Sharm El Shiekh and Cairo

[raerae23]

Hi all

I am off to Sharm in 3 weeks time and hopefully taking a trip out to Cairo so i am looking for some useful information, Ive found it quite hard to find stuff on the net.One of the things i need to know is which is the best currency to take with me UK pounds US dollers or egyptian pounds. Not having credit cards Im having to deal in cash.

My sister is coming with me and she would love to swim with Dolphins she has never done diving or any thing like that.  Is this available in Sharm or near to Sharm and approx how much?

I was also looking at a trip on bus to Cairo and converting it from Egyptian to English it worked out at about �5.60 is this CORRECT its a 6 hour journey.Im also looking for the price of gold is this cheaper there infact im looking for any info anyone has to offer or tips and advice. Thank you

Rachael xx

[chas123]

Hi Rachael

Wow what a loy of questions, lets take them one at a time!

1.

[chas123]

Wow!! Lets take them one at a time.

1. In Sharm its �, in Cario its $ / � so you might as well take just  � notes or travellers cheques

2. Did not see any thing organised for Dolphins while i was there, but there is a Russian compay who keep a small captive whale on the outskirts of Shame that you can swim with for a price (i think it was call dolphinella, or something like that) There was some local opposition to the enterprise as the pool they keep it in is very small!!

3. The cost to Cario is anywhere between �50 and �100 per person by coach depending on which company you go with.

4. Dont know about the gold, in Sharm you have the usual tourist rip off shops...remember the saying "all that glitters is not gold" good advice.

Hope this helps

Charlie

[olliesalter1]

Im off to Egypt too and searching for places to swim with Dolphins, so far this is what ive found, have a look at these :

http://www.dolphinswims.co.uk/egypt/dolphins/frame.htm

www.wild-and-free.co.uk

[raerae23]

Hi Guys

Thank you very much for your answers they helped, if you have anymore tips or advise for my visit please leave more answers any thing you think will help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you once again

Rachael xx

[tock24]

Recently [may 2005] returned from Sharm....

First of all, check out www.holidaysuncovered.co.uk   - very useful...just type in your hotel/resort to get all sorts of good [and bad!] reports.

We took Egyptian �'s [about 10 to the UK �] as well as UK currency. Pound coins VERY useful for tipping, and they will accept �'s in the stores.

Didnt see anything to do with dolphins, but would recommend the diving/snorkelling [sp?] trips to Ras Mohammed National Park. Bit of a zoo leaving the marina, but once out and about its brilliant.Well organised, fun, friendly etc. Equipment included [snorkelling] and of good quality.water was warm, and very clear. if not a good swimmer [or lazy!] you will be offered a life vest. Luch provided on board [the crew live on the boat year round, so its considered their home. treat it accordingly]. full day affair that usually has 3 different dives. take and underwater camera! one use disposable from tesco's cost us �2!!

We travelled with Firstchoice, and their prices are as follows [as of may this year] - ras mohammed by boat [snorkelling] �29 each [all prices in UK �'s]....same by bus �21........Cairo by plane �183...by bus �125....nile dinner cruise �25 [but you have to get there first!]....St Catherines monastery [very good] �31......also mentions swimming with dolphins �50, Petra �210, Bedouin experience �29.....cannot comment on last 3 tho. Plenty of other things to do as well.

As to gold prices....it is cheaper than UK. it must be hallmarked to be genuine, and the traders will go to great lengths to prove it! be prepared to haggle! its a lot of fun, and expected!

The Egyptians are friendly, hardworking, courteous and helpful.

Strongly suggest you get a small arabic dictionary/tourist phrase book, and try some of the words! a little gesture on your part will work wonders!

Enjoy!

[puzzled54]

Hi, haven't been to Sharm, but have been to Cairo. We travelled first class by train from Cairo to Luxor, an 8 hour journey, and that was about �6 (61 Egyptian pounds), so sounds to me like your bus fare is right . We used Egyptian Pounds, took some with, and got more from ATMs as needed. For tipping, hold on to your small denomination notes as every one wants a tip. This is quite tricky when you arrive as you will only have large notes. I saw someone else suggested taking �! coins for tips, but I took US $1 bills for tipping, which went down very well. Hope you have a good time.