[pradn]

I went to Egypt a few months ago and was met with incredibly warm people, with perhaps even an excess of hospitality. Yes, you do get charged extra for being a tourist at the tourist spots. But that's only a small part of the country. That said, I am Indian and was met as an Egyptian most of the time (people would start speaking to me in Arabic 70% of the time), so I had the benefit of fitting in well. The delicious food, the serene Nile, the magnificent range of art, the tea shops, and the people - the country is worth a visit even if you aren't into ancient Egyptian stuff. Travel is always a risk, so there's that.

[mrwnmonm]

I am an Egyptian, thanks for your comment.

The last time I visited Dahab (a very simple yet beautiful place in Sinai, not sure if you know it or not), I saw an Arab man, from his accent it was clear he is not an Egyptian, maybe he is a Saudi or Kuwaiti, he was having a discussion with the Hotel's reception about being charged more just because he is not an Egyptian. This is just something stupid they do to get more money. I am sorry that you had to pay more for the same service.

[pradn]

I've heard wonderful things about Dahab! I'd love to visit if I get to go back to Egypt.

I didn't mind the overcharging too much when it was obvious. Like it was funny to me and the taxi driver that he was charging too much, and we had a laugh about it. Coming from the USA, the flight cost far dominated any expenses from when I was in Egypt. The one time it did feel bad was when the tour guide I hired, who seemed to be on my side, let me be overcharged by someone he had a prior arrangement with. But alas he was so knowledgable.

I realize all this is only a small part of Egypt and it's not fair to judge a whole country by a few bad apples.

One of my new Egyptian friends wanted me to try so many types of food that he sent me home with two extra bags of stuff. That's excessive hospitality :)

[slim]

if it's ok for employers to pay you less for the same job because you live in egypt, it's ok for a shop to charge you more because you don't live in egypt

[Ekaros]

Or it is okay to pay less for your labour as the customers can bribe you to do it. Oh I mean tip...

[oh_sigh]

I'm guessing you're also a male, since I've literally never heard a good story about a female traveler without a male companion in Egypt or the Maghreb in general.

[hutzlibu]

Well, to my surprise I have indeed met some western women who enjoyed hitchhiking through morocco alone (or together with a female friend). But they knew what to expect and were very strong women, who did not flinch by sexism and aggressive avances and could put them down.

They might have been lucky, though. A moroccan women who also hitchhiked a lot just stated, the closer to mauretania, the more rape attempts.

[oh_sigh]

I wouldn't exactly call needing to steel yourself against rampant sexism and aggressive sexual advances a "good story". I guess if they enjoyed themselves and weren't raped and murdered, that is all that matters.

[pradn]

I am a man. Yes, it is unfortunate that the differences in experience persist. :(

[shepherdjerred]

That is so good to hear! I've always wanted to go to Egypt, but it almost seems a bit scary since I'm so unfamiliar with that part of the world aside from all of the negative bits you hear on the news, e.g. civil unrest.

[Chris2048]

But are you male or female?