Traveling in Egypt as a Woman: A First-Hand Safety Guide
Egypt holds a top spot on countless travel bucket lists, and for good reason. Its millennia-spanning history, truly iconic ancient sites, and vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and tastes make it an undeniably compelling destination. Tourism to the country is experiencing significant growth, reaching record highs, underscoring its enduring appeal.
However, despite the magnetic draw of its wonders, many potential visitors, particularly women, harbor significant safety concerns that prevent them from ever making the trip. This hesitation is understandable, given the frequent warnings issued by Western governments and highlighted in media reports. For instance, the US Department of State advises travelers to “reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism,” while the Canadian government suggests exercising “a high degree of caution… due to the unpredictable security situation and the threat of terrorism.” Similarly, the Australian government recommends reconsidering travel overall, and the UK government cautions that “terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks.”
Faced with such official advisories, the reluctance to visit Egypt, whether solo or as part of a group tour, is a valid concern. Before traveling there alone, the author of this guide, Monica, encountered numerous skeptical reactions and alarming warnings – everything from needing a male chaperone to the threat of kidnapping. Even upon her safe return, some close to her questioned her decision to travel solo. While she suspected these fears were overstated, she admits to not knowing exactly what to expect upon arrival, especially as a woman with blonde hair and green eyes, making it impossible to blend in. Yet, her actual experience painted a different picture: one of warm, welcoming Egyptian people, friendly women, and men who genuinely desired her to love their country without ulterior motives.
Having now traveled extensively around Egypt independently, Monica offers her insights and advice specifically for other women considering the journey. This guide shares essential information about women’s safety in Egypt based on her first-hand experience.
Addressing Safety Concerns & Common Issues
While the overwhelming majority of Egyptians Monica met were genuinely welcoming and kind, Egypt does carry a certain reputation regarding tourist interactions, including potential scams and hassles. Many frequently reported issues center around major attractions, notably the Pyramids. One common example involves camel ride operators who might load tourists onto camels and only quote an exorbitant price once the ride has begun. Similarly, vendors might present items as “gifts” only to aggressively demand payment when the tourist tries to leave without purchasing. A fundamental rule to avoid falling victim to such tactics is to always agree on a price before accepting any service or item, whether it’s a camel ride, a taxi, or goods from a vendor.
Monica encountered a few instances of hassle and pressure herself. The unifying theme in each situation was feeling pressured. For a solo female traveler, feeling pushed into something can be a particularly unnerving experience. She recounts one specific incident with a local driver she had hired for the day when other transport options were unavailable. The day proceeded without issue until the end, when the driver began pressuring her for a larger tip than she had already given and became extremely insistent about her leaving a positive online review for him. This uncomfortable interaction lasted for nearly an hour, with the driver raising his voice and showing clear agitation at her non-compliance. He even followed her into her hotel lobby and sat there, stating he would wait until she left the review.
Because she was in a public space with hotel staff present, she didn’t feel immediately unsafe, but the act of being followed by a man put her on high alert as a solo female. Despite the pressure, she firmly stood her ground and did not comply. Eventually, the driver left without further incident. However, she noted that she doubted a male traveler would have been subjected to the same level of persistent, aggressive pressure. This experience underscores that while major safety threats might be rare, uncomfortable situations involving pressure can occur.
If you find yourself in any situation where someone is attempting to pressure you – whether it’s related to payment, tipping, or going somewhere you don’t want to go – it’s crucial to stand your ground. Remain calm and, if necessary, seek assistance from others nearby. You have every right to decline anything you feel is incorrect or that you do not wish to participate in. For many travelers, Egypt sits high on the list of dream destinations, renowned for its rich history and iconic ancient sites. While the allure is strong, hesitation often arises, particularly concerning safety for solo female travelers or those considering grand circle last minute travel deals or group tours.
Solo female traveler smiling near the Giza Pyramids in Egypt
Navigating Egypt Safely
A significant concern for women traveling alone to Egypt is how to get around safely, especially navigating public transportation. Fortunately, there are several reliable options, and understanding how to use them effectively can alleviate these worries.
In Cairo, the metro is a cheap and dependable mode of transport. Solo women may find the designated female-only cabins particularly appealing to minimize unwanted attention. These are typically the first and second cars or the fourth and fifth cars and are clearly marked with signage on the platform. While easy to navigate and affordable, the metro system doesn’t cover all areas tourists might need to access; for instance, major sites like the Pyramids or Cairo International Airport are not directly reachable by metro alone.
This is where other transportation methods become essential. Cities like Cairo and Alexandria have popular and reliable rideshare apps such as Careem and Uber. Monica found these services to be the best and most cost-effective alternative when moving between sights within the city by herself. An added benefit of rideshare apps is the digital record they provide of each driver, which can be helpful for safety and accountability.
Taxis and private drivers are readily available options, particularly useful outside the major cities or when rideshare wait times are inconvenient. Monica generally found them reasonably priced, but it is absolutely critical to agree on the fare before getting into the vehicle to avoid disputes later.
Walking is also feasible and can be a pleasant way to experience the city, provided one is mindful of local customs, particularly regarding dress. Monica walked extensively around Cairo solo, including through areas like Islamic Cairo and for simple errands, and felt completely safe doing so. Her walking was mostly confined to daylight hours, however. She rarely walked alone at night and therefore cannot definitively say whether that experience would differ. For late-night outings, arranging a taxi or rideshare is highly recommended as a safer alternative.
Understanding Sexual Harassment
To provide a complete picture, it must be acknowledged that sexual harassment does exist in Egypt. However, based on Monica’s experience, it may be less pervasive or severe than some expect. She mentally prepared for frequent catcalls, being followed, and general harassment – experiences she had encountered in other travel destinations and even back home. She was pleasantly surprised by the almost complete absence of such incidents during her time in Egypt, though she knows many women do experience them.
So, what steps should a woman take if harassment occurs? For incidents like catcalling, ignoring it is often the most effective approach; individuals usually stop once the target is out of earshot. If in a public setting, or if you feel threatened, ducking into a nearby store or drawing attention to the situation with a loud, firm “No” can be helpful deterrents.
In the event of anything serious, such as theft or assault, reporting it immediately to the tourist police is crucial. Their specific mandate is ensuring the safety of tourists in Egypt, and they are significantly more likely to speak English than regular police officers. The tourist police can be reached by dialing 126. It is also worth noting that police officers are stationed at many major tourist attractions, including the Pyramids. Additionally, seeking help from your hotel reception or a driver can be effective, as most Egyptians are generally willing to step in and assist.
Essential Safety Tips for Women in Egypt
Monica believes her largely positive and smooth experience in Egypt was partly due to her comfort level, having traveled extensively in the Middle East previously, which provided a degree of familiarity with the culture. Here are her top safety tips for women planning a trip to Egypt:
Respect Cultural Norms
It is advisable to wear conservative clothing in Egypt, even during the hot summer months. This means opting for long pants or skirts and shirts that are not overly revealing. If wearing tighter leggings, pair them with a loose top that covers your waist and hips. It’s also a good idea to carry a headscarf for visiting religious sites like mosques, where covering your head is required out of respect. Save shorts or tank tops for private areas like beach resorts. Adopting a conservative dress style is seen as a sign of respect for the local culture and, in Monica’s view, served her well as a solo traveler.
Project Confidence
Even if you don’t feel entirely confident, projecting an air of self-assurance can be beneficial. Keep your head up and make eye contact. Always know your destination before leaving your accommodation. This is easily managed by using offline maps or purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival at Cairo airport; Vodafone or Etisalat are recommended providers. Before embarking on the journey, many solo women carefully consider preparation, including understanding local norms and planning transportation. Whether arranging grand circle travel last minute deals or planning independently, knowledge is power.
Don’t Hesitate to Say No
Feelings of politeness should not prevent you from saying no when needed. Vendors, shopkeepers, and restaurant staff at tourist locations will frequently try to get your attention. A firm but polite “Laa, shukran” (no, thank you) delivered while continuing to walk is usually sufficient if you are not interested.
Protect Your Belongings
Petty theft is often a crime of opportunity. To minimize risk, use cross-body bags, which are harder to snatch, and avoid handing your camera or valuables to strangers you do not trust to return them. It is also highly recommended to buy travel insurance to protect against loss, theft, illness, or cancellations. Becoming familiar with the culture and navigating potential challenges are key steps. For those looking to deepen their understanding or gain inspiration, exploring some of the can be a valuable part of trip preparation.
Avoid Political Demonstrations
Historically, political demonstrations in Egypt can sometimes become unpredictable or volatile. While things were calm during Monica’s visit, it is always wise to stay informed about local events and steer clear of any reported protests or demonstrations.
A balanced approach combining cultural respect with self-assurance proved highly effective for Monica, contributing to her safety in Egypt as well as during her travels elsewhere. It is also important to highlight the numerous warm and welcoming experiences she had, which far outnumbered the few minor negative incidents. For example, she was kindly treated to koshary, the national dish, in a completely friendly context. She also had the opportunity to explore a Bedouin village in the desert and received exceptional assistance from a hotel staff member when heading to the airport. Locals were consistently friendly, helpful, and welcoming, often without being prompted.
Ultimately, Monica had many more positive interactions than negative ones, with no expectation of anything in return. In her opinion, the few negative experiences she encountered were not particularly significant or threatening.
Conclusion
Egypt proved to be far more enjoyable and safe than anticipated for Monica. She would return wholeheartedly without any hesitation. Based on her experience, Traveling In Egypt As A Woman can indeed be a completely safe and rewarding endeavor. While you may encounter some challenges, hassles, or uncomfortable moments, these are often manageable with preparation and awareness.
Crucially, Monica found the Egyptian culture, and Egyptian men in general, to be remarkably welcoming. They genuinely want visitors to appreciate and love their country. By coming prepared, understanding potential situations, and remaining aware of your surroundings, you can significantly enhance your safety and enjoyment. With the right mindset and precautions, Traveling In Egypt As A Woman can be a deeply enriching and memorable experience.
