Travelling in Egypt.. the little pointers one might forget about
Dec 3rd, 2009, 10:38 PM
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Travelling in Egypt.. the little pointers one might forget about
Hello again all,
I was just wondering if anyone had any little tips that might be helpful whilst booking or during my Egypt holiday. Or even things to take that you might need etc. I thought other folks might have some ideas that I have overlooked... they might be a tiny thing to overlook, but might make a dramatic difference to the enjoyment of the trip.
I have thought to ask specifically for non smoking room... it's in BIG LETTERS on my itinerary!!!
I was just wondering if anyone had any little tips that might be helpful whilst booking or during my Egypt holiday. Or even things to take that you might need etc. I thought other folks might have some ideas that I have overlooked... they might be a tiny thing to overlook, but might make a dramatic difference to the enjoyment of the trip.
I have thought to ask specifically for non smoking room... it's in BIG LETTERS on my itinerary!!!
Dec 4th, 2009, 06:53 AM
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i take miniaures of liquor. it is really the pause that refreshes and if invited to a "happy hour" one is ready.also it is good to know the phrase LA SHUKRAN meaning no thank you.it helped me alot in morroco.and always small packets of tissues
Dec 4th, 2009, 07:09 AM
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This might make me sound like Howard Hughes, but I was glad to have ziploc bags to use for paper money instead of my nice wallet. Their bills were truly filthy! Use purell after handling money - another OCD suggestion!
I also was glad I brought some power bars because I didn't find myself in love with the food at every meal and it was nice to have that option.
I also was glad I brought some power bars because I didn't find myself in love with the food at every meal and it was nice to have that option.
Dec 4th, 2009, 09:46 AM
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If your hotel will give you change - exchange your larger money for smaller bills (under $50 EP.
We found that every vendor would claim to have "no change" once you negotiated the price for an item. The smallest most tourists had was a $50 EP - so that became the "base price" no matter what you were buying.
We were staying at the Marriott which had a casino and were lucky to get $25 EP - in a roll of coins $1 each.....really helped out along the way.
Agree with Leslie_S - the money is filthy -- take lots of hand sanitizer and use it often!
We found that every vendor would claim to have "no change" once you negotiated the price for an item. The smallest most tourists had was a $50 EP - so that became the "base price" no matter what you were buying.
We were staying at the Marriott which had a casino and were lucky to get $25 EP - in a roll of coins $1 each.....really helped out along the way.
Agree with Leslie_S - the money is filthy -- take lots of hand sanitizer and use it often!
Dec 4th, 2009, 02:50 PM
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US money is filthy, too. Don't obsess about it there unless you obsess about it here LOL!
We did take Purell and hand-wipes, though - in order to wash up before meals where water might not have been available. We also took Charmin travel-size tp and toilet-seat covers --although we needed them far less often than we expected, it was nice to have in an emergency.
We did take Purell and hand-wipes, though - in order to wash up before meals where water might not have been available. We also took Charmin travel-size tp and toilet-seat covers --although we needed them far less often than we expected, it was nice to have in an emergency.
Dec 6th, 2009, 07:05 AM
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Don't forget to notify you ATM card issuer as well as your credit card issuer. I have two atms of which one is from a national bank and they did not require notification but the atm card from a regional bank told me they would have frozen my card without notification.
Dec 6th, 2009, 09:12 AM
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My first Egypt trip is next March, so I dont have tips to offer.. but I did find a site that has over 400 tips from other travellers... I found it quite interesting.. the link for the site is:
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel...Egypt-R-1.html
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel...Egypt-R-1.html
Dec 7th, 2009, 04:46 AM
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Hello-
We just got back and a few things I was glad to have:
1 - hand sanitizer - some bathrooms that I was glad to be out of
2 - tons of sunscreen
3 - snacks - I took granola bars and breakfast bars, it was nice to have something to tide us over, especially on the days we were up and out early
4 - propel packets for water bottles - I am not a huge fan of drinking water, so it was good to have something to change it up rather than soda. Plus the extra vitamins helped me on the day I wasn't feeling so hot.
5- eyedrops - I found the dust got to me a bit.
6 - small notebook to write everything down.
7 - deck of cards. Since it was winter, we didn't sit on the top balcony of the boat as much as I had hoped. but it was nice to have cards for the downtime even though we don't really play cards at home.
8 - small flashlight if you plan on going inside pyramids - the Red pyramid was very dark and I was glad to have a little light.
hope that helps.
We mostly took USDollars and then exchanged at the hotel to get smaller bills. I liked to have "tinkle money" on hand since we were drinking lots of water.
We just got back and a few things I was glad to have:
1 - hand sanitizer - some bathrooms that I was glad to be out of
2 - tons of sunscreen
3 - snacks - I took granola bars and breakfast bars, it was nice to have something to tide us over, especially on the days we were up and out early
4 - propel packets for water bottles - I am not a huge fan of drinking water, so it was good to have something to change it up rather than soda. Plus the extra vitamins helped me on the day I wasn't feeling so hot.
5- eyedrops - I found the dust got to me a bit.
6 - small notebook to write everything down.
7 - deck of cards. Since it was winter, we didn't sit on the top balcony of the boat as much as I had hoped. but it was nice to have cards for the downtime even though we don't really play cards at home.
8 - small flashlight if you plan on going inside pyramids - the Red pyramid was very dark and I was glad to have a little light.
hope that helps.
We mostly took USDollars and then exchanged at the hotel to get smaller bills. I liked to have "tinkle money" on hand since we were drinking lots of water.
Dec 8th, 2009, 09:33 AM
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I'm in Sharm el Sheikh and would add the following -
Consider bringing a hat (or at least getting one here). The shade is really nice to have especially if you will be out all day.
I'd recommend bringing any feminine supplies you will need with you. I've not seen any supplies nor any females working in the local shops and unless you want to pay an arm and a leg to buy them at a western hotel...
I always bring lots of ziploc bags of various sizes. They are incredibly useful for wet clothes/bathing suits, to separate dirty from clean underwear, to store shoes, even just to keep all of the brochures & business cards you collect in one location.
A scarf - useful in numerous ways - if you plan to visit holy sites, some require that your shoulders are not exposed. I've also been to some where I have had to cover my hair to get in to the temple. And on those breezy nights by the shore -- you can use it like a shawl
Throw a laundry softener sheet in your suitcase before you start out. It helps keep the case clean smelling if you are away for a while.
BTW - a comment to add about the money here - Occasionally I've gotten a grungy dollar handed to me in the US, but that does not even begin to compare to the worn-out and/or dirty state of the paper money here! I've traveled throughout low income nations in Africa and Asia and the only place I've seen anything that comes close to this is old paper currency from Senegal.
Consider bringing a hat (or at least getting one here). The shade is really nice to have especially if you will be out all day.
I'd recommend bringing any feminine supplies you will need with you. I've not seen any supplies nor any females working in the local shops and unless you want to pay an arm and a leg to buy them at a western hotel...
I always bring lots of ziploc bags of various sizes. They are incredibly useful for wet clothes/bathing suits, to separate dirty from clean underwear, to store shoes, even just to keep all of the brochures & business cards you collect in one location.
A scarf - useful in numerous ways - if you plan to visit holy sites, some require that your shoulders are not exposed. I've also been to some where I have had to cover my hair to get in to the temple. And on those breezy nights by the shore -- you can use it like a shawl
Throw a laundry softener sheet in your suitcase before you start out. It helps keep the case clean smelling if you are away for a while.
BTW - a comment to add about the money here - Occasionally I've gotten a grungy dollar handed to me in the US, but that does not even begin to compare to the worn-out and/or dirty state of the paper money here! I've traveled throughout low income nations in Africa and Asia and the only place I've seen anything that comes close to this is old paper currency from Senegal.
Dec 10th, 2009, 10:44 PM
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Hi Miss Green
I would add
1. Baby wipes or toilet wipes. you can buy little packets and they are great for in your bag for the tinkle times that Kak talks about
2. Pens - the kids love them and it means they get something other than money, that they might have to hand over at home
3. Sweets - wrapped sweets for the kids - for the same reason as above
4. Batteries - for camera or other items
5. Deep conditioner for hair - as your hair can get quite bad with the sand, wind etc. so its nice to give it a deep conditioner during the week.
6. Tampons - ladies will find a mountain of towels there but very rare to find tampons in the supermarkets etc
7. Safety Deposit box is a must on any cruise or in a hotel, it just gives you peace of mind and normally doesnt cost a penny (see reception on arrival)
8. Dont be concerned if they take your passort and keep it for the duration of your stay, it is normal especially on the cruise boats. They will give it to you if you need to go to the bank etc
9. Definately as above, small notes. You can change some inside the airport at the bank kiosk when you get your visa from them
10. Elastoplast. In case you get any blisters on your feet. I got a couple on my toes from a pair of fashionable sandals that were a nightmare! and its nice to have a couple of elastoplast in your bag in case of emergency blister fixing
11. Phone number for your Embassy - always - just in case its needed
12. Make sure you give someone at home contact details of your agent, in case they need to contact you in an emergency.
13. Bring an open mind and remember that not everyone has the luxury life that we have in the West
Thats all from me
Scotsgirl
I would add
1. Baby wipes or toilet wipes. you can buy little packets and they are great for in your bag for the tinkle times that Kak talks about
2. Pens - the kids love them and it means they get something other than money, that they might have to hand over at home
3. Sweets - wrapped sweets for the kids - for the same reason as above
4. Batteries - for camera or other items
5. Deep conditioner for hair - as your hair can get quite bad with the sand, wind etc. so its nice to give it a deep conditioner during the week.
6. Tampons - ladies will find a mountain of towels there but very rare to find tampons in the supermarkets etc
7. Safety Deposit box is a must on any cruise or in a hotel, it just gives you peace of mind and normally doesnt cost a penny (see reception on arrival)
8. Dont be concerned if they take your passort and keep it for the duration of your stay, it is normal especially on the cruise boats. They will give it to you if you need to go to the bank etc
9. Definately as above, small notes. You can change some inside the airport at the bank kiosk when you get your visa from them
10. Elastoplast. In case you get any blisters on your feet. I got a couple on my toes from a pair of fashionable sandals that were a nightmare! and its nice to have a couple of elastoplast in your bag in case of emergency blister fixing
11. Phone number for your Embassy - always - just in case its needed
12. Make sure you give someone at home contact details of your agent, in case they need to contact you in an emergency.
13. Bring an open mind
and remember that not everyone has the luxury life that we have in the WestThats all from me
Scotsgirl
Dec 14th, 2009, 10:24 AM
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<<<Elastoplast. In case you get any blisters on your feet.>>>
this reminds me....and I'm not recommending NOT bringing this, just wanted to mention that we were in several pharmacies in Cairo and Luxor and they were all VERY well-stocked, so whatever you're "missing", you'll likely be able to get. Medications are very cheap (less than $1USD for a bottle of Afrin and for a bottle of cough syrup for example), but other products are not so cheap (sunscreen for example)
this reminds me....and I'm not recommending NOT bringing this, just wanted to mention that we were in several pharmacies in Cairo and Luxor and they were all VERY well-stocked, so whatever you're "missing", you'll likely be able to get. Medications are very cheap (less than $1USD for a bottle of Afrin and for a bottle of cough syrup for example), but other products are not so cheap (sunscreen for example)
Dec 14th, 2009, 02:04 PM
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I agree with you sf7307 on the pharmacies, problem was though that I had the blisters before I found the pharmacy! and ended up in agony trying to walk to the place as a result, burst blister, dirty cairo feet, not a good combination
Scotsgirl
as a result, burst blister, dirty cairo feet, not a good combination Scotsgirl
Dec 14th, 2009, 11:12 PM
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I carried a very small fold up umbrella and used it instead of a hat. Much cooler and bigger shade area, kept whole body cooler. I was very careful to keep my toothbrush together with a bottle of water so I wouldn't 'forget' and automatically brush my teeth with tap water. Likewise, I was especially careful to keep my mouth tightly shut in the shower so no water would get in by accident. I did eat lots of salad in the hotel and on the ship and never got sick. Stayed away from dairy though. Kept a piece of paper with the name and address of the hotel on us when we took a taxi to the market, so we'd be able to show it to the cab driver on the way back.
