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At school we were taught that there are Arabic and Roman numerals. We still use Arabic numerals every day, for example, by writing the time or phone numbers. However, it can be very confusing as seeing the number '0' in an Arab country actually means '5'. And the number zero is simply a dot - yes, a small little dot!
It turns out that the numbers used in Arabic countries today are very different from what we learnt about "Arabic numerals". The appearance of these numbers in Europe has evolved in a different direction than the appearance of the numbers in Arab countries, which, are much closer to their Indian origins.
Arabic numerals were invented in India at around 500 AD. The numerical system was taken over by Baghdad Arab mathematicians who then spread them further west, where the numbers were modified. Arabic numerals as we know them in their present form were developed in North Africa. In the city of Bejaia in northern Algeria, the Italian mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci first encountered Arabic numerals and spread them later through Europe. So, in fact, the figures came to Europe from Arab countries. What about the numbers used in Arabic-speaking countries? These are numbers derived from the ancient Indian numeral system and are still used in the Arabic language today.
When shopping in Egypt, it's common to see products without prices on. Especially in tourist destinations, where prices are bartered/negotiated. However, in local stores, supermarkets or souks, the ability to understand the price or the used by date is very useful. This will allow you to avoid buying out-of-date products and you will pay for these products exactly as the Egyptians pay for them.
