Lonely Planet Postcards from Egypt
'Been there and done that' - advice from the horse's mouth
Two key phrases to watch out for from Egyptians "I can take you there", means they have no idea where the address is but will lead you in a random direction, tell you your destination is around the corner and demand baksheesh. "I am going to take care of you like we are brothers", means that if you trust him he will take you for everything including your shirt.
These slightly jingoistic gems(which do resonate) are from The Lonely Planet's Postcards page - an enlightening hotchpotch of travel tips, must sees and a hysterically distended scams and warnings section. As a tourist in Africa's largest city it would be unsettling if you weren't the target of someone's fiscal aspirations, and here it's going to be difficult to loose more than a few pounds. There is consensus on making sure you have what you want to buy in your hand before you part with any cash - stopping the sneaky merchant from squirreling away some of the money and claiming you have underpaid him, this goes for buying tickets as well.
Other tips include; your partner developing an allergy to perfume, give it a shot - though it won't stop any perfume vendor worth his salt, always carrying a LE 50 note as this will buy a taxi to anywhere in the city if you get lost(also get the receptionist to write the hotel name in Arabic, in case the driver doesn't speak English) and finally for a strange day out, and a unique photo opportunity, why not head to the suburb of Birqash for the daily camel market?
www.lonelyplanet.com
