posted
be a bit nicer to the tourists?? If you are a brit in Sharm, or any part of Egypt in fact, it is equivalent to walking around with a T-shirt on with a pound sign on it. They love us, as we never argue too much about money and are easily persuaded to part with our cash, unlike some of our other tourists companions who say no and walk away. This applies to those living there or on holiday. The figure of 350 quid is often mentioned as a starting (and last ‘good’) price when egy’s are trying to sell you something (other than property, when the skies the limit). Everything seems to cost 350 on your first few visits. Remember, everyone wants to make some money off you…now I’m all for supporting the Country, I understand unemployment is over 20 million, but come on, us brits like good value, and frankly, the egy’s do tend to spoil it for us. There are three prices-the locals price, the tourists price AND the English price- the highest of all, as like I said, we don’t like confrontation, often just want to get out of the shop, so we pay. They all have a brother/cousin/friend in the UK, and what is this obsession with supermarkets??? (asda price, every little helps, buy one get one free etc) When you try and enter into a conversation, they are lost, as if they only got taught those ‘catchprases’ by a mate and don’t really understand what they are saying. From the moment you get into the airport ( and by the way, the cab should cost you no more than 40 EGY- I know people who have been stung for 300), the egy’s are just waiting to rob you any way they can. Do you want a taxi? Excursion? Meal? Perfume-don’t mention the perfume…Why can’t they just leave us alone to enjoy our holiday? We work hard, and when we’re away on our break, we don’t want to sit in peoples shops drinking tea every day. We want to enjoy the surroundings, and experience a relaxed atmosphere, not retreat back to our hotel complexes, as there’s less hassle there.
Posts: 22 | From: uk/sharm | Registered: Jul 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
I think you're being a bit hard. One of my friends, a law graduate from Cairo just could not get a job in the law and was working as a tout for an "art gallery" - to cut a long story short is now working in a perfume shop in Sharm. To me that's much better than dragging unsuspecting tourists in off the streets to 'visit my uncle's art gallery' and purchase papyrus and oils (ie moi - this is how we met on my first ever unsuspecting day in Cairo ). His brother, also a law graduate, is working in a sportswear shop also in Sharm. Not an ideal situation for either of them, but you have to take what you can, and if you're saving for the future, that is where the jobs are. They don't come from a rich family and the family have a three room flat so to marry, they will have to save up everything themselves including a flat because its not one of those houses with the flat upstairs reserved for the eldest son's marriage. Its not their fault that English people are too embarrassed to say no and mean it.
Posts: 5593 | From: Egypt | Registered: Dec 2005
| IP: Logged |
julia, thats such a crap attitude. the fact that liz has been to egypt shows she wanted to travel there... its then up to the egyptians to make an impression on her... which they obviously have.
liz, i know exactly what your saying, and yes you are so right about the 3 price thing... but i have to say that the fact they can do it is OUR fault... well, not fault, just the way we are... and they exploit that cause they can.
it really is up to us to be firm (but polite) in expressing our feelings towards them, as i did, and i have to say, was greeted with friendship! they genuinely do love the brits... yes they see £££ at first, but if you convey the fact that you really dont have the money/time or just dont want to shop today they are soooo cool about it, really.
im sorry you had a rough time in sharm... i love the place and the people dearly. i wish here was a bit more info given to the british tourist before landing in sharm.
Posts: 5642 | From: hellonearth.myfastforum.org Forum Index | Registered: Feb 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Charm is exactly right we don't need to let ourselves be ripped off and anyway barganing can be great fun. You also have to learn how to keep things in perspective and not get stressed out about everything. The price from the airport may well be LE40 but I know for sure I will give myself one hell of a headache to try and get that so I am happy to stick at LE50 and know I am being fair. As for shopping in Sharm my guide is to ask for the price then with one hell of alot of charm offer exactly 1/4 then depending on how much I really want the item bargain from there. If I don't like the price then it is so easy to smile sweetly say no thanks and walk away. Yes we are Brits and we are polite and it works very well for us. Oh and all those daft questions they ask just answer and put the same question back to them and before you know it you are having a genuinely nice conversation with an Egyptian. And if like me you have some off days when you can't be bothered with any of it, well put your sunglasses on, (yes even at night) and walk and ignore them all that works as well!
Posts: 3809 | From: Paradise | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
It is not only tourists who get stung, lol I was down town looking for a certain chemist when someone approached me and asked me if they could help, I told him no thank you I was looking for a certain shop and I also explained I wasn't a tourist I was a resident. well to cut a long story short 5 minutes later i', in his shop and he is trying to sell me perfume, got to give him 10 out of 10 for trying, but yes it is a hassle.
Posts: 167 | Registered: Aug 2004
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by charm el feikh?: julia, thats such a crap attitude
hm, i don't think so. i think it's the easiest and most logical advice one could give liz.
i don't really know how to explain my opinion... i think it's just like that:
you go on holiday somewhere and you like it - so you come back. you go on holiday somewhere and you DON'T like it- so you DON't come back!
i'm not saying that liz is wrong with what she says about how the locals treat her e.g. when shopping, and i don't say that the bad way tourists are -sometimes- treated is good, but eh! what are we supposed to do?! try to change them all? try to turn the egyptians into something they just aren't? make them behave like people from the west?
it's their mentality!
that's why i said liz should simply go somewhere else.
Posts: 457 | From: Any Questions? | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: But Egypt should not drive tourists away.
that is correct, and nobody ever said that the way the tourists are treated is good.
Posts: 457 | From: Any Questions? | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
julia... i didnt mean to be abrupt, its just that the way your statement came across really does leave a lot to be desired.
its like.. well.. if someone is dissatisfied with the service that either one of my 3 companies provides, there could be lots of reasons for it.
1. it could be that they have been let down due to time constraints....
2. could be they didnt get what they were expecting...
3. maybe one of my staff treated them rudely due to a bad day etc...
either way, i dont know about it till its brought to my attention.
once it is brought to my attention i can deal with it. customer satisfaction is HIGH on my list of agendas... even a disgruntled customer/client can be appeased and turned around into a customer who recommends you.
now, egypt and its tourist industry is just the same in my book... id rather try to explain things and help to make things better than tell that person to just F off... which julia, is practically what you said when you consider this person joined this forum to make her complaint heard.
Posts: 5642 | From: hellonearth.myfastforum.org Forum Index | Registered: Feb 2006
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by charm el feikh?: julia... i didnt mean to be abrupt
don't worry about it. feel free to be abrubt to me whenever you want. noone except of one guy has ever abused me here. i feel like i'm missing something.
quote:Originally posted by charm el feikh?: better than tell that person to just F off... which julia, is practically what you said when you consider this person joined this forum to make her complaint heard.
that is quite rigorous now. still there's probably a bit of truth in it. i just felt annoyed because it was like her first post ever, and she went like a bull at a gate and didn't even say "hi", "how are you" or things like that. by the way, i liked your example.
okay now: sorry liz, for this unfriendly welcome! Posts: 457 | From: Any Questions? | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
hey julia... again.. sorry for the 'rigorous' statement... again... never really meant it to be...
how are you anyway?... we seem to be on line at the same time these days!
Posts: 5642 | From: hellonearth.myfastforum.org Forum Index | Registered: Feb 2006
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by charm el feikh?: hey julia... again.. sorry for the 'rigorous' statement... again... never really meant it to be...
how are you anyway?... we seem to be on line at the same time these days!
i'm fine, thank you!
but before we become too friendly now, read what i answered you at the pedophile thread! Posts: 457 | From: Any Questions? | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: But Egypt is dependent on tourism and should not drive tourists away.
Are you a tourist LL? What exactly is your status in Egypt?
I understand you and Keefy are selling real estate now-a-days and was wondering what is the tax rate for people like yourselves?
Posts: 140 | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'm thinking of having a T shirt printed in Arabic 'Khawagaia. felous kiteer mafish moch' and maybe in small letters 'f'il mishmish' Posts: 1399 | From: alexandria | Registered: Jan 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
If you read this month's Egypt Today, you'll see a lengthy article on just this problem. The Egyptian tourist authority really does want to change attitudes, as it realises that the attitude of shopkeepers etc is preventing many possible return visitors from returning.
Posts: 26 | From: Luxor | Registered: Dec 2005
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: But Egypt is dependent on tourism and should not drive tourists away.
Are you a tourist LL? What exactly is your status in Egypt?
I understand you and Keefy are selling real estate now-a-days and was wondering what is the tax rate for people like yourselves?
The same as for everyone else. LOL Do you want to inspect my accounts?
Everyone else who is an Egyptian citizen? Everyone else who is a permanent resident? Everyone else who has temporary work visa? Everyone else who has a tourist Visa and is working illegal?
Posts: 140 | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
What about you Automiatic, which of these categories do you fit in. I own the company I work for and do not need a work permit so I am not working illegally anywhere. How much of your income comes from undeclared baksheesh Auto? At least I have a full set of accounts for my business. Why the interest in my finances anyway? Are you looking for a job?
Allah has been kind to me. At 61 I am wealthy enough not to need to work ever again so I certainly do not need to cheat any government out of money owed to them. I run my company (which is extensive) out of interest not out of desperation.
i know this does not fit into your conversation now,sorry, but WOW you're 61?! that would never have occurred to me! Posts: 457 | From: Any Questions? | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I was 61 last week and I have never tried to hide my age. I was born the day after they tested the first atomic bomb. That makes me ancient compared with most posters and in European terms a 'Senior Citizen' Posts: 2235 | From: Jail | Registered: Jun 2004
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: I was 61 last week and I have never tried to hide my age. I was born the day after they tested the first atomic bomb. That makes me ancient compared with most posters and in European terms a 'Senior Citizen'
quote:Originally posted by : What about you Automiatic, which of these categories do you fit in.
I am not obligated by Law to pay Taxes to the Egyptian Government.
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: I own the company I work for and do not need a work permit s.
I don't know for a fact that that is true but since you own your own company and all why not share with us some information that can be helpful to the readers. What are the rules regarding : 1-Owning a business? 2-Operating a business? 3-What tax obligations would one have?
Are their any other laws a non-Egyptian should be concerned of when thinking of starting a business in Egypt?
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: How much of your income comes from undeclared baksheesh Auto?
Was that the only Arabic you know? It's lame!
quote:Originally posted by : Are you looking for a job?
Sure, what kind of work I'm going have to do and how much are you gong to pay?
quote:Originally posted by : Allah has been kind to me. At 61 I am wealthy enough not to need to work ever again
Alhamdu Lillah alathi la yohmad ala makruhun siwah.
Posts: 140 | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Automatic, if you are not obliged to pay taxes to the Egyptian government then why are you in the least bit interested in whether I do. I suggest you read of few books on Egyptian law and find out about setting up a business yourself. The world is full of angry young men who have nothing to offer their country except their frustation and anger but I am sure that others would be interested in your progress and you would learn a lot from it.
Egypt is looking for overseas investment and in many cases offers a five-year tax break as an incentive to people to bring their money to Egypt and create employment opportunities here. I am surprised that you are so negative about investment that offers employment to Egyptians rather than taking from them.
I take nothing from Egypt. Although it is absolutely none of your business I will tell you that half my income from Europe is brought to Egypt and everything that I earn while in Egypt stays there. I have a home and a life there which requires financial support. Plus, enabling others to move to Egypt brings their investment too. Why do you find that so reprehensible?
As for your insult about my level of knowledge concerning Arabic, you are whistling in the wind and know nothing of me or of what my Arabic skills are nor are you ever likely to.
In the meatime why not post something interesting concerning the subject of this thread. Whatever you may think, Egypt needs the finance of its tourist industry and there is no better place to see an example of that than in Luxor whose whole infrastructure depends on its visitors.
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: But Egypt is dependent on tourism and should not drive tourists away.
We have better things to worry about than driving tourists away. It's better for Egypt to become less dependent on tourism.
Posts: 1539 | Registered: Apr 2006
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by : What about you Automiatic, which of these categories do you fit in.
I am not obligated by Law to pay Taxes to the Egyptian Government.
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: I own the company I work for and do not need a work permit s.
I don't know for a fact that that is true but since you own your own company and all why not share with us some information that can be helpful to the readers. What are the rules regarding : 1-Owning a business? 2-Operating a business? 3-What tax obligations would one have?
Are their any other laws a non-Egyptian should be concerned of when thinking of starting a business in Egypt?
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: How much of your income comes from undeclared baksheesh Auto?
Was that the only Arabic you know? It's lame!
quote:Originally posted by : Are you looking for a job?
Sure, what kind of work I'm going have to do and how much are you gong to pay?
quote:Originally posted by : Allah has been kind to me. At 61 I am wealthy enough not to need to work ever again
Alhamdu Lillah alathi la yohmad ala makruhun siwah.
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: Automatic, if you are not obliged to pay taxes to the Egyptian government then why are you in the least bit interested in whether I do. I suggest you read of few books on Egyptian law and find out about setting up a business yourself. The world is full of angry young men who have nothing to offer their country except their frustation and anger but I am sure that others would be interested in your progress and you would learn a lot from it.
Egypt is looking for overseas investment and in many cases offers a five-year tax break as an incentive to people to bring their money to Egypt and create employment opportunities here. I am surprised that you are so negative about investment that offers employment to Egyptians rather than taking from them.
I take nothing from Egypt. Although it is absolutely none of your business I will tell you that half my income from Europe is brought to Egypt and everything that I earn while in Egypt stays there. I have a home and a life there which requires financial support. Plus, enabling others to move to Egypt brings their investment too. Why do you find that so reprehensible?
Bla Bla Bla Bla
Where are the answerers. Well, next time someone asks questions about real estate tell him/her to read a few books on Egyptian law. Don't be so eager to offer them assistance and ask them to pm you.
I thought that's what this forum is for, helping each other and all that crap.
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: you are whistling in the wind and know nothing of me or of what my Arabic skills are nor are you ever likely to.
You wanna bet?
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: Egypt needs the finance of its tourist industry and there is no better place to see an example of that than in Luxor whose whole infrastructure depends on its visitors.
I thank you very much for your great insight and hope that you would share this knowledge with the Egyptian government as I'm sure the are completely unaware of the needs of Egypt and Egyptians.
Well while we're at it, do you know some good lawyer and accountant in Luxor? I could use both.
I would also greatly appreciate the address for the Egyptian revenue services...you know the one you send your income tax return to. I'm assuming that that's how it's done. Also any information on registering a business and that five year tax break would be great. I mean how much money do I have to invest in order to get that tax break? Or is it left up to me to decide?
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: The world is full of angry young men who have nothing to offer their country except their frustation and anger but I am sure that others would be interested in your progress and you would learn a lot from it.
Actually apart from investing and getting that five-year tax break I would also like to start a sort of non-profit organization . It would require a few angry young men and women with some computer skills. Law school graduates would be perfect for the kind of research and the paper pushing they would have to do. If you know a few of them can you get them to contact me. Thanks a lot.
Posts: 140 | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: Automatic, if you are not obliged to pay taxes to the Egyptian government then why are you in the least bit interested in whether I do. I suggest you read of few books on Egyptian law and find out about setting up a business yourself. The world is full of angry young men who have nothing to offer their country except their frustation and anger but I am sure that others would be interested in your progress and you would learn a lot from it.
Egypt is looking for overseas investment and in many cases offers a five-year tax break as an incentive to people to bring their money to Egypt and create employment opportunities here. I am surprised that you are so negative about investment that offers employment to Egyptians rather than taking from them.
I take nothing from Egypt. Although it is absolutely none of your business I will tell you that half my income from Europe is brought to Egypt and everything that I earn while in Egypt stays there. I have a home and a life there which requires financial support. Plus, enabling others to move to Egypt brings their investment too. Why do you find that so reprehensible?
Bla Bla Bla Bla
Where are the answerers. Well, next time someone asks questions about real estate tell him/her to read a few books on Egyptian law. Don't be so eager to offer them assistance and ask them to pm you.
I thought that's what this forum is for, helping each other and all that crap.
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: you are whistling in the wind and know nothing of me or of what my Arabic skills are nor are you ever likely to.
You wanna bet?
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: Egypt needs the finance of its tourist industry and there is no better place to see an example of that than in Luxor whose whole infrastructure depends on its visitors.
I thank you very much for your great insight and hope that you would share this knowledge with the Egyptian government as I'm sure the are completely unaware of the needs of Egypt and Egyptians.
Well while we're at it, do you know some good lawyer and accountant in Luxor? I could use both.
I would also greatly appreciate the address for the Egyptian revenue services...you know the one you send your income tax return to. I'm assuming that that's how it's done. Also any information on registering a business and that five year tax break would be great. I mean how much money do I have to invest in order to get that tax break? Or is it left up to me to decide?
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: The world is full of angry young men who have nothing to offer their country except their frustation and anger but I am sure that others would be interested in your progress and you would learn a lot from it.
Actually apart from investing and getting that five-year tax break I would also like to start a sort of non-profit organization . It would require a few angry young men and women with some computer skills. Law school graduates would be perfect for the kind of research and the paper pushing they would have to do. If you know a few of them can you get them to contact me. Thanks a lot.
Even more interesting. Posts: 84 | Registered: Aug 2004
| IP: Logged |
Actually apart from investing and getting that five-year tax break I would also like to start a sort of non-profit organization . It would require a few angry young men and women with some computer skills. Law school graduates would be perfect for the kind of research and the paper pushing they would have to do. If you know a few of them can you get them to contact me. Thanks a lot. _________________________________________________
Ardooda/Dee, I am so pleased that you would like to start a non profit making organisation in Luxor and to employ angry and frustrated young men with some computer skills like Automatic. You could chanel some of his and your energy into taking some of the poor boys off the Corniche instead of worrying about what I am doing.
I think that if a non profit making venture was tried then it would be better to chanel it into something that women can do to earn a living when they find themselves alone and without support. The south of Egypt is very different from the USA or even Cairo, and the women there could do with your support. I will tell the powers that be to contract you about it. I am already in talks with a Belgian woman about such a project and will pass on details of your post to her and tell her she can contact you through this forum.
If you are genuine in a desire to help people instead of just railing against me and the world then your post is commendable and a lot of women will remember you in their prayers.
posted
actually, if you read the post all dee has said is 'interesting' and 'even more interesting' it was automatic that said the rest, which dee found interesting. I also find it interesting. Connie, you are normally so quick to give advice and warnings to anyone regarding egypt, especially its gigalo element, starting a business in egypt is something many would probably benefit from your advice, as you have freely given regarding men, religion, marriage, where to shop, eat, among many other bits of useful advice, so why is it now all you will say is read a book on it?? that aside, do you have a book title and author so we too can read on setting up a business in egypt please?
-------------------- If you don't learn from your mistakes, there's no sense making them. Posts: 15090 | From: http://www.egyptalk.com/forum/ | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
I advised him to read to book because I am neither a tax expert nor a lawyer, of which you are well aware. I give advice only on those areas that I have experience of. Aysiha you give excellent and expert advice through many different forums on life in Luxor and about Islam so I am sure that you can research and advise us all on a book about Egyptian tax law. I do not know of one.
I am sorry if I misinterpreted Ardooda's post and thought her to be philanthropic rather than just interested. I can genuinely put you and her in touch with someone who is interested in making life easier for Egyptian women in the south.
Not that it's got anything to do with this thread but if you want the laws on business and taxation this is a good site.
And just a personal opinion: it is the responsability of the Egyptian government to have systems in place that work to ensure that ALL citizens and foreign investors pay the correct taxes but lets be honest if the residents operate under a culture of tax evasion on a huge scale you can hardly expect foreigners to be standing in line to sign up when there is not even a proper system in place to encourage them to do so.
The first thing any Egyptian lawyer will tell you when you ask to register a property is how to set up the contracts to avoid paying the 3% tax due on the purchase price. It is endemic in the whole society. So if there is going to be reform it has to come from the top and not from the likes of foriegn investors who arrive from a culture where they actually accept the payment of taxes as being an unavoibale part of life.
Posts: 3809 | From: Paradise | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: I advised him to read to book because I am neither a tax expert nor a lawyer, of which you are well aware. I give advice only on those areas that I have experience of.
Yes of course I am aware that you are neither a tax expert nor a lawyer and am also aware that you yourself have set up a business in Egypt, as you have clearly told everyone so you DO know something about it and your advice would be appreciated im sure. No one was asking you to give advice on something you know nothing about or have no experience of
quote: Aysiha you give excellent and expert advice through many different forums on life in Luxor and about Islam so I am sure that you can research and advise us all on a book about Egyptian tax law. I do not know of one.
i am unsure where this comment came from. I do not give 'expert' advice on life in Luxor as you know I dont even live there yet. There is also nowhere I give 'expert' advice on Islam either is there?? What connects any of this to learning about starting a business in Egypt anyway? with you suggesting a book we would assume thats how YOU learnt about starting a business there, but you obviously haven't. I wonder why you are avoiding the questions.
quote: I am sorry if I misinterpreted Ardooda's post and thought her to be philanthropic rather than just interested. I can genuinely put you and her in touch with someone who is interested in making life easier for Egyptian women in the south.
This is a silly comment dont you think?? no one was asking that kind of question at all, the question was regarding setting up a business and paying taxes etc, all things related to business in Egypt, which you Do have some great knowledge of and for some strange reason do not want to part with it or give any advice. Why?
As for your uncalled for post to automatic, he/she was asking a question, you have assumed its an attack and retaliated by rediculous comments assuming he/she is some 'angry young men who have nothing to offer their country except their frustation and anger' which is a bit cruel and nasty dont you think? in light of what was actually posted and not what you assumed he/she was thinking or assuming the motive of the post.
Posts: 15090 | From: http://www.egyptalk.com/forum/ | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Penny thank you very much for the link, im sure it will be helpful to those that are interested.
-------------------- If you don't learn from your mistakes, there's no sense making them. Posts: 15090 | From: http://www.egyptalk.com/forum/ | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged |
And just a personal opinion: it is the responsability of the Egyptian government to have systems in place that work to ensure that ALL citizens and foreign investors pay the correct taxes
Wrong, it is the responsibility of every human being to act with integrity and honesty.
quote:Originally posted by Penny: but lets be honest if the residents operate under a culture of tax evasion on a huge scale you can hardly expect foreigners to be standing in line to sign up when there is not even a proper system in place to encourage them to do so.
We have enough problems to deal with and the last thing we need is corrupt individual coming from foreign countries to steal from the poor and dare to call them rude. I would somewhat understand how a so called "Foreign Investor" would need to pay bribes to get things done since it's impossible to do business otherwise but to become a criminal and then blame it on the system is just stupid. Honest people don't cheat not if their very lives depended on it.
Re-read you post again and you will realize that what you're saying is that foreigners are only kept honest by threat of punishment by Law, that should be insulting.
Posts: 140 | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Automatic you cant have it always, your saying an investor would need to pay bribes to get things done, but to be come an criminal and then blame it on the system is just stupid. The criminal is the person who does not allow things to be done unless he gets a bribe, the whole system is corrupt and the people at the top of the tree here in Egypt steal more off their own people than any foreign investor will ever do.
Posts: 167 | Registered: Aug 2004
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by sunburnt: Automatic you cant have it always, your saying an investor would need to pay bribes to get things done, but to be come an criminal and then blame it on the system is just stupid. The criminal is the person who does not allow things to be done unless he gets a bribe, the whole system is corrupt and the people at the top of the tree here in Egypt steal more off their own people than any foreign investor will ever do.
There's a woman whom I liked a lot and always wanted to have sex with but she was not interested. One day she was repeatedly raped by a few people. When I learned of what happened to her I thought what the heck if other raped her why don't I, and so I did.
Posts: 140 | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Automatic, why is it not ok for people to cheat on their taxes but it is ok to have to pay bribes to get anything done in this country ? If you have paid any bribes, then this means you are being dishonest also by giving money to thieves. Your anger is understable but sadly misguided.
As for your above comment about rape, well I am hoping it is just a metaphor and not reality. Actually to joke about such a thing or even use it metaphorically is just plain SICK.
Posts: 70 | From: Cairo Egypt | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by DamselInDistress: Automatic, why is it not ok for people to cheat on their taxes but it is ok to have to pay bribes to get anything done in this country ? If you have paid any bribes, then this means you are being dishonest also by giving money to thieves. Your anger is understable but sadly misguided.
This is whay I wrote:
"I would somewhat understand how a so called "Foreign Investor" would need to pay bribes to get things done since it's impossible to do business otherwise but to become a criminal and then blame it on the system is just stupid. Honest people don't cheat not if their very lives depended on it."
The emphasis here is on "somewhat understand". The same way I would "somewhat understand" someone stealing a loaf of bread to feed himself or his family.
Neither is right but there's a huge difference between doing something ILLEGAL because it is the ONLY way possible and doing something ILLEGAL for profit. The fact remains both are wrong.
quote:Originally posted by DamselInDistress: As for your above comment about rape, well I am hoping it is just a metaphor and not reality. Actually to joke about such a thing or even use it metaphorically is just plain SICK.
Interesting. You find a metaphor sick and raping Egyptians justifiable.
Well back to the main theme of the thread, people like you do not deserve respect. There are more than enough decent human beings in the world who would love to visit and invest in Egypt that we don't have to put up with low lives like you. Go back to where you came from and be with those whom you don't find rude.
Posts: 140 | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by sunburnt: Automatic you cant have it always, your saying an investor would need to pay bribes to get things done, but to be come an criminal and then blame it on the system is just stupid. The criminal is the person who does not allow things to be done unless he gets a bribe, the whole system is corrupt and the people at the top of the tree here in Egypt steal more off their own people than any foreign investor will ever do.
There's a woman whom I liked a lot and always wanted to have sex with but she was not interested. One day she was repeatedly raped by a few people. When I learned of what happened to her I thought what the heck if other raped her why don't I, and so I did.
Auto why am I not surprised that you haven't married yet?
Is there a legal possibility that Canadian authorities can arrange a forced vasectomy in order to save this planet from you reproducing?
Can Vancouver authorities put you in a zoo somewhere with Andrea Yates so you both can work out your complexes?
Posts: 991 | From: My daughter is a stalker | Registered: Jul 2006
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by sunburnt: Automatic you cant have it always, your saying an investor would need to pay bribes to get things done, but to be come an criminal and then blame it on the system is just stupid. The criminal is the person who does not allow things to be done unless he gets a bribe, the whole system is corrupt and the people at the top of the tree here in Egypt steal more off their own people than any foreign investor will ever do.
There's a woman whom I liked a lot and always wanted to have sex with but she was not interested. One day she was repeatedly raped by a few people. When I learned of what happened to her I thought what the heck if other raped her why don't I, and so I did.
Auto why am I not surprised that you haven't married yet?
Is there a legal possibility that Canadian authorities can arrange a forced vasectomy in order to save this planet from you reproducing?
Can Vancouver authorities put you in a zoo somewhere with Andrea Yates so you both can work out your complexes?
HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
YEKHREB BEETEK YA SONO!
Posts: 8756 | From: Tax-Free Zone | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
My first business in Luxor was aimed at local people not at tourists. The cost of its license was minimal the baksheesh to get the signatures on the license was huge, but I paid it otherwise the business would never have been allowed to open. I have friends who opened a hotel and the baksheesh there ran into hundreds of thousdands of Egyptian pounds. The tax inspector came to the premises and inspected the books. Tax was assessed on this basis and dealt with by the manager who was also half owner. The employees were registered and we paid 'insurance' on all of them. I believe the rule is that for every one European that the business employs then it has to employ six Egyptians. This was not a problem as all out employees were Egptian.
For my present business, which is entirely internet based, the company is registered in the UK and our finances are assessed there in the usual way. Egypt is part of the international non-dual taxation group and the company brings money into Egypt. When we eventually open an office in Egypt then the company will have dual registration.
quote:Originally posted by liz007: be a bit nicer to the tourists?? If you are a brit in Sharm, or any part of Egypt in fact, it is equivalent to walking around with a T-shirt on with a pound sign on it. They love us, as we never argue too much about money and are easily persuaded to part with our cash, unlike some of our other tourists companions who say no and walk away. This applies to those living there or on holiday. The figure of 350 quid is often mentioned as a starting (and last ‘good’) price when egy’s are trying to sell you something (other than property, when the skies the limit). Everything seems to cost 350 on your first few visits. Remember, everyone wants to make some money off you…now I’m all for supporting the Country, I understand unemployment is over 20 million, but come on, us brits like good value, and frankly, the egy’s do tend to spoil it for us. There are three prices-the locals price, the tourists price AND the English price- the highest of all, as like I said, we don’t like confrontation, often just want to get out of the shop, so we pay. They all have a brother/cousin/friend in the UK, and what is this obsession with supermarkets??? (asda price, every little helps, buy one get one free etc) When you try and enter into a conversation, they are lost, as if they only got taught those ‘catchprases’ by a mate and don’t really understand what they are saying. From the moment you get into the airport ( and by the way, the cab should cost you no more than 40 EGY- I know people who have been stung for 300), the egy’s are just waiting to rob you any way they can. Do you want a taxi? Excursion? Meal? Perfume-don’t mention the perfume…Why can’t they just leave us alone to enjoy our holiday? We work hard, and when we’re away on our break, we don’t want to sit in peoples shops drinking tea every day. We want to enjoy the surroundings, and experience a relaxed atmosphere, not retreat back to our hotel complexes, as there’s less hassle there.
travel anywhere else and you will find the same ways....as an American I've always expected to be charged more for things as a foreigner and it has never changed country to country....egypt is a tourist country, appreciate it for what it is, for its hospitality and history, the kindness of its people and come back again next year Posts: 13440 | Registered: Feb 2006
| IP: Logged |
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
). 
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic