotels, excursions are sold for about 40-50 dollars, while in street agencies, similar ones cost 25 dollars. With such a difference in cost, tourists receive the same set of services and sometimes even ride in the same bus. Sometimes guides in hotels assure that when buying excursions on the street, travel insurance is canceled, and if necessary, treatment costs will not be reimbursed. It is not true. Medical insurance is issued for the entire period of vacation abroad. How and with whom you will move around the country does not matter.
It is worth preparing for any trip in advance: “forewarned is forearmed”. If you plan to see the Egyptian pyramids in real life, be sure to save this article to refresh your information before your trip and not get into an unpleasant situation, recommends uznayvse.ru.
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