The best fashion and gift stores Egypt

Timetable

Many shops have a continuous day, from 10am to 10pm or even 11pm. Some close for a median break between 1pm and 5pm. It is better to do your shopping or go to the hairdresser in the evening, after 6pm. Shops are often closed on Sundays, while banks and administrations are closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

Budget & Tips

Egypt is not a trendy shopping destination! Nevertheless, it's a country of artisans and you can find some interesting pieces, the price of which will essentially depend on your ability to haggle, especially in the souks! It's worth noting that in some souks, in Cairo for example, humanitarian associations have their own stalls to ensure fairer prices and, above all, a fair reward for the little hands. Egyptians have a great passion for malls, and you'll find them in every major city, with both local and international brands.

What's very local

The art of haggling! The declared prices, if they are not displayed, are not intended to be paid. One can imagine, in the souks, being able to reduce prices by 50 to 60% without annoying the merchants. In fact, you lose nothing by trying.

The technique is to advance your price; obviously the merchant will respond with many gestures and shouts that are made to impress you and stimulate your guilt; don't change anything and leave the store saying "Never mind! ». In 90% of the cases the merchant will catch up with you and after another discussion, or even a second departure and return to his shop, you will get what you want.

It can happen that you misjudge the merchant and their ability to accept the discount you just expected; you will then get nothing. The smart advice is to try bargaining with items you don't want: you will then keep a cool head and after three or four tries you will have sensed the merchants and their manners.