They're privately operated and appear to be unregulated. Please try one if you have the chance. State your destination in the form of a question. If the driver nods, get in. If someone is sitting in the passenger seat next to the driver, it's OK to share that seat with him. Don't worry -- he'll scooch over. If forced to sit in the back, tap the shoulder of the person in front of you and hand him or her a 1-pound coin (14 U.S. cents). They'll pass it forward to the driver. You may even get change back!
Knowing when you've reached your destination, especially if you've never been there before, is a little more tricky. The word for "here?" is henna?, so just keep asking every few blocks. The average Egyptian will be thrilled to speak with you, particularly if you look European or North American.
How did you figure out the minibus code?
ReplyDeleteGood question. I was totally awkward the first time, but I just watched to see how people handled themselves. Now I way prefer it to the metro, which is so hot and crowded. Sometimes I feel like I can't get enough oxygen down there and want to smash a window. On the minibuses, though, it's super-relaxed, you can take pictures out the window, and lots of interesting people get on and off.
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