Posts Tagged ‘Customs’

3 Tips for Travel to Egypt

February 16th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

If you have never been to Egypt before, you surely have some questions about what you need to know about your trip. This travel guide aims to answer some of your queries. Please note, there is a lot of information about international travel and tourism in Egypt available, and there are many more pieces of advice that you and your party may want to heed. These three tips for travel to Egypt are really just the start of what you need to know for your exciting journey.

1.) Change money in Egypt.

Especially if you are coming from the United States or the United Kingdom, you should change your money in Egypt. The US Dollar and British Pound particularly still have high value here, and money changers give you a premium rate for it. It is very easy to change money in Egypt, even in the Cairo airport, where you can exchange your money before you even get through customs. You can also change money at many banks, especially at large hotels and tourist attractions. As you change money, be sure to request small bills as these are very useful for shopping and tipping. While you can try to spend your foreign currency, not everyone will accept it. If they do accept it, you may end up getting yourself a poor deal, especially when bartering, as you could end up paying more than you would in Egyptian pounds.

2.) You should tip.

Depending on what part of the world you are travelling from, you may or may not be familiar with giving gratuities for service. As you travel to Egypt, you should get acquainted with it quickly. Egyptians tip; it is part of their culture. Those who work in the tourist industry generally expect to receive tips, as it makes up a massive part of their living wage as it is for food servers in the United States. Tip appropriate amounts. Smaller tips should go to those who help you with your bags or a washroom attendant. Larger tips are for tour guides and drivers.

3.) Dress and act conservatively.

If you are reading this, you are most likely heading to Egypt from a relatively liberal culture. You need to keep in mind that when in Egypt, things that would be acceptable to do, say or wear at home may not be tolerable here. These are just some examples of conduct that you should know about. Egypt is an Islamic nation and a more conservative society. There are certain cultural and societal differences that you need to acknowledge and respect. Most Muslims don’t consume alcoholic beverages.

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Prepping for a trip to the Middle East

December 30th, 2008 Tushar Mathur

Given that I will probably be traveling to Dubai on business in the coming months, I thought I would pick up a copy of Customs & Etiquette of Arabia and Gulf States from my local Barnes & Noble. Fascinating little book. I really found it interesting to read about the protocols and etiquette when visiting someone’s home, insight on hospitality, Bedouin culture, etc. Since Saudi Arabia may be on the itinerary, as well, I want to make sure I’ve brushed up on the proper way to behave and interact with my business colleagues. Oh, and speaking of Dubai, rumor has it that a new hotel, Palazzo Versace, will soon open… the hotel, owned by that Versace, will likely have, get this, an air conditioned beach. Is this any surprise in the resort town that brought us the world’s first seven star hotel or the world’s largest indoor ski resort?

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Ten Tips for Travel Commandments

November 17th, 2008 Tushar Mathur

Traveling has become an important part of our life and it makes us enjoy and stress free during our vacation with friends or family. But traveling does not mean simply to pack bags, book the tickets and have fun. It means more than that. It needs whole sole preparation and planning before going to our favorite destination. There are ten travel commandments which should be discussed as they are very crucial for us and never makes us go wrong in any of our business trips or family holiday. It completely ensures our safety and security and provides trustworthy plans; which if we do not follow can put us in trouble.

Here are the basic 10 commandments discussed below:

  1. The very first commandment is to keep all the important documents. Keep your passport, visa and bank cards to avoid any danger. Other things include tickets, travel passes and credit cards. In fact you all should alert your credit card companies before going on a travel so that loss of credit cards can be prevented.
  2. The second most important thing is to arrive at the airport early enough to clear check -ins, customs and security check ups. If you happen to come by taxi then better ensure its booking a day before. And if you happen to go with your friend then remind them beforehand to escape the stress overcoming you.
  3. The next thing is to pack your bags lightly and very sensibly. Keep the entire medical and toiletry kits with you. If the destination where you are heading to is very cold then better you keep the winter stuff with you. Keep only necessary footwear with you; one for everyday wearing, another for formal wearing and last for the walking purposes with the proper shoe cases.
  4. The fourth one is to care for yourself while you are in the flight. Drink lots of water and eat hygienic food only. Do not try to take alcohols while traveling. Keep your skin moisturized and so ladies should not wear the make-up while traveling as it may lead to skin problems. Even wear stretchable clothes to make yourself comfortable. The more you will take care of yourself the more you will be stress free and will experience the less jet lag.
  5. Next thing is to keep a journal or a diary to keep writing all your experience while traveling. In this, you can easily write the names of various famous places to share it with your friends. This will help you collect your memories. You can also make album of the snaps taken.
  6. Be polite while traveling to other destination of which you are not aware of.

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travel: First Time Travel to Europe – the six-month program guides you.

November 13th, 2008 Tushar Mathur

To do so, you are in Europe to travel within the next few years will be needed. Wonderful! Your journey is certainly an exciting experience. In this article, in Europe before the six months to go outwards from the most important program is needed.

-6 Months in Europe before traveling

This is, at this stage of the game, you travel to Europe to be able to have a natural need. Travel brochures, travel agents in various European cities to talk to specialists and to choose your friends, and talk about the problem, please read the magazine.

If you choose to travel to Europe, where a different language is not familiar with the case, why did not he learn the basics of the language? Tomb of the book, or take courses, language and customs for a friend to help you.

In addition, the European travel guide, such as the need to think about picking Lonely Planet and Fodor. Leisure Select the fields you want to hear.

3 – 4 Mount Trip to Europe before moving to

Your travel destination in Europe is close. Are you excited yet? Currently, time, planning your trip is a practical side. Currently, if you do not already have a passport to obtain tickets a. shops and places to stay around. If you choose the locale, what, to find clothes that are used to working with you rather than the climate is different – and a good pair of walking shoes, please do not forget!



Something special fiestas, activities and travel to Europe when the event occurs? If so, will need to book now. The event, the more significant the time to make a reservation in advance, please select.

-6 Weeks in Europe before going on a trip

Departure date is approaching and still have time. If the hotel for a stay not to make reservations. Select how to display in your country’s attractions and to focus on may be learned? Car rental, train pass, all of the bus trip, so, the study of these options need to plan ahead and make your reservation at this point you can. If you travel to Europe and to work in need of vaccination and drugs and finally, your travel insurance, medical diagnosis should not be forgotten, in the hands of all of these before your flight of crucial importance One.

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Six Ways to Bargain Shop in China

November 9th, 2008 Tushar Mathur

When you are traveling abroad, how can you be sure you are getting the most for your money? There are six things you should be keeping an eye out for:

Haggling on Prices

Keep in mind that big name department stores and malls will not haggle about their prices. Look for stores with sale bargains at these places. If you want to haggle, look for specialty shops that allow for this.

Avoid Staring

Chinese salespeople can be pretty antagonistic, so if you find a product you like, look quickly so you aren’t hounded by these folks. Once you get their attention, they don’t let up.

Look, Don’t Touch

Many products can be quite delicate. You may want to touch these items, but if they get broken in the process, any chance you have for haggling on the price is history. The best policy is…don’t touch!

Bargain On Products You Want

Don’t haggle about a product you aren’t sure that you want. If you ask for a certain price and the retailer goes along with it, then you should buy it for that price. If you don’t buy it for that price, you can get into some trouble.

How to Bargain

If you notice that a product’s price is $10, don’t offer the retailer $1. They have to make a living too. Make any haggle offer sound appealing to them as well as to your pocketbook.

Buying Certain Products

When you notice a high priced item, make sure you know if it is authentic or not. Many products can be knock-offs and you certainly don’t want to pay more for something fake. You could also get into trouble at customs.

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