Egypt is very exciting…and very different from home. It is a beautiful country, but be aware that there are certain local laws and customs that you’ll need to adhere to. For instance, did you know that taking photographs of bridges and canals (including the Suez Canal) and of military personnel, buildings and equipment is illegal? Sometimes, even with the best intentions, travelers can accidentally stumble into a cultural pitfall so it’s wise to do a little research. Regardless of whether you are on land tours or on Egypt cruises , here are five things that you should know before you go.
Ask Questions
As travelers we often rely on the advice of locals but, unfortunately, we are also often misled by that advice. For example, most tourists do not know that the pyramids and sphinx are only a five minute walk from the taxi entrance. However, many taxi drivers and tour operators (who have commission-based partners in this area) will tell you it is “a 5 mile walk” to the pyramids and sphinx and will persuade you to ride a camel or horse to the sites (for a fee, of course!) Asking questions beforehand can prevent this kind of “tourist trap” and will keep you from wasting time and money.
Be aware
Unfortunately, there are a lot of scam artists who prey on tourists. They can be very aggressive and annoying. Generally, any local who starts a conversation with you is probably just looking for money. You have to be aware of your surroundings constantly to make sure you do not fall for one of these types of scams. In addition, as with any busy tourist destination, always be aware of pickpockets and thieves. Nothing spoils a vacation quicker than having your money or passport stolen.
Assess the add-ons
In most upscale Egyptian restaurants and hotels, a service charge is applied, to which value-added tax (VAT) and municipal taxes are also added. In other words, the price that you are quoted at a hotel or that you read on a menu could be as much as 25% higher when it comes time to pay. Knowing about these taxes beforehand will insure that you make educated spending decisions and don’t have any unwelcome surprises when you get the bill.
Carry change
Always carry a lot of coins and small bills as you will need to tip many times a day, for all kinds of reasons. Of course, there are the usual tips for taxi drivers, hotel bell men or tour guides but, you may also have to tip the attendant at the entry of some washrooms to get a few sheets of toilet paper and that is no time to get caught without change in your pocket.
Cover up
Egypt is a Muslim country and it is important that travelers respect the customs of that religion. Ladies should cover their shoulders and upper arms, wear closed-neck tops and skirts below the knees (pants are acceptable but they should be loose). Shorts are not advisable for men or women, particularly at religious sites. Modesty is the key. Remember that you are a visitor to their country so, respect their culture and cover up.
The most helpful piece of advice is to try and learn a few words of Arabic before you go. This gesture means the world to the Egyptians and you will find that saying “thank you” in Arabic will bring a smile to everyone’s face.