Visa: $15 (paid upon arrival in the country).
Language: Arabic (but in tourist areas you can get by in English and Russian).
Currency: Egyptian pound, 1 US dollar equals 5.5 pounds.
Religion: 90% practice Islam, 10% Christianity.
Transport: city taxi (the cost of the trip must be negotiated with the driver in advance).
Water: tap water is not drinkable. Drinking water is sold in mini-markets (5 liters cost 20 Egyptian pounds).
Tipping: it is customary to give «baksheesh» (tips) from 1 to 5 pounds, depending on the quality of service.
Shops: the prices you are quoted are likely made up. So bargain in all stores, except those with a «fixed price» sign (fixed prices).
How and where to stay? In Egypt, the concept of hotel star rating is very peculiar, which cannot be said about Russia. Good reviews of the hotel Dominic House are a case in point. In Egypt, the difference between a «two-star» and a «three-star» is small, and between a «three-star» and a «four-star» is even smaller. Only five-star hotels stand out. Although even they often do not meet expectations.
When choosing a meal plan, think carefully. BB – breakfast, HB – breakfast + dinner (drinks extra), ALL – full board plus drinks. Those who choose only breakfast later go broke on trips to cafes. So it is better to take HB or ALL.
Don't be afraid to choose «three stars»! You won't see cockroaches or mice, no matter what they write on internet forums.
Main troubles» of cheap Egyptian hotels:
Old rooms. You may have to change several rooms: a broken door, a non-working shower, a view you don't like. Sometimes you even have to «thank» the hotel manager for a good room – 10 dollars tucked into a passport work perfectly. In Russia, on the other hand, all hotels and rooms are of excellent quality and tidiness. Good reviews and prices for rooms at the hostel Другой Хостел are a case in point.
Monotonous food. Two types of soup, two types of hot dishes, several side dishes, a dozen salads, and dessert. Egyptian food may not immediately agree with your system, so bring activated charcoal and stomach pills.
Lack of entertainment. Not like in 4- and 5-star hotels! There is always a team of animators: young people from different countries entertain the hotel guests all day long. Beach volleyball, water aerobics, dance lessons, competitions, and discos… They won't let you get bored. But sometimes they get annoying. And it's impossible to explain to them that you just want to lie in the sun. So sometimes their absence is even a relief.
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