A resident blogger living in Hurghada told on her channel about the machinations that tourists traveling to the resorts of Egypt may encounter. According to her, earlier the Egyptians did not deceive the “residents” so brazenly, but with a large influx of Ukrainian and Russian tourists, they “never understood, they despise everyone.”
“As a pioneer, always be ready for the fact that when they see a tourist in you, they will immediately try to make money. A tourist is given a hotel bracelet on his arm, skin that has not had time to tan, candid clothes, eyes burning with curiosity … It’s just that we are foreigners, it’s a reason to overestimate the price tag for us, “says the blogger. The first series of warnings concerns the “relationship” with public transport and taxis. And she gives the following advice:
- “It is better for tourists not to ride minibuses. But if you have to, then stock up on small coins of one pound. Find a place where you can exchange notes for coins and pay at the rate.” She further cites the following examples from tourists: “When boarding a minibus, an elderly Russian couple asked the driver how much the fare was. He called the price 10 pounds for two. Retirees do not know the prices, agreed, got on a minibus. In the minibus, the passengers explained to them that the price was not 5 but 2 pounds per person. But when they wanted to pay at the rate (4 pounds), the driver did not agree and the two of them began to demand 10 pounds, ie 5. Like, once they heard the price and sat down, then they have to pay it. “The guy and the girl got into a minibus, asked the price, the driver answered 5 for two. The guy asks, “$ 5”? The driver answers: “yes – yes”! But then everyone in the minibus began to explain that 5 pounds, not dollars and show which bill to pay. God, the driver shouted so loudly at the Egyptians that they “broke off his tip”, there was a bit of a fight.”
- The blogger also recommends everywhere – in stores, etc. specify prices. “Exchange dollars or euros for pounds in advance. You can do this at an ATM. And pay in pounds. If you pay in dollars, they can also cheat with the exchange rate, ”she added. Or, for example, to arrange such machinations. “I was lucky” three times a week with the number 13. English 13 sounds “thirteen”, but when it comes to payment, they say that the amount was called “thirty”, ie 30. For example, when I had to use an orange taxi for a short trip. It took 5 minutes to drive, the driver at landing said “thirty”, and when they drove up and I gave him 15 (with tips), he began to demand another 15. Allegedly his “English is not good”, he meant “thirty” – 30! The same thing happened in the supermarket, where the prices were not specified. The seller called the price 13, and punched 30 in the check. And in the cafe! These are trifles in fact, but if this happens to a tourist three times in a row – the impression of a holiday in Egypt will be spoiled,” – says the blogger.
- Another warning is about money. “50 piastres – a very small coin – look like 20 and 50 pounds. The driver or seller may “drop” a large bill. In fact, quickly replace it with a small one and prove that you gave it to him. If you pay in dollars, you will count the delivery in small pounds and go quickly. As a result, it turns out that he usually did not add the delivery,” said the expert.
- Also, according to her, the drivers of orange taxis (taxis of a certain quality for locals) showed cleverness. “There are so many of them in Hurghada that there are not enough passengers. What did the taxi drivers come up with! They are connected to Uber and InDriver and accept orders in the application. If you prefer to use comfortable cars in which drivers do not smoke and do not chat on the phone, then pay attention to the car brand. Verna is served – most likely, it is an orange taxi, crowded, smoky and dirty. It is better to drop the call and wait for another car,” the blogger advises.