Pound conversion, Etc.
 

Hello all, <BR> <BR>Our Egyptian tour is less than 2 weeks away! After having made reservations last October, it's hard to believe that it's almost here. <BR> <BR>I am wondering whether one can convert Egyptian pounds back into U.S. dollars at the airport or a local bank. <BR> <BR>Also, we spoke to the travel desk at our local health department, who recommended the following immunizations: typhoid, hepatitis A, tetanus, and polio. The typhoid injection hurts!! <BR> <BR>Has anyone played the slots in the Cairo casinos? If so, I'd like to know your opinion of the casinos. <BR> <BR>Thanks. <BR> <BR> <BR>

Linda, I was able to exchange Egyptian currency back to US dollars at Cairo airport on day of our flight out. I sensed great reluctance to do so however. I tried several times at our hotel (sheraton) but always ran into an excuse. Even at the airport I had to go back to the window a couple of times as 1) so-and-so would be right back to do the exchange and 2) we just ran out of American currency but expect a supply in a few minutes. But, persistence paid off and an exchange was made. We really made an effort to end up with only a small amount of Egyptian pounds but it simply didn't work out that way. <BR> <BR>We did not get any innoculations for the trip nor were we advised to do so. Be sure to take immodium and maybe have your family doctor prescribe an general antibiotic (broad spectrum). About half of our tour group came down with some digestive problem though. Didn't seem to be a pattern though. Our two daughters came through okay (although one had strep throat while we were in Israel. Such was easily taken care of and our Globus tour guide was great in helping with her diagnosis,etc.) <BR> <BR>Sorry I can not comment on casinos as we did not have occassion nor the need to visit one. Have a great trip. <BR> <BR>I would do our Middle East trip again! <BR>Dick

Dick, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the information. Were you pleased with Globus? That's who we are using. You mentioned that you were staying at the Sheraton at the end of your trip. We begin at the Mena House and end at the Sheraton. It's probably the same itinerary that you bought.

Linda, yes we were pleased with Globus. I understand they use local travel service in Egypt (such is listed in booklet that comes with your itinery. Yes, it sounds like we had the same tour starting with Mena House and ending with Sheraton on island in Cairo. Basically, we were quite pleased with overall tour. We enjoyed Israel more than Egypt and that I believe had more due to culture than tour. Our group in Egypt was very nice and our guide Nagla was quite knowledgeable. One downside of Egypt (and this is understandable given the poverty and attempt to make a living) was the aggressive nature of many of the venders. Bear in mind we were there in late June when tourist business may be rather light. Thus, at times, it seemed we were inundated with sellers. Keep an open mind as to culture shock (looking at the pyramids and then turning around and seeing major garbage piles and substandard housing. Enjoy the bartering even in the shops in the hotel (I particularly remember one at the Aswan Oberli). The Nile River Cruise was quite enjoyable to me as one gets to see quite a bit of the countryside as all the travel was during the day and the boat moved along one side of the river and then the next. The crew was very pleasant. Sorry for getting extra wordy. When you go ashore and are even in public places in Egypt (like the airport) take toliet paper with you to save the hassel with local provider who also expects tip. No problem in hotels though. Have a great trip. If you visit the tapistry factory be sure and note how fast the young weavers can do those knots. We were impressed. Dick

Dick, <BR> <BR>Thanks so much for all the useful information. Our choice of Globus was based on our travel agent's recommendation and the glossy catalog that she provided. <BR> <BR>I've already bought the Kleenex purse packs because I learned about "toilet paper vendors" during a trip to mainland China! &lt;G&gt; Anytime I visit a developing country, I carry a mini-pharmacy. I had to scour Bejing looking for a simple package of cough drops. <BR> <BR> <BR>