Shopping
One of the world's most historic cities and
highly popular with tourists, shopping in Cairo is fun and
distinctive with its markets, stalls, souvenirs and haggling. Many
visitors to this vibrant city will have a wonderful time just
wandering through the souks (markets) taking in the sights, sounds
and smells.Just about everything and anything can be bought at the
largest market of Khan al-Khalili in Islamic Cairo. Most visitors
dare not venture into the interior as touts can pressurise shoppers
and shopkeepers can be pushy. Bartering is an essential skill when
in Cairo and a good rule of thumb is to halve the first asking
price and start haggling from there. Popular souvenirs include
painted papyrus scrolls embellished with hieroglyphics, copper and
bronze items, jewellery, carpets and leather goods from bags and
belts to full-length jackets, which can be found away from the main
tourist drags. The quality is normally excellent. The Wekalet
al-Balah is a must for lovers of beautiful fabrics and Egyptian
cotton. Most shops are open depending on the season and shops
in tourist areas generally keep longer hours. The majority of
stores open at 9am and close at 7pm during the winter months, while
during the summer stores open later but close for an extended lunch
hour during the day. Opening hours during summer are usually 9am
1pm and 4pm to 9pm. During Ramadan opening times can be disrupted.
Visitors are only able to claim tax refunds on purchases of more
than US$1,000, which are shipped out of Egypt within three months.
Travellers who wish to reclaim tax have to produce their passport
at the point of purchase and request a governmental refund
application form, which must be presented to the appropriate
customs official at the departure point.
