Egypt info needed please

[madcow]

Hi everyone- my first post so be gentle!!! I am after some info on egypt as I have just booked a last minute trip in a couple of weeks. Am off to Sharm and have not been there for ages so cant remember some things.

I know I can get an entry visa at the airport but what currency is it best to pay in?

Also same thing on the boat for the food? Is it egyptian or do they prefer something else?

Another one as well- I get very cold very quickly so dont know what to take. Would a 7m semi dry be enough or do I need something warmer??

last question- I am a lone female traveller and was thinking about the shops! Last time I went even though I was with my hubby we got so much hassle and touching and jeering that I may just stay in the hotel and not do anything if its going to be like that so any advice would be useful please in this respect as I remember last time i went another very young attractive freind of mine caight a taxi and suffered some horrendous things been said to her while she was in it and I really can do without that sort of thing while on holiday!!! (not that being a lot older I would get the same !)

[Rod]

Pay for your VISA in US dollars (15) but dont expect any change.
They prefer Egyptian pounds on the boat.
7mm should be OK but maybe a drysuit as you can get quite cold during the surface intervals.

[purple vonny]

They will take pounds, egyptian pounds, US dollars and euros. The exchange rate for the US dollar is so good it might be worthwhile taking some.

As Rod says, entry visa is usually 15 dollars (about £7) but if you pay in pounds, they might charge you £15. They make it up as they go along.

As for being hassled in shops, show them your wedding ring, say in a very loud voice "DO NOT TOUCH ME. I am married, leave me alone or I will call the police". This worked well last time someone grabbed my arm and tried to drag me into a shop!!! The guy actually ran back into his shop and looked worried. When walking round, do not make eye contact and do not answer when shop owners hassle you, just walk on. When they ask where you are from, pick and obscure land they have never heard of or answer in Welsh.
(yes, guys, it is hard being a lone female in Egypt!).

Failing that, ask if you can borrow a bloke as an adopted husband.

You will be warm enough in the water in a 7mm suit but you might be cold when you get out and the wind is whipping round your bits. I am a wuss and would probably take a dry suit in December-March. (all the blokes will be jeering but hey, they eat pies!!!)

Have a great time and remember your Imodium.

[madcow]

Hello, and thank you for the tips!! think I shall take a bit of all types of currency and hope for the best!! And see if I can borrow a man for the shops!

I am a wuss too and I was cold even when diving in the maldives mid summer- so maybe I shall be the only person on the boat in a dry suit!!!

[EdHornby]

If I remember correctly, you can buy the visa stamps from the official government desk where there is a longer queue, or from the travel agent desk, but the travel agents tend to charge £15 instad of £10 from the government desk

dressing modestly makes a bif of a difference but unfortunately not much.. .Vonny's advice is best, hope you have a great time

Ed

[uwila]

Originally Posted by madcow

And see if I can borrow a man for the shops!

I'll volunteer - as long as you throw in a dive pack as well, and you promise not to go clothes shopping

The shops are not as bad as they used to be. Under no circumstances pretend to be Russian! My wife is Hungarian and I now know enough to talk bolox in that language as well and this always throws them off the scent - they think I'm Russian, but I just babble back using some 'flowery' phrases!

As Vonny said, avoid eye contact and just walk on by. It feels as if you're being very rude, but it's one of the few ways to get passed the places you don't want to go in.

Try not to be too blonde - that seems to make it worse for the ladies. Modest clothing still helps.

Cheers, Chris

[Boat Elf]

You'll have an excellent time there and will quickly meet lots of other people to go around with in the evening.

As a girl on your own (I have been there a few times myself) you are much better off in Sharm than in the rest of Egypt.

• Act and walk around with an air of confidence
• I don't know where you're staying, but if your hotel is not in Naama Bay, many places have their own shuttle bus service there in the evenings - this is great to use
• A simple "La Shokran" (incorrect spelling, but means - no thank you) works well with shop keepers and is still respectful
• If hassle is serious, then definitely threaten to get the police - this terrifies them
• A quick reminder that Allah is watching them, also helps to remind them that their behaviour is unacceptable.

So enjoy yourself and the diving - there is no need to stay in the confines of the hotel.

[madcow]

Originally Posted by Boat Elf

• I don't know where you're staying, but if your hotel is not in Naama Bay, many places have their own shuttle bus service there in the evenings - this is great to us

.

Thanks. Love your photo by the way!!! I am staying at Ocean club. I think thats out a little bit but not sure how far. I am not half board or anything so once the diving is over for the day I can do whatever I want. Or nothing at all ! I am sure I will go to the centre a couple of times. I seem to remember that the shopping was ok if you wanted silverware, trinkets or hideusly(!) expensive oils. but not really any girly type shops anyway so I probably wont do that much anyway!

[uwila]

Originally Posted by madcow

Thanks. Love your photo by the way!!! I am staying at Ocean club. I think thats out a little bit but not sure how far.

It's about 7Kms. OC run a bus in the evenings (cost - 5 LE) starting at 7:30 pm and going every hour until 11:30. The bus back leaves Na'ama Bay at 8pm, 9pm, 10pm and 11pm.
Taxis are fairly cheap and the ride is always exciting - knock down the price if you can! If you are a safety concious type of person who is worried by the smell of petrol on the inside of your ride, avoid the taxis!!!

[Boat Elf]

Yes - I rather thought it captured my best side!!

Ocean Club is an excellent place to stay (for cheap and chearful). And yes, the shuttle works well. The hotel will put on an amusing evening of entertainment of spinning men and Egyptian pantomime horse. But head down to the Camel Bar for a lively evening and the Indian restaurant next door is absolutely fantastic (can't do better in Tooting!).