Because there are no fixed prices in Egypt, everyone tries to win your business (or, having won it, your loyalty) with the promise of a discount.
And because Egyptians don’t make enough money in their regular jobs, they often do other work on the side. This usually amounts to squeezing in the middle of some existing transaction. Had we gone shopping with this waiter, he would have certainly received some portion of whatever we paid anyone.
The sly turning of a personal relationship into a business relationship was our chief frustration in Egypt.
Careful of the waiter who is nice to you: He may take you on a shopping trip to the Grim City of Suez. Good discount etc.
05 Careful of the Waiter Who is Nice to You
June 23, 2008Because there are no fixed prices in Egypt, everyone tries to win your business (or, having won it, your loyalty) with the promise of a discount.
And because Egyptians don’t make enough money in their regular jobs, they often do other work on the side. This usually amounts to squeezing in the middle of some existing transaction. Had we gone shopping with this waiter, he would have certainly received some portion of whatever we paid anyone.
The sly turning of a personal relationship into a business relationship was our chief frustration in Egypt.
Careful of the waiter who is nice to you:
He may take you on a shopping trip to the Grim
City of Suez.
Good discount etc.
Look
Listen