Getting around in Sharm el Sheikh is more a masterful task than it
first appears. So here’s a few top tips on how to get around. First you
must choose your mode of public transport, there are licensed taxi’s,
private car taxis, mini buses and pick-up trucks all more than happy to
whisk you away to your chosen destination. First, the good old blue and
white official taxis. These guys are licensed to transport foreigners, and
currently the only vehicle able penetrate Naama Bay’s interior. They are
based in the top car-park near the Tavern, so it’s the closest you’re going
to get. A top tip is to set the price first, if it is not agreeable then move up
the line, the further you go in theory the price should go down. There is
a sign in English stating the correct fare, but if a taxi refuses to take you there is not much to be done. Consider paying more if it is late at night or you have multiple stopping points. Around LE15 – LE20 should get
you to Hadaba from Naama bay. Make a note of the license number, so if you have any problems you can find the taxi.
If you want to go cheap, then wander up to the main road and hail
a mini-bus. It will cost between LE1 and LE3 to go any distance along
the main road. Minibuses are now traveling up to Hadaba as well.
Make sure you are ready to shout ‘Stop’ or ‘henna quais’ (here is fine)
otherwise they will just go on. The mini-buses are generally used by
the Egyptian workers and therefore it is respectful not to hop on semi
clothed, cover up for a more relaxed journey.
While pickup trucks and private drivers could also offer you paid
rides, please note that these vehicles are not licensed to transport foreign passengers, and could be operating illegally. For your own safety, it is
most advisable to stick to licensed taxis and public minibuses.
One last tip: please note that the speed limit is 60km per hour along
the main road, so it is quite OK to tell your Schumacher to slow down,
and at night it is always best to get the driver to use his headlights
‘momkin noor’, or ‘fi noor’ should do the trick. Good Luck and Happy
traveling.
