Guidebook for Sharm El-Sheikh

Drivers are sneaky, pay only in Egyptian Pounds and tell them you want the meter on - they will say it is broken so either wave them on OR say ok and take your phone out as if you will get a picture of their taxi number and report them. As if by magic the meter will work. It is illegal for taxis to drive without a working meter. No matter how cheap you think it is - the meter is always 50% cheaper so wave them on if they wont comply and get the next one, or next one - whoever will drive with the meter. Expect to pay 20le on entry and 10le per km

These buses travel the main routes from Hadaba to the end of Nabq Bay. Always have 5le and 10le notes ready. Wave them down anywhere on the road and pay the driver once you sit - pass it up to the person in front of you, its all very honest. Foreigners can expect to pay 5le for a short ride, say 2-5 km or 10 - 30le for longer rides. Hadaba to end of Nabq is 30 - 40 minutes so give them 50le. Yell BASS shukran (Like YASS) when you want to get off. NB: Buses do not stop at the airport or go down the airport road, they go via Soho Square and Montazah road to Nabq.

No matter what shop, taxi, restaurant or café you are in, always pay in local currency. You will often be asked to pay in Dollars or another Currency, DON'T - say you only have Egyptian pounds and pay in Egyptian pounds. Change your money in ATM's or at official exchange places, not on the street or in a shop or hotel reception. Paying in Foreign Currency means you will lose, the rate is never as good as the bank so just don't do it. We are in Egypt, use Egyptian pounds everywhere!

Tip in local currency too - most workers do not have the ability to exchange foreign currency. Restaurants, bars, Spas, Beauty Parlours etc - 10% is good, same for taxis. HOTELS - Housekeeping, pool attendants and waiters will be happy with 20le a day. Tip 50 le on arrival to hotel, then continue every other day to tip 20le to those who are looking after you.

Try to use these few polite phrases and gestures, it delights the locals. SHUKRAN (SHOOK-RAAN) = Thank you LOU SUMAHT (LOUWSUMAT) = Please MA' A SALAMA (Maa ah 'salama) = Goodbye SABBAH EL KHIER (Sabbah a Kier) = Good Morning MESSIAH AH KHIER (Messah a Kier) = Good Evening SALAM - traditionally used for women to bid each other good day but widely accepted as a general greeting to all SALAM AL LIK or LICOM = hello for men only FI = Where is YALLA = Come HENA (Henna) = here YALLA HENNA = Come here HABIBI = Loved one or Darling - be careful how you use it, it can be seen as flirting WALAHI = OMG

The sun bites and it can be relentless in peak summer months of June to mid or the end of October. Be sun smart. Bring trainers or good walking shoes for excursions and shopping and reef shoes are handy in some places for those who like to explore the more remote reefs. End and start of summer sees mosquitos so bring repellent, available here too but pricey for the good ones.

Sharm is a city built for tourism so it is very tolerant, but it is still a Muslim country and you will be well received if you respect that. Keep the Bikini for the pool or beach, not on the street. To visit Mosques or Churches cover your arms and legs. Mini skirts look great on many women, but if you don't like everybody looking at you, leave them at home. As all good travellers know - "When in Rome Do as the Romans Do"