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Visiting Sharm El Sheikh
CitySlicker
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Travelling as a couple early next year, resort is all inclusive. What amounts of money should we take? We're not really planning to do anything much apart from lounge around and visit the local town but no idea what the value of money is over there and what things cost.
Also what currency should we take and how should we get it converted? I've heard some people talk about taking US dollars but I have no idea. Thanks.
Also what currency should we take and how should we get it converted? I've heard some people talk about taking US dollars but I have no idea. Thanks.
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Don't forget to get your VISA online and watch which site you use. It's the Turkish government one you want and should cost you about £12
Turkey is NOT in the EU so your mobile phone will cost you a fortune if you have the date switched on. Will also be expensive making calls and logging onto Social Media Sites.
Hope you have a great holiday. We always do :cool:
Sharm El Sheikh is in Egypt and personally is a right shithole.
Make sure you get a typhoid injection as well.
If you're all-inclusive, there's no need to look elsewhere for food either, but if you do want to go out to eat, it's Na'ama Bay you want, not the old town (unless you want a burger). There's some good restaurants at Na'ama Bay.
Most of what's in Sharm old town is ok but nothing special - the market isn't what you'd expect - it's just a small area of shops selling cheap tat and not incredibly cheap leather goods rather than the traditional souk-style Arab market you see on tv. If you want quality leather or jewellery, most of the hotels have cornered that market.
There's no close-by sight seeing. A Cairo flight - long day at the best of times - isn't advisable at the moment, and the Sinai Desert is a no-go because of trouble.
The diving and snorkelling is pretty well the best in the world - you can get a trip straight from Sharm port, no need to book, and they're all safe. For a short trip, get a Shark Bay ride - the snorkelling is splendid. For the full spectacular trip - Ras Mohamed National Park. Having said that the reefs immediately off the beach are more than enough for most people as long as it's calm (or you'll get coral cuts).
Other than the diving, the only trip I would recommend is the night quad bike desert outing - 15-30 of you out in the afternoon to a Bedouin camp, fierce tea, then back after sunset through the canyons by headlights - like something out of Mad Max. If you're really adventurous, have a word about a solo or very small group trip with a guide - they'll take you on an assault scramble you'll never forget .
Whatever you choose - enjoy yourself!!!!
Edit: the hotels give a good rate for exchange, so don't worry about that.
How would the OP ever have got there without your travel advice!
It's ideal if all you want to do is lounge and soak up the sun but do try a snorkelling/sailing trip.
I wouldn't entertain a trip to Cairo, regardless of any situation, it's just too long and tiring in one day.
Have a great time.
By the way, in case you weren't aware, it's in Egypt
Well from the other OPs advice she might of ended up with Turkish Lira instead of Egyptian Pounds.
I actually apologise for not noticing that
I took some US Dollars in $1 bills for tipping, and just used the ATM to withdraw money when needed, or paid on card for excursions. I didn't think it was a particularly cheap place to buy things.
Personally the local town is not worth visiting and all the shops sell the same things, I would just stay in your hotel to be honest.
Just remember if you are planning on leaving the Sinai area you will need an Egyptian Visa...that includes the Ras Muhammad National Park.
Sharm is a great place for relaxing but not a lot else...wash your hands after handling their currency it really is filthy, apparently they don't have pockets in typical Egyptian dress, so imagine where the money has been...this is probably the reason many are ill, rather than the food.
Alcohol isn't widely available in the shops. If you want a bottle of branded booze for when in your room then best to buy it at the UK airport before departure. There is or was one shop in Na'ama Bay where you can buy branded alcohol but supposedly it has to be within 48 hours of arriving and on presentation of your passport.
On shopping....lifted from Trip Advisor....
Sharm is a paradise for bargain-shoppers but is not ideal for those with short patience or the easily intimidated. Visitors must be forewarned that the vendors can be very pushy if visitors do not buy their goods and also, since they are accustomed to bargaining, will initially quote extremely high prices for their goods. A strong, smart shopper will shy away from free drinks and food, offer a quote, and not be afraid to walk away if the quote is not accepted.
Loads more useful tips and advice on TA.
I think I will go with QFour hes/shes been here a few times so should know what country its in They have also managed to get Turkish Lire out of a cashpoint in Sharam!!
if you are on a boat trip to the National Park you do not need a visa.
You do if it's a land trip.
They try to get you to buy a visa at the airport on arrival. If you're not planning to go there at that point, don't. It can be arranged by your hotel locally if you change your mind.
As I said though, there's little point in the average snorkeller/diver to take the trip as the Sharm reefs are more convenient and just as good.
Even the beach reefs will give you enough colour to remember for a lifetime.
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We did, but it was included in the cost of the excursion, though you didn't need to do anything.
Dropped a bit of a .......... on that one. Don't know what bit of my brains grey matter thought it was in Turkey .. Anyway have a great holiday ..
Only thing I remember about Egypt was that everyone was very very helpful and then wanted a tip. Someone took the luggage out of the back of the bus and just stood there waiting for a tip.
We did a Nile Cruise for a Honeymoon a few years ago. Loads of Temples
Anyway if anyone is going to Turkey please read advice above ..
There's no need for Typhoid injections to go to Sharm.
Hoard small change! Particularly LE5.00 notes which are very useful when it comes to buying bottled water and snacks. Egyptians don’t like giving change, so don’t try and pay for LE25.00 worth of water or street snacks with a LE100.00 note; the street sellers won’t be able to break it. Use high-value notes in hotels and more upmarket restaurants if you need to accrue some change.
Also we were going to spend our time lounging around the hotel and they have a private beach too, but I thought well we're not that far from the pyramids (okay a flight away), I've seen Idiot Abroad so know roughly what I'm getting in for but has anyone else been on this excursion from Sharm and what's the best way to arrange it?
We've already been tipped off to take mosquito spray and hand cleansing gel, any other tips? Never stayed at all inclusive in Egypt before so any other top hints appreciated.
Congratulations on the dumbest post in the thread.
Damn, I'm also foolishly talking about spending my money in this country too. Perhaps if I tip the hotel enough they'll stop torturing everyone?
Grow up.
Eating - check Trip Advisor for the restaurants. The reviews are acccurate.
As I said before, Na'ama Bay for the better eating (Sharm is a bit cheap touristy and fast food, although there's a couple of exceptions). A taxi to Na'ama Bay is cheap.
Expect to pay around £30 for two for dinner (including drinks), although obviously there's cheaper and more expensive.
Personally, I wouldn't go there at the moment. Too much trouble going on. That being said, i've been twice before and loved it. Just be careful leaving the relative safety of the strips.
You're right, you're not too far away from the pyramids. If you haven't been, GO SEE THE PYRAMIDS! Pay the money for the flight. The hotel / guide will be able to arrange the excursion. You'll probably visit the museum for the mummies, some rubbish restaurant like the hard rock cafe, a papyrus factory (where your bus guide will be getting a cut if you buy something) then on to the pyramids.
All inclusive food of there is pretty good. The desserts are rubbish and bank in getting the sh*ts. It's not definite, but it's rpetty likely. don't underestimate the hotel pharmacy, they'll know exactly what to give you and it's weapons grade bum sorter-outer-er.