Jo is a culture and adventure seeker, born and raised California, and with a love of the outdoors. Note: Women now also have the option to take the female-only carriages which can feel safer for tourists without all the ogling eyes. Every guy in Egypt, regardless of age or marital status themselves, seems hellbent on shooting their shot. Most popular tourist sites in and around Cairo are under heavy security protection, which deters violent crime or terrorist attacks. September 10, 2021 | | 1 answer Is Cairo safe for solo female tourists? I booked a female tour guide Rasha, who I found was highly recommended on Trip advsor forums. There is no compulsory dress code for women in Egypt, unlike some nearby nations, but tourists should wear what might be considered conservative for Westerners and keep knees, shoulders, and cleavages covered to avoid attention. Hot, dusty, noisy, overwhelming but is it safe? Its now home to nearly 22 million people and reigns as the countrys main political hub. The next big risks for travelers to Cairo are probably petty theft (pickpocketing, mugging) and then physical dangers like traffic and heatstroke on account of the weather. Since these are crimes of opportunity, you can make sure that thieves realize you are not a good opportunity for theft. Having a guide in the city will enhance your experience anyway, so consider finding a local to accompany you when moving around alone. Please, just read so many recent, first hand travel reports by US citizens, here on this topic and you will realize that Egypt and Cairo included are very safe for everybody, US citizens included. Cairo is big and they are good places to wander alone and there aren't. I would recommend to be accompanied by a local like an Egyptian friend or tour guide so to have a good visit. I enjoyed reading it a lot. On top of that Cairo has bad stats for gun ownership and gun crime its roughly in line with the likes of Guatemala City and Kingston on that count, with an incidence rate of 33,000 per 100,000 head of the population. I learned fast, like on my second day, to tell everyone I was married (even before they asked it!) Read More Is there Uber in Morocco in 2023? Dont make eye contact. You should always be aware of what is happening around you. Very well written and balanced. You can also minimize your risk of being the victim of a crime in Cairo by avoiding bad areas. Basically: This is NOT the town for renting your own wheels! : Mediocre. CAIRO VS ALEXANDRIA: A GUIDE TO EGYPT'S TWO LARGEST CITIES. Im called lao-wai in China. The UK foreign office lists the overall risk as very likely across Egypt. Adding some button-up long-sleeve shirts to your travel wardrobe is essential for conservative countries like Egypt because you can just throw them over anything you already own for added modesty! You can usually depend upon fresh produce you find at markets to be clean, but its also fine to rinse it under a tap before consuming without the need for food disinfectant. However, in Egypt, if a man is asking you this, assume theyre not just trying to make small talk. Its also okay to keep your mouth open while showering. For us, they include the frantic new town area of Mohandiseen, which is so hectic that you rarely have a moment to think, and the out-of-town satellite of Nasr City, which puts you too far from the main sights. The first question I get asked while traveling as a woman without a man is are you married?. (Scary) Pro Tip: Delete Your Old Flashcards! I went to Egypt with only a vague idea of what to expect, having skimmed only a few articles from female travelers. 9 Safety Tips For Women Traveling To Egypt, What You Need To Know To Prepare For Your Trip To Egypt, Culture Shocks From My First Trip To Egypt, Complete Guide To Camping In The White Desert, share your location with friends in live-time. So, while I do still take photos with people if they ask, never boys or men! Don't accept "help" ie taxi or guides from the first men that swarm you as soon as you get off a train or airport. The yearly gun death rate in Cairo is 33 incidents per 100,000 people. It can also help to store money in travel belts or a zipped container like a bumbag. Dress appropriately. Its easy to see why those warnings are still in place, since there were mass bombings here as recently as 2019, and another in 2018 that even killed a number of tourists on their way to the Giza Pyramids. . I know this for a fact because when I first got to Egypt I had a few days before my friends arrived and I didnt want to see Cairo without them so I went straight to the seaside town of Alexandria while I waited. She tells me that something terrible could happen to me if I go there. Basic precautions can help you protect yourself from petty theft and scams, the most common problems that visitors to Cairo encounter. However I would say (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Some areas are heavily policed and can feel safe even after dark, but solo travelers are more likely to stand out in Cairo. Overall, it did not manage to make me feel unsafe; however, it did sometimes make me uncomfortable. Get the most up to date information about Egypt travel on the GOV.UK site. Female travellers should exercise caution when travelling alone as they could be vulnerable to unwanted attention or harassment. Keep in mind that they may not speak English, but theyll do what they can to help! Weve written about general Egypt safety here. While not as strict as other Egyptian cities, much of the society in Cairo abides by Islamic customs, teachings, and laws that can be difficult to navigate as an outsider. This is our guide for what to wear in Egypt as a female traveler A complete packing guide to visiting all of Egypt's most beautiful landmarks while respecting the local culture and feeling comfortable. Harassing tourists, especially women, is NOT allowed in Egypt. 2023 ESSENCE Film Festival. How safe is it to go to Cairo? Can you wear skinny jeans or leggings? RELATED ARTICLE 20 Essential Egypt Travel Tips. The relentless buzz, swarming traffic, and poor internet speeds are likely to be the most exhausting and daunting thing for newcomers. For that reason, wed recommend sticking to bottled water if possible. One of the worst experiences we had was at the Great Sphinx when some teen boys asked to take photos with us. I'm a 20 year old British female. I didnt experience the same levels of verbal harassment in other parts of Egypt Luxor, Aswan and Dahab. Exercise increased cautionin Egypt due tothe Embassys limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. Reckless travelers who ride motorbikes performing daredevil stunts. A former New Yorker, Katie grew up in the USA and frequently writes about her travels both close to home and abroad for an audience of over 76,000 monthly readers. Cairo can be challenging due to the crowds, traffic, and pickpockets. Hi from California Jo, My daughter and I are visiting Egypt this month. Let us be your guide! Egyptian Center for Women's Rights encourages local women. Joining a tour for the first couple of days to dip your feet and get context from tour guides could be a great way to get your feel for the city before exploring on your own. When governments issue regional advisories for parts of Egypt where you shouldnt travel, they include the more remote regions such as North Sinai and the Western Desert, not Cairo. The truth is Egypt is the most tiring place Ive ever traveled as a woman, both in a group and solo. Read More Nile Cruise From Cairo: Luxor To Aswan I 2023 ULTIMATE GuideContinue. Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to the Embassy's limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained. English-language crime statistics for Cairo are not always the easiest to find. Why and How to Learn Horse Riding in Argentina, Why Do They Switch to English? Thoughts, tips and tricks for language explorers. Many women have reported being sexually harassed and assaulted. At this point, you might get the impression that every man in Egypt is a creepy perv. If youre a woman simplyexisting, youre fair game. Pyramids that are thousands of years old rise out of the city chaos, next to modern skyscrapers. 2023 Wellness House. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. A law was passed to explicitly criminalize sexual harassment for the first time. Reconsider travel to Egypt due toterrorism. Victim-blaming is rampant and both men and women believe that if a woman dresses in revealing clothing, she wants the attention and harassment. Book Your Cairo Airport Transfer Now! Cairo is no different. India. Despite Cairo and other major cities being very safe for tourists, exploring on foot after sunset is best avoided, especially for female travelers and people traveling alone. There is now a website, called. No matter where you travel or even your own city, take the same precautions as any solo woman should and you will be fine. Want To Take A Nile Cruise From Cairo That Sails From Luxor To Aswan? If you dont have room for a proper sunhat I just always pack a baseball cap in my big bag because it takes up almost no room. Egyptian women recall that prior to the revolution, when a man harassed a woman on the street, other men would come out to protect the woman and rebuke the offending man. Cairo, with all its imperfections, is such a beautiful, intense mess. Another common scam in Cairo is the gold scam. For more information U.S. citizens should consult theFederal Aviation Administrations Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. You shouldnt have to worry too much when visiting the major sights and attractions the Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, the sprawling Al-Azhar Mosque. Youll find malls, upscale restaurants, hotels, and green spaces in all these districts and they are considered safe places for expats to roam. There is a risk that tourists at high-profile sites like . While it is not even safe to brush your teeth with tap water in other areas of Egypt, like Dahab, you can do this in Cairo with little problem. The Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent attacks on security forces and civilians. Read More The Joy and Pain of Travelling While Non-whiteContinue. Hi, holidays, education, voluntary work or romance on foreign soil goes with the local laws, and in cities or non-resort locations culture values have to be observed, any holiday romance with a local oposite gender requires official orfi contract between the two. Bustling Cairo is a city that captures the imagination. Number one on that list of flaws is probably petty crime, for wherever you can find tourists, you can find petty crime. RELATED ARTICLE Complete Guide To Using Uber In Egypt. I was totally grossed out by the DM and deleted the photos from my Instagram. Just be ready for the higher concentration of scammers trying to sell you something. Skirts should be well past the knees. All women are Shakira in Egypt) to greet you on every street. The men would say Shakira come here and we would say La, Shukran, which means no, thank you 100 times in a day we developed a joke where we would just say it right back. From above, the distorted roar of the muezzins' call to prayer echoes out from duelling minarets. Accommodation varies in the capital but ex-pats tend to congregate and it is easy to find shared housing with other newcomers to the city through social media. U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests and for posting content on social media perceived as critical of Egypt or its allies. CAIRO, EGYPT NOVEMBER 19, 2017: Monumental statues of Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye in The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities/Africa Studio/Shutterstock. Guide to living in Tel Aviv for the medium-term visitor travellers, remote workers, or digital nomads. (See, While Egypt is still very much ahead in terms of womens rights compared to other countries in the Middle East, Cairo remains one of the, Fortunately, there are significant efforts pushing to change perceptions and improve the treatment of women. Cairo To Giza Pyramids: 5 BEST Ways To Travel In 2023, Nile Cruise From Cairo: Luxor To Aswan I 2023 ULTIMATE Guide, 8 BEST Cairo Hotels With Pyramids Views In 2023, 10 Best Hollywood Movies About Egypt Egypt Travel Inspiration. Egypt is one of the most unique and lively places Ive ever visited. Mums are mums, they have their children welfare at heart. Take Uber and the female-only metro car if you take the metro, Join a tour for the beginning of your trip, This is something Id consider if youre travelling alone and arent used to traveling to a country with this type of culture. I share with you all my best tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure. Today, harassment is commonplace and is accepted as a part of life in Cairo. You are also much more likely to pay more and will need to negotiate if you take a cab. The U.S. Embassy may have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Egyptian citizens. Old, young, blonde, brunette, it doesnt matter. Try not to flash valuable pieces of jewelry or electronics as thats the sort of thing that can make you a target for thieves and pickpockets. Overall, I did find traveling in Egypt to be very safe as a female traveler, and I enjoyed my time there. I knew someone who was convinced they were going to die on the trip and did not calm down until they saw the place. Youll get catcalls, people will say hello to you in every language they think you might be, and youll get beeped at. Try to map out where youre going ahead of time and keep track of your route. Cairo is not much more dangerous at night than during the day for men. Not really clear what you are referring to as trouble? Egypt is bonkers Ive never been anywhere else where upon hearing no to a date a guy will just go straight to asking for some cash . The short answer: Yes, it is safe to travel to Cairo. They give advice (or warnings) because they care. Essential Tips and Travel Advice Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel: The situation around the world is changing dramatically. 17 Apr Cairo is a lot of things. We saw tourists wearing all kinds of things, and if youre on a multi-day guided tour where youre just being shuttled from one touristic location to another It matters what you wear a lot less. What is Cairo famous for? Vanessa, I have been traveling solo most of my life, from the US and I would rather walk around after dark in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Id recommend checking out Intrepid Travel. Generally speaking, theft rates are relatively low. started showing up for the bar. But if I was in dire need of help, I know that my ex wouldn't just ignore me. Another crime that is even harder to provide accurate statistics for is sexual harassment and assault. I went to Cairo last year , my ex boyfriend was Egyptian but he wasn't very nice so I don't plan on seeing him again. You do not need to be so afraid. Is there Uber in Morocco in 2023? The streets are choked with cars and people, and even walking around can be unpleasant with all the exhaust fumes, angry beeps, and dangerous roads to navigate. I went to work in Egypt as a single female 40+ years ago and returned 12 years later with a husband and two children so watch out, Thank you for this reply! Ive compiled this list of the 10 best Hollywood movies about Egypt you can watch right now. Egyptian law considers dual citizens to be Egyptian citizens. And with a military presence throughout, the threat of terrorism is much lower than it was before. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula as U.S. government employees are not authorized to travel to these areas (with the exception of the beach resort of Sharm El-Sheikh; travel to Sharm El-Sheikh is only permitted by air). This isnt the case at all! The best of Tel Aviv street food, market foods, and snacks. If you have blonde hair I would die it dark, that does draw a great deal of unwanted attention from men. No! Cairo is home to the Giza pyramid complex, also known as the Giza necropolis. Is Cairo really that unsafe? That can see the thermometers drop to a relatively mild 21 C/70 F. However, you will want to avoid the spring months, when strong sandstorms can blow across the city thanks to the khamsin winds. I believe that the Egyptian culture and men in general will be very welcoming. Those recommendations by State Department are baseless. The city has many popular tourist sites which get crowded, creating excellent conditions for pickpockets. And THIS is what the owner of the tour company sent me like, months after we had left . However, Cairo has some other things you should watch out for. Remember theres not much shade on offer around the Pyramids of Giza! Though we travelled as a couple, we were living in Egypt for some time, so Ive had to travel around Cairo regularly by myself.