Shopping in Sharm El Sheikh
Shopping in Sharm El Sheikh is fun and unique lively experience. The first thing you have to learn is to haggle, some say that this can be daunghting at first, but when you get into the swing of things it's great fun.
I would recommed not going shopping in the day as this is when most people are around the pool, diving or on excursions. This can mean that you will get a lot of attention from the shop keepers, also alot of stores are not open until after 7pm.
You will normaly be greeted with phrases such as:
"Whats your name?"
"Where are you from?"
"Hello would you like to come in and sign my visitors book?"
If your intrested then feel free to stop, the number one rule is that your not obliged to buy anything, but it's the shop keepers job to get you to buy somthing. I always say on the first night that we go around the shops i'll have a look at things i want for myslelf or a gifts and work out the prices, i try to never buy on my first shopping trip. You are there for a week or two and the bargin will still be there tomorrow.
The exchange rate is about 10 Egypt Pounds to 1 British Pound, please think about this when you are shopping.
Haggeling is a way of life in Egypt and it's great fun and a good confidence boost. When ever i'll haggeling i always goto 50% to 30% of the asking price, there is nothing cheeky about this it's your money.
Haggling tip: "Don't be afraid of silence," Questel says. "Silence almost always works in your favor. It says you're on the fence, that you need just one more goodie to get the deal done."