Shopping In Egypt Guide For First Time Visitors: What to Buy & Where?

Why Shopping in Egypt is a Unique Experience

Egypt offers a unique shopping experience, as the Egyptian markets are not just about purchasing souvenirs; they are about exploring the market culture. Visitors can explore the famous market, Khan el Khalili, where they can buy silver jewellery, perfume oils, Hookahs, leather goods, and Alabaster. The lively environment, friendly shopkeepers, and effective architecture make shopping a unique experience. Another reason shopping in Egypt is unique is the strong handmade craftsmanship. The Egyptian handicrafts are produced by local artisans, such as pottery, ceramics, hand-blown ornaments, and glassworks, and this makes shopping a worthwhile experience. 

Best Things to Buy in Egypt

When you are shopping in Egypt, you will find an extraordinary collection and mixture of products and souvenirs of different quality and prices. Across the streets and the massive markets, unique products are offered that you will not find anywhere in the world. Here are the best things to buy in Egypt: -

Papyrus Paintings

Papyrus paintings are one of the most popular Egyptian souvenirs that you can buy in Egypt. The Papyrus is a plant that grows along the Nile river and it became the world’s first paper. The ancient Papyrus paintings are hand-printed artworks and feature vibrant scenes of Egyptian deities, traditional symbols, and small notebooks. 

Egyptian Cotton Products

If you are seeking what to buy in Egypt, Egyptian cotton is a famous product. This is famous worldwide for its softness, durability, and quality. Visitors can purchase a wide range of products, right from bedsheets, bath towels, to cushions. 

Perfume Oils and Fragrances

Egypt is famous for its incredible perfumes and essential oils. The country is one of the top producers of many of the perfume oils, and offers different kinds of fragrances, such as Egyptian musk fragrance oil, Arabian wood fragrance, Gardenia fragrance oil, Lavender fragrance oil, and many more. Applying Egyptian perfume oils on your skin will not only leave you smelling wonderful, but it will also keep your skin smooth. 

Handmade Jewellery 

Before going to the local markets, it is important to know what to buy in Egypt for first-time visitors. Well, the shopping in Egypt will be unique for you when buying the handmade jewellery. It features traditional symbols, like the scrab and ankh rings. Besides this, if you want to buy real gold and silver, they are adorned with luxury designs and traditional styles. 

Alabaster Statues

One of the special products offered in Egypt is the Alabaster statues, ranging from small souvenirs to large, authentic pieces. It is a special product of the West Bank of Luxor and is crafted from smooth marble-like stone. Various statues are formed, such as the statues of gods and goddesses, animal figures, funerary vessels, and decorative items. 

Spices and Herbs 

Egyptian bazaar shopping features the best quality spices and herbs, such as Saffron, Baharat, Ginger, Mint, Hibiscus, and Cardamon. These ingredients are used for excellent culinary souvenirs. In Egypt, the three top spices and herbs you should buy for cooking are Duqqa, Mahlab, and Zaatar. 

Leather Goods

Another best thing to buy in Egypt is leather goods, including bags, jackets, and accessories. The luxury leather products are known for their durability and traditional artistry, making them more stylish. 

Hookahs (Shisha Pipes)

The Hookahs, also known as Shisha Pipes, are an important part of Middle Eastern culture and are sold in elegant designs and premium materials. These Hookahs are generally made of copper, brass, or silver. 

Best Places to Go Shopping in Egypt

Egypt offers a diverse shopping experience that caters to every traveller. Planning shopping in Egypt, know where to shop in Egypt for famous products. The Egypt shopping guide below highlights some of the best destinations: -

Khan El Khalili

The Khan el-Khalili is the ultimate shopping destination located in the historical centre of Cairo. This is the oldest market in the Middle East, famous for traditional Egyptian handicrafts, lanterns, Egyptian souvenirs, and exclusive textiles. 

Luxor Markets

The Luxor souks offer amazing shopping choices, which makes it the best shopping destination in Egypt to buy souvenirs. This market represents the effective displays of Egyptian traditional art and cultural heritage. When visiting Luxor markets, you will find a wide variety of spices, herbs, perfumes, and oils. 

Aswan Souks 

The Egyptian bazaar shopping experience can be a memorable one when buying the products at Aswan souks. This is the local market of Egypt, offering products at low prices. When visiting the Aswan souks, the best things you can buy are the perfumes, henna powder, dried hibiscus flowers, spices, and peanuts. 

Modern shopping malls in Egypt 

Moving away from the Egypt local markets, the country includes top malls for shopping, such as the Cairo Festival City Mall, City Stars Mall, Mall of Egypt, and many more. One of the shopping malls you must not miss visiting is the Cairo Festival City Mall, popular for buying accessories, electronics, home decor, and clothes. Besides this, you must explore the Mall of Egypt, the best destination for fashion brands, local jewellery, Egyptian cotton, and local souvenirs. 

Shopping Tips for First-Time Visitors

The shopping experience in Egypt can be excellent if certain tips are followed. Here are the Egypt shopping tips for tourists: -

1. Bargaining is a part of the shopping culture, but you must bargain politely, as this impresses the vendors and they are likely to offer a fair price. 
2. Choose souvenirs that connect to you personally, whether it's a handcrafted necklace or a unique painting. 
3. If you are a first-time visitor to the Egyptian markets, know your budget before choosing the product to avoid overspending. 
4. When buying different items, use local currency, as it gives the best value for products. 
5. If you plan to visit the Egyptian local markets, always carry cash with you as credit cards are not accepted. 

Things to Avoid while Shopping in Egypt

When shopping in Egypt, there are certain things you should avoid, and you must be aware of them about all the things to have an enjoyable experience. 

1. You must not buy the antique artefacts, as they are often illegal to sell or purchase, and include different penalties. 
2. Be cautious of the street shop sellers and the strangers, as it can lead to scams. So, it is better to purchase items from well-known markets. 
3. Avoid accepting the first price offered by the seller, as you can bargain, but in a polite way. 
4. If you want to buy spices or herbs, it is best to purchase from supermarkets, as local markets may sell expired spices. 

How to Bargain in Egyptian Markets

Have you ever thought of how to get the best price for souvenirs in Egypt? If yes, then you must know how to bargain in Egyptian markets and get the products at the best prices. When shopping, start with a friendly conversation and show deep interest in the product before discussing the final price. Many sellers highlight higher prices initially, expecting customers to bargain, so you should politely provide a lower cost and do a fair deal. Apart from this, to get the best prices, you should also compare prices at multiple stalls to understand what the fair amount is. 

Best Time for Shopping in Egypt

The best time for shopping in Egypt is during the winter months from October to April. During these months, you can comfortably do shopping in day time, as the weather is pleasant and mild, and you can visit the local markets, such as Khan el-Khalili. 

What Souvenirs are Allowed to Take Out of Egypt

Tourists visiting Egypt can take many souvenirs home, as long as they are safe and portable. The popular Egyptian Souvenirs that can be taken home are spices, jewellery, textiles, cotton, perfume oils, and statues. The best market to buy these souvenirs is the Khan el-Khalili market. However, you should not bring any artefacts that are not certified and are illegal. 

Conclusion

Shopping in Egypt for tourists is a complete cultural journey, from ancient markets to modern malls, and each shop offers a unique shopping experience. Whether you are walking across the Khan el-Khalili local market of Egypt or shopping at the Cairo Festival City Mall, you will find the best things to buy in Egypt, such as jewellery, handicrafts, spices, leather goods, perfumes, and Alabaster statues. The Egyptian shopping experience will not just let you take souvenirs home; it will let you take home stories and will forever remind you to the beautiful time along the markets. 

FAQs

Q1. What are the best things to buy in Egypt for tourists?

Ans. The best things to buy in Egypt for tourists are handmade papyrus paintings, cotton textiles, perfume oils, and spices. 

Q2. Where is the best place to shop in Egypt? 

Ans. The best place to shop in Egypt is the Khan el-Khalili local market in Cairo, offering gold jewellery, leather goods, and spices. 

Q3. Is bargaining common in Egyptian markets? 

Ans. Yes, bargaining is common in Egyptian markets, especially in souks and traditional Egyptian bazaars. 

Q4. Is Egyptian cotton really worth buying? 

Ans. Definitely. Egyptian cotton is worth buying for its incredible durability and softness, specifically in bedding. 

Q5. Are antiques legal to buy in Egypt? 

Ans. No. Antiques are not legal to buy in Egypt without official government permission. The genuine antique items cannot be exported without being certified by the government. 

Q6. What payment methods are used in Egyptian markets? 

Ans. In the Egyptian markets, cash is the main payment method, mainly at the small shops, as they do not accept credit or debit cards. 

Q7. What time is best for shopping in Egypt? 

Ans. The best time for shopping in Egypt is during winter, from October to April.