Are there any common pitfalls for non-Arabic speaking visitors to Cairo?
Hmm this is a tough one! It is obviously harder to get around without knowing the language – then again many Egyptians do have a very basic command of English and will often go out of their way to help you. On the more negative side, the chances of being ripped off when using the transportation system or when shopping is greater. There is also the possibility of being at the receiving end of a verbal harassment when on the streets of Cairo. This is a daily reality for foreigners in Egypt. One piece of advice: Haggle! Haggle! and try to bargain. Also try to find out the “real” price of something before you start to haggle.
