Psst, King Tut going cheap

Learn to keep mum when shopping in the mother country of civilisation.

'Let me give you some advice for shopping in Egypt," said the elderly Cleopatra on my second day in Egypt. She leaned in close, peered over the rim of her spectacles and raised a dagger-like finger. "If you're not interested, say no. If you're interested, say no. Then start talking."

A year spent in Egypt and it's still great advice. Cheaper than Morocco and even better value now our dollar is flexing its muscle, Egypt is hot news in 2010, with tour companies saying Aussies are flocking to the cultural craziness of Cairo for all the colour and oriental whimsies of Arabia-meets-Africa. And forget Britain, this is truly a nation of shopkeepers.

Click here to read more about shopping in Cairo from the Sun Herald.