Aggressive vendors in Cairo/tourist areas

[azevedan]

Yes, and I have to add, we never felt threatened. (Went in March, 2012)

[Karennella]

We found the vendors dreadful, especially when we were walking onto the ship in Port Said. I cannot think of anything that we bought, or cared to buy, in Egypt. Interesting as I found the stopover, I will never return.

I found them much more unpleasant than those I have encountered in China, Mexico, Thailand, Zimbabwe etc. It is a shame for their industry.

[movc]

Yes, the same gauntlet near entrances, but unlike Cairo/Gisa and Petra, the three main sights of Luxor -Temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and Hapshepsut's Temple - are all off-limits to vendors & we were able to tour in peace.

 

Is this a recent developement? When I was in the Valley of the Kings in Apr 2012, vendors were riding the shuttle from the parking lot and pestering tourists inside the valley past the gate. Luxor and Karnak Temples were free of vendors once you were inside.