Traveler Description
This outdoor market is a central feature of Aswan, Egypt?s southernmost city.


Traveler Reviews

Tips to avoid being hassled and for bargaining
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Apr 5, 2008


If you walk along the Nile foreshore in Aswan, you are sure to be hassled by people wanting to sell you something or give you a ride. A common thing is for the horse and cart drivers to offer to take you to the markets for 5 Pound. They then take you to a friends shop and say that they want 5 English Pound. Always confirm that they mean 5 Egyptian Pound or do like we did and leave the money on the seat and walk away. If they start getting angry, then the threat of going to the police always works! If you don't want to be hassled then walk in the local streets parallel to the main road as you are less likely to be hassled. Stared at but not hassled! Learning some Egyptian words seemed to help stop hasslers alot. I think the most useful are: No Thank you = La Shokran I don't want = Ahna Mish Eyes Enough! = Hellass (keep smiling and add please -Minfudluk) How are you? = Issayak? Very Good = Kwayis Owie (Kwayisa Owie for female) How Much is that? = Bi Kam Da? Please = Minfudluk (to male) and Minfudlik (to female) Yes = Aywah Never make an offer at the markets and then back down on it. This is very rude so don't make an offer unless you intend on buying something. Have an idea of what you want to pay before you buy and start by offering less so you have room to move up in price. In between 1/3 and 1/2 of the initial offer price is about the reasonable price to pay. After you have shown an interest in an item and got their lowest price, walking away is a sure way to see if it is the lowest they will go. If they let you walk then it was rock bottom price if they follow, they will negotiate lower. You will have more fun if you remain friendly and happy. They love a joke. You get what you give! Remember this is their way of life and they don't really mean to annoy you with their hassling. This goes in all markets throughout Egypt. Have fun!

Kind, fun and great deals
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Mar 1, 2008


I jut got back from a tour of Egypt and we visited many places- cairo, Abu simbel, Luxor - and Aswan has the kindest, most fun market and environment. Of all the markets in Egypt- Aswan was my absolutel favorite.