Your Guide to Shopping in Egypt
Shopping in Cairo can be difficult. This is a guide for wise shopping in Egypt as the huge city has many markets and souks. Some are made for tourists. These are beautiful and vibrant places. You can enjoy walking through the stores and can also take great photos of colorful items. You will see souvenirs, spices, Egyptian statues, and African amulets. Read this guide for wise shopping so you can have a great shopping experience in Egypt.
Haggling in Traditional Markets
Shopping in tourist areas can be a challenge. Prices are not fixed. You must haggle for the price. This can be hard because you don’t know where to start. You don’t know the real price. A local tour guide can be very helpful here. Every major tourist city in Egypt has a large market. You will find Khan El-Khalili in Cairo. Aswan and Luxor also have bazaars. Smaller bazaars are at every tourist site. The souks and bazaars are some of Egypt’s most spectacular sights. Most people will tell you that the Khan El-Khalili Market is the most famous. It is also the largest in Egypt. This market is over 500 years old.
It is a tangle of alleys, lanes, and shops. It is in the heart of Islamic Cairo. This is one of the most famous tourist markets in the world. When you first arrive, you will want to buy souvenirs. But you should wait! Visitors who explore the small passageways will find workshops. These workshops create beautiful jewelry, glass, and brassware. The cost is high because you pay tourist prices.
These are much more than what locals pay for the same goods. Bargaining is a crucial skill. You need to learn how to negotiate for the best price. This is especially true in tourist markets. Bargaining is an art form. It is the skill of convincing a shopkeeper to give you the best price. People use many well-known tactics to do this.
Malls and Shopping Centers
In contrast to traditional markets, many large cities have malls. Cities like Cairo and Alexandria have big shopping centers. You can find places like City Stars and Nile Hilton Mall in Cairo. Alexandria has San Stefano Mall and Zahran Mall. These malls have globally recognized brand names.
A Guide to Bargaining in Egypt
Bargaining in Egypt is a ritual. The goal is not just to get a lower price. It’s about a negotiation. Both the buyer and seller should feel satisfied in the end.
The Bargaining Process
A vendor may offer you a cup of tea or coffee. They want to show you their items. You should not feel obligated to buy anything. Only buy something you truly love. When you find something you want, start the negotiation. A good tactic is to offer the vendor half the asking price. Of course, the store owner will not accept this. They will tell you how valuable their items are. They will likely lower the price a little bit.
Now, you should do the same. Raise your offer slightly. Then, it’s a good idea to walk away. This will often prompt the seller to call you back. They will then offer a much lower price.
Tips for a Successful Deal
The tourist will always agree to a final price. You must remember that the store owner will never sell at a loss. Both the customer and the shopkeeper are usually happy in the end. The buyer gets a good price. The shopkeeper still makes a profit.Egypt’s markets have a wide variety of items. The quality and prices can vary a lot. Be prepared for a long bargaining process.
Top Souvenirs to Buy in Egypt (Guide for wise shopping)
Tourist markets in Egypt sell many kinds of souvenirs. You can find traditional water pipes, backgammon boards, and other handicrafts. Here are some of the best items to buy.
Shisha and Board Games
A shisha, or waterpipe, is a great souvenir. Every coffee shop has them. You can buy a beautifully made, authentic Egyptian one. Shisha is a type of tobacco. It is placed in a clay pot. The pipes are decorated with stainless steel or brass. You can also buy chess and backgammon sets. The quality of these sets varies. The best ones are made from fine hardwoods. They are inlaid with mother-of-pearl, bone, or ivory.
Leather and Glassware
You can find excellent leather sandals, bags, and shoes. Many tourist markets sell these items. Check out Khan El Khalili, Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm El Sheikh.
Egypt is also known for its glassware. Artisans create hand-blown glass items. They call it Muski. You can find it in the form of plates, vases, and candle holders. Most tourist markets also sell beautiful ceramic goods at low prices.
Bedouin Crafts and Copper
Many visitors meet Bedouins and see their crafts. Bedouin jewelry is very appealing. It often comes from the Sinai Peninsula and the Siwa Oasis. The designs often include coins. Other patterns feature Pharaonic, Islamic, and Nubian themes.
Egyptian artisans are skilled with copper. In Cairo, the “Nahaseen” district is famous for its copper makers. You can find many copper and brass items in markets across Egypt. These include coffee pots, platters, and hanging lights.
Textiles and Clothing
Egyptian cotton is famous worldwide. It is known as the best cotton on the planet. Buying any cotton item is a great choice. Many shops sell shirts, pants, and the traditional Galabeya. This is a loose, all-in-one robe. You can find it in markets and large malls. Scarves, bed sheets, and bed coverings are also available almost everywhere.
Shopping for belly dance clothes is very popular. These outfits are shiny and bright. They make an excellent gift. You can also buy a wide variety of replicas of ancient Egyptian artifacts. They are made from alabaster, mother-of-pearl, or ivory. You can find them at most tourist markets and historical sites.
