Travelling to Egypt

[Sysem]

Hi all,

So I'm planning a trip to Egypt in November (mainly Cairo, some surrounding areas too), and then a short stint to Eilat (Israel - I know...).

Anyone know what the current situation is like in Egypt? Recommended for two 23 year olds?

Thanks

 

[NeonNinja]

Don't sleep on the same bed...

 

[bchip]

Maybe watch "An Idiot abroad" S01 E05 - Egypt then double check if you really want to go

I would just be extra cautious with everything if decide to go,
probably have some cash on you at all times, to pay for bribes and what not.

Good luck

 

[Sysem]

Maybe watch "An Idiot abroad" S01 E05 - Egypt then double check if you really want to go

I would just be extra cautious with everything if decide to go,
probably have some cash on you at all times, to pay for bribes and what not.

Good luck

Haha I shall check it out.

I did Vietnam and Cambodia 2 years ago, and I've have my fair share of bribes etc through Mozambique and Zimbabwe, so I'm cautious as it is. More worried about the political situation with protests.

 

[bchip]

I still want to go to Vietnam and Cambodia, both are high on my list.
I havent been to Egypt, admittedly though I would love to go see the pyramids.

Ive been to Thailand, I do believe that Vietnam/Thailand, those places are a lot easier
to get around though, on a rule of thumb people are very friendly and willing to help.
Egypt (I believe) the mentality is different ...maybe Im just getting cautious as Im getting older.
Just saying (Im guessing but) I believe Middle east wont be the same experience as Vietnam.

Personally if I could take a trip now, it would rather suggest Croatia or Czech Republic.
Last year I went Czech Republic, it was great and its not that expensive, most things cost the same as SA.
Its more the Paris/London/Swiss part of Europe thats very expensive.
Its also more politically stable (compared to Middle East atm)

 

[bchip]

It just seems from what Ive heard your experience through
Mozam and Zim will probably be similar to Egypt.

 

[poffle]

My parents said egypt was very meh. Cairo is dirty, pyramids are ridiculously touristy and not really worth it anymore.

On the other hand... give morocco a though, that place looks amazing!

 

[KleinBoontjie]

With the **** that's going on there I would steer clear.

 

[^^vampire^^]

Went last year. If you want the honest truth, fly in early morning, go see the pyramids and sphinx then fly out again in the evening. The pyramid and Sphinx are amazing things to see and should be seen at least once in your lifetime I think.

Also you can get to be amazed between the contrast of the pictures of the pyramids you see in photos with the backdrop of the never ending dessert and then when you turn around 180 degrees to be met by McDonalds and KFC etc. That was fascinating.

Just gear yourself up for the harassment. The Egyptians are a bunch of ungreatful agonising idiots that will harass you to no end. Everyone, and i mean EVERYONE, will ask you for money. Take sunglasses with you as any near direct eye contact or even talking to your friends means to the Egyptian "I want to buy everything you have - please try sell it to me". They will try to sell you stuff like kingston memory cards at 2500% the regular price because it's "the good quality one" and a small packet of fake doritos for R50.

The Egyptians kids are even worse than the adults (rude ****s the lot of them), maybe take a tazer to teach those little ****s a lesson.

Also don't let them take pictures of you or your friends and don't let any locals be in your photos - they expect money for this.

If you want go see a temple or two but once you you've seen one, trust me you've seen them all.