Glimpse - Your Stories from Abroad

1. Home
2. Countries
3. Topics
4. People
5. The Correspondents Program

Getting Around

Cabs in Cairo

Youssef Chouhoud

30 Nov 2009

Egypt

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/eg.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_transportation_.png

/tips/topic/getting-around/

/tips/country/EG/

/accounts/16930/profile/

Cairo is littered with taxis. The traditional black and white cabs are the most prevalent but also the least optimal, given that NONE of them seem to have working meters. How do they charge you? It seems to be an imprecise combination of time spent and distance traveled--especially if you're an out-of-towner. If you're forced to use one, make sure to get a firm commitment on the fare beforehand. But the better option is to use the new yellow cabs that not only offer working meters (and generally a cheaper fare), but also a more comfortable ride in a late model car. They can be found at most tourist sites, transportation hubs, and large malls. You can also call one to pick you up at no extra charge.

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_transportation_.png

Comments [ 0 ]

Etiquette

Haggling 101

Delia Harrington

19 Nov 2009

Egypt

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/eg.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_etiquette.png

/tips/topic/etiquette/

/tips/country/EG/

/accounts/18337/profile/

1. Know your price before you start. Stay firm! 2. Work in a pair or team, a la good cop/bad cop. After all, the vendors are doing the same thing 3. Don't be intimidated and don't be afraid to low-ball it 4. Only make one purchase per stand. The vendor knows your breaking point now and will use it against you if you don't switch 5. Buy multiples or team up with your friends for a single purchase and use it to your advantage (ie 15 for one is no good, but I'll take 3 for 30) 6. Don't be afraid to walk away. They usually drop the price, but if not... 7. ...know that you can buy the item elsewhere 8. Tell them your friend bought the same thing elsewhere for x price 9. Speak the native language; tourists pay more than expats 10. Have fun!

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_etiquette.png

Comments [ 0 ]

Packing

Conservative layers are the key in Egypt

Delia Harrington

30 Nov 2009

Egypt

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/eg.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_packing.png

/tips/topic/packing/

/tips/country/EG/

/accounts/18337/profile/

For women in Egypt, dress in loose, light layers to stay cool and under the radar. Always have a light sweater and scarf on hand, as you never know when you'll go somewhere more conservative, like a mosque or old neighborhood. Higher necklines are better, so bring some camisoles. Skirts should be to the knee or lower, and capris and pants only, please. Always cover your shoulders, but try to also cover your upper arms and forearms. When going to a mosque, you must cover your head with a scarf, take off your shoes upon entering and wear long sleeves and full-length skirts or pants.

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_packing.png

Comments [ 0 ]

Fashion

Clothing and the weather in Cairo

Youssef Chouhoud

30 Nov 2009

Egypt

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/eg.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_fashion.png

/tips/topic/fashion/

/tips/country/EG/

/accounts/16930/profile/

You shouldn't expect the temperature in Egypt's capital to be a balmy 72 degrees year-round. The Summer nights can get quite chilly (especially along the Nile), so pack a light sweater or jacket. For Winter nights, you'll likely need thicker outerwear since temperatures in the Sahara can dip below freezing. What's even more counterintuitive is that during December and January, it's often colder indoors than out. The reason for this is that many homes and hostels don't have radiators and the materials they're made out of tend to lock in the cold Winter air. However, there's no need to worry about staying warm at night if you're staying in a traditional hotel.

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_fashion.png

Comments [ 0 ]

Dating

Single women may want to wear a wedding ring

Delia Harrington

19 Nov 2009

Egypt

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/eg.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_dating.png

/tips/topic/dating/

/tips/country/EG/

/accounts/18337/profile/

For many Egyptians, the concept of a group of girls and guys being close platonic friends is beyond foreign. You'll have to repeatedly explain to your friends that none of the guys are "yours." Meanwhile, you might want to let some people assume you're together. You'll generally be left alone if you are (or claim to be) married. When traveling alone in Cairo I switched my ring to my RIGHT ring finger, indicating that I was married or seriously spoken for. Once strangers noticed this, they usually didn't persist with unwanted advances.

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_dating.png

Comments [ 0 ]

Health

The cats are like pigeons, but more disgusting

Delia Harrington

19 Nov 2009

Egypt

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/eg.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_health.png

/tips/topic/health/

/tips/country/EG/

/accounts/18337/profile/

In Egypt, cats roam the streets. They are flea-bitten, diseased strays, so no matter how much you want to adopt or cuddle one, I would recommend against it! Worse are the dogs at a lot of the ancient sites, which tend to have rabies. It's hard not to ignore the animals when they look so helpless, but your health will thank you (especially if it's seen the inside of an Egyptian hospital)!

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_health.png

Comments [ 0 ]