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Port Said Travel Hacks

Port Said Travel Hacks

Port Said Egypt Travel Guide

Money-Saving Strategies

Maximize your budget with these clever tactics.

Discount Cards

  • Port Said does not offer specific tourist discount passes.
  • An ISIC card might secure student discounts at national museums.
  • Few local attractions offer discounts.
  • Be sure to ask about potential reductions.

Free Activities

  • Traverse the Corniche for scenic views.
  • View the Suez Canal.
  • Visit the Martyrs' Memorial.
  • Board the free ferry to The harbor Fouad.

Dining Deals

  • Happy hours are less common in Port Said.
  • Find local "meal deals" or menus with a set price.
  • Budget eateries are a good deal.
  • Explore local markets for affordable food.

Transportation Savings

  • Microbuses are the most affordable option.
  • Walk when possible.
  • Bargain for taxi fares (unless using apps).
  • Ride-sharing apps (Uber/Careem) show transparent pricing.

Time-Saving Tips

Efficiency helps you experience more and stress less.

Attraction Timing

  • Skip-the-line options are not typically applicable.
  • Visit attractions early to keep cool and crowds.
  • The Corniche is pleasant for evening strolls.
  • You generally will not encounter long queues.

Efficient Routing

  • Group nearby attractions to minimize travel time.
  • Explore Corniche, Old Lighthouse, Suez Canal Authority together.
  • Plan your day logically by area.
  • Consider local input for the best routes.

Express Transportation

  • Private taxis offer the fastest intercity option.
  • Pre-pre-booked transfers save time.
  • These options give speed compared to buses or trains.
  • For long distances, consider domestic flights if offered.

Pre-Booking

  • Book intercity coach or train tickets in advance.
  • This ensures availability during peak season or holidays.
  • Advance booking secures preferred seating.
  • Book accommodations early.

Local Insights

Understand local customs and avoid common tourist mistakes.

Common Tourist Mistakes

  • Not bargaining in markets and for taxis (if no app).
  • Drinking tap water; stick strictly to bottled water.
  • Dressing disrespectfully; modest dress shows respect.
  • Ignoring baksheesh; carry small denominations for tipping.

Unofficial Rules

  • Do not openly criticize religion or politics.
  • Be discreet with affection in public.
  • Prepare for direct questions about personal status.
  • Politely but firmly decline unwanted services.

Local Customs

  • Use your right hand for eating, greeting, and exchanging money.
  • Egyptians are welcoming; accepting small offers of tea is polite.
  • Things move at a slower pace; embrace it.
  • Learn about local etiquette before you arrive.

Impressive Phrases

  • "Shukran" (Thank you).
  • "Salam alaikum" (Hello/Peace be upon you).
  • "Sabah al-khair" (Good morning).
  • "Kif halak?" (How are you doing? - male) / "Kif halik?" (How are you? - female).

Solo, Family & Group Advice

Tailor your travel style with these specific recommendations.

Solo Traveler Advice

  • Port Said is usually safe for persons traveling alone.
  • Take standard precautions, especially in the evening.
  • Inform someone of your itinerary.
  • Engage with locals in cafes.

Family-Friendly Tips

  • Hydrate children frequently, especially in warmer months.
  • Plan activities for cooler parts of the day.
  • The Corniche and beaches suit children.
  • The ferry ride to Port Fouad provides a simple adventure.

Group Logistics

  • Pre-book larger tables for group meals.
  • Book group transport (e.g., private vans) in advance.
  • Coordinate group entry times for attractions.
  • Purchase tickets together if possible.

Accessibility

  • Mobility-impaired visitors should plan routes carefully.
  • Private transfers serve as the best transportation option.
  • Contact hotels in advance about accessibility features.
  • Infrastructure can present challenges in older city parts.

Tip: Consider longer stays in apartments or guesthouses for better value.

Eagle Creek has travel organization products to maximize luggage space for longer trips.

Resources & References

These online and print resources guide your planning and on-the-ground experience.

Digital Tools

Essential apps and websites for locating your way and staying in touch.

Print Guides

Traditional resources for in-depth information and offline access.

Emergency Info

Important contacts and procedures for unexpected events.

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Google Maps for navigation and public transport.
  • Google Translate (download Arabic offline pack).
  • Uber/Careem for transparently priced transportation.

Useful Websites

Note: For a secure internet connection, consider a VPN.

NordVPN protects your online activity while traveling.

Emergency & Medical

Emergency Contacts

Numbers

  • Police: 122
  • Ambulance: 123
  • Tourist Police: 126
  • Fire: 180

Medical Facilities

  • Port Fouad General Hospital
  • Al-Nasr Hospital (Port Said)
  • Ask hotel for nearest reputable clinic
  • Local drugstores are numerous.

Important Contacts

  • Your Embassy/Consulate in Cairo
  • Travel Insurance Emergency Number
  • Family/Friend Emergency Contact
  • Local tour operator contact.

Lost Document Procedures

Immediate Steps

  • Report loss to local police (Tourism Police force) immediately.
  • Obtain a police report.
  • Get in touch with your embassy or consulate for assistance.

Replacement Documents

  • Embassy staff assist with emergency travel documents.
  • Provide copies of lost IDs if offered.
  • New passport photos are often required.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Sandstorms Khamsin

  • In case of a severe sandstorm, stay indoors.
  • Cover your mouth and nose if outside.
  • Visibility can drop significantly.

General Precautions

  • Adhere to local authority guidance for any emergency.
  • Stay informed through local news channels.
  • Maintain a basic first-aid kit.

Further Reading & Exploration

Cultural Immersion

  1. Watch documentaries about the Suez Canal for historical context.
  2. Watch films set in Egypt for broader cultural context.
  3. Listen to Egyptian classical music (e.g., Umm Kulthum) or contemporary pop.
  4. Visit local art galleries if available.
  5. Attend local events and festivals.

Online Resources

  1. Check TripAdvisor forums or Reddit r/Egypt for local insights.
  2. Use apps like Duolingo or Memrise for basic Egyptian Arabic.
  3. Seek local phrasebooks for quick reference.
  4. Follow official Egypt tourism social media accounts.
  5. Meet other travelers in online communities.

Recommended Guidebooks & Maps

Comprehensive Guides

Lp Egypt or Rough Guide to Egypt provide general country overviews including Port Said.

Historical Context

"The Suez Canal" by Andre Siegfried offers historical insights. Naguib Mahfouz's novels explore broader Egyptian culture.

Local Maps

Obtain local maps at some hotel receptions or tourist information points for on-the-ground navigation.

Warning: Carry embassy contact details and travel insurance information.

This information is essential for emergencies or lost documents. Keep digital and physical copies.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

General Egypt Guides

  • Lonely Planet Egypt

    Provides thorough coverage of the country, including a section on Port Said.

  • Rough Guide to Egypt

    Details various regions and tourist information, a reliable companion.

  • Bradt Guide to Egypt

    Known for detailed cultural and environmental history insights.

Specialized Reading

  • "The Suez Canal" by Andre Siegfried

    An excellent tool for historical context of Port Said and the Canal.

  • Works by Naguib Mahfouz

    His novels offer in-depth knowledge of broader Egyptian culture and society.

  • Local Publications

    Pick up local newspapers (in Arabic) for current events and a feeling of daily life.

Digital Content & Communities

Podcasts

Search for podcasts about Egyptian history, culture, or travel in Egypt. Specific Port Said content may be limited.

Online Communities

Check TripAdvisor forums for Egypt/Port Said or Reddit r/Egypt for area perspectives and recent visitor feedback.

Visit TripAdvisor

Language Learning

Use apps like Duolingo or Memrise, or local phrasebooks, to learn some simple Egyptian Arabic phrases.

Learn with Babbel

Social Media & News

Social Media Accounts

  • Follow official Egypt tourism accounts for updates and inspiration.
  • Search for local Port Said pages or groups for happenings and news.
  • Many local businesses use Facebook.
  • Find visual inspiration from travelers and locals.

Documentaries & Films

  • Watch factual programs about the Suez Canal to understand its significance.
  • "Suez: A Canal, a Story" is a renowned documentary.
  • Discover movies set in Egypt for broader cultural context.
  • Familiarize yourself with Egyptian cinema.

Music and Art

Egyptian Music

  • Listen to Egyptian classical music for cultural immersion.
  • Umm Kulthum is a legendary figure in Arabic music.
  • Explore contemporary Egyptian pop for modern sounds.
  • Discover regional folk music traditions.

Local Art Scene

  • Visit any local art galleries or cultural centers.
  • Observe street art or public installations.
  • Look for stores that sell local crafts.
  • Support local artists through purchases.

Need to improve your travel photography skills?

Skillshare has online courses to help capture your trip to The port Said.

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