spending money, sharm el sheik

starry

Hi Folks, We were wondering if anyone who has been to sharm el sheik can give us a rough guide to costing for our spending money. We are 2 couples going in March (40's ans 50's, but young at heart) for 2 weeks and want to experience virtually all there is to do. Our friends are usind a cc but we don't have one and will be taking cash and travellers cheques. Our Hotel is AI but we would still like to go out and about for meals, trips etc. I haven't a clue as to how much we should consider taking and wondered if any of you good folks can give me an idea of how much you spent and how your holiday was.
Many thanks in advance, Starry.

coupon_king_2

Hi .... we are going there in july

So for we have been advised not to buy any trips from hotel reps as all can be found much cheaper outside .... take plenty of £1 coins & $1 bills for tips as while its not expected its advisable to do so ... Also VERY IMPORTANT take bacterial hand wipes if you touch their money as the notes are supposed to be filthy...


PLEASE if anyone else has been to Sharm el Shiekh could you give any tips you may have

payless

starry I'm going in March also- which Hotel you at ?

If out of the main town/ Naama ( most AI hotels are towards Nabq bay ) then take into account taxi fares if going into town.

At these out of town AI hotels its hard to spend money!

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Tips remember if staying in local tourist area and not going on trips you don't need to pay for a visa ( write Sinai Only on back of card you fill for passport control) but needed for some trips like Cario and Ras Mohammed

highway_star_3

Hi, my husband and I (40's and 50's) have been to Sharm twice and have booked to go again in 5 weeks. The first time we went we bought all our trips through kanooze in Naama bay who were very cheap (book all trips together and you may get a discount) The last time we went we booked all our trips through rep at hotel who was slightly cheaper that the one in Naama bay so it probably depends on the reps, just shop arounnd. Trips to Cairo or Luxor by plane cost us £130 each including pick up, flight, guide, Quad biking in the desert is not to be missed, prices approx £16 each. Snorkeling can be done free of charge in Naama bay, but if you want to go out on a boat its appox £15 each including lunch. Meals very cheap in Naama bay, approx £10 for a 2 course meal, but ask around the hotel for recommendations witht he type of food you like. Always agree a price for a taxi before you get in. take anti bacterial hand wash, We never had a dodgy stomach, fingers crossed for our next trip!! Take I'm sure you will have a lovely holiday, we can't wait to go back.

Sagz_2

Thanks Highway Star (couldn't get the 'thanks' button to click)

OH and myself are looking at AI holidays in Sharm el Sheik, can you please reccommed a hotel at all?

daveyjp

Went at Christmas a few years ago, we actually came back the day of the tsunami.

We were B&B (Crowne Plaza - fantastic hotel) but eating out was cheap.

Snorkelling off the hotel pontoons was amazing - wait until you get there to buy masks and snorkels - go to the proper diving shop and buy a decent one, they are only about £20.

Beware that the sea may not be too warm - the Red Sea gets deep very quickly (40m+ immediately offshore) so doesn't warm up like the Med.

We did St Katherines Monastry trip (site of the burning bush) - a long day, but worth it and we did the bedouin trip - camel ride. meal, sunset in the desert and star gazing - a good afternoon out.

Larger hotels have free buses to the centre. The rep will tell you how much to pay for a taxi back - we were told £20 egyptian and never paid anything but this. Go to the rank when there is a queue, if not they will argue for ages over the price and will start at £50-60. Our longest barter was 20 minutes before he agreed to take £20!

I remember we went to the Indian retaurant on the main strip for Christmas Day dinner and it was awful!

We also saw Mohammed Al Fayed, surrounded by his heavies!!

Mark7799

daveyjp wrote: »

Snorkelling off the hotel pontoons was amazing - wait until you get there to buy masks and snorkels - go to the proper diving shop and buy a decent one, they are only about £20.

We hired ours at 5 Euros per day



Larger hotels have free buses to the centre. The rep will tell you how much to pay for a taxi back - we were told £20 egyptian and never paid anything but this. Go to the rank when there is a queue, if not they will argue for ages over the price and will start at £50-60. Our longest barter was 20 minutes before he agreed to take £20!

Strongly agree with this

I remember we went to the Indian retaurant on the main strip for Christmas Day dinner and it was awful!

We also saw Mohammed Al Fayed, surrounded by his heavies!!

The best tip I can offer is nothing to do with money! WHEN you get the runs / upset stomach, Egyptian pharmacies sell a tablet called (I think) Antinel which comes in packs of 24 and is far more effective than any UK equivalent.

highway_star_3

Norbertsmum wrote: »

Thanks Highway Star (couldn't get the 'thanks' button to click)

OH and myself are looking at AI holidays in Sharm el Sheik, can you please reccommed a hotel at all?

Most people we spoke to were disappointed with AI, we have only stayed bed and breakfast so can't recommend any. The fist time we stayed b&b in sharks bay at the gardinia hotel, which cost quite a lot in taxis to naama bay each day. last time we stayed at Halomy in naama bay which is on a cliff top with steps down to private beach, although hotel is only 3 * and a bit shabby but the staff were fantastic and really made our holiday, they couldn't do enough for us. there was towel art on our bed each day. We have booked this hotel again this time as the snorkeling waa fantastic off thier beach.

starry

Hi Folks, Thanks for all your helpful suggestions. you are all :A I wish everyone going a very happy Holiday. Starry:T :T

Fruity1

I'm going on sunday for the first time so thanks to all for the tips. A friend has stayed at the Golden Renaissance, 3 Corners Kiroseiz and Reef Oasis and highly recommended them she said the Hilton hotels were overated. We only booked on sunday and are staying at Dreams Vacations so can post when I get back if you wish.

Goodersuk

We went last May, AI to Nubien Island which didn't have very good reviews but we had a fantastic time. We did eat out a couple of times, it is so cheap and the Hard Rock Cafe is a must! The handwash is essential, I was the only one to touch the money as it is filthy and I washed my hands everytime. We drank loads of bottled water which is essential and none of us had the upset tummy. We did a trip to Cairo, but booked the flights before we went with Air Egypt, I can't remember exactly how much they were but were something like £25 return each, but if you do this you should book a tour guide before you go also, I would suggest Trip Advisor to get names of tour guides. Hope this helps.