Shopping in Egypt is an experience unlike any other. From the sprawling, lantern-lit alleys of Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili bazaar to the vibrant local markets in Luxor and Aswan, Egypt offers an incredible array of handcrafted treasures.
If you are wondering how to spend your Egyptian Pounds (EGP) and what to bring home in your suitcase, here is your ultimate souvenir and bargaining guide.
1. Top 5 Egyptian Souvenirs to Buy
Authentic Papyrus: The ancient Egyptians invented this thick, durable paper made from the pith of the papyrus plant. Authentic, hand-painted papyrus art glows in the dark and will not crack when rolled up. (Tip: Only buy from certified government-approved institutes, as cheap street vendors often sell fake papyrus made from banana leaves).
Hand-Carved Alabaster: Luxor is the global capital of alabaster carving. You can purchase beautiful, translucent vases, bowls, and statues that have been hand-carved by local artisans using techniques passed down since the time of the Pharaohs.
A Personalized Gold Cartouche: A cartouche is an oval-shaped hieroglyphic nameplate that was historically reserved for kings and queens. Most jewelry shops in Egypt can custom-craft a silver or 18k gold pendant featuring your own name spelled out in ancient hieroglyphics within 24 hours!
Spices and Hibiscus Tea: The souks of Aswan are famous for their incredibly fresh, fragrant spices. Be sure to buy a large bag of loose-leaf Hibiscus (Karkadeh). It makes a delicious, tart, ruby-red tea that Egyptians drink hot in the winter and iced in the summer.
Egyptian Cotton: Renowned globally for its high quality, authentic Egyptian cotton clothing, scarves, and bed linens make for fantastic, practical gifts.
2. The Golden Rules of Bargaining
Unless you are in a fixed-price store or a mall, haggling is expected and considered a friendly, normal part of Egyptian culture!
Start Low: When a vendor quotes a price, politely counter with 30% to 40% of their initial offer.
Keep it Friendly: Always bargain with a smile. It is a theatrical game, not an argument.
The Walk-Away: If you cannot agree on a price, simply say "Shukran" (Thank you) and slowly walk away. 9 times out of 10, the vendor will call you back with a much better, final price!
Shop Like a Local with Romantic Travel
Nervous about getting scammed or overpaying in the bustling markets? When you book a city tour with Romantic Travel, our expert local Egyptologist guides will escort you through the famous bazaars. We will show you the most reputable, high-quality artisan shops and help you secure the absolute best local prices without the stress!
Click here to contact our team today and let us add a guided shopping tour to your itinerary!
