Cairo Egypt - Things nobody talks about, and you should know.
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- Опубликовано: 11 авг 2023
- This video is not about Egyptian Antiquities (there is enough of those already). Here, I share few things that may save you a lot of grief while visiting Cairo. Things that you need to be aware of and make sure to avoid, so you are not being taken advantage of. I'll take you to the streets, Pyramids and Cairo Museum.
Thank you to Aggressor Adventures for organizing this trip for us and making sure we are safe and well taken care of.
info@aggressor.com
www.aggressor.com
I was there in 2002. I was harassed at saqqara and was robbed of $50 right out of my wallet. I opened it to give him a five and he took a 50 and ran. After that I just ignored when they ask for something and ask my guide how to say no thank you in Arabic. That seemed to work better.
I can totally see that. Unfortunately, there is a group of people that pray on tourists, and they know they can get away with it. So, they flock to all the tourist hot spots. Sadly, government does not really care. Thank you for watching and commenting 👍
La'a (no), shokran (thank you), mesh ma'oul (not possible). Say these words a few times and you're o.k.
In Arabic-speaking countries one needs to say "la'a shokran" at least three times to be taken seriously.
If somebody asks you "do you want another cup of tea", simply saying once "no" won't cut it. You have to say it at least three times
plus you have to hold your hand over your cup. Only then your "no" is taken seriously. Nobody will pour hot tea on top of your hand.
Vachma wa la'a? In English this mean - "understood or not?". Have a great time next time - w/o misunderstandings.
Your videos are interesting, I have traveled to Egypt 11 times, and really the less contact you have with them the better, for this reason I almost always choose liveaboard, when I have not done so I have regretted it. all the best.
True, liveaboard keeps you somewhat isolated from the mainstream culture. However, if you know what to expect it makes it easier to cope with the differences that may be irritating from our perspective. Just came back last night from Egypt. This year we went to Luxor after our week of dives with Aggressor II. I saw colossal differences between Luxor and Cairo. It is much nicer, cleaner city and there is lot more to see than in Cairo. Cairo was a shocker, Luxor a very nice surprise.
Thank you for watching & commenting! 👍🙏
When you visit any home, don’t go straight to the garbage bin. Try to avoid it and go directly to the reception area ( Sharm, Hurgada, Marsa allam and upmarket areas of Cairo).
Just like when you visit the Netherlands do not go to the red light area.
Yes, Hurghada and Luxor are way more friendly than Cairo itself.
Thanks for comments 👍
Was there in 1987. Crossing the road was a nightmare. Some things never change.
Yes, some things are tough to change. Not sure I'd want to, to be honest. Egyptian culture is their own and at least we can have a glimpse into it while visiting. Likewise I don't appreciate outsiders coming into my country trying to impose their crap. (Just saying)
This video’s assessment of the traffic situation in Cairo is very accurate. There are no stop signs and no stop lights. Many of the drivers drive like speed racers. A drivers drive bumper to bumper. There are lanes, but many people don’t use the them. People consistently walk on the roads and highways. Motorcyclists dart constantly dart between cars. For me, it was stressful being on the road there. It is very chaotic compared to U.S. traffic.
The roads are not pedestrian friendly. No crosswalks, few sidewalks.
I'm suspecting it's the cultural thing. They are so used to it and conditioned since birth, so it is normal. For somebody coming from US it is a total cluster f@#k. I hear Bangalore in India is similar. Thank you for great comment 👍
Honestly, the sad part is that if I always need to concentrate on to safeguard myself, how would I even enjoy? Egypt-pyramids-cairo are so high in worldwide dream travel destinations, that they know you will come anyways. Thats where they take advantage. Your story is helpful to everyone who are planning for it. My fear is even bigger, the crowd I see in the videos that you and others do share. I wish if I could time travel few hundreds of years back and visit.
Yes, who travels to Egypt needs to be aware, however should not let fear take over. It's a great place to visit.
Thank you for your comments 👍
Good trip to Cairo. Aggressor adventure didn’t dissapoint!!
Great vid Peter !
Yes, Aggressor definitely done awesome job! It was very memorable adventure.
This land is cherished by Senator Bob Menendez . he even found gold bars in Egypt.
That is too funny LMAO 🤣
Thanks for commenting 👍
Thanks for the heads up ,much respect for your honesty ,Tones NZ.
I'm glad you find this helpful. Much appreciate your comments! 👍
I am glad that I did not go inside the great pyramid. Seeing the outside was enough.
I'm actually grateful that I could go inside, but for people with back issues or pulmonary issues this may be more than they can handle. Thank you for commenting. 👍
OMG, I completely agree, I am not generally Claustrophic, but I was getting a bit anxious just watching the video! No way I'd be able to do it.
Thank you for great educational video. I’m so happy I got to watch it, I’m thinking to go to Egypt soon.
Consider Luxor over Cairo. I just came back from Egypt and this year we went to Luxor. City is much cleaner and much nicer and there is much more to see. Karnak temple, valley of the kings and valley of the queens. Nefretari tumb looks like it was painted 3 years ago. I was amazed. Granted no pyramids but Giza has nothing other than pyramids. I'll be releasing new video from Luxor soon.
Thank you for your comments!
@@PRospond great information, thank you 🙏🏽
@@mobattah1708 You are very welcome! Glad this little clip heped.
Helped *
Flying to Egypt tomorrow, going for 15 days :) Thanks for the amazing tips
If you have a choice of place to visit, I'd definitely pick Luxor over Cairo. You don't get the iconic pyramids, but there is so much more to see and appreciate. New vid from Luxor coming soon.
Thank you so much for your comments!
Very helpful many thanks!!!
Glad it helped. I just hope for everybody to have a great experience while there. Not knowing some things will ruin your day or the whole trip. Thanks for comment. 🙏
In the city of Al-Ula, the tourism organization is well organized, and work is underway to build the largest living archaeological museum in the world by building a tram that will pass through the oases of ancient Arab civilizations in Al-Ula, and archaeological educational institutes, cultural and artistic exhibitions, and hospitality services will be held there. Therefore, the idea of developing the city will be amazing for an archaeological site.
That is awesome news! Wonder what is the time frame to get that accomplished? Seem things happen very slowly in Egypt. Cairo museum was supposed to be moved month after my visit last year. Year later still not finished. At any rate, sounds I'll have to plan for a new trip! Thank you for great comment!
Love it mane!! Can’t wait to go back
Thanks Michael, It's coming, only few days left.
Absolutely. Simply “Jaw-dropping.”
Ancient Egypt is mysterious and amazing. Period
Yes, it is. Mind-blowing perfection in their art, statues and depictions. Thank you so much for your comments. 👍
@FILTHYSMELLYPOJEETDESTROYER I actually met a lot of great people in Egypt. People that are well educated, very kind and giving. Yes, there are different groups with different mentality, but that is everywhere in the world and not unique to Egypt.
Great vid Peter!
Thanks John, much appreciated!
Thank you so much for your informative video
Very helpful
I wish I saw your video first -before I booked my Egypt trip
🙄🤪
I'm so glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and commenting. 🙏
Great info !
Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Would love to know how you befriended the attendant to take video in the room and not have to pay the $55 USD fee. WOW! That is amazing!
There was a bench against the back wall, where he sat yelling "No Video, No Video". I sat next to him yelling "No Video, No Video". After about 4 min he gave me an elbow bump, saying "Go! Take the video but do it quick!". I think he just wanted to get rid of me. LOL
Thank you so much for watching and commenting. 🙏
HAHAHAHAHAH @@PRospond
So helpful!
Thank you Amy, glad you find it useful 👍
Iam sorry that you had to go through some troubles with some people in here but you need to understand two things
1- Egypt is a big country with a very high population living on only 5% of the land we own which, 50% of the people are really poor and they would rarely see foreign people so imagine the excitement by the way the traffic isn’t as bad as it was before, you mainly visited the city centre which has high density in such a small area that’s why you saw a very very old place which was supposed to carry out just 10% of the people existing there right now.
2- Egypt is going through one of the toughest economic crisis in it’s history that’s why you would find people asking for help by trying to offer something they can do in return they meant no harm i really understand that it’s not your problem and hopefully you would visit again someday and we would be better by then.
Try visiting Sheikh zayed, New Cairo, Alamien city and Al Gouna and I would be happy to show you around 😊
I totally agree with you. I find Egypt fascinating, and people are very welcoming. My point, however, was to make those who are going to visit for first time feel more aware with better understanding. We just flew back from Egypt last night. After spending week on liveaboard diving adventure, we went to Luxor. I was very pleasantly surprised to find Luxor quite different than Cairo. Even though Luxor has no iconic pyramids, there is so much more to see, appreciate and indulge in Egyptian culture. We had phenomenal experience. I will be releasing new video soon. 👍
Thank you so much for watching and commenting! 🙏
I've been to many impoverish countries. That's no excuse.
A nice video. Some nice tips.
Thank you for great comment 👍
you're welcome. @@PRospond
Nothing changed yet in Egypt Tourisme. I am Dutch,but I was a part if an Egyptian family,we did go port Said,we wanna go by small boat to Admiral Nelson island, normal price was between 15 or 30 Egypt pound (not euro),I do not remember well, but for me theyy asked 100 dollar, because I am foreigner. We did not accept that and some of us did go to the police station,an officer came to us and told the persons of that boattravel business that they may not ask for me so much money,if it happen once again they close their business.
Yes, they will jack the prices if they see a foreigner, especially from US. We had to negotiate just about everything that had no fixed price tag.
Thank you for commenting! 👍
That was SO useful, thank you so much. I definitely need to know how you got permission to video! Headed to Egypt in February!! Also, please tell me about your diving - I'm debating land based or liveaboard, given a could of boats have sunk lately. I have two weeks for the Red Sea portion of my trip. Is there a way to privately message you? (sorry, I'm not an expert at RUclips!). THX Kelley
We were diving with Aggressor II last year and same this year. Aggressor Travel arranged our flights, transfers, liveaboard and additional 2 nights visit in Cairo (and Luxor this year). We just flew back last night and had awesome experience. Luxor has much more to offer than Cairo (although no pyramids). It is much cleaner city, and our stay was very enjoyable. Our guide was an actual Egyptologist loaded with all kinds of information. For diving you really want a liveaboard as they will take you to places where day trips are unable to reach. It is a week stay and you will have 21 dives on many awesome wrecks. This year we wanted to dive reefs instead so they took us to places one can dream about. Still stopped at the world famous Thistlegorm wreck for day dive and night dive. See this vid from our last year wreck diving - ruclips.net/video/DaICsIZtf7M/видео.html
We have nothing but good experience with Aggressor, so I do recommend them. They are worldwide with HQ in US. Just google "Aggressor Travel"
They guy in the museum - I guess he got tired of me so let me take the video so I can go away...
There was a bench in the back of the room where he sat, yelling at people " no video, no video" so I sat beside him yelling "no video" every few seconds after he told me I cannot video. He finally bumped me with his elbow saying " go get the video but do it quick" LOL
Thank you for watching and commenting. 👍
Lucky you!! I hope you have a wonderful time! I've wanted to go to Egypt all my life....I'm a big history fan and always been fascinated by ancient culture. I've noticed very reasonable offers, .... you've no idea how tempted I am!! Anyway Bon voyage! Have a great time!!
@@alisonmccracken-mills5381 Thank you so much! We had a blast in Luxor this year. Karnak Temple has so much to offer. You can almost travel in time and feel 5K years old culture first hand.
Thank you for great comments!
Watching the video, there's one question that popped into my mind. Are you allowed to record videos (or takes photos) while traversing the pyramids? I thought that cameras and other recording devices are not allowed in Egypt's most famous tourist locations.
For some reason they don't allow videos in the pyramids - not sure why, perhaps there is another fee they want to collect. Photos are okay. You cannot take a camera inside, however phone is okay. In Luxor on the other hand, they let you take both photos and video, but flash or camera lights are not permitted. That is to prevent deterioration of paint and artwork - which totally makes sense to me.
Thank you for commenting!
@@PRospond Thank you for your detailed response, I greatly appreciate it!
@@Il4o1 Anytime! Glad I could help.
I'm going there in two months. If someone wants me to take their picture, they'll have to pay me 100 Egyptian pounds...in advance! Otherwise, my plan is to wear sunglasses and airpods--hear no evil, see no evil! If they won't go away, I'll politely say "La shukran!". And if that doesn't work, "kha-LAAS!"
No thank you is good but many people use that. Try "mefish feluce" which is "I don't have money" or "I'm broke". Worked much better for me LOL
Thank you for your comments!
so how did you befriend the attendant in cairo museum?
There was a bench against the back wall, where he sat yelling "No Video, No Video". I sat next to him yelling "No Video, No Video". After about 4 min he gave me an elbow bump, saying "Go! Take the video but do it quick!". I think he just wanted to get rid of me. LOL
Thank you so much for watching and commenting. 🙏
I definitely need to know how you got permission to video! Headed to Egypt in Dec. TY
LOL that's a funny story - attendant in the room had a bench by the back wall. He was sitting there yelling "no videos, no videos". So I sat next to him, yelling "no videos, no videos". About a minute or two later he gave me an elbow bump saying - "you, go take the video, but be quick" After I was done I slipped him few bucks. They are all wanting to make some extra, but in some cases they are afraid to get in trouble. Initially he did not want the tip, but eventually he was happy to grab it. 😁
Egypt is a great place to visit, just be sure to excercise common sense caution. Sadly, there is a lot of people there, that will take advantage of tourists.
Thank for watching and commenting 👍
Great tips and advice!! Can’t wait to visit next month and definitely won’t take anyone’s picture or order shots 😆
Hmm, shots are awesome, just make sure they are not 50 bucks each! LOL
Thank you so much for commenting and liking 👍 💕
Tourism is ruining these historical sites, and the Egyptian government doesn't give a shit either 😢
Yea, that's very unfortunate. Sites are mind blowing!
This was helpful...😊
I will never go to Egypt. 😒
Glad you found it helpful. Egypt is definitely different than most countries, but a great place to visit. You just have to be prepared for things that you are not quite custom to. And yes, even though you find it different we have to respect people, their culture and the way they do things.
Thank you for comments! 👍
National Lampoons Eygptian Vacation. Can you imagine the Griswalds in Cairo. Chevy Chase would've nailed it.
That would be very funny LMAO!
@@PRospond I enjoyed the video by the way. The locals preying on the tourist is what made me think of Vacation btw.
@@stargazer4625 I just came back from Egypt and if you are planning that area then do consider Luxor instead of Cairo. Much cleaner city and much more to see. Granted no pyramids but much more to see there. We also spent a day in Istanbul Turkey due to 23 hour layover. That is a beautiful city and a must to see. Thanks for commenting! 🙏
@@PRospond luxor has the temples. That's what I'd like to see
@@stargazer4625 definitely more to see and appreciate.
Please can I have the contact of your guide Mustafa?
Apologies, but I did not retain his number. We got him arranged through Aggressor Travel. I'm sure there are other great guides available. Just came back from Luxor (a must visit - video coming soon). We had and actual Egyptologist there as a guide. Will share his name and number in the new video.
Good news! Found Moustafa's number. Actually, texted him over WhatsApp so give him a ping or call.
Cairo guide Moustafa +20 114 839 9776
Happy travels!
How much are the pyramid tickets.
Thank you for the question.
I believe, general entrance was 200 Egyptian (about $11.00 USD). Great Pyramid of Khufu about $21.00 USD plus additional $5.50 for Khafre's pyramid. So total of about $40.00 USD
Can they take US dollars at the pyramids.
Not sure about that, We had our tickets prepaid through Aggressor Travel. Since this is controlled by gov. most likely they take only Egyptian currency.
@@caseyjeter9957 you can get local currency from any ATM - just let your bank know you're traveling ahead of time so they don't shut your card down.
Helpful
Glad it was helpful. We just came back from Egypt last night. Visiting Luxor this time, and we absolutely loved it. Quite a contrast from Cairo and so many more things to see. New vid coming soon.
Thank you for watching and commenting 👍
These are not ethnically the same people that built ancient Egypt.
Just so you know..
I absolutely agree. Humanity is losing its ways. We all have amnesia while science dos not want to touch anything they can't explain. Wierd times we live in...
Sadly, we are doomed.
Thank you for commenting!
Nice video
Thank you for visit and comments 👍
Corruption starts at the top, in Egypt and everywhere.
Yea, if leadership exhibits bad example, then followers will suck.
Thank you for commenting.
Europeans and Americans support the fascist dictator Al-Sisi....
I was there 6 years ago and yes the vendors are absurd, they make the trip hell with their constant barrage of buy, buy, buy. If you show the least interest in anything they clamp on you like a remora and make experience a walking hell. they follow you for hundreds of feet yelling as if you owe them your life as well as your money. As an Architect I have always wanted to see the pyramids and such but the experience left me cold. Save your money and just buy a National Geographic instead. I expected it so the fact it is dirty and dusty and hot but without our great guide it would have been an absolute disaster. I was accosted at Saqqara and had my scarf ripped from my head and some guy tried to steal my wallet.
Sorry for your bad experience, unfortunately different cultures act or react in unfamiliar manners to outsiders. While Cairo left certain impressions on me, following year (last year) I visited Luxor and had totally different experience. I will be putting out a new video on Luxor after my return from current European trip.
Thank you so much for your comments!
Among numerous places I so far visited, Egypt is the one I will never revist. I never approved the Egyptian tourism mentality. When people ask me about Pyramids and Sphinx, I tell yhem to watch the videos not to waste time and money going there.
I just flew back from Egypt last night. Went to visit Luxor this time. Had very positive experience and definitely recommend Luxor over Cairo. Granted - no pyramids, but so much more to see. Quite a big contrast from Cairo. New vid coming soon.
Thank you for watching and commenting. 👍
👌🏻
Thanks for watching 👍
I can help anyone want to change USD at Egypt with a good rate
Thanks for the offer.
There isn’t anything to see on the inside, save your money and don’t do it. Get out to the valley of the kings near Luxor to see the colourful inside walls of the tombs.
Totally agree! Visited Luxor Karnak temple, Valey of the Kings and Valley of the Queens couple weeks ago. It was amazing! Blown away by tomb of Nefertari! Colors and paintings look like they were done 3 years ago.
Thanks for commenting!
Do you have Mustafas contact details
Yes, I do 😁 - Moustafa (Cairo guide) +20 114 839 9776. Please say hello from me if you get a chance 😊
Hope the number is still good. It's been couple years. I definitely recommend him in Cairo. I have another awesome person in Luxor, in case you are visiting there.
@@PRospond Thank you for sharing. Please can I have the Luxor person too.
While in Luxor reach out to "Sam". Haytham Saady - Tel: 010 033 74157
sam.saady.guide@gmail.com
He is an actual Egyptologist, extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. Taught us to say "Mefish felus" (among some other phrases) meaning "I'm broke" - just to get rid of all the street peddlers. We had a blast 😁
Not going anywhere near it
We went to Luxor this year. Had a great time. New vid coming soon.
Thank you for commenting. 👍
Pakistan is just as much fun..
So I heard :) I think India may be also similar in some ways. At least in the ways they drive on the streets.
Thank you for comments!
LOLOL So funny how americans think about the world is! LOLOL
Yes, most Americans don't travel abroad so they have no clue. However, those that do travel tend to impose their own believes and views on others. Which I find very "unhealthy". Simple matter of tips - as we tip 20-25% in US due to fact how waiters are being paid. We are arrogant enough to do same in other countries not realizing the consequences, which creates expectations that then, we are obligated to fulfil. Shockingly I saw 5-6 years old kids asking for money, once they noticed we are from US.
Thank you for watching & commenting. 👍
Sorry to say this, but you have proven that you are the perfect victims for scammers.
Scammers are everywhere, Egypt is not one off. My point was to share my experience with others, so they don't become a victim. Thank you for commenting.
!!!
Just came back from Luxor Egypt. So much nicer than Cairo. We all loved it!
Weird choice to have the video narrated by a computer voice.
I know right? Sounded better than my own LOL
Thank you for commenting
Put me off going
Thanks for your comments!
Don t use animals for transport
Walk ,bus ,taxi. Ok
Sure, that is preferred, unless you want to experience camel ride through desert.
Thank you for watching and commenting. 👍
The Egyptians sure love to rip you off. After being in Egypt for 3 times I have learned 😂 ignoring is the best thing to do
I'd rather be on a beach.
Beach is always a good option... hehe
The have very few car accidents
Not quite certain about that, according to locals they actually have quite a few. Have you seen their cars? Every one of them is beat-up. Dents upon dents. Although they are not getting damaged beyond repairs, but I would not want to put my nice car on their roads. 😉
LOL Egyptian roads are very dangerous they have some of the highest fatalities per kilometer driven in the world. Just Google it for the truth
There thief’s I will never go to Egypt Iam 102
If I was 102 I wouldn't want to jack with them neither. LMAO
i am Egyptian and got stolen in the train station of DC and once in new york... and in paris, morocco and kenya... it is known that tourists wherever can be taken advantage of yet Egypt is alot more than the limited places mentioned but as usual you always stereotype and judge without any knowledge of Egypt and Egyptians....
Yor kinda a newbie
Yea, last year was my first trip to Egypt so things really stood out for me. This year visited Luxor (vid coming soon) so knew what to expect. I'll take Luxor over Cairo anytime.
Thank you for your comments!
That’s the reason I wouldn’t go to see the pyramids.😡👎
Yes, pyramids are absolutely a marvel, and everybody should be able to experience them firsthand. But if you are up in age with back problems or heart issues you may want to revisit the decision of going inside. Thank you for the comment.
We went to Egypt in October 2022. Simply Stunning. Yes… the inhabitants are demanding of Americans. Just say “No.” Don’t
let their actions deter you. The history and architecture are unbelievable. Just live your dream.
Why were you so focused on people asking for money? Not that hard. It is a no, thank you. Move on. Not hard, and I am a girl. Best to have a guide and just keep an eye on your money, but be realistic and don’t focus on the negative. Also grateful I watched videos on the fact going inside pyramids was not a need. I didn’t put myself through the torture. Crossing the street? Also an option. I only crossed with friends. Didn’t expose myself to so much danger. Common sense takes you a long way.
My focus was not on the negative but on bringing awareness to visitors so they don't get taken advantage of. While you sound well travelled, not everybody is. I'm well traveled as well so had no issues with local culture.
Thank you so much for your comments!
I love the comment on greedy Germans who would not give anything 😂😂😂i do belive german are greedest people i ever met in my life😂
Nah, immigrants that move into a country and think they are entitled to handouts are the worst
Well, I'm not sure if that is accurate as I know a lot of Germans and they are far away from greedy. I think in US we are so used to tipping and as arrogant as we are, we try to do same in other countries. This in turn, creates expectations from US travelers, putting a target on our backs. So yes, when people see Americans, they flock for a chance of getting extra money, while we shoot ourselves in the foot, feeling good thinking we are solving problems for somebody. Yea, I know - pretty ignorant.
Thank you so much for watching and commenting. 👍
Yup this is why I don't travel.
I know it's tough when you have to watch everybody not to get scammed, but that is part of the experience. Just came back from Egypt last night. Dove on liveaboard for a week then went to Luxor for couple nights. Had great time! Luxor is much nicer than Cairo and has way more things to see. New vid coming soon.
Thank you for watching and commenting!
more beggars there than regular folk.
It may appear that way as regular folks don't approach tourists. All tourist hot spots are magnet for scammers.
Thanks for your comments!