Real experience of people from chats on «Shopping» in Egypt — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
Coral shoes (corallines) are available for purchase at the 'Fix Price' store in Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh. The reported price is approximately 2.5-3 USD per pair.
To obtain small dollar bills in Egypt, travelers can exchange larger denominations with hotel staff (waiters, bartenders, cleaners). Duty-free shops upon departure can also be an option for breaking larger bills. Paying in Egyptian pounds (EGP) is generally more advantageous and sometimes mandatory in local shops. Be cautious when exchanging money, always check for damaged or worn-out banknotes as they may be rejected.
Duty-free shops in Egypt may lack small denominations of USD or EUR, often attempting to provide change in local currency or undesirable denominations (like Rubles). It is recommended to carry small USD notes or exchange currency with hotel staff/porters prior to reaching the airport.
When traveling to Egypt, it is recommended to bring USD or EUR and exchange them for Egyptian Pounds (EGP) locally, as exchanging RUB to EGP in Russia is challenging. Payment in EGP is generally more cost-effective. EGP can be obtained at banks, exchange offices, or ATMs. The largest EGP banknote is 200 EGP, so travelers should be prepared for a larger volume of cash for significant purchases.
UnionPay cards issued by Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) are functional in Egypt. They can be used at ATMs to withdraw local currency (EGP) and at select retail terminals. Withdrawal commission is 250 RUB per transaction; POS purchases typically incur no additional fees.
For shopping and pharmacy needs in Sharm El Sheikh, Naama Bay is recommended. Look for 'Fix Price' stores (specifically the one in the pyramid building) for various goods. A 'Russian pharmacy' can also be found within walking distance in Naama Bay. Utilize the InDrive app for affordable taxi services to and from the area.
Regulations on taking souvenirs, specifically stones from pyramids, out of Egypt. Removing stones or historical artifacts from Egypt is generally illegal and can lead to significant fines or legal consequences. Tourists are advised against taking any natural materials, including sand or shells, as souvenirs to avoid environmental damage and legal issues.
Upon arrival in Hurghada, Egypt, travelers can purchase alcohol at local duty-free shops. However, there is conflicting information regarding the time limit for these purchases: some sources state 4 days, while others strictly indicate 48 hours. A new tax has also recently been applied to these duty-free purchases. Additionally, some travelers report successfully bringing up to 2 liters of strong alcohol from their home country (e.g., Russia) in checked luggage.
Information needed on shopping areas and stores located near the Zahabia Hotel in Hurghada, Egypt. Tourists are looking for accessible places to buy goods, groceries, or souvenirs close to their accommodation.
In Egypt, Russian rubles cannot be officially exchanged. Exchange is possible only through private exchangers, typically with a minimum amount of 10,000 RUB. Mir cards are generally not accepted for direct transactions.
Before reaching the duty-free zone at Egyptian airports, passengers' hand luggage may be subjected to thorough manual inspections in addition to electronic scanning. Items purchased in the duty-free zone after these checks are generally not subject to further scrutiny for carry-on.
Egyptian law strictly prohibits the export of natural marine flora and fauna, as well as natural stones (e.g., from St. Catherine's Monastery) and sand/pebbles from beaches, to protect the Red Sea ecosystem. This includes any fragments of live or dead corals, whole mollusk shells (even small ones), starfish, sea urchins, dried marine life, and parts of marine animals (e.g., shark jaws, pufferfish). Violators face severe penalties, including fines (e.g., $1000 USD), risk of deportation, blacklisting, and even imprisonment, under environmental law No. 4 of 1994. The CITES convention applies to some species. Items purchased in licensed stores with receipts and certificates are generally permitted. Advise tourists against collecting natural items and suggest purchasing certified souvenirs instead.
The Hurghada Fish Market has reportedly seen a significant change for tourists. Prices for items like lobster have increased from approximately 25 USD last year to 35-40 USD currently. Additionally, the quality of food preparation has declined, with issues such as poor cleaning and over-salting reported. As a result, many tourists find the market less appealing for value and quality compared to previous years.
Best places for souvenir shopping in Hurghada for sweets (dates in chocolate, lokum), hooka mixes, and specific pharmacy items. Consumers recommend Mango Market for good prices on local products like frozen juices, loose leaf tea, dates, cookies, and miswak. For general shopping and potentially branded items, Senzo Mall is mentioned, though its supermarket selection might be limited. For specific pharmaceutical items or vitamins, it's advised to check dedicated pharmacies, potentially within larger malls. Fix Price is also noted as a cheaper option for certain goods.
In Egypt, a stamp on the visa is placed if alcohol was purchased in the duty-free shop within the first 48 hours of arrival. This is not related to carrying alcohol from your home country.
Perfume oils purchased in Egypt, specifically in Hurghada on Shery Street, may change their scent profile upon returning to Russia. While the oils may smell pleasant at the point of purchase, the aroma can alter significantly after arrival in a different climate or environment. It is recommended to verify the exact location using mapping services if seeking this specific type of product.
In Egypt, many retail stores and supermarkets do not accept USD, requiring payment in EGP or by card. When USD is accepted, shops strictly prioritize 'new' bills (dated 2006 or later).