Jörg „George“ Michael's advices... ✈️

I would like to give you some important advice below so that you can discover and travel through the land of the pharaohs in a safe, exciting and individual way.

Basic principles

As a traveller, I always see myself as an ambassador for Europe with a German passport! It would be great if you could travel the world with a similar ‘ambassadorial understanding’.

For me, this means communicating with the people living in each country in a respectful manner and with a smile. I pay attention to local customs and habits, but I remain true to myself and convey and represent my point of view as a European.

This attitude is particularly well received in cosmopolitan and liberal Arab Egypt, where it opens doors and touches the hearts of the peaceful Sunnis who live there.

Show respect to your conversation partners

The easiest way to strike up a conversation is to be able to say a few important words in Arabic (Egyptian dialect).

The following few words are perfectly sufficient for this:

– Shokran → Thank you

– Awan → Please

– Kaifa Halak → How are you?

– Alhamdulillah → Thank God, I am fine

– Meia Meia → 100/100, i.e. I am very well

– Sabah el kheir → Good morning

– Sabah al nur → Good morning to you too

– Masa al kheir → Good evening

– Masa al nur → Good evening to you too

– Shokran gasilien a la mousa tetek → Thank you very much for your service

– Bakschisch → Tip

During initial conversations, you should be careful not to bring up political or religious topics.

As a German, however, you may be asked about the unspeakable Nazi era. You can and should discuss this terrible past of our parents/grandparents/great-grandparents with Egyptians, because unfortunately the greatest criminal in German history enjoys a good reputation among some Arabs.

This is probably also related to the special relationship between the Arab world and the state of Israel.

Travelling in Egypt as an individual tourist

First and foremost → Egypt is now largely safe and smart to travel to. This also applies to tough women!!!

As a woman, you should still travel in pairs, in groups or with a man.

However, it is also possible to travel alone if you have extensive travel experience and healthy self-confidence. My good friend Tanja, who is self-employed in Egypt and owns property in Hurghada, is the best example!

When faced with what are unfortunately still too many attempts to chat her up, she defends herself by saying the words ‘red flag’ directly to the person concerned, accompanied by a stern look.

In a milder form, you can also defend yourself against overly pushy salespeople, especially in tourist hotspots such as Luxor, Hurghada and the Giza Pyramids.

As with all trips, I recommend that you always exercise a certain amount of caution when travelling in a foreign country.

Public transport / Uber / Taxi

In all larger cities/towns, you can now easily use public transport for very little money. Uber is now also easy to use outside the tourist hotspots. When taking a taxi, you should always negotiate a price before starting the journey.

Here is an important note for Uber users in tourist hotspots (e.g. airports, Giza Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum):

Drivers often accept rides but then demand a higher price and cancel the ride if the passenger does not agree to the price!

I therefore recommend either pre-booking a ride, using public transport or, as the least favourable alternative, negotiating an acceptable price with a taxi driver.

P.S. Cairo has Africa’s only metro system with an extensive network that is constantly being expanded. It is the best and easiest way to get from A to B in Cairo. My guides in Cairo and Giza will be happy to explain and show you how to use the metro in Africa’s largest city.

Bakshish – the art of tipping in the Arab world

A well-judged tip in the right place can open doors!!!

This is true everywhere, of course, and especially in Egypt. And yet, a decent Egyptian will never ask you for a tip.

However, he expects it from the other person when he provides a service, as is customary throughout the world.

I cannot give a flat rate for the amount of the tip.

Rather, it should be based on the type of service or the agreed price.

Here are three examples:

Taxi ride for 50–100 Egyptian pounds (1–2 euros) → tip 50–100 Egyptian pounds

Restaurant visit → 10–20% depending on the amount of the bill

Massage → 200 Egyptian pounds per massage session for the therapist

Unfortunately, the Egyptian people have become destitute due to dramatic inflation of more than 300% in recent years. The average monthly wage for a full-time employee is currently only around €250 per month (approx. 14,000 Egyptian pounds)!!!

Although Egyptians do not have to go hungry – Egypt also has a kind of social welfare system – the situation is nevertheless dire for many.

During my walks, I therefore often give street cleaners and hotel gardeners 100 to 200 Egyptian pounds (1 euro = 55 pounds) as a token of appreciation for their services. I also give a small donation to the few beggars I encounter, compared to other countries. I decide on the amount spontaneously and according to my heart.

I would like to ask everyone who has followed my free advice so far to treat the poverty that prevails there with similar respect. Thank you very much.

All other travel tips regarding entry, the usual travel warnings (some of which are completely exaggerated) and all other ‘safety instructions’ can be found on the usual travel portals. A little tip for you: I don’t believe everything I read there. I often follow my own experiences.

I hope my advice helps you to get to know and travel through the land of the pharaohs in a safe, exciting and individual way.

Jörg ‘George’ Michael