Well, while I was travelling in Egypt, my first hotel told me to reserve bigger tips for tour guides, cabin crew, drivers, and hotel staff. But, I would highly recommend doing it in Egypt. You can see activities happen between rivals or even through online cyber-attacks. I'm not buying the hard times argument, it's cultural. Sure, they arent some grand scams for thousands of dollars, most of the time its just cents, but the feeling of being taken advantaged of is quite annoying. Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe! The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens to consider the risks of travel to Egypt due to threats from terrorist and violent political opposition groups. In Ukraine nobody ever put in effort to be dishonest, despite having been one of the poorest countries. However, this is not common in the country and is not a massive concern for tourists. This is probably the most important, which is why its a great thing you found this post! For this reason, many individuals opt to cover their faces when in areas that are predominately sand. Number one on that list of flaws is probably petty crime, for wherever you can find tourists, you can find petty crime. As is the case on all excursions, having a list of important phone numbers to reach in an emergency is vital. However, many women prefer to go out with at least one other person as a precaution. Here are some examples of tourist scams in Egypt; There are a lot of things that can go wrong on a vacation in Egypt without taking the proper precautions and advice. Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. While many countries are considered safer than Egypt, it is a better destination to visit than many others on the list. Many political demonstrations and protests occur in the capital, often unauthorized. Safety is a major concern for many visitors before they travel to Egypt. Egypt is safe to travel alone in so long as youre a little extra cautious. Someone took your photo? There are situations when you can bump other cars that are blocking your way or your side-view mirror may get hit. All rights reserved. The situation in Cairo however, is out of control. Dont listen to guards, vendors, or cameleers trying to give you a history lesson, dont take pictures of them when they strike a pose next to a camel, and dont take tips about good photo spots. So, its important to get used to the thought of being spoken to on a daily basis, heckled at, hassled etc. following the Day of Revolt in January 2011, the number has continually decreased in the years following. 1. So, to say that youre not religious is kind of like saying the sky is red. If you feel yourself becoming lightheaded, dizzy, overly hot, or start to get a headache, it is vital to seek out shade and hydrate. It was luxury at an affordable cost. Your children might be attracted to a cute stray cat, but they might not see how mangy and potentially germ-ridden it is. Same-sex marriage and activity is not legal, so you might even get in trouble with the law. With the conflict in both countries, it is safer for visitors to keep their distance. Additionally, the Egyptian government recommends staying at least 50 kilometers away from the border that Egypt shares withLibya and Sudan. , Egypt is settled in the 59th spot out of 137. There is no other city like Cairo, which is dubbed "a legendary city.". , brought a lot of hostility to the country and a great deal of mistrust between the residents and their government. Is It Safe For American To Travel To Egypt Pyramids - Tripidays Egypt Tours I love writing about the weird, wonderful, bookish, magical, and historical on my blog. The Pyramid. See Also: Top 15 Historical Places in The World. I have been told by a travel agent that tourists are not allowed into Cairo at all. Egypt Travel Advisory Travel Advisory October 5, 2022 Egypt - Level 3: Reconsider Travel O T Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. The period of time before that, most commonly referred to as. It will draw a lot of attention and, most importantly, its seen as disrespectful to locals. The easiest way to get there is to take the Metro to Sadat Station and follow the signs pointing to the museum. Nile cruises only run on certain days of the week. There is some semblance of a gay scene in Cairo and perhaps some other major cities in Egypt. When you go out, its critical to apply sunscreen and carry ample amounts of water with you at all times. Sightseeing early in the day or in the evening is recommended. As most people that travel to Egypt will be converting their pounds or dollars while theyre here, its important to check the current currency rate of the day before you trade your money. Depending on where youve travelled from, it may be quite a culture shock. New Cairo is a cleaner and safer part of the city where upper-class families live and it is in constant development. The Saladin Citadel and Coptic Cairo 1.3. Get a security guard! I would like to know how much bad the heat in egypt can get in august and how does egypt accommodate that e.g do they have ac in restaurant etc, Hi Sumayya, I found that WiFi/Data was terrible across Egypt so I would have some form of data card to hand. Ive grown up in Sofia. Many tourists do not dress in the. These individuals typically quote a different starting price for tourists than they do for locals. Due to the Islamic culture, it is not common for women to travel alone, although it is legal, and people have done it. 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. Locals will try and give things to your children or snap their photos, and then ask for compensation. No matter where you are, you want to be mindful of things such as pickpocketing, gang-related activity, and drugs. English not been my first language don't help either :)) Glad you like the Orangutan's piece, it was one of my best adventures and I strongly advise you to try it yourself. If you ever visited again try to visit them. Due to agreements made between citizens and the government, the instances of severe crime have reduced. If youve ever seen photos of the city, it clearly is not that. One of my guides told me that this is intentional and they are left unfinished so the construction companies can avoid paying taxes. By that we mean there will always be people popping up, Travelling by yourself might mean taking a lot of selfies, which is a little bit lame . Keep an eye out for what people are up to around you. Coptic Cairo is the old Christian part of the city. Is Cairo Safe To Visit in 2023? Egypt Safety Guide - Travel Snippet Modest (not tightly fitting) clothing, covering your arms, shoulders, and legs down past your knees and for swimming when youre not on a private beach wear shorts and a T-shirt over your swimsuit. Then theres the Cairo Citadel, Al-Azhar Mosque and Coptic Cairo. But, you also dont want to be paying 12 for a ten-minute taxi journey when a local would pay a fraction of that cost! So, money is tight and business is suffering. 11 Best Things to Do in Cairo | U.S. News Travel Just Came Back from Cairouhh whoa : r/travel - Reddit Avoid camels with recent wounds or fresh scars; you dont want to support animal cruelty. What Not to Do in Egypt - 16 Terrible Mistakes to Avoid Is Solo Female Travel Safe In Cairo, Egypt? - We Are Travel Girls Most of the people I know visit Egypt via a tour company. That being said, when we checked into our hotel in Cairo, the man at the front desk said, "We have a Nile view room ready. The probability is high that you will have at least one English speaker on staff at your hotel and in stores. There WILL be a level of hassle and there WILL be attention, but if you know this and know how to handle it you can have a fun trip and do pretty much all of the things you plan on doing. As such, they are labeled as bad neighborhoods, and avoiding them is usually recommended. Morocco was Disneyland compared to this. An Eastern-European capital city, home of 2 million people and 22 million cars (dont quote me on that). 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Egypt. Everywhere else: apply good personal security and watch out for shady people. Here are my top tips for gold shopping in Egypt, You will need a tourist visa to enter Egypt for travel. Is Cairo safe for tourists in 2023 | Egypt Tours Ask And Answers Its not a show-up and book-on-the-day kind of deal. People who live in Cairo generally . Do your own research. Report inappropriate content . Often, this can be as much as 50% over the standard price. When planning a trip to Egypt, its essential to have the following items top of mind for your benefit and safety. The Full Guide of Cairo Tourist Attractions - Egypt Tours Portal . Egypt has had a decline in tourism in the last ten years due to multiple terrorist threats and political issues. I went here solo for around 5 weeks and got to know the place pretty well when I left. You will see many police officers throughout Egypt, primarily in touristy areas. Increased security at major tourist sights has made Egypt a viable destination for just about everybody. I can mentally prepare when I go there one day! it can all contribute to sickness and its not fun to get sick while you travel. Most destinations will have one or more areas that often bring about a higher level of concern than others. Is It Safe to Travel to Kenya? - TripSavvy Egypt has long been a destination for tourists that includes those with families. Here are my top tips for gold shopping in Egypt! Or, if you want to know how much attractions will cost you read my Egypt photography guide here. As Egypt is an Islamic and conservative country, showing too much public display of affection with your other half is a big taboo. Therefore, when you find yourself in a highly-populated area, take all measures to secure your personal possessions and be aware of your surroundings. Also, as most temples are out in the open with little shade, youll be a sweaty mess. Tourist Police is securing and making sure your tour is going smoothly. Typically, the shopkeepers or attraction owners will try to take advantage of your foreign status and quote you a price that is significantly higher than whats usually charged. Egypts most significant concern for safety came after the Day of Revolt in 2011. Try next time to see Islamic Cairo as el muizz street and all it"s moque ,moataz le din allah street ,ibn tulun mosque , qalawun complex, el azhar mosque and also the area around el hussein mosque is quite popular and has lots of cafes. Outside of the personal safety concerns that correlate with what the locals call Egypts true extreme sport, also known as crossing the street, you also need to be aware of the weather. The heat in august will be very hot and so I would recommend visiting temples very early morning to beat the heat. However, it is almost entirely underground, and tourists should not attempt to seek it out. Wellyeah. Would you walk through this neighbourhood alone?I headed into the deepest parts of Aswan city, a city in the South of Egypt, to see what I could find.No film. Weve briefly touched on this before but women especially should prepare for catcalling. If it is ok to visit is the museum open. I want to inspire you & turn your wildest travel dreams into a reality through my travel guides! tip. Safety of Americans in Cairo/Egypt? - Cairo Forum - Tripadvisor I don't think the pictures are that bad, in Turkey they do as well, in Saigon, etc. 11 Best Things To Do in Cairo. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. Third Eye Traveller is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. . Castaway TipTo see the best of Coptic Cairo and the Citadel, take a tour with a driver and a guide. Whether the gold is weighed incorrectly, its 9-carat gold being sold as 18-carat gold, or its been grossly overpriced. If it looks like things are about to kick off again politically, postpone that trip. Driving around the chaotic streets of Cairo is a nightmare, and there are many military checkpoints that wont be easy to pass if you dont have a licensed guide with you. Their trips consisted of staying in resorts by the Red Sea, having day-trips to the Luxor and the Pyramids, rushing from one attraction to another. Prices:General entrance 240 EGP/ 8 USDGreat Pyramid 440 EGP/ 14 USDAvailable smaller pyramid (one of the two open) 100 EGP/ 3 USD. Its a wild world out there. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. On 4 August 2019, at least 20 people were killed by a car bomb in central Cairo. Youll see the majority of crimes when it comes to stealing cars, hijacking vehicles, burglary, and vandalism. However, staying in areas that are deemed safe can mitigate a large part of this risk. Travelling to Egypt is certainly on my bucketlist. For shopping, its the same. In terms of safety, Egypt ranks as the 2nd most dangerous North African country, but ranks middle of the pack in terms of the whole of Africa. Sightseeing early in the day or in the evening is recommended. While at Cairo's tourist sites, it's totally safe to visit, walk around, and enjoy your time. But in this travel guide, I tried to incorporate all my first-hand observations and experiences from my last visit to Egypt (read about it here ). Methadone) which could mean you face jail time. And I dont mean the-casual-plastic-bags-and-burger-wraps-on-Saturday-morning dirty. During our visit to Egypt, we stayed at European-run hotels in Cairo (the Kempinski) and Aswan (Sofitel's Old Cataract), which tend to have more open-minded staffs who don't make a fuss when two dudes want to share a bed. Some people dont feel comfortable about it, or they just dont do it out of principle. Unfortunately, not all places in Egypt are safe. Egypt is hot, loud, raucous, full of traffic with people everywhere. Because of that, they are therefore more likely to be targeted and pickpocketed during their stay. The Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent attacks on security forces and civilians. While there is gang activity within Egypt, it is not as prevalent as in other countries. In a nutshell, Egypt is a safe country to visit. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, and have targeted diplomatic . Source: The Daily Hype. Its beautiful chaos. This easy accessibility is beneficial in many situations, especially when it comes to emergencies. Commonly, the cities will see only a handful of rainy days that amount to less than one inch of precipitation. Mostly, yes, Egypt is safe for women, especially if travelling as part of a group, or a family. See Also: Valley of The Kings All You Need to Know. The traffic is hectic and traffic violation tickets are huge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I dont see why you should blame Cairo for not living up to an orientalist ideal youve seen in a Disney movie? I didnt have any of that. So, depending on the time of year, you need to prepare for the weather; See my Egypt packing list for more ideas. But, when youre out and about exploring the sites or in the bazaars keep it to a minimum. They are constructing a new building for the museum, right next to the necropolis of Giza, and its expected to be ready sometime around 2021 (its now complete!). Learn more. Im sure the sandy winds have some part in it too, but the millions of old cars blasting gases into the air are the most prominent contributor for sure. It wont be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. One thing that offers peace of mind for tourists is that Egypt has a significant amount of police offers who patrol in high population areas. While many countries are considered safer than Egypt, it is a better destination to visit than many others on the list. And maybe, Cairo before the revolution wouldve been closer to my romanticized vision, but Cairo nowadays has nothing to do with it. But, saying that, if the currency exchange there is good and its genuine money, go for it. 615 posts. I did the Nile cruise etc many years ago, and yes I was sick as a dog! It's just a bit of a way out than Hurghada. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. Crossing a street in Cairo can take you up to 15 minutes and leave you deaf for a while. 39 Egypt : Safety by City Alexandria Cairo Sharm el Sheikh Egypt - safety as a country Cairo is the capital of Egypt and with more than 16 million people it belongs to the world's most densely populated cities. Egypt International Travel Information That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). Travelling as a foreign female might be ok, but living there is a whole other issue. Posted on Last updated: December 17, 2022. So, to save you from getting disappointed always check out your cruise days, times, and prices before you plan anything else. Don't Visit Egypt Until You Watch This - Pyramids BEWARE Is Cairo dangerous for tourists? New construction is everywhere now as well and the government prefers to build new rather than preserve the old. . Many hotels offer taxis that are specifically for the use of tourists. 24 Top Safety Tips for Travelling Safely to Egypt. Shop around first and see what the going price of a product is, Avoid shopping in tourist bazaars, go to a reputable workshop or retailer, A massively overpriced taxi from the airport use, Terrible rates for currency conversion always take a currency converter app, Selling fake merchandise like Banana leaf as papyrus, or fake alabaster always go to a reputable workshop, Getting ripped off for gold see my guide here. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. On the positive side, prices have fallen, which means that once-popular areas are cheaper than ever! It didnt stop the people to live there, but surely killed all the beauty the ancient desert city ever had. Theres no way around the fact that this society is very male-dominated, and does have a problem with sexual violence against women. The Best (and Worst!) Cairo Neighborhoods To Stay In To help you have a safe trip, weve listed the areas you need to be more careful of below: Knowing more about the country and where NOT to go before you travel to Egypt is going to help guard you against becoming a victim. Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh. If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. A good option is to book a hotel right next to the Necropolis. Although Egypt wasnt safe a few years ago, security has been tripled with tourist safety in mind. So whilst there are stories about terrorist attacks, scuffles with the Egyptian authorities and tourist scams, the risks are still relatively low (especially if you stay out of the Sinai peninsula, refrain from insulting the Egyptian Government, and keep a sharp eye on your money). There is not a large prevalence of violent crimes in Cairo, but tourists should be aware of petty crimes, such as purse . Even if youre sticking to tourist destinations, Ive collected a bunch of top tips worth knowing for making sure you stay safe on the road. I mean, you only get to see a wonder of the world for the first time once and I didnt want it to be spoiled by people annoying me all the time haha. NE UK. While youre in your resort, this is not as much of an issue, just like wearing a bikini is allowed etc. Cairo is the capital ofEgypt and with more than 16 million people it belongs to the worlds most densely populated cities. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Happy travelling, Hi Sue! Egypt doesnt have the best track record for safety and it is seriously one wild ride of an adventure. You should also avoid venturing close to the borders of Sudan and Libya due to ongoing conflicts and violence in those countries. It wont DEFLECT attention, but it will help you to fit in. While many countries are considered safer than Egypt, it is a better destination to visit than many others on the . The Best Time to Visit Amangiri in 2023 | When to Go. Jan 1, 2023, 7:09 PM Save 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. The usual strategies include explosive devices, car-bombs, and drive-by shootings in the crowded areas, particularly in front of the main tourist sites. Is Egypt safe to visit in 2022? - Annees de pelerinage Additionally, the country receives very little rainfallthroughout the year. Typically, the best way to learn about these places is by asking the front desk at your hotel. Cairo, Egypt. While the majority of Cairo's main tourist sites (the Mosque of Mohammed Ali, the Hanging Church, and the Salahdin Citadel) are in central Cairo, the pyramids are located right on the edge of . Dont venture outdoors during the midday. Below, car horns bellow tuneless symphonies amid avenues of faded 19th-century grandeur while donkey carts rattle down dusty lanes lined with colossal Fatimid and Mamluk monuments. Four out of five modern building complexes were left without facades due to that reason. Egypt can be extremely hot and Ive always associated the desert with head. The short answer: Yes, Egypt is still safe! Maadi is known as the green oasis in Cairo (greenery is a scarcity in Cairo, and you'll find locals speaking of trees, grass and parks in hushed, adoring tones), a favored neighborhood by expats. Otherwise, thanks for your thoughts ! I read that **99%** of Egyptian women have been sexually harassed. This post may contain affiliate links. At the end of the day,tourism is valuableto Egypt. While they have had conflict in the past, that is not a present concern for locals or tourists. So, you should face little issues while youre here. Nowhere on earth has that concentration of unpleasant experiences just waiting for you to walk by. Puerto Rico vs the Dominican Republic: Which Ones Better? For starters, it can be easy for a tourist to be scammed when shopping or inquiring about a sightseeing adventure. Local laws reflect Egypts position as a strong Muslim country, but also as an authoritarian regime. Due to agreements made between citizens and the government, the instances of severe crime have reduced. If you are like me, you have this romantic version of the city in your head, with small sandy streets surrounded by white-stone buildings, the camels roaming around street stalls full of exotic spices, fruits, and scarabs, and flying carpets and genies floating just over your head. Additionally, Kenya has one of the most developed tourism sectors in Africa, but because of the country's unstable political situation, urban . It is also vital to be mindful of local customs and culture. Cairo travel - Lonely Planet | Egypt, Africa I would also avoid discussing politics of any kind about current relations in Egypt with locals. Hailing from Iran, Nina has traveled to many a far flung land. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism. Be aware that whilst those coffee shops look really cool, some of them are men-only. What you will see in Cairo - the Bad Stuff 2.1. In Egypt, its best to avoid neighborhoods with high crime rates. So. "Yes, it is safe; it is very safe," says Egyptian-born Tewfik Ghattas, board member and Egypt expert for New Jersey-based Central . Egypt Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller Yes, its excruciatingly hot at most points of the year and covering up is not ideal in the heat. Dont forget to buy travel insurance! Here are some tips: In Egypt, its pretty hard for a tourist to avoid unwanted attention. While you practice common sense and take safety precautions, there is no possibility of becoming easy prey in Cairo. There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. #2. Various natural hazards might happen in Cairo, due to its location, and some of them are sand and dust storms, floods and landslides. Who knows, maybe the next time I visit Cairo there wont be bad and ugly parts in the story. Updated February 11, 2021. I never travel without a currency converter app so I can check the prices of things. I was hoping for small desert-stone houses with open roofs. I saw a lot of tourists losing their temper at the temples as people were bugging them the whole time, trying to sell them stuff or offer guide services. Most of the old buildings were destroyed or forgotten and full of garbage, while most of the modern buildings looked unfinished. After carefully researching Cairo tour operators, I hired Egypt Tailor Made for a private solo tour . Some of the above are affiliate links and I will earn a percentage of the sale if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. It may seem like a lot but, as time progresses, being cautious will come naturally to you. Now, how much do you tip while youre here? Same goes for places like Vietnam, where they would never put you in awful scenarios like the did in Cairo. The best route, if youre super keen or up for an adventure, is betweenCairo and Alexandria but safety is still not up to par, unfortunately. I admit I had my expectations too high here. Grabbing an Uber can be much safer, especially for women. Apply sunscreen continually to avoid sunburn and damage.