Luxor Travel Answers

Sometimes they take bribes called Baksheesh in Egypt but I think they are stricter in The Valley of the Kings so it may not work. Sometimes people sneak photos. When someone is caught taking photos, they are taken out and there are no guards watching anymore for a short time, so almost everyone starts taking photos as the offender is removed. Don't use flash, and if someone is using flash, you should stop taking any photos and wait until he is caught.

I completely agree with the above. Mike beat me to it.

So do I!!!! It is a pity but in the 8 times I have been to Egypt since 2002 I saw the taking of pictures getting more and more restricted. The first time I was there Nefertari's tomb was still opened. Now it is closed forever partly due to people who do not take no for an answer. Also the Egyptian Museum banned the camera. But!!!! Cell phones are not banned. You can take pictures with your cell phone. But be sure you disabled the flash option!!!!!!!!!!!!

hello! the guide/guard he offer me to take a photos inside piramides area(thomb's) also he wanted some money of course for this. when are you travelling to egypt? it is very hot in summertime over there!!!!

thanks :) I am going in July..yes I know it will be HOT! :D I have no choice though. Hopefully there will be fewer tourists though lol

that's nice.... just take care about the warm sun... it's really dangerouse. maybe w'ill seen eachother in hurghada in July.

Nope, Taking pics is not allowed anymore in in the Tombs or Museums as Dora said. In some places (like Abu Simbel) you are not even allowed to talk! Be careful how you proceed with a camera inside.

I know you probably know this but Abu Simbel is near Aswan. Either way the photograph/camera rules apply pretty much everywhere.

Why won't some people take NO for an answer, even when it's written in six different languages ?

If you want a decent photo, buy a postcard. The professional who took it will have taken the time to get the lighting right, no doubt taking several photos to get the one that comes out. You will then contribute to the economy of the photographer, the card seller and your guide. How much you contribute to the last two depends on your bargaining skills.

Am I dreaming or are you encouraging corruption in the developping world ?

Hi I got the following from Luxor News - Jane Akshar Don't know if it will be of any help. Monday, 16 February 2009 Taking photos in tombs Recently that has been a big crack down on people who disobey the rules and take photos in the tombs. Especially in the valley of kings where culprits are being taken to the inspectors office, having to delete their entire memory card and pay a substantial fine. I am not saying that some people are not still getting away with it, especially in the valley of nobles but you have been warned. Permission can be arranged, I know people studying here who have got it. It is expensive and you have to be accompanied by an inspector ....... Cheers Katy PS My nephew was in Luxor visiting me in November last. He was caught taking pics in Ramesses VII and the inspector deleted 10 pictures from his memory card. He was lucky - the lot could have been deleted!!!!

thanks all :) i guess i will be buying postcards instead of taking photos lol I appreciate all the input doug

Well, I know that most of the places you could take photos as long as you didn't use flash. Sometimes it's dark though, so you really don't get anything good. Many times when we were alone in the tunnel (no tour groups), a worker or someone in the tunnel would motion for us to go ahead and take a picture. Usually by mimicking the action of pushing a camera button. If you want to take a picture they usually expect about 5LE. They normally won't do this if there is more than a few people in the tomb.

These people are only allowing you to take pictures with flash for a fee or baksheesh. There is a reason why they will not offer you that option while there are more people in the tomb; if the authorities catch them doing that they will loose their job or maybe more. Practices like that lead to the measurements that all camera's are forbidden now! And even very vulnerable tombs like Nefertari and Seti I are closed forever! Just respect the wonders of Egypt by not taking pictures and preserve them for your offspring to enjoy them as well!

Well said, Dora.

I also feel this kind of baksheesh is bad for Egypt's economy. IMO, some people in the tourist industry may be making more money because of baksheesh then teachers or doctors.