I’ve read everything and its opposite in travel guides and online. It seems that hotel owners—and the government—require tourists to pay in foreign currency rather than the local one (pounds). This is a huge problem for me since I’ll be in Egypt for 3 months. I can’t exactly walk around with thousands of dollars on me (I’m from Quebec). I could pay with a credit card—easier—but I think there’s an extra fee. Is that really the case? But what do I do if a small-town hotel doesn’t accept credit cards??? I thought about using a WISE debit card, but again, what if the place doesn’t have a payment terminal??? Can I hope that some establishments in less touristy areas might accept payment in pounds? And most importantly: does the same issue apply to paying for entry to archaeological sites??? A big thank you for your insights—I’m totally in the DARK here!!!
Marc Lamarre
La vie étant particulièrement imprévisible, vaut mieux manger son dessert en premier, et garder les navets pour la fin...
Some hotels might prefer to be paid in foreign currency, but I’m not convinced it’s actually the law.
In any case, you can pay by credit card—just check what fees apply for payments in EGP or USD. If needed, get a payment method with no foreign transaction fees; there are plenty of options out there.
There are also ATMs that dispense USD, but they’re not super common.
The AI’s answer seems even more convoluted than I thought…
Does a foreign tourist have to pay for a hotel stay in Egypt in foreign currency?
Yes, a foreign tourist is legally required to pay for their accommodation in Egypt in foreign currency (such as US dollars or euros) or prove that the Egyptian pounds (EGP) used were exchanged at an official bank.
This regulation was put in place by the Egyptian government to allow hotels to earn foreign currency and to limit the parallel exchange market.
Here’s what it means for you:
Direct payment at the hotel: If you pay directly at the hotel (on-site), you’ll almost certainly be asked to pay in USD, EUR, or another convertible currency.
Online bookings: Booking platforms like Booking.com often mention this legislation, stating that payment will be made in a foreign currency, even if the price is displayed in EGP on the site.
Proof of exchange: If you insist on paying in Egyptian pounds, some hotels may ask for proof (a bank receipt) showing that you legally exchanged your foreign currency for EGP at an official bank or authorized exchange bureau.
Credit card payment: Paying with an international credit card is generally accepted at major hotels and complies with this regulation, as the transaction is processed in foreign currency before conversion.
It’s a good idea to carry small bills in foreign currency (USD or EUR) for tips and small purchases, but for accommodation, a credit card is often the simplest option to comply with the law
La vie étant particulièrement imprévisible, vaut mieux manger son dessert en premier, et garder les navets pour la fin...
The AI’s answer seems even more convoluted than I thought...
Does a foreign tourist necessarily have to pay for a hotel stay in Egypt in foreign currency?
Yes, a foreign tourist is legally required to pay for their accommodation in Egypt in foreign currency (such as US dollars or euros) or prove that the Egyptian pounds (EGP) used were exchanged at an official bank.
This regulation was put in place by the Egyptian government to allow hotels to earn foreign currency and to limit the parallel exchange market.
Here’s what it means for you:
Direct payment at the hotel: If you pay directly at the hotel (on-site), you’ll almost certainly be asked to pay in USD, EUR, or another convertible currency.
Online bookings: Booking platforms like Booking.com often mention this legislation, stating that payment will be made in a foreign currency, even if the price is displayed in EGP on the site.
Proof of exchange: If you insist on paying in Egyptian pounds, some hotels may ask for proof (a bank receipt) showing that you legally exchanged your foreign currency for EGP at an official bank or authorized exchange bureau.
Credit card payment: Paying with an international credit card is generally accepted at major hotels and complies with this regulation, as the transaction is processed in foreign currency, which is then converted.
It’s recommended to carry small bills in foreign currency (USD or EUR) for tips and small purchases, but for accommodation, a credit card is often the simplest option to comply with the law
Hey, you’ve got the answer in your post.
Withdraw local currency from an official bank on-site, and you’ll get a receipt (so you have proof). That’s the only way to pay the fair price like Egyptians without any extra fees.
You're staying for 3 months and don’t want to carry too much cash on you.
And you don’t want to pay too many fees with your credit card.
So I think the best option is to pay through a booking site like Booking.com, where you can pay directly in your chosen currency.
Personally, I booked with an online bank card that had no foreign exchange fees.
And I did notice that prices were often set in USD on-site.
You're staying for 3 months and don't want to carry too much cash.
And you don't want to pay too many fees with your credit card.
So I think the best option is to pay through a booking site like Booking.com where you can pay directly in your chosen currency.
Personally, I booked with an online bank card that had no foreign exchange fees.
And I did notice that prices were often set in USD on-site.
Total nonsense, pfft. Once the booking's paid, does he eat rocks for 3 months? How's he supposed to live for 3 months?? Really some two-bit advice
If I reread his post: he has 3 months left and wants to book hotels. Where does he mention everyday expenses during the stay? I’m curious to hear any tips you can give him!
Hello everyone,
No need to panic—it’s now mandatory to pay by credit card on websites that have a working terminal (though you can’t always escape it).
But unfortunately, everyone in Egypt has jumped on this bandwagon, and many places like hotels now demand payment in dollars or €. So check with the hotel before booking, because this isn’t a "government" requirement—it’s just a choice made by hotels, shops, taxis, etc. Once I’m there, I’ve gotten into the habit of always asking if I can pay in L.E. when I go somewhere to eat, drink tea, or buy something. If they say no, I go elsewhere. Be aware, though—this has become widespread, but it’s always existed: there are two prices in Egypt, one for locals and another for foreigners. In Luxor, since we went often, they recognized us and usually gave us the Egyptian price. Elsewhere, it was trickier, but we managed with some haggling.
Nothing’s insurmountable. Plus, a lot of foreigners are surprised that prices have shot up. Well, that’s the situation everywhere these days, but on top of that, the IMF asked Egypt to devalue its currency a little after COVID (though that’s unrelated). That’s the only explanation I got from a friend who’s a civil servant. So with the exchange rate, prices have gone up even more—just to give you an idea, in 2020, 100 € was about 2000 L.E., and now it’s around 5500 L.E., depending on the period.
Ever since we’ve been going there (since 2004), we’ve seen tourists nickel-and-diming over pennies.
I always wonder what I’d do if I were in their shoes… I think some would sell their own parents, as we say back home.
Have a great day!
Thoutmosis
How pleasant it is to exchange with someone who doesn’t “talk through their hat,” as they say around here! There’s nothing like firsthand experience to get the real scoop. Thank you for all this information—it’ll make our stay a lot less stressful.
By any chance, have you written a travel journal about Egypt? I’ve read several, and I’m still a bit unsatisfied. That said, I just discovered this one yesterday: www.paliparan.com. Their Egypt journal is very conventional but a really enjoyable read (in English). A three-month stay is pretty significant, and I’m always on the lookout for places off the beaten path.
I’m hooked on archaeological sites—even minor ones—and anything related to early Christianity, as well as the presence of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire in the Middle East.
Best regards,
La vie étant particulièrement imprévisible, vaut mieux manger son dessert en premier, et garder les navets pour la fin...
Hello everyone,
As I often say, nobody’s word is gospel, nobody’s perfect, myself included 😛, and when I share information, it might turn out to be outdated, and in my haste, I sometimes give it before confirming—but I’m working on it, and I always apologize afterward if it turns out to be wrong. Not everyone does that, right???
Anyway, I didn’t know that saying "don’t speak through your hat," but I think I get what it means. I usually say, "If you don’t know, don’t talk or just keep quiet."
Three months there is amazing—it’s my dream, though it’ll probably stay just that, a dream. We usually go for six to seven weeks, often between mid-January and mid-March. The worst (not for me, though) was in 2007, right in the middle of summer.
And no, I’ve never "laid" a travel journal, not being a "hen" 😏😏. Joking aside, nothing’s stopping me from doing one, I just don’t want to. I’ve made several videos but never published them, not even on YouTube where I’m also signed up for posting. I still have a bunch of videos to finish—occasionally, I send private links to some people I help, just to give them a little preview of what they might see.
So, in Egypt now, you’re required to pay by credit card on websites. Just make sure your card is activated for international use, and if it’s a Visa or another card with no fees, even better.
As I’ve said before, for everything else, it’s hit or miss, but most of the time, I refuse to pay in € since it’s not mandatory. On sites without a card terminal, I always pay in L.E., not €, even if they insist, and I say I don’t have any € on me.
If you’re going to markets, shops, or "cafés," always have L.E. (pounds) with you. For these three months, where do you plan to go—what cities, what time of year? Also, if you’re interested, I know (and maybe others do too) where the oldest and smallest Coptic church in Egypt is located.
There are also some beautiful cathedrals in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, plus other smaller churches.
One of my friends was a deacon in the Coptic Church (hold on, now that I think about it, I’m not sure if he still is? I should ask him 😏).
For off-the-beaten-path spots, like us—but are you going alone? Depending on that, I’ll tell you more in private. Oh, and unrelated, but you must be seeing some amazing "northern lights" right now?
Moi, chanceuse, je pars en Egypte dans un peu moins de deux semaines (d'ailleurs, dans deux semaines, je serai déjà à Louxor...)! Ma question est simplissime:…
Je pars à Hurghada au mois d'août et je souhaiterai aller à Abou Simbel. Je crois que pour cela il faut que j'aille jusqu'à Assouan et que je prenne un bus de…
L'Egypte est une de mes destinations possible pour partir 2 semaines en faisant une boucle aller retour du Caire vers le Sud pour voir les sites archéologiques…
Je suis en pleine préparation de tour du monde et je me demandais le meilleur moyen de faire le trajet Maroc jusqu'en Égypte? Quelles villes partir, quelles…
This autumn’s trip should be in Morocco—barring any geopolitical issues between now and then.
After many trips to the south of Fès, I’m giving the north a try.
My plan is roughly to do a road trip loop from Rabat back to Rabat, passing through Asilah, Tangier, Tétouan, Chefchaouen, Akchour, Fès, Meknès, and Volubilis.
That’s a lot of cities.
Probably a bit too many for our taste—we usually prefer more isolated spots...
So I’m looking for tips on little backroads, secluded beaches, half-day hikes, and offbeat places.
If you’ve also got recommendations for accommodation... (We’re open to splurging over 100 € if it’s a real favorite.)
Feel free to think outside the box—this is an open-ended plan! !😉
I’m leaving for Tunisia in five weeks for a full 15-day trip. I’ll be arriving in Monastir and departing from there as well.
I’d like to do a route that’s a bit different from my first stay, which was more focused on cities and culture (Tunis, Sousse, Kairouan, El Jem).
I’ll be getting around by public transport.
I’d like to head south toward Tozeur, and I saw that you can take a *louage* from Monastir to Sbeitla (2h30). I imagine it’s not too complicated to get to Tozeur from there afterward? The issue is the return trip to Monastir and safety in Sbeitla.
If this route seems too complicated, I might opt for Djerba instead, which looks simpler.
Hello,
I’m looking for testimonials from Pieds-Noirs who have recently returned to Algeria.
There can’t be many left after 65 years of the country’s independence.
I’m planning to go back myself soon to reconnect with my roots... before I pass away...
I’ve started making a few pre-bookings for hotels and apartments to rent in Algiers. At first, I received friendly and welcoming responses. Then, when I mentioned I wanted to stay for two or three weeks—maybe even a month—explaining that my trip wouldn’t be strictly touristy but more of a pilgrimage to the places of my childhood, and that it would likely be a very emotional journey, I expected a positive and warm reaction to my approach. Instead, I suddenly stopped getting replies from the three or four people I’d contacted. So now I’m wondering about the reception former Pieds-Noirs can expect...
Anyone here who can share their experience of returning? I specified “recently” because it seems that right now, diplomatic relations between the two governments are extremely tense, not to say hostile... even if Macron claims otherwise...
I’m heading to Morocco in September 2026, and part of my trip takes me through Merzouga. I’m looking for a 4x4 driver-guide to explore the area with my partner and me.
Even though I come to Morocco four times a year, it’s been a long time since I’ve made the trip by car. I need to refresh my knowledge! I’ll be traveling in early October. I have a car that’s about 20 years old. The plan is to cross via Algeciras/Ceuta.
A few questions:
1) Does this crossing still exist? If so, do I need to buy the ticket in advance or on the spot? From whom? Any advice is welcome!
2) What documents are required for the car?
3) If anyone is making the trip around the same time, it could be fun to drive together 😊
Hello,
I’m traveling to Algeria from October 27 to November 16, 2026.
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been through the process about the accommodation attestation required for the visa application:
- Does it need to cover the entire duration of the trip?
- Is this document mandatory for a hotel to rent a room?
- Is it checked during inspections?
- Is a hotel booking (e.g., via Booking.com) sufficient for the visa?
- If so, does it need to be paid in advance?
I plan to visit several cities and do one or more treks with a guide or agency.
If you have any contacts you’d recommend, I’d be grateful!
Also, I’d love to share this trip with a companion who’s already done some traveling.
We’d organize the journey together, of course.
Thanks for your feedback!
Safe travels to all,
Dom, Dijon, 64 years old
Hi there,
I’m looking for some friendly recommendations for places to stay in Marrakech for 3 nights in June 2026.
In the meantime, have a great day, everyone! Thanks so much in advance.
I’m reaching out to gather your thoughts on an itinerary (10 days... or more?) I’d like to do at the beginning of June 🙂.
Just so you know, I’m planning to do this trip solo (25 years old), using only public transport and just a backpack. I’ve already been to Marrakech and climbed Mount Toubkal two years ago...
I’ll be arriving in Tangier.
Day 1-2: Explore the city center, hike around Cap Spartel...
Day 3: Stop in Tetouan
Day 4-5-6: Chefchaouen and a day hike in the Rif Mountains
Day 6-7: Discover the city of Fes (I’ve heard so many great things!!)
Day 8: Stop in Meknes and possibly visit the historic site of Volubilis
Day 9-10: Rabat (I’ve heard mixed things... some good, some bad)
After that, I have the choice of heading back to Tangier for my return flight... or going down to Agadir (also a possible return flight) and extending my trip by 5 days :)
From what I can tell, everything is well connected by bus (CTM) or train (ONCF).
Another question: Is the vibe in Moroccan youth hostels for meeting people the same as what you’d find in Western Europe?
Thanks in advance for your replies and your kindness! 😊
Tickets for entry to Majorelle Garden are only issued online via an official site
(though there are fraudulent sites out there). On the official site, they ask for legitimate info
(name, nationality, etc.). What made me go "hmm" was the request for both an email address
AND a password (with confirmation). Is this normal?
Thanks for your replies.
Hi there, a group of girlfriends and I are heading to Tunisia. We’d love to know how much cash we should bring for 6 days, considering everything’s already paid for at the hotel. Thanks for your tips!
I’m finalizing the loop I’d like to do in May over 13 days, starting and ending in Essaouira.
We’re planning to rent a vehicle and are pretty active—we’re not really into crowds (that’s why I’ve decided to skip Marrakech).
Here’s my proposed itinerary:
Trip Proposal Summary:
From May 13 (morning arrival) to May 26 (morning departure)
Arrival and departure: Essaouira
Day 1 (May 13): Arrival in Essaouira – Settling in / Exploring / Rest
Day 2 (May 14): Essaouira – Water activities
Day 3 (May 15): Essaouira to Tafraoute (~5h30) – route via Agadir – arrival and first exploration; Question: Is a detour to Taroudant worth considering?
Day 4 (May 16): Tafraoute – Hike in the granite rocks – wild bivouac
Day 5 (May 17): Tafraoute – Aït Mansour gorges – oasis – night in a hostel
Day 6 (May 18): Tafraoute → Foum Zguid (~5h) – transition route – simple overnight or bivouac
Day 7 (May 19): Foum Zguid → Zagora (~3h) – Draa Valley – desert prep
Day 8 (May 20): Zagora → M'Hamid El Ghizlane → Erg Chigaga – departure with 4x4 guide – entering the dunes – bivouac
Day 9 (May 21): Erg Chigaga – full desert day – walking, exploring – bivouac
Day 10 (May 22): Desert → Ouarzazate (~5–6h) – leaving the desert – rest
Day 11 (May 23): Aït Benhaddou – early visit – short hike – overnight stay
Day 12 (May 24): Aït Benhaddou → Telouet – route toward the Atlas – start of trek – bivouac
Day 13 (May 25): Atlas → Essaouira (~5–6h) – end of trek – return to Essaouira (overnight)
Day 14 (May 26): Essaouira – free time + return flight
What do you think?
I aimed for an excursion to the Chigaga desert from M’Hamid because it seems less touristy and allows for a more compact loop. Is that a good idea? Is the drive to M’Hamid maybe too tedious?
Open to your great tips if there’s room for optimization!
A lot of people find it important to stick to their budget when traveling—not to skimp, but to visit as many places as possible since traveling is their hobby.
In this post, I want to share some tips for those coming to Morocco who want their trip to be budget-friendly.
1. Prebook everything: hotels or riads, car rentals, or tours. If you book these in advance, it’ll make your life easier. You won’t have to deal with hagglers or people trying to overcharge you for services that are available online for free. Use platforms like Booking, Expedia, carsrental.ma, Airbnb, and other booking services to get this done properly.
2. Exchange your money to Moroccan dirhams as soon as you land. 1 € is always a little over 10 dirhams, but many people get charged as if it were exactly 10 dirhams per euro.
3. When visiting an old site or the old medina, avoid talking to vendors and shop owners—they’re really good at getting your attention and making you overpay for things.
4. Ask your tour guide to buy things for you. Yes, they do get a commission, but you’ll probably pay way more if you buy something yourself that they can get cheaply.
5. Walk everywhere. You don’t need a taxi for every little trip. Pick a good location and walk—most Moroccan cities are safe during normal hours.
6. Buy your food, drinks, etc., from supermarkets at normal prices. They can’t overcharge you since they scan every product.
Hi everyone! 😊
We’re traveling as a family to Marrakech from April 19 to 24, and there’ll be 15 of us (all ages), staying in the Targa neighborhood (El Idrissi Street).
I’d love your advice on a few things! 🙏
🚗 Vehicle rental
We’re thinking of renting 3 cars. We’ve seen really low prices online, but often without insurance.
👉 Do you have any reliable contacts or personal experiences to share?
👉 Would you recommend getting specific “tourist” insurance?
🏛️ Visits – Bahia Palace & Saadian Tombs
We’d like to visit the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, but:
We can’t find single tickets online
We only see guided tours with fixed times (like 9:30 AM / 4-hour tours)
👉 Do you know if it’s possible to book without a guide?
👉 Or do we have to buy tickets on-site? (We’re a little worried about crowds and lines, especially with older folks in the group.)
🍽️ Restaurants / meals
We’ve spotted the Grand Bazaar Marrakech for a meal.
👉 Any thoughts?
👉 Could you recommend other restaurants in the same budget? (We’re a big group, so it needs to stay reasonable.)
For lunch/snacks, we’ve seen:
Snack Toubkal
Goûter Saveur
👉 If anyone’s been, I’d love your feedback! 😊
🛒 Practical info – Targa neighborhood
We’ll be in Targa (El Idrissi Street).
👉 Are there shops nearby for quick groceries (breakfast, water, etc.)?
If you’ve got any great tips, contacts, or little tricks, I’d love to hear them! 😍
Thanks so much for your help! 💖
We’re heading to Morocco as a family from April 22 to May 8. It’s a bit short to explore such a beautiful and vast country, but school and work commitments, you know how it is...
My partner is a musician and absolutely loves Gnawa music.
Unfortunately, we won’t have time to visit Essaouira, as we’re heading south toward the Valley of the Roses...
Do you know of any places around Marrakech, Ouarzazate, or Kelaat M’Gouna where we might have the chance to meet Gnawa musicians?
We’ll also be staying a few days in Aït Benhaddou and Skoura during our trip toward the Dadès Valley.
If you have any good spots to buy a guembri along the way, I’d love to hear about them too! :)
Mid-May: arriving alone (so, a "petit taxi"?) at Marrakech airport around 4:30 PM,
is it advisable to take a taxi at the airport (cost?) or is it wiser to book one through the hotel before departure (which would cost me 20 €)?
I think I’ve seen lower fares elsewhere (12 €?).
Destination: Riad Sijane near Djemaa El Fna square. Thanks!
I’m planning my next trip outside Europe for next year, but unfortunately, I don’t have a choice with the dates—it’s late June to early July. Last year, I went to Japan for three weeks, and it was constantly 36-37°C with over 90% humidity. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible either.
For Egypt, I know it’s a period to avoid if possible, but I’m thinking that by the sea, it might be manageable. Otherwise, I’ll consider another destination.
Day 1: Arrival in Hurghada in the evening
Day 2, 3, 4: Hurghada
Day 5: Hurghada, then drive to Luxor in the early afternoon
Day 6: Luxor
Day 7: Luxor, then drive back to Hurghada in the late afternoon
Day 8, 9, 10, 11: Hurghada
Day 12: Return flight
For the Hurghada trip, either rent a car or—easier—a private car/van.
Is it worth adding an extra day in Luxor?
During the stay, we’re planning activities like camel rides, quad biking, jeep tours, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip to Morocco in September-October in our Fiat camper van, which isn’t a 4x4 but has already handled quite a bit of rough travel. While reading up on southern Morocco, we’ve been drawn to the Aguinane oasis but I’m having trouble locating it on the map. Is it possible to get there without a 4x4?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
Can anyone tell me if it's possible to travel from the Dades Gorges (Msemrir) to the Todra Gorges (Tamtatouche) on a paved road? Thanks in advance for any answers.
Hello,
We’d like to hire a French-speaking guide (agency, professional, or volunteer) to show us around Cairo over three days.
Trip planned for November 22, 23, and 24, 2026—four veteran French travelers.
We’re open to any leads, contact info, or suggestions.
Best regards,
Jacques
Hi there,
I have a layover in Algeria.
I won’t be leaving the airport.
The two tickets aren’t with the same airline.
Do I need a transit visa?
Thanks for any details and your help!
Hi there,
I live in Casablanca and my parents, who are 80, will be joining me in Marrakech at the beginning of May for a few days.
We’ll be renting a car to get around.
Do you have any suggestions for things to see or visit within a 2-3 hour drive max from Marrakech that aren’t too touristy?
My parents can walk a bit, but at 80, no climbing Mount Toubkal!
Thanks so much in advance for your ideas!
Hi everyone, just back from the 8-day Marrakech-Merzouga loop by car, and I’d love to share my feedback in case it helps some of you. Big thanks to all the forum members who kindly answered my questions!
Trip from Friday the 20th to Saturday the 28th, flying out of Marseille with Ryanair
- Landed late around 8 PM local time, exchanged some currency, and the rental agency (Magdaz Car, which I highly recommend) delivered the car straight to the airport with some great route tips (don’t blindly trust Maps.me). The night drive was a bit intense—lots of people out and about due to Ramadan. Stayed at Riad Midhou (really nice) on the outskirts of the city, which made it easy to hit the road the next morning.
- Day 1: Marrakech to Skoura. The drive was smooth, roads are great, but watch out for roundabout priority—it’s different from France. Beautiful route. Quick stop in Ouarzazate for lunch, Ait Benhaddou for the view (stunning), and the Fint Oasis (meh...). Spent the night at Taloute Ecolodge in Skoura, overlooking the palm grove (super cozy).
- Day 2: Skoura to Todgha Gorges via the Valley of Roses and Dades Gorges.
Adventure-packed day! We crossed the Valley of Roses (pretty, but not as amazing as I’d hoped) and took a "shortcut" recommended by the *Routard* guide to reach the Dades Gorges without backtracking. After asking locals, they said, "It’s doable." Turns out it was a narrow, rocky cliffside track—no way to turn around! A stressful moment, with a nice scratch on the bumper and a good sweat. Fine in an SUV or 4x4, but not in a Logan... Then the Dades Gorges (nice) and a detour through the north to reach Todgha from above. Gorgeous mountain road and a quick stop on some snow patches—touching African snow! Spent the night at *Les Gorges de Todgha*—great place, except for the bathroom. The Todgha Gorges themselves are stunning!
Day 3: Todgha to Merzouga. Beautiful drive, and the view of the erg (sand dunes) on arrival is breathtaking! Totally worth the trip. Explored the desert and stayed at *Café du Sud* hotel just outside Merzouga—absolutely gorgeous.
Day 4: Merzouga. Desert exploration and chilling by the hotel pool (with a bonus sunburn). Lunch in Merzouga—I recommend *Dakar*—their lemon tajine was amazing. Spent the night in the hotel’s luxury camp, including a camel ride. The camp was beautiful, but I was disappointed we weren’t deeper in the desert given the price (100 € per person, including dinner, breakfast, and camel ride).
Day 5: Merzouga to Tamnougalt. Gorgeous route. First fine (a supposed stop sign...) but the officer was super nice—only 150 MAD. Stayed at *Kasbah Maktob*, right in the middle of ruins—really unique and beautiful!
Day 6: Tamnougalt to Marrakech. Another beautiful drive, and a second fine (minor speeding), same amount. Crossed a windy mountain pass during a big storm—traffic was blocked in the opposite direction (not sure why), causing massive jams for those coming from Marrakech. A few downed cables, but nothing serious. Arriving in Marrakech was tricky—hard to find the rental agency, and the traffic was intense (watch out for GPS trying to send you through the medina). Ask the rental company to meet you somewhere quiet. They didn’t even notice the damaged bumper... Stayed at *Riad Zifamo* in the heart of the medina. Big change of pace—so many people and so much hustle!
Day 7: Marrakech. Lots of wandering through the souk and a quick trip to Gueliz (not essential). A few tips for the medina: watch out for scooters weaving too fast, always negotiate prices (aim for at least 1/3 off what they ask, unless it’s a small amount), don’t buy spices—more expensive than in France! Head to the *Carrefour Market* in Gueliz for better prices. In the end, not many truly unique items—you’ll find more or less the same things everywhere.
Day 8: Early morning flight. We’d booked a car to the airport from the riad, but a taxi would’ve been fine—plenty available even at 7 AM. Security wasn’t an issue (we had lighters and liquids over 100 ml).
A few extra notes: Pleasantly surprised by the road quality—just a few potholes here and there, but overall very drivable. Watch out for the police—they’re everywhere! The car cost me 30 € per day (with the *Routard* discount) and about 90 € in gas. No safety concerns, no harassment, and no stomach issues, despite the ice in Marrakech. Breakfasts at the hotels were usually hearty—take advantage! The timing (end of February) was perfect—pleasant daytime temps and cool nights. Since it was Ramadan, nothing unusual to report, except it was hard to find food outside Marrakech at lunchtime.
If I did it again, Merzouga is a must, but I’d spend a night in a real desert bivouac, deeper in the dunes. My stops (no more than 300 km a day) were well-paced, and with so few cars on the road, it wasn’t tiring—even though I’m not usually a fan of driving...
Happy to answer any questions!
Hi there,
I’m traveling solo to Egypt. Could you give me a rough idea of the budget for:
meals
hotels
taxis including tips
visits...
Just an estimate, of course.
For 15 days, what would the price range be, considering there’s an overnight train and a Nile cruise?
I’d like to compare with a travel agency. Is it more worthwhile to go through an agency despite the downsides of group travel?
Otherwise, if a travel buddy is interested in this country, why not?
Thanks a lot!
