Shopping in Cairo offers a world of opportunities, and frustrations. From modern international stores to flourishing year-round markets, Cairo has amazing goods for purchase.
Normal opening hours are Monday to Saturday from about 9:00 to 20:00. In summer, stores may close between 12:30 and 16:00. Tourist shops often stay open later. During Ramadan, stores may close for Iftar (breaking the fast) and stay open later in the evening.
Haggling is not just expected, it is necessary. In bazaars and markets you should expect prices to be inflated (especially for obvious visitors) and they expect for the price to be bargained down. If the final price is between half and two-thirds of the original asking price, both parties should be happy.
The standard of service can seem quite inferior to some expats. It is common to be ignored or overcharged so try not to take it personally. By speaking Egyptian Arabic and/or frequenting the same businesses and building a relationship you can hope to avoid these issues.
On the other side of service, many businesses offer home delivery for practically everything. Groceries, services, and goods can be delivered directly to your home.
An-Nahassin - The Street of the Coppersmiths offers finery in the form of brass and copperware. Gold and silver are also widely available.
There are jewelry shops on Sharia Abdel Khalek Sarwat and on Sharia al-Muizz li-Din Allah.
Khan Misr Touloun - (Address: 4, road 21, Maadi at CSA - Community Services Association) Speciality shop selling wooden chests, bowls and plates, blown glass, clay figurines, scarves and woven clothing.
Cairo is home to many souqs (bazaar & flea market). Offerings range from true antiques to kitschy souvenirs, the souq is an attraction in itself. Browsing and bargaining are part of the experience. Look for items like jewelry, carpets, perfume, leather goods, brass and copper items, and herbs and spices. Leave your valuables behind as souqs can be rich pick-pocketing grounds.
It is illegal to export genuine antiquities without a licence.
Khan al-Khalili - This is the city's main market and one of the world's oldest bazaars. Some visitors do not actually break into the interior as there is so much to see even on the outskirts. However, locals shop within the interior. Silks, jewellery, spices gellibayas (long robes), and perfume can all be purchased here.
As Egypt is primarily Muslim, pork is not sold in the main grocery stores. It can be purchased at speciality shops along with many other Western products. Imported goods are much more expensive than local fare and supply can be inconsistent.
There are several malls to suit your needs.
Update 29/03/2017
If you want to move money abroad, from Egypt or to Egypt for example, Fexco provides efficient and secure global bank to bank transfers and bespoke payment solutions for both business and personal clients.
Fexco provides a secure international money transfer service online or by telephone with bank beating fx rates and low fees. Specialises in high-value transfers.
Fexco will help you to keep your overseas money transfer costs to a minimum.
Margin | 0.6% |
---|---|
Regulator | FCA |
Fee | £10 < £5K or Free > £5k |
Mini | £1K |
Ccy | All (130 currencies, incl ‘exotics’) |
Services | Repatriation of funds, Property, Regular payments, High Value payments, spot, online, telephone. |
When you are ready to make your transfer, John and his team will be available to help you with better rates and an unrivalled service to make sure your funds are delivered securely and speedily.