I’ve been in Egypt for more than a month now, and many people asked me to update them with first hand news about the situation here, especially concerning travel safety and political (in)stability.
I left Egypt around 7 months ago, and came back on April, to find some differences, both good and bad.
Honestly I don’t even know where to start, but I will try and give you an idea of the state of things, and how this can possibly affect your travels.
1- Cairo and the political situation
We all know what’s going on in Egypt. After the 2011 Revolution, there has been a period of total uncertainty without a government, and then ‘finally’ last year President Morsi was elected. So in a way, there is more stability, but not really. Protests still take place very often, there is a huge and very active opposition (which is good) and I have seen some really weird demonstrations going on on each side, such as a group of policemen asking to be able to grow a long beard, generally not allowed to military people all over the world.
Unfortunately, after the election of President Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood is now more powerful than ever, and religious freaks are coming up with the weirdest ideas. In a way, the MB is both very powerful and very weak at the moment, because they are showing their real crazy nature and many people are now taking a distance from them. Which is good.
That said, either way this doesn’t really affect the traveler, as it didn’t affect me at all – just stay away from Downtown or the Presidential Palace in the weekends and you will be fine. Yesterday night I forgot it was Friday (holiday, and usually the protests day) and rode a cab to Downtown, and had to take a diversion to avoid a protest, but honestly I didn’t even see it.
And basically everywhere else in Egypt the touristic life continues normally.
2- Tours
I would say tours are super safe. The paragraph above was about living in Cairo, which is not something that the first time visitor usually does.
So if you are planning a Nile cruise or a stay on the Red Sea, no worries, just book your trip and enjoy!
Concerning the desert, make sure you are with a tour operator and don’t just go on your own. Going to the desert on your own is never a good idea, plus now I would feel safe only going with an authorized tour and to authorized camp sites, that have some kind of surveillance, even just the Bedouins that take care of it and will watch the camp while you sleep.
This has little to do with the current situation: would you go to the desert on your own anyway?
3- The Sinai
This is the most controversial part.
Traveling across the Sinai is not recommended at the moment. Basically each and every embassy issued warnings about this area of Egypt, advising the travelers not to go unless in case of real necessity.
If you are flying to places like Sharm el Sheikh or going to Dahab from there, then no problem.
Crossing the Sinai peninsula, as in going from Cairo to Sharm el Sheikh, is not the smartest thing you can do at the moment: there have been quite a few kidnappings lately, and they keep happening.
BUT this doesn’t mean that the area is totally unsafe – we have a public holiday these days in Egypt and most of my friends traveled to the Sinai, and absolutely nothing happened to them.
To sum up:
- I would still cross the Sinai, but I would feel more comfortable on a public bus than on a touristic bus. Public buses are not fancy though, just so that you know!
- If I had to go on my own or with friends, I would probably take the risk, but not if I had kids with me. I wouldn’t want to be responsible for other people.
- There are other, very nice alternatives to the Sinai if you want to go to the sea from Cairo: Ein Sokhna (not even 2 hours from Cairo), the North Coast aka “Sahel” (about 2 hours from Cairo, depending where on the North Coast you are going), Hurgada (6 hours drive from Cairo), Marsa Alam (12 hours drive or a short flight from Cairo), and many, many more places that won’t make you miss Sharm el Sheikh at all. As for Dahab, well this is another story… Dahab is Dahab!
- The safest way to reach the Sinai at the moment is flying. Domestic flights from Cairo/Luxor etc to Sharm el Sheikh are usually very affordable. Of course you can also fly to Marsa Alam, nothing to do with the Sinai, but far enough to consider flying there!
4- Sexual Harassment (women only)
This is another big, sensitive topic that is all around the news in Egypt and abroad these days. Unfortunately sexual harassment, aka SH, is there and is very annoying.But there are some things you have to know about it:
- You won’t find this outside of the main cities (Cairo, Alexandria, etc) so if you are going to the desert or on a Nile cruise, you may not even notice the phenomena.
- If you are visiting Egypt with a tour operator, most probably you won’t come across anything like this, because basically you won’t even step foot on a real street.
- Appropriate clothing is better if you walk on the city streets (try not to wear short skirts or shorts, and don’t show your cleavage or belly. Also, try and avoid tight and/or transparent clothes). When you are in clubs, western restaurants and cafes, you can wear pretty much whatever you want including short dresses and such. But you won’t feel comfortable doing so on the streets, plus you will get so many comments, that you will regret it!
- I have to admit that walking with a man on your side does make a difference.
- Blondes and redheads, I am sorry but you’re going to get a lot more comments and harassment than the other women… Sorry about that. That said, even women with niqabs are harassed, so it depends on clothes only to a certain extent.
- Avoid demonstrations and big, chaotic crowds such as in Tahrir Square on Fridays. I heard too many horror stories about mass rapes, and I even if I did go to the square before, nowadays I wouldn’t risk it. So don’t be silly. You can take cool pics of yourself somewhere else without risks… Right?
- Last time I came to Cairo (Jul to Oct 2012) I experienced some really bad harassment, including men following me (creepy) and others touching me in private areas. You don’t want to have the same experience. This time, it hasn’t happened to me at all, but I wouldn’t say the problem is solved… I have to admit I changed my lifestyle a lot in order to avoid this kind of situation: I don’t ride the metro anymore, I don’t walk on the street alone except in very few selected areas, I am very careful in whatever I do, and I just don’t hang out in areas where I used to live before, and where I had the worst experiences: it breaks my heart, but Downtown is not the best place for a girl so I am now living in a more “upscale” area even if I never thought I would end up doing so.
Of course, all this affected my budget in a dramatic way. To give you an example, yesterday I spent 70 Egyptian Pounds (approx. 10 USD) on taxis, when I would have spent 2 Egyptian Pounds (approx. 0,15 USD) if I rode the metro like I used to do last year.
I know that if I decide to move here I won’t be able to keep up with such an expensive lifestyle, so I will have to find a way in between. But for now, since I wanted to stay away from any possible problem, I am playing the rich kid, and I succeeded, because I never had any episode of harassment so far.
5- The atmosphere and general mood
So far, I hope you realized there is no real threat in traveling to Egypt. If you are coming for the first time, and you are with a tour and such, you won’t notice what I am about to say, but if like me you’ve spent some time living here, then this could be the most disappointing aspect.
Sitting with my ‘Revolutionary’ friends in the cafes of Downtown, I can’t help but notice a complete disillusionment. The will to continue the Revolution, and to respect the memory of the 1000+ martyrs that were killed in the last 2 years, are still there. But people are tired and disappointed.
The saddest thing is that those who did the Revolution are now ‘bullied’ by the ones who miss the old regime, and this is horrible.
The area where I used to live, Mounira, is where all the ministries and governmental buildings are located. Now, they built concrete walls to block the main streets from protesters, and there is a heavy presence of police. Would I live there again? Probably not. Why? Because when I saw the situation, I felt like they took away the spirit of this neighborhood and made it a very sad place.
The same goes with Korba, a beautiful area in the neighborhood of Heliopolis – being the Presidential Palace located here, you can also find a concrete wall close by, and demonstrations taking place on weekends. Last Friday I visited a friend in Heliopolis, and while we were chilling on his rooftop, we could hear gunshots, screams and ambulances not far from us. Again: super safe if you are not in THAT street at THAT time, but atmosphere-wise: not nice.
Last but not least, it has to be said that before the Revolution it was very safe to do basically anything, from walking in the streets at night, to traveling anywhere, etc. Now, unfortunately the first cases of robbing and other kinds of criminality are arising. This is something we are used to in the Western world, but not here. So it’s a bit sad for the locals to be worried about their belongings, when they never needed to do so until a short time ago.
How does this affect you? Well, keep an eye on your belongings. But this goes with any place in the world. The only real problem is if you want to travel long distances by car, you should avoid doing so after sunset, and avoid stopping on the way as much as possible. Unfortunately apart from the kidnappings, there are many cases of robbing and car theft, even pretty violent sometimes. So take care.
6- Hustle, bustle and the usual hassle
This has nothing to do with the Revolution’s offspring, but I think it’s worth mentioning that if you have never been to the Middle East, Egypt is not the easiest place to come as an independent traveler. Why? Because transportation is chaotic, tourists get ripped off all the time, and the vendors at touristic areas (read: Pyramids) can be really, really annoying. I know Egyptian people who swear they will never go to the Pyramids again because of this.
The typical scenario is this: you want to go to the Pyramids on your own, so you decide to ride the metro until the “Giza” metro station. Then when you get off, you will still have a long way to the Pyramids! Instantly, you will be surrounded by people offering taxi rides “for free” (yeah right) so you will have to walk and say “la2a shukran” (no thanks) until you are far enough to get a regular cab on a street.
Once in the surroundings of the Pyramids, people will start literally slamming on your cab’s doors and windows telling you “it’s forbidden to drive all the way to the entrance” (not true, they just want you to “follow them”) but the taxi driver shall keep going.
Once by the ticket offices, you will be offered “cheaper tickets” and all sorts of scams. Just keep ignoring everyone.
Once inside the Pyramids area, you will be offered multiple camel/horseback rides, but I wouldn’t dare. Have you ever heard of the “50 pounds camel ride that turned into 200 to get off the camel or be left in the desert”? Yeah.
Other than that, you always have to pay attention that the meter on taxis is on, otherwise you don’t know how much money you will be asked for that ride. And when you are offered things in the streets of Downtown, like perfumes, papyrus or simply “help”, stay on the safe side and say no. If you need anything you can always ask the staff at the hostel/hotel and they will be able to suggest where to go and find what you need.
I know this sounds pretty obvious to the experienced traveler, but since I get many questions about what I suggest for first time visitors, and especially female travelers, I feel like I need to be clear that it’s not that easy to move around Cairo on your own. So I suggest you to either find contacts here (you can ask me for this, no problem) so that someone will take care of you, or go with a tour operator if it’s your first time (and you can ask me about this too. Will be happy to help!).
I hope this was clear! Please if you have more specific questions, leave me a comment and I will find you the answer. Or if you want to add something, you’re welcome to do so! :)
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58 Comments
Giulia, this is a great post. I went to Egypt last February and I met up with Jaime from BreakawayBackpacker and we had a great time. I never felt unsafe and we spent some time in Tahrir Square. In Aswan, the men were harassing us a bit on the streets to take a felucca ride, but I understand because I know they are trying to make a living as well. I find the best solution to that problem was to put on your headset and listen to your ipod/music so they realize you cannot hear them. It really took the pressure off, especially when I went to Luxor by myself. I agree that all parts of the world can be unsafe, some more than others so you must take care, but that is all over. Not just Egypt. And it hurts me to hear that tourism has suffered so much, and again this year with the fatal Balloon ride over Luxor that killed all those poor people. But we know that can happen anywhere, and it has since then, in other places.
I plan on being in Turkey in June to housesit, and I want to take my boyfriend back to Egypt so he can see how beautiful it is. Possibly end of the year or beginning of January. And if you happen to be there then we would love to meet you as well!
Also, Jaime and I did that same route to the pyramids-taking the metro, and then a taxi, and maybe we were lucky because we were not harassed that much at all. I really loved my time in Egypt and I ALWAYS tell people to visit.
Thank you for taking the time to write this! I love your view of the Pyramids!
Hey Mica, thanks for sharing your experience in Egypt :) Good to hear going to the Pyramids was not that bad for you, unfortunately I heard some pretty bad stories, but at least apparently it’s not always the case. Maybe it’s because Jaime kinda looks Egyptian? :D
Anyway, I’m happy you are suggesting people to visit Egypt, I always do too… I want everyone to see the beauties of this country with their eyes!
If I am in Cairo by the time you come with your boyfriend, I will be happy to meet you. Let’s keep each other posted.
I’m Egyptian and I could never sum the situation better, honestly I was looking for any flow to correct it but I couldn’t ! I really admire your work. Good luck.
flaw* :)
Thank you very much, Moataz, I am flattered :)
Excellent portrayal of the real situation on ground. I have been in Cairo for over 5 years now! And must say that it is (still) one of the safest cities in the world. As to what is going on in terms of protests and demonstrations, it can be described as a nuisance for travellers not dangerous. You may end up spending more time on the roads and have to take de-tours but that’s it.
And of course, the nuisance of dealing with the guides (self appointed) not only at the pyramids but also the famous Khan Khaleeli Bazaar. Part of the experience and fun, I guess.
Great post – thanks for putting together this detailed update!
Fantastic post! I’m seriously thinking about going to Egypt and doing some volunteering toward the end of the year or beginning of next year. Thanks for the detailed and thorough post. I hope things continue to get better. Stay safe!
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I’m an Armenian/Egyptian living in the Armenian Diaspora of Egypt, and I approve of everything you said, well put. I feel you’ve written everything I thought of. Good luck.
Great detailed report.. I am Egyptian but living abroad and always asked by my UK pals about the best timing to visit Egypt, now I will not bother to answer- just forward your article will be enough- Thanks
Thanks for the Concern and well done , I like your analysis alot . I can tell from the way you write your name you’re Italian or maybe spanish , These two are very well at adaptation , that’s why your opinion may differ from those who come from the US or canada for instance. still you’ve made it clear and to the point . I love
I really appreciate this Fair & Square Report, you really summed it up.
Thanks for this Report Giulia, and I hope you Enjoyed your last stay in Egypt, and hope you come back again :) :)
Oh, wow! That was a lot of great info. By the way, you looked good living dangerously in Ein Sokhna. I think that sexual harassment happens to women everywhere, but most especially in North African countries (at least from my experience). I’ll try to keep your suggestions in mind. Hard to always be aware, however. And I thought getting my ass pinched in Italy was already really bad.
Thanks, Giulia for being so thorough.
You last sentence says it all. You have friends with “businesses” and a tour company to tout. I was liking it until I realized you were just like the street khertis, bashing the way everyone else chases after tourists but doing it yourself.
Just genuinely trying to help people having their best time in Egypt, and no companies “to tout” here!
BUT if you (for some complicated reason I can’t get) feel better thinking that way about me, then keep doing it :D
I wish this page has a LIKE button. This post is truly fantastic, Giulia! Thank you :)
There is a LIKE button:) Thanks!
Thank you so much for this post! I plan on going to Egypt in the next few months, so this has been really helpful. I might contact you again in terms of other questions, but you have already answered so many with this post! Keep it up :) x
Feel free to contact me anytime if you need any info:) Thanks!
I love the article , and i respect your transperency !
Magnificent! I appreciate your work and hope you enjoyed your Travel to Egypt. We visited Egypt last month and enjoyed the trip to the fullest.
Hi Giulia,
Are you still in Cairo? If so I would love to get updates on what it’s like there at the moment and in the near future for tourists with everything that has happened in the last few days. We are due to fly in for a 10 day tour of Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Hurghada on the 27th July, but our New Zealand travel advisory is saying not to go except for essential travel. I’m hoping things might settle down a bit by then depending on what happens during the next day, but it’s a bit concerning for our trip. I want to help the locals by giving them my much needed tourist dollars, so it will be a real shame if this political stuff prevents us from coming!
Thanks,
Abbie
Hi Abbie,
I am pretty sure the touristic areas will be safe as usual.
BUT as you know, the president was overthrown today so I can’t really tell what’s going to happen, in political and safety terms.
I would probably go anyway because there was/is nothing going on in Luxor, Hurgada and Aswan. In Cairo, you just have to avoid the Tahrir Square area and the surroundings of the Presidential Palace (in case there’s something going on).
So I guess you should be fine.
Anyway, keep an eye on the situation, and feel free to contact me again for more info later on!
OK thanks Giulia :)
I had a feeling it might still be ok to come if we are sticking to the touristy areas, but our travel insurance will not be valid if we travel there while our national travel advisory is recommending not to. So I hope things calm down enough that they change it back from high risk to some risk in the next few weeks, as we really want to come!! But I suspect they will err on the side of caution with their rating, so we might be out of luck…
Thanks, Abbie
Well if your travel insurance doesn’t cover it, it’s better to stay on the safe side! I don’t mean something would happen because of riots etc, but for instance, last time I was in Egypt I broke an arm in the desert… :)
Hi Giulia,
I plan to fly to taba in Ausgust
I fly to Sharm el sheikh, then I travel with a bus about 300 km to Taba.
Is it dangerous??
What bus is it? Are you a man or a woman?
Anyway yes, the area is super touristic so I’m sure it’s safe. But give me more details.
I have to admit, I was already in the process of changing my holiday destination – but found out it would cost me £2000 extra to do so.
Appreciate your very honest account of the situation, however, still somewhat apprehensive – as travelling with my children – after a very hard year, thought we deserved the break away.
I can only hope & pray that things do settle – albeit, we are will be staying in Sharm…..but never visited a country where political un-rest was currently going on!!
Still doubtful, but once again, thank you.
I understand that you are doubtful at the moment. I would feel the same especially traveling with children, but Sharm el Sheikh will be fine:)
If the tour operator didn’t cancel your trip, it means it’s still ok to go… I guess!
I hope you enjoy your holiday!
Hi,
Brilliant post.
I am looking to travel to makadi in early September.
Please could you let me know if this is a dangerous place to visit?
Thanks :-)
You mean Hurgada? Nah, super safe:)
Maybe you can contact me back in a month or so and we can see if there’s any update!
Hi,
I’m a solo woman traveler who was going to be in Cairo during the first week of August, which is in a couple of weeks from now. Figured it would be good to get some insight about how safe it is in light of the recent political situation and whether what you said in this post still applies. I have a feeling the news and the travel warnings make it look way more ghastly than it actually is for tourists over there. I’ve had everything booked and I can’t get a refund so it would be a real shame if I’m unable to make this trip
Hi K,
I think you should go. But try to have a contact there at least, to show you around. Cairo is a huge city and many areas are safe, but if it’s your first time around, try not to be alone:)
It’s not *dangerous* but it can be uncomfortable, yes.
I don’t know if you are going with a tour operator or on your own, but feel free to give me more details and I will tell you what I think about your plans!
Thanks a lot for such a prompt response! Your post just made me feel much more at ease about the plan that everyone else I know has been dismissing.
As for my plans, unfortunately the friend I was traveling with is not going to be make it any longer because of some work-related reasons. So I figured what the hell, might as well do the whole solo traveler thing. I have a friend from Cairo who said she would put me in touch with her friends/parents who live there in case I need anything. But i wouldn’t want to rely on total strangers for showing me around all the time, especially during Ramadan. I’ve lived in cities where some amount of harrassment isn’t uncommon, and I wouldn’t be worried about that too much as long as I know it’ll still be safe. I’m usually not such a big fan of tours but considering the situation there, I’m guessing it might be a better idea. Also, I was thinking of taking a train to the south (but it would probably be very hot?) or flying to one of the more touristy places along the red sea. I’m guessing I shouldn’t be too worried about that lag of the trip , right?
You look very confident, and this is good. But from my experience, Cairo is not that easy to visit if you are on your own and it’s your first time there. Not because of danger but really, it’s just chaotic and crowded and now it will be hot and because of Ramadan most services won’t work during the day.
Maybe not a “tour tour” but at least someone to take you from A to B would be nice. :)
Confident, not really. Quite the opposite in fact. Just trying to tell myself it will be fine. Sorry I’m going to bother you with just one last question then. You think it’s still fine for me to visit as long as I’m not trying to navigate the place on my own. So if I just book those day tours with a guide for the couple of days I’m there, that would be fine? And if I fly out to some place more touristy, say sharm el shaikh, should I still book a tour there? The impression I’m getting is that’s much safer. But not sure that means I should be traveling alone there. Thanks a lot again! Really appreciate your advice!
Sharm el Sheikh will be fine, there are many tourists there snorkeling, relaxing, getting ready for partying as I write :p
But don’t travel across the Sinai, take a flight, it’s safer at the moment.
For Cairo, yes you will be fine if you have a guide. It’s a mess at the moment with the demonstrations and all, so it’s better to have someone who speaks the language with you. At least, this is what I would do!
Hi,
Great post! Myself and my wife are due to land in Cairo on the 4th August where we are picked up to spend a 7 night cruise sailing down the Nile from Cairo, down to Aswan and back before travelling to Hurghada for a further 7 nights stay. We have booked through a travel agent as a package holiday.
Please can you tell me whether you think that it would be safe to travel?
Thanks.
Hi Giulia, I have a trip planned on the 27th-6th August and was wondering about the safety in Cairo. I am going alone as a solo female and I have a guide and transport booked. Should I go or should I cancel? Please let me know your advice.
I think you should go:) Good that you have a guide, so you will never be in trouble! No worries.
Sorry. It’s 30th to 6th August. :)
Hey
read your blogs on Egypt and really liked them. I and a friend from India are planning to visit Cairo on the Eid i.e. 9th August.
Our budgets are really tight and hence we havent done any booking via agents or guides who can be with us always. but Egypt and pyramids have always intrigued me so i dont want to cancel my plans.
we plan to be in Cairo on 9th -11th. Then take the train to Luxor and be there for 2-3 days. Luxor to hurghada hire a cab/ share with another traveller in the day time. stay at hurghada for 2-3 days and take a cab again from there to Cairo. Leave on the 19th for delhi.
We tried air travel but it is expensive and will hit us hard.
Need your help / reco on the following :-
1. Your comments on the itenary i shared (specially the road travel and train travel)
2. What part in Cairo shall we book our hotel /hostel and if you can recommend a budget place. As most of the places we are looking for are in downtown and we want to avoid staying there for its proximity to Tahrir. Also, if we wish to enjoy the night life there in Cairo, where all can we go (if possible to stay in an area which lies close to the happening places so that we dont travel much). And how to travel to these places? Till what time can one stay, as in Delhi we also party all night.
3. If you know of people who are traveling alone or in a group of 2-3 hitting the place around same time, and we can tag along. More the merrier :) and feels safer.
4. Can you help us with some local person, who can help us take around as language obviously is the problem.
5. What area to put up in Hurghada and Luxor as we do not wish to be in a very secluded area?
6. We both are non swimmers and wish to dive for fun atleast once , now that we are visiting the red sea. Would you know a safe option we can approach for the same?
You must be regretting writing the last line, write to me in case of any queries. As i took it too seriously, at least the list above says so ;) .
Eagerly waiting for your response
Shukran
Pallavi, I got your email and replied there.
Hi giulia
My wife and I have just returned back from shalm el sheikh after 7 superb nights. We were in 2 minds because of the trouble but Thanks to your blog we made our minds up that what you had to say was very true and made perfect sense. So thank you for that.
There was No trouble at all and business as usual. We have been over a couple of times now and love it just as much as the first time every time. Whilst we were there they announced the independence and every one partied and rejoiced on the streets flying flags and singing, it was really good to be part of it. We had a very good limo drive that would take us to the Nama bay and would come to the bar to collect us when we had finished in order to walk us back to his car with out the hussle and bustle. I love Egypt and the Egyptians. They are all more than happy to go the extra mile to help you enjoy your experience there. Yes they want your money but they are willing to work for it and hey every body wants money, right! Any one thinking of going to Egypt should do As it is an excellent place to be and I can’t wait to get back there.
Hi Giulia!
Great Post!
Yes I experienced pretty much the same, not as much as you because I haven’t been there this long as you. :-P
Pyramids:
Yes the taxi ride to the pyramids when we showed friends around was horrible without a tour guide, just the 5 of us by taxi. As you reported people constantly tried to stop us, even stating that we had to pay money to pass. Our Taxi driver was not really experienced in this area and almost believed them and wanted to drop us and turn back. We had to convince him even to go on and ignore them. They kept jumping in front of the car, in our way, he had a hard time avoiding accidents and injuries. For someone going there for the first time who is not used to Cairo I would totally recommend spending bit more money and going on the organized tour! We knew how to say la’a shokran, and some more (rude) phrases, so we could manage to get rid of people offering souvenirs and postcards and of beggars easily. and we had a pretty cheap and fun trip. But if someone is not used to it it’s too much all at once I guess.
Living in Cairo:
I was also in Cairo July to August 2012, and experienced sexual harrassment, being touched, even when walking with a man! not alone! My friend walked alone in a street still at dayligt, not at night, in Heliopolis where we lived, and was touched. Luckily that guy was rather a teenager and didn’t try more, just ran off as she shouted at him. But who knows what could happen. So walking alone is really not recommended. To all gilrs out there: Take Taxis! I’ve been to Cairo before and I will go again. I had one trip where we made everything low budget, avoided taxis, preferred the Metro and public buses. We were two girls in that trip. We walked our ways at night. this was February 2012, one year after the revolution. Now I wonder how could we have been so naive?? We are lucky that nothing happened to us.
So I came to the same conlusion as you did above: I prefer the rich kid’s lifestyle. After struggling with it for a long time, not willing to accept this role, trying to figt it, sticking to my alternative and low budget student’s lifestlye, I finally gave up.
Your role as a foreign girl is a self-fulfilling prophecy: People who approach you expect you to be arrogant anyway. If you are not, if you are too kind, they will not leave you alone anymore! So you better behave arrogant and rude towards everyone you don’t know, to have an easier time passing the streets and getting where you want, without ppl constantly following you. this is quite sad :-(
Cairo can be lovely but also disappointing, when you see how it can change your Personality.
Still, I always felt very safe and like enjoying myself. I was always relaxed, never really tense or nervous, even not when taking the Metro. If any of you plan to go there, take it slow, and get used to how you can move in the City! Then you can enjoy it safely and have a good time!
Tourism:
I still regard touristic trips all over Egypt as very safe, I took some of them between July 2011 and today and I will keep recommending them to friends and relatives who are going to Egypt.
Greeting to al Egypt-Lovers out there ;-)
I So much love this post, am planning to come to Cairo first week of November, pls is it safe for foreigners as at now? also i will like to make new friends from cairo so i wont be bored when i get there.
Thank you.
Hi Mary,
it is safe but since the situation can change a lot from one day to the next, I suggest you to be with a guide or at least someone local that can take you around Cairo. Let me know if you need more info!
i need more info pls
still waiting for the info pls
If you could be a bit more specific about your request, I could give you the info you need…
Hello ,
I am traveling to Egypt and bringing a puppy with me for a man and his wife in Cairo in February 2014 . I am a women traveling alone for the United States ,I will also be bringing a puppy back with me to the states . I am supposed to stay with the man and the women in their home he is in military she is very nice , anyways I feel a bit uncomfortable with this so I made plans to stay in music city Hotel and resort . Please can you tell me anything about what I should never do as I am quite adventurous but don’t want to be kidnapped:-) I have never met in person these people only met them through a kennel site and also have been talking to other kennel owners in Egypt to visit the dog kennels they seem nice enough . What is your advice please and thank you.
Marcy
Hi Marcy,
first of all I don’t know how it works to bring a puppy to Egypt, I hope you already have all papers sorted out! I think there must be some sort of procedure such as a quarantine but not sure really. But probably you know better than me:)
You won’t be kidnapped (lol). At the moment the only thing I would avoid if I were you is to go to the Sinai on my own (and I am sure you’re not planning this…) so don’t worry.
I understand your feeling uncomfortable with staying at someone’s place without knowing them, I would go for the hotel too, but for no particular reason… just because I like my privacy more:)
But I never heard of that hotel you mentioned! Where is it? Where in Cairo does this couple leave?
G
Hi Giulia,
Thank you so much for the informative post!
I want to come to Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan as a solo Asian traveler during December 2013. I’m the kind of person that likes to explore cities (not during the night for obvious reasons). Would I put myself at risk if I were to walk around alone at the touristy areas during the day? Can’t I ride the female only metro cars? Do I have to have someone at my side whenever I’m outside or ride a taxi to ALL the places that I want to go? Would this apply to every city in Egypt? I like to take advantage of the low costs and the lack of crowds but I don’t want to risk it if the situation calls for a guide at my side during daylight in order to ensure my safety. If this is not a good time for a solo female traveler to go to Egypt, then I would probably reconsider.
Hi Lisa,
Female only metro cars come very handy, but metro stations can be very crowded so my advice is try to avoid getting off in Sadat (Tahrir Square station) at least on rush hour, in order to avoid being groped.
Touristy areas are fine, except of course the street vendors that can be annoying but that’s it and I am sure you know how to handle the situation.
I would recommend having a guide in Cairo, not just for safety reasons but because it’s very hard to move around the city especially now with road blocks and occasional demonstrations etc. A local is able to take the right road according to traffic etc (expect a lot of traffic in any case).
I can put you in contact with someone if you want.
For other cities, I am not sure about the situation right now, I think the curfew is still on but will be lifted in the next days. There won’t be many tourists around which is cool on one side, but because of this street vendors and scammers become more aggressive.
Sexual harassment is real so expect at least a lot of comments, some of which can be very disgusting, but usually it’s only that. I have been touched many times and it was an awful experience which I hope no other woman has to go through. That’s why having someone on your side is better… there is no “danger-danger” but just to feel more comfortable. :)
Thank you for this information. We’ve been wanting to travel to Egypt for a while and even have a vacation planned with http://isram.com/isram/category/egypt/ However, safety is certainly a concern. Thank you again for the information
Great post! Even though I’m reading this about a year later. ;) Since I’ve lived in Cairo I just wanted to make a comment about riding a taxi in Cairo… There’s absolutely no problem in taking a “regular local black&white taxi”, just deal with the driver about the price for where you want to go before you get in. (Though this is easier if you have some basic knowledge of arabic since many taxidrivers don’t speak English). I’ve done this and never had a problem!
But of course, if you don’t feel confident in doing so, just take a cab mentioned in the blog post. =) Whatever works, works!