Cairo was the arrival & departure point of my organised Egypt tour. A launching pad to much history, ancient culture, and stark diversity.
The airport is a fair way from the city and likely hotels you would stay at to visit the Pyramids, so read up on the Taxi’s, or better yet organise a private transfer to minimise the hassle from the start, and yes, the hassle starts from inside the terminal.
Egyptian tourism has suffered since the events of the past years, and tourism is slowly returning, but trying not to be critical, the perceived desperation to “do a deal” or rip you off appears a consequence of lack of custom, at the same time being the reason WHY there is a lack of custom.
Vendors at the Markets at every Temple are aggressive, creating road blocks with their bodies and wares to try to engage you. Saying NO is the beginning of a negotiation to them.
They have well rehearsed lines to try to start any conversation that can become a negotiation to sell you something. Some just want to sell, others purposely scam you.
They offer you a gift, then want payment for it and won’t accept its return.
They will tell you a cheap price for a carriage ride, and then demand much more to let you off, or return you to where you started.
They will often follow you for a long distance, no matter what you say or ignore.
Spend a week in Egypt and you will likely have seen every con imaginable.
Truly sad. Without the hassle, you might actually stop and browse the souvenirs.
The warnings you will read elsewhere are not an exaggeration.
The Egyptians we met through the tour guide were some of the most genuine and delightful people I have ever met, but the ones you encounter at every attraction with their constant aggressive marketing and scams is all you can remember, spoiling this historically significant country and their own downfall to a return of strong tourism.
