Hi
We leave for our first tour of Egypt at the end of next week (18th Jan).
I generally travel with a reasonable amount of camera gear (2 bodies, a bunch of lenses, tripod, flash, filters etc) and have a few questions about permits for cameras at sites within Egypt.
Are you normally charged a fee per camera or per photographer? For example, if I'm taking in 2 cameras do I have to pay twice??
Also, do you need to pay extra if you wish to use a tripod?? Some places around the world consider you to be a professional photographer if you're using a tripod and charge accordingly. Are you able to use tripods at all within any of the sites in Egypt??
Lastly, I'm assuming that all large camera bags will be scanned and/or inspected. Has anyone had any trouble with scanners or inspectors in Egypt??
Thanks heaps in advance for any information. It would be nice to know what to expect and a little about how much to budget for before we get there.
Thanks again for any help or advice.
Cheers
strangeman
Re: Cameras in Egypt
Strangeman:
Just got back from Egypt and had no problems with cameras. No charges...we expected to be charged at the Egyptian Museum but that was recently waived. (oh...if you take pics of the locals they expect a tip. only fair) Only restrictions were no video cameras at some sites and usually NO flash photography. Just about had my camera confiscated when accidentally used the flash at Abu Simbel. They are very serious about that.
I saw a guy with a tripod everywhere he went--my advice is to pack lightly...you're on and off busses, donkeys, camels, boats, taxis....but you're the expert. I'm just a point and shoot kinda gal.
Re: Cameras in Egypt
Thanks devorah
Great news about them waiving the fees!! Have read everywhere that we would be charged for using a camera, so it's a pleasant surprise to find out that we probably won't be.
Sort of expected there may be restrictions on using a flash. I had heard of someone on another tour having their camera confiscated and not getting it back. Got loads of fast film packed so hopefully it shouldn't be a problem.
Great news about the guy with the tripod also!! I sometimes do wish that I could pack a bit less stuff. I'd hate myself though if I knew I'd missed out on a great shot just because I couldn't be bothered to carry the gear!! It all packs away quite compactly and it's not too heavy so it shouldn't make things too difficult.![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Anyway, thanks for your comments. Hope you enjoyed you trip. Ours is only a week or so away....can't wait![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Cheers
strangeman
Re: Cameras in Egypt
My super group leader, Hatem, gave up plastic bags to cover our camers while in the desert. The sand can get into places, especially the superfine sand at the "Sugar Canyon". Just in case your leader isn't as well-prepared as mine, I suggest you prepare your own plastic bags to hold your equipment.