Saturday, April 30, 2011

Beer, Liquor and Wine

Beer, Liquor and Wine


Drinking in hotel or other bars can be expensive, particularly depending on the type of liquor ordered. Local beer such as Sakkara, or my favorite, Stella, as well as the local tasty wines are reasonable. European liquors and beer are less reasonable, and American alcoholic beverages are either non-existent or completely unreasonable. For example, a local beer will generally cost in the range of 8 L.E. (Egyptian pounds), or a little over $2.00 USD. This is not a bad price, as the bottles are larger then those in Europe or the US, and the alcoholic content is greater. It, together with Egyptian wine, both at better prices, can also be found in a few liquor stores in major cities.

A European vodka shot will probably cost more like 20 L.E., while a shot of Jack Daniels, if they have it, will run as high as 50 L.E. These prices may very somewhat, but to say the least, if one likes American or European brands, drinking can get expensive.

The solution to this is to either bring it in with you, or obtain it from the duty free shop upon entry. One may bring up to two liters of alcoholic beverages into the country. While this may sound like additional luggage, the empty space will often be used to carry souvenirs back. However, prices at the airport duty free shop are reasonable and up to four litters may be purchased upon entry to the country. Prices are often about what one would pay at home. Also, keep in mind that EgyptAir, a frequent carrier of tour groups will not serve alcoholic drinks in-flight (though they occasionally provide complementary wine prior to boarding. However, they do allow people to carry aboard reasonable amounts of alcohol for self service (BYOB!).

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