Worst experience, please help.
I’ve been here for a while now and i’m beginning to loathe everyday I spend here. I just feel that everyone is out to get whatever they can and i’m also sorry to say but a high percentage are compulsive liars. It’s came to the point that I can’t interact with them anymore and just keep myself to myself.
The worst ones are the taxi drivers who play Koranic music while at the same time trying to rip you off. I won’t buy anything from stores if the price is not marked clearly as from experience I have been short changed many times and when confronting them they say it was a mistake but it happens way more often than in other countries.
Another thing I don’t like is that they try to latch on to me as i’m a foreigner and white while on many times I have witnessed people being mean to people with dark skin, most probably to people from sub-Saharan Africa. This is very upsetting to say the least. It seems they just want a foreign friend who is white to show off and never really ask about me or my interests or life experience.
I have started to push people away as I can see right through them and their motives and to be honest it has totally broke my heart that Egypt ended up this way.
If you have any guidance please advise as I really want to enjoy my life here instead of being on guard and feeling defensive all of the time.
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I was reading your post and you took the words out of myself and my wife mouth.. We sat down last night and wrote our experiences of the last few months and it was a mere 6K words in which we will publish .. not to a complaining post but a direct response to the platforms in which some (not all - we hope) live from with their parasitic ways..
Feel free to contact myself and wife anytime... we are here in Cairo..
Best,
I’m not complaining either i’m just struggling to cope and find a way to interact. I just wish my intuition was not so strong.
I think the most upsetting thing about all of this is that they think we cannot see through their lies when it is just evident and written all over their faces.
I don’t want to lose track of the lovely person I have always been all through my life but the interactions here are crushing my soul and I feel being mentally on guard with every interaction is taking a toll on my health. I truly am heartbroken as I loved this country in the beginning.
Well the thing of it is... we gave chance after chance.. Our experience is the prolific liars are 100%.. sorry if that offends anyone but we have yet met 1% of consistency... from a tour guide who accepts anyone on his Facebook platforms, source out any problem the tourist may have then create a bigger one so they are needed and then entrap them until the juice is gone..
We caught onto it but as we were having a baby we had to go back to him and in fear of his well being he did the best he could. It was still a miserable experience and we paid him a few quid only for him to have 10 days to do better with direction of the birth certificate..
They are well aware they you may figure it out but there is no respect.. Forget about the tradional methods that you think exist in Islam (here).. it doesnt.. Its Cairo and the more we thought about it and looked within the DNA ?? umm well its always been that way here for thousands of years. It will not change..... The thing of it is -- yes we are leaving or waiting to leave and found a way to leverage the situation and laugh at the thought of fear.. The latter is something they use to corner you.. Learn Arabic and the best words to tell them to tick off in Arabic and say it in local tone.. or dialect..
We hope there is a community we could find or be around that could lighten up the situation to give some relief.. But on the other hand myself and the better half have become closer and subconsciously humble .. why spend anything here and they dont get it and dont care.. Why? The pyramids and the myth.. well we spent time there and for sure it will be published as we are registerd in the media and the social proof with photos and videos have been turned in...
Complete prolific liars.... its a tad bit funny.... contact us.. if you are in Cairo we coud use a normal cup of coffee indoors somewhere of course...
DNA theory you might ask? They can’t help themselves and have an attention span of a baby fly... listening is out of the question... Agree or Disagree... Are we leaving yes of course... Is it over rated based on the Pyramids no.. They are magical but the few hours doesn’t dictate the living experience...
Have we experienced something similar in another part of the world yes but the ratio wasn’t as high.. and there is money here so that excuse doesn’t work as it’s across the board...
Again 5 to 6k words were written within a two hour span and a few cups of tea... and only 3 smokes... The sad part is the extraction per section or timeline could be another 10k words.. the worst part are the supported facts and reading the initial post was relieving but we knew it couldn’t have been that consistent.. for some reason I can’t share the publication link here or I would... So just ask or email me for the links... It will be published!! #Greetz
Honestly I’m so sorry you have had a bad experience in Egypt. It is such a culture shock. I’m a person who applies diversity and equality in all of my life. I am from the Uk however, I lived in Egypt for 6 years and to be very honest Egyptian people taught me to be who I am today and I’m very greatful. I’m married to an Egyptian lady.
Unfortunately there is a class system in Egypt low middle and high. There is so much corruption and poverty that it’s a way to survive. You have to learn very fast.
You have to be very firm mean what you say and no going back. The low class you have to tell them what you expect explain clearly your point and don’t enter into a meaningful conversation other then how are you have a nice day. It really pains me to write this and believe me I’ve tried everything not to do this yet you become sad if you don’t. This way you respect them.
Normally for example, you give £20 EGP to door men (to your house) etc to tip them you have to do it in a discreet way so not to embarrass them. This way they will look after you and ensure your safety and at the same time respect you and they will feel empowered and respected by you.
Never ever pull your purse out with cash never show you have money. You have to keep everything formal. What I did is to may be have £50 EGP available then the rest I use to hide. If I needed more I work simply go to the bathroom and get the cash I needed.
Get to know the prices of taxi’s then get the cash ready and always secure the price before you enter the taxi. Better still use Uber. If you go to local markets stores etc
You have to be firm same rule applies.
Honestly once you understand how to apply the rules things will be great! When I first moved to Egypt I could not speak or understand Arabic and I felt the same but I learnt very fast the class system.
If you mix with middle class people you will be fine! Honestly I know it’s scary and you feel sad every time you go out because you feel they lie and cheat you.
You have to forgive them from your heart they now no different so forgive them but set boundaries. For all your legal stuff make sure you get a western lawyer to check everything. You need a support net work
If you meet friends etc always met in city stars or places where there is lots of people. Try to socialise with middle class people. I hope you find peace in Egypt. I love Egypt I’m very sad at the moment I don’t live there.
All the best
Rafee
I can see how many would love it if they are retired and near the sea.. to a point. and good for you if you have found that peace here.... We are still on our ambitious chain and that is fine as well .. there is no time limit...
My tolerance and patience here is tested in ways I didnt know I could hve handled and its pointless..
Yeah some depend on the tourist but that still doesnt excuse the ones that doesnt yet still consistently lie... and as far as being invaders. This is one of the first territories on earth and is most defintely the top 7th wonders of the world.. so.. its not theirs to NOT SHARE the artifacts...
Thanks and it seems like common sense things... I hope I can share link here and congrats on your peace here... Good for you.
I’m just middle aged trying to live my life as quietly and as best as I possibly can. I do not bother anyone, I do not approach strangers on the street.
How can anyone think it is a good idea to approach a lone woman in the middle of a major city and start their spin for whatever gains they hope to achieve, even been approached by gangs of young men. The thing is they are not ignorant, they know this is wrong, it just comes down to a lack of respect.
Thank you for your advice. I will be careful about opening my purse on the street and hiding money.
I feel sorry for what the Egyptians went through in the past but it is not fair to take it out on me. I’m just an individual living in society and I despise the way certain countries were robbed as much as they do.
I have stopped going to certain shops due to being short changed, they might be able to slip a hundred pounds off me but I do see it and in the long run they lose as I will never buy anything from them again.
I have not been in this country long enough to add any form of real context, I just know what i’m going through on a daily basis and it is making me distraugh and mentally drained.
I agree that nothing justifies what they do but just pointing out how many think. When you really spend time with them for long periods you start to get an idea of the mentality. Sometimes it’s so deeply ingrained that there’s nothing you can do to change their way of thinking, and also they are very stubborn.
Have you been to Luxor? Now that’s a traumatic experience!
It’s not like UK or US were no one cares who you are you can disappear in a crowd. It’s is you stand out! Use this to your advantage!! Learn how to deal strongly be firm. And it’s nothing to do with religion ! Both major religions live nice side by side it’s just simply you standout! You have to learn how to live as an EQUAL citizen it’s not as you want to appear rude just know who you can talk to and who not to talk to. Please change your mindset think of it as a challenge remember everything you know about civilisation in your hone country the rules are a bit different.
Be strong firm and remember how to deal with the people. You at times have to shout at the people to ensure they understand you mean business and they will respect you. It sounds crazy but honest don’t try to go against the grain it just simply doesn’t work.
I love Egypt and soon I will be back and happy
Sorry to here that about your experience in Egypt. Although I visited this country tens of times during the last 30 years , I still face same proplems that you are currently facing . The worst in Egypt is taxi drivers but this can be overcame by dealing with uber. In general Egyptian people are funny but you should always be careful when dealing with young males especially if money is involved. In addition, try , as much as possible, to avoid small shopes .
Hope your stay will be better
Mohammed A.
I wish you all the best and wish I was in Cairo now we could have had a good chat over coffee.
Please write to me and let me know how things develop for you.
I also advise you to join women expat groups on Facebook.😊
Take care and stay safe
Najwan
I live in Dublin as well.. I speak Arabic, German, Spanish and Italian..
Everyone isn't bad and I think I remarked on that in my post. I am speaking about my experience and yes it will be published in the Irish Independence. It is my experience and my observation... Surely everyone can't be wrong and coming and going a few times or many times has nothing to do with being here on a daily basis.. Nevertheless what some of these women may go through.. My wife and I have had a dreadful experience in parts-- but the lying, conning or manipulating exist in Egypt or at least Cairo and Giza..
Yes it happens in most tourist places around the world and you have to be mindful of where you go. But try and read the passages again from the start and look at similar stories..
Egypt as a country is grand, and the bad spots dent the respect level.. Try it again for a spell of 3 months--- I am not saying your experience would be any different but just try it and then maybe ask certain people on this post "why" they felt that was or "please be more specific"..
Slante..
When any one is not within their norms of society they find it a challenge this is to be expected. It is how you actually deal with the new change. We all should be greatful for whatever we have been given no matter good or bad. Then and only then circumstances will change. Patience is needed in Arabic الصبر
When people have black within their hearts this is because they are not greatful for what they have. If you have nothing nice to say you should not say nothing at all.
Simply as a person we have to learn the local culture and learn how to apply equality and diversity within our practice. My wife is Egyptian from Cairo and believe me she is the strongest woman I know she can definitely handle herself in any country and in and situation.
I won’t enter the conversation about politics. Egypt is a beautiful country with beautiful people if you find it a challenge due to circumstances. Then you have to look at yourself. Break each point down and find a way how to change it in a positive way..
Dr. Al
Again someone please try that number ...
My observation: keyword “help” which means bait in the water..
Second theory : as if the American part is meant to be a sign of security... Jeje
In closing : Whoever this is try better to camouflage your antic..
Enjoy the heat everyone..
I’m sorry to hear about your terrible experiences. I myself have been away for over 20 years and now that I’m back I see that life here is so much different than any other country I’ve been and lived in ! But that fact is, there are social rules and codes to follow, much as any other country (take Japan for example) and if you follow them, you should be OK.
Also connections are VERY important here ! If you have any, don’t hesitate on using them, that’s how people live. I know it sucks, rules should be the same for everyone but all countries are like that, some less obvious than others.
Bofitts, your building your article so much I feel it might be higher than Burj Khalifa by the time it’s published ! (It’s a joke, don’t be offended please)
In your case you cant answer as your bait in the water is useless.. funny though...
Greetz from Cairo..
And I see it getting worse based on what is happening west of us or northwest...
Find a way to contact us please. if anything we could use a good yap and a good cuppa..
This is Africa.... laugh at them.. when they think they are better because of their lighter skin.. tell them to go through immigration anywhere ... and lets see..
and in closing as you leave them ask them; "Why do you celebrate your ancestors being raped by those who conquered your country?" Look at their reaction and then evaluate their expression.... then put your fist in your hand and tell them to let go of the peanut in the coconut..
they ar the bottom barrel of the Arab community... they are not wanted and yes THANK GOD for the UN community with their numerous military here. God forgive me for saying that as I had years or decades of symphaty but there is really no choice to "stabilize the region" SOUNDS FAMILIAR...
They would run a muck other wise..
There is nothing to be offended by... your free to speak or write as you wish.... The article which will be published via a reputable news source when the publisher and editor feels the timing is right.. .. No offense to yourself).. Get over it.. we are leaving its just a matter of Covid principles..
I am aware the article nor this forum will change anything and to be honest with you as well as entertain your tiny jab at a week insult---- I don't want it to.. Dirt belongs with dirt that is why its swept up and kept outside.
Greetz
It’s not racism in the same sense as a white national for example, but you WILL be judged based on where you’re from and to me this goes against every religious teaching
Have you never taken a few minutes to reflect upon your own actions ! You all keep talking negative. Change only comes From positive actions!!
Where did people learn these things from ??? Do you think it is from the people who took over the country?
The people of Egypt like so many other countries were taken over by first world countries which took what they wanted and applied their rules. So the people of Egypt only acted the way they have been shown! So before you criticise Egypt and Egyptian people ! Ask yourself who taught them !
If you require me to talk about civilisation and social inequalities within the USA and UK and Europe I can. I have BA and MA in Social welfare law!
Social inequality happens everywhere wake up and smell the coffee!!
The only difference is that in first world countries it’s less obvious. I mean if you don’t like Egypt why are you living there! go to your own country and find fault there! Let me ask you guys why did you leave your country? Did you not fully research your move to Egypt . It’s logic evidence based research guys!!! give it a go helps a lot. If you need any help leaving Egypt go to your embassy ask them to help you!
Imagine if English is your only language and you are trying to run a business in tourism. The visitors speak many languages. and you as the business owner maybe have watched international films recognising some words in the film, then associating them words with the countries, thinking it’s welcoming international visitors.
Instead of pointing out the fault advise that’s really good of you to welcome me however, it’s not really good!
write a welcome sentence in your mother tongue and advise this is welcome in whichever language!!
Regarding Religion believe me religion is for the individual person. There is good and bad everywhere Islam is pure however, due to the selfish actions mankind have just hurt themselves. Don’t blame religion blame mankind who have lost there way.
Through out time mankind blame religion for their actions where as they just do bad actions to feed their selfish ego!!
There are many religions and many believes I respect them all and everyone is free to discover their own way. Mutual respect and understanding is needed
You have made valid points... Firsr and foremost Egypt wasn’t a country that myself and wife wanted to nor still want to reside in... i can’t soeak for the others... we have zero intentions of living here... 5 weeks ago we welcomed our first child premature... We are grateful for the hospital and doctor that delivered our child. We are leaving as soon as and that day can’t come soon enough..
But live here.. NO!! It’s not suitable nor stable enough for anyone from the Western World.. It’s a fact..
The example left by your oppressors looks to be quite bad but sorry mate— you guys know better yet you still lie and cheat each other let alone tourist..
Where did you obtain that educational degree from? And what difference would that make if it were true.. it’s probably a fixated lie.. and your degree status has absolutely nothing to do with other people’s experience in your country...
These post are comforting to those who may think; “is it just me or?”
It’s not nor are these isolated random post... we are all writing essentially the same thing... lie, cheat, arrogant (funny actually) ..
But not everyone here... it’s just hard to find that %0.05
Most come here to see things that is a dream and we all know the pyramids... Some of us cane to film and wife had an early birth delivery and some have to wait for a vaccination... get it..
Ok I will write more first thing in the morning...
Besos... Guten Nacht..
Mas Salam,
I’m now a Registered nurse Qualified in the UK who works mostly with refugees I give most of my free time to try and support disadvantaged people. You’ve no idea what struggle I’ve been through or experienced yet I choose not to be sad about it and thank Allah for everything good or bad..
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