hawkeye1947

Here is a tip you should keep in mind for you and other members of the tour. If anyone should happen to get the "The Pharoah's Revenge" try the local cure of black coffee with a few squeezes of lemon. The lemons we had were green and look like limes.

Most of the ships sell an inexpensive medication for the stomach, as do all the pharmacies. It's okay but nothing like the black coffee & lemon to work immediately. A tour guide once told us about this local cure, and it worked.

Hawkeye1947: Thanks for the tips!!! Glad you mentioned about the shopping and buying, because I do plan on mingling with the locals. That's the best part. You are so fortunate to have visited so many times. I will report back on our trip. :-) thanks!!! Bee and JER

I am looking forward to hearing all about your trip. If you don't mind my asking, what tour company are you using for tour trip?

I used Grand Circle Travel 4 out of 5 times and was very happy with them, but they have suspended travel to Egypt and I want to return soon.

We are leaving for Egypt in five days! So so very excited! Any last minute tips? Bee and Jer

In some place the vendors can be aggressive, not threatening but just very persistent, particularly around the pyramids. Try not to make eye contact, just keep walking and say no thank you, in Arabic it's "la shukran". Don't be put off by it, just laugh it off as part of the experience and walk away. If you want to take a camel or horseback ride, have your tour guide arrange it for you.

Most of the other sites the vendors are restricted to certain areas and aren't a problem. If you want to buy something, haggling is expected, it's part of the culture. Around 50% of the initial asking price is what you can likely expect to pay.

The Egyptian pound is only worth around 14 cents U.S. Most people will expect a tip of some sort, "backsheesh" in Arabic. So handing out a 5 pound note for small favors won't break the bank. The exchange rate is set by the government and most hotels have a bank where you can convert your dollars, which I do recommend. You can use dollars most everywhere but in the long run you'll save money using Egyptian pounds.

Use only bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. Toilet facilities away from the hotel are adequate, but very often toilet paper is in short supply. Take some from the hotel, fold it and carry in your back pocket or pocket book. It can come in handy.

Have a wonderful trip and talk to the people, you will find them to be very friendly and almost everyone speaks some English. If you have any questions about something in specific just ask.

Oh, please do tell me about your trip when you return.

I have visited Egypt 5 times, both before and after the revolution. I would not hesitate one moment about returning and hopefully I can do so early next year. The Egyptian people are the friendliest people I have ever met anywhere in my world travels and they are dedicated to protecting their tourists.

Mostly I have used Grand Circle Travel for my trips to Egypt due to their low cost, excellent accommodations and itinerary. Unfortunately due American's fears they have had to suspend their tours to Egypt.

My first trip to Egypt was in 2004 and people tried to talk me out of going even then. Please do not let people frighten you. Egypt is the most amazing place on earth and I guarantee that you will not regret visiting.