Shopping in Egypt

Why Shop in Egypt

Egypt offers a unique shopping experience steeped in thousands of years of trading tradition. From the legendary Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo to papyrus shops near the Pyramids, spice markets in Aswan, and modern malls in Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt combines authentic Middle Eastern market culture with distinctive local products. Bargaining is not just expected - it's an essential part of Egyptian shopping culture and a cultural experience in itself!

Shopping Districts

Egypt's main shopping areas include Islamic Cairo (Khan el-Khalili and historic bazaars), Downtown Cairo (modern malls and shops), Luxor markets (near temples), Aswan souks (Nubian crafts), and Red Sea resort shops (beach and diving gear). Each area offers authentic experiences from atmospheric medieval markets to air-conditioned modern malls, with bargaining culture deeply embedded in traditional shopping.

What Makes Egyptian Shopping Unique

Unlike modern shopping destinations, Egypt's markets retain their medieval character - narrow alleys, atmospheric lighting, calls of merchants, aromatic spices, and centuries-old trading traditions. The experience of bargaining in Khan el-Khalili or Luxor souks connects you to trading practices that have existed for over 1,000 years. Products are often locally made, prices are negotiable, and the shopping experience itself is as memorable as what you buy.

Egypt's Most Famous Market

Khan el-Khalili, established in 1382 CE during the Mamluk era, is Cairo's most famous bazaar and one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the Middle East. This labyrinth of narrow alleys, shops, cafes, and workshops in the heart of Islamic Cairo is where Egyptians have traded for over 600 years. It's a UNESCO World Heritage area and an absolute must-visit for any Egypt traveler.

What to Buy at Khan el-Khalili

• Silver Jewelry: Cartouches with your name in hieroglyphics, scarab rings, ankh pendants, traditional Egyptian designs
• Papyrus Paintings: Pharaonic scenes, hieroglyphic art (test authenticity by holding to light - should show texture)
• Perfume Oils: Lotus, amber, jasmine, traditional Egyptian scents in decorative bottles
• Shisha Pipes (Hookahs): Ornate water pipes from small to large, tobacco accessories
• Spices: Saffron, cumin, hibiscus tea (karkadeh), spice blends, herbs
• Textiles: Galabeyas (traditional robes), scarves, embroidered fabrics, cotton goods
• Brass & Copperware: Lanterns, trays, coffee pots, decorative items
• Alabaster: Handcrafted statues, vases, candle holders from Luxor workshops
• Leather Goods: Bags, wallets, camel leather products, traditional footwear

Practical Information

Location: Islamic Cairo, near Al-Azhar Mosque
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (most shops), some until sunset, Friday reduced hours
How to Get There: Metro to Attaba or Bab El Shaaria (Line 2/3), then 10-min walk, or Uber
Bargaining: ESSENTIAL - expect to pay 40-60% of initial asking price
Cash: Preferred - bring Egyptian Pounds in small bills
Tips: Visit in late afternoon/evening when cooler, wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated

Famous Cafes in Khan el-Khalili

• El Fishawy Cafe: Operating since 1773, famous historic cafe, shisha and mint tea
• Naguib Mahfouz Cafe: Named after Nobel Prize winner, traditional Egyptian coffee
• Experience: Take a break, watch the world go by, enjoy authentic atmosphere

📜 Papyrus (Paper from Ancient Egypt)

• Where: Khan el-Khalili, papyrus shops near Giza Pyramids, Luxor
  
• Prices: EGP 50-500 depending on size and quality (bargain hard!)
• Authenticity Test: Real papyrus shows texture when held to light; fakes (banana leaf) don't
• Best Buys: Hieroglyphic scenes, pharaonic art, Book of the Dead excerpts
• Warning: Most are banana leaf fakes - test before buying!
• Genuine: Dr. Ragab's Papyrus Institute (fixed prices, certified authentic)
• Tips: Buy from reputable shops, get certificate of authenticity

🧶 Egyptian Cotton & Textiles

• Famous For: Egypt produces world's finest long-staple cotton
• Products: Bed linens, towels, galabeyas, scarves, fabrics
• Where: Khan el-Khalili, textile markets, Wikalat Al-Balah
• Brands: Concrete (boutique Egyptian cotton), local shops
• Prices: Much cheaper than abroad (EGP 200-800 for quality sheets)
• Tips: Check thread count, feel the quality, bargain in markets

🌶️ Spices & Food Products

• Saffron: Excellent quality, much cheaper than Europe (EGP 50-200/gram)
• Hibiscus (Karkadeh): Traditional Egyptian tea, health benefits
• Spice Blends: Dukkah, ras el hanout, baharat, Egyptian spice mixes
• Herbs: Dried herbs, chamomile, mint, medicinal herbs
• Where: Khan el-Khalili spice vendors, local markets
• Tips: Smell before buying, check freshness, buy in small quantities

💍 Jewelry & Silver

• Cartouches: Silver or gold with your name in hieroglyphics (EGP 100-500)
• Scarab Rings: Ancient Egyptian symbol, silver or gold
• Ankh Pendants: Symbol of life, popular souvenir
• Eye of Horus: Protection symbol jewelry
• Where: Khan el-Khalili, jewelry shops throughout Cairo and Luxor
• Bargaining: Negotiate hard - initial prices very inflated
• Tip: Have your name written in hieroglyphics on cartouche

🏺 Handicrafts & Souvenirs

• Alabaster: Statues, vases, candle holders (Luxor workshops best)
• Brass Lanterns: Traditional Islamic lamps, various sizes
• Copperware: Trays, coffee pots, decorative items
• Wooden Boxes: Inlaid mother-of-pearl, cedar wood
• Camel Leather: Bags, wallets, traditional footwear
• Hand-painted Ceramics: Plates, bowls, decorative items
• Miniature Pyramids: All sizes from tiny to large

🧴 Perfume Oils & Incense

• Traditional Scents: Lotus, amber, musk, jasmine, rose
• Bottles: Ornate glass bottles, makes great gift
• Bukhoor: Traditional incense chips, oud wood
• Where: Khan el-Khalili perfume shops, dedicated stores
• Prices: EGP 50-300 per bottle (bargain)
• Tips: Test scents, ask for samples, check oil purity

Top Egyptian Products to Buy

• 1. Papyrus Paintings (EGP 50-500): Test authenticity! Traditional pharaonic scenes
• 2. Silver Cartouche with Name (EGP 100-400): Personalized hieroglyphic jewelry
• 3. Egyptian Cotton Products (EGP 200-800): World-famous quality linens
• 4. Spices - Saffron (EGP 50-200/g): Much cheaper than Western countries
• 5. Alabaster Items (EGP 100-1,000): Handcrafted from Luxor workshops
• 6. Perfume Oils (EGP 50-300): Lotus, amber, traditional Egyptian scents
• 7. Galabeya (EGP 100-500): Traditional Egyptian robe, comfortable cotton
• 8. Shisha Pipe (EGP 200-1,500): Ornate water pipes, various sizes
• 9. Karkadeh Tea (EGP 20-50): Hibiscus tea, healthy and delicious
• 10. Hand-woven Baskets (EGP 50-300): Nubian crafts from Aswan

Luxury & High-End Items

• Antique Carpets: Persian, Turkish, Egyptian (verify authenticity, get certificate)
• Genuine Antiques: (Pre-1950s items legal to export with documentation)
• Custom Jewelry: Gold or silver with hieroglyphic designs
• Fine Alabaster Art: Museum-quality pieces from master craftsmen
• Note: Ancient artifacts illegal to export - severe penalties!

Budget-Friendly Souvenirs

• Small Papyrus (EGP 30-80): Bookmarks, postcards
• Spice Packets (EGP 10-50): Pre-packaged blends
• Scarves (EGP 20-100): Cotton or synthetic, colorful
• Mini Pyramids (EGP 10-50): Stone or resin replicas
• Fridge Magnets (EGP 10-30): Pharaoh, pyramid, Sphinx designs
• Postcards (EGP 5-10 each): Temples, pyramids, hieroglyphics
• Egyptian Jewelry (EGP 50-200): Costume jewelry with Egyptian motifs
• Karkadeh Tea (EGP 20-50): Makes great gifts, healthy

Items to Avoid

• Ancient Artifacts: ILLEGAL to export - severe penalties including prison
• Banana Leaf "Papyrus": Fakes sold as real papyrus
• Overpriced "Antiques": Often modern items artificially aged
• Pyramid Scheme Oils: Low-quality perfumes at inflated prices
• Generic Souvenirs: Made in China, not authentic Egyptian
• Tips: If it looks too old/valuable, it's probably fake or illegal

Export Restrictions

• Antiquities: Cannot export items over 100 years old without permit
• Coral/Shells: Illegal to take from Red Sea
• Currency: Max 5,000 EGP can be taken out
• Large Quantities: May require commercial export license
• Keep Receipts: For customs at home country

Master the Art of Bargaining

• ALWAYS Bargain: In markets and souks, it's expected and insulting not to
• Starting Point: Offer 25-35% of initial asking price
• Target Price: Aim to settle at 40-50% of original price
• Walk Away: Most powerful tactic - vendor often follows with better offer
• Bundle Purchases: Buy multiple items for better overall discount
• Cash is King: Cash payment = better prices (10-20% extra discount)
• Time of Day: Early morning vendors eager for "good luck" first sale
• Compare Prices: Check 3-4 shops before committing to purchase
• Stay Friendly: Smile, joke, build rapport - makes negotiation easier
• Know When to Stop: Don't insult with too-low offers

Best Times to Shop

• October - April: Pleasant weather for market shopping
• Late Afternoon/Evening: Cooler temperatures, better atmosphere
• Avoid Midday: Too hot in summer (30-45°C), shops may close 1-4 PM
• Ramadan Evenings: After Iftar (sunset), special atmosphere and deals
• Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends in both malls and souks
• Friday Morning: Some shops closed for prayers

Payment & Money

• Cash Essential: Markets and souks prefer/require Egyptian Pounds
• Small Bills: Keep EGP 5, 10, 20, 50 notes - vendors claim "no change"
• Credit Cards: Accepted in modern malls only
• USD Accepted: Some tourist shops, but poor exchange rate - use EGP
• ATMs: Withdraw from malls/banks, avoid street ATMs
• Bargaining Currency: Negotiate in Egyptian Pounds for transparency

Avoiding Scams & Rip-offs

• Fake Papyrus: Test by holding to light; banana leaf fakes very common
• Inflated Prices: Tourist prices 5-10x local prices - bargain aggressively
• "Free" Guides: Will take you to shops where they get commission - politely refuse
• Quality Check: Inspect items carefully before purchasing
• Pressure Tactics: Don't be pressured to buy - walk away freely
• Bait & Switch: Watch your item being wrapped to prevent switching
• Credit Card Scams: Only use cards in reputable shops, watch the transaction

What NOT to Buy

• Ancient Artifacts: Illegal export - severe criminal penalties
• "Ancient" Items: Modern fakes sold as antiquities
• Coral/Shells: Illegal to collect from Red Sea
• Drugs: Including cannabis products - death penalty possible
• Counterfeit Designer Goods: Illegal, customs will confiscate

Shipping & Customs

• Mail Services: Egypt Post unreliable - use DHL/FedEx from hotels
• Luggage Limits: Check airline baggage allowance
• Duty Free: Cairo Airport has duty-free on departure
• Declare: Large purchases at your home country customs
• Keep Receipts: For customs documentation
• Fragile Items: Pack carefully or ship professionally

Shopping Etiquette

• Dress modestly when shopping (shoulders/knees covered)
• Ask permission before photographing shops or vendors
• Be respectful during bargaining - it's a cultural practice
• Don't touch items unless interested (especially in small shops)
• Accept tea offers from vendors - builds relationship (but don't feel obligated to buy)
• Learn basic Arabic numbers - helps in bargaining