What tours NOT to purchase

Old Apr 17th, 2005, 07:51 AM
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What tours NOT to purchase

I am an American Muslim covert who will attending the American universiy in Cairo, so I'll have the fortune of being in Egypt 4 months. I am hoping that my appearance (people in the US often mistake me for Egyptian, I also wear a scarf) will help me to avoid people ripping me off or overcharging me. Is this likely?

On to my question: I think it'd be easier to ask what tour operators to avoid! Any takers?

pethicta is offline  
Old May 7th, 2005, 04:51 PM
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I think the key to you being able to "blend in" and thus avoid being ripped off will not be the way you look but your ability to speak the language fluently. You may look Egyptian but the moment you speak English or bad egyptian arabic your cover will likely be blown.
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Old May 8th, 2005, 03:47 PM
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Good for you! I don't have a company to NOT recommend but would be happy to recommend the guide we had while in Cairo...he was absolutely fabulous!! If you're interested, just send me an email. Have a great time and enjoy Egypt!
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Old May 17th, 2005, 09:50 PM
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My husband is half African, and he LOOKS egyptian but they still tried to charge him as much as possible. They'll be able to tell you're not local.

Our tour guide said the one thing to remember, if you don't like the price, walk away, very often they will suddenly come down to your price as you are walking away. If not, you will inevitably find another vendor who will meet your price... the guide said a fair price to pay is about 50% - 60% of the initial price the vendor tells you, and that's pretty much what we ended up paying everywhere we went. Start your price low, and keep negotiating back and forth till you get to about 50% or 60% of their initial asking price. Be firm and you won't get overcharged!
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Old May 18th, 2005, 03:28 AM
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sandi
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I'm sure that within a short time of starting school, you'll be able to learn from others "what things should cost" so you'll have an idea once you're ready to book a tour or make purchases. Also, find out from the school whether you are entitled to "student" discounts and/or non-resident alient prices.

As to the to the latter - when we visited and attended a performance of AIDA at the pyramids - our cost was USD$100 which is a normal price back home for an opera. Local Egyptians paid EL30 (Egyptian Pounds); non-resident aliens paid USD$30.

So check this and other discounts that might be available to you. When it comes to making purchases (other then food in the market)- souvenirs to bring home - bargaining is usual, so you bargain as mentioned in the thread above.

Enjoy your time in Cairo and do take some time to visit other areas in Egypt.
 
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