Egypt! and Carnet success

We are in Egypt by the Red Sea and having a ball. It's all sand and camels.

Here is some help for anybody taking a bike into Egypt(as we really didn't know where to start):

THE CARNET IS ESSENTIAL. We saw people turned back to Jordan because they were not correctly informed about the carnet. Make sure it is right.

If you ferry over, ask the ferry for a blue piece of paper for customs. Luckily ours found it's way to us but caused us anxiety.

Have sweaty wads of Egyptian spondoolies. We paid 515 per bike + 50 road tax + 50 insurance + 20 photocopies per bike. Plus another approximately UK fiver for a "tip" for the kind soul who helps you. And a few other minor papers to be bought.

To find the kind soul, go to the tourist police office. You really can't do this on your own.

You need a folder to be made up and copies made of carnet etc, your chassis number rubbed and stuck on a paper, your luggage checked for firecrackers, insurance bought, pay the fees, get numerous slips of paper all of which require special stamps by different people. By the end of it you will have Egyptian number plates and a cardboard licence paper and your carnet stamped. Take some cable ties along in case.

If you can get your visa before you arrive you will cut out a little hassle.

Try to not stress out. You will probably be guided around like a stupid child. So see the madness in it. It takes many hours, enjoy!!!