Egypt Travel and Safety Tips! While the country is safe for traveling and very welcoming to tourists, it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure a fun-filled vacation without incident.
By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist
Ancient civilizations, exotic culture, fascinating history and stunning architecture make
Ancient civilizations, exotic culture, fascinating history and stunning architecture make Egypt one of the most desirable destinations in the world to visit. However, it’s also one of the most avoided places by travelers. In recent years the country has experienced high levels of political turmoil, violent protests and deadly terrorists attacks, causing tourism to drastically decline.
Egypt Travel Safety Tips: It’s true that certain regions of Egypt, like the North Sinai, aren’t safe to travel in, but there are dangerous areas in every country. That said, I finally pushed aside my concerns and went to Cairo, Giza and Memphis and had the perfect dream vacation. Single females traveling alone will elicit unwanted attention, so I hired a tour company to help eliminate any issues and I’m happy I did.
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Egypt Travel Safety Tips: Travellers Egypt arranged my entire trip from flights to ground transportation, hotel and private tours. In addition, a representative from the company was with me at all times, so I didn’t worry about anything and I was shielded from the harassment that solo women tourists can be subjected to.
Pyramids of Gizain Egypt Photo by: Heather Newgen
Locals are incredibly friendly and appreciate tourists so you will be welcomed. Here’s a few tips to plan your Egypt adventure and help ensure your safety.
1. Before booking your flights check the U.S. Department of State for travel warnings and updates.
2. Always sign up for the free S.T.E.P. program with the U.S. State Department that notifies the nearest U.S. Embassy where you are abroad in case of an emergency while traveling. You will also receive the most updated information on the country you’re visiting.
3. Traffic is crazy so don’t attempt to drive. I’ve never seen anything like it and pedestrians will dart in between the fast moving cars, which I also don’t recommend doing. When I was there I literally saw a man who was crossing the street get hit by a car. He was okay, but it was the most terrifying thing, so be careful when walking near traffic. In addition, allow an hour or two to get to where you’re going because traffic is so bad. Rush hour is every hour.
Mosque of Muhammad Aliin Egypt Photo by: Heather Newgen
4. Have wipes or toilet paper with you. Many restrooms don’t have paper towels, hand dryers or toilet paper.
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5. Most shops will offer you complimentary tea or coffee. It’s a Middle Eastern gesture of hospitality so enjoy! It’s delicious.
6. All places accept American dollars or you can by credit card, including AMEX. So you don’t need to exchange money–I didn’t.
Pyramids of Gizain Egypt Photo by: Heather Newgen
7. Local children who are from smaller towns around Cairo will swarm you and ask for a selfie so be prepared. It didn’t bother me, but it was a little overwhelming at times because of the amount of photo requests I would get. There would be large groups of children on field trips in Cairo and anytime they’d see an American or Caucasian, they’d be so excited.
Egypt Travel and Safety Tips!
8. Animal abuse is very common and hard to see. I was sick at times watching how owners treated their livestock. Don’t ride the donkeys or camels at the Pyramids of Giza because they’re horribly mistreated. I saw a camel being beaten by a chain and blood was gushing down his face. I ran over there and stopped the abuse, but it happens quite frequently and if tourists say something then hopefully it will stop. However there is an area not far from the pyramids where you see the most amazing views and the camels are treated properly. You will see them grazing on grass, they have water and look happier. So if you want that Instagram shot of you on a camel with the pyramids in the background, go there. Always be wary of animal attractions and don’t ride or take photos on animals that are chained, look frail or mistreated.
Giza Photo by: Heather Newgen
9. Everyone smokes–I mean everyone. It’s legal in restaurants and in stores. Oftentimes employees will have a cigarette while working, so if you’re someone who is sensitive to the smoke beware.
Egypt Travel and Safety Tips
10. There is Uber in Cairo!
Heather Newgen at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
11. All hotels have safety measures like guests going through metal detectors upon entry and cars are checked for explosive devices with bomb sniffing dogs.
12. Cairo has a lively nightlife scene, but many bars close at midnight unless they have a tourism license, which allows them to stay open later. Traditional Egyptian are mostly men and women, especially solo female travelers will be subjected to a lot of unwanted attention and at times unwelcomed lewd comments. Western bars are usually located in 5 star hotels and women do not encounter the same level of harassment.
Egypt Travel Safety Tips
13. Public displays of affection are generally not viewed as acceptable. You will see younger couples hold hands, but anything more is considered disrespectful. No kissing or hugging in public, so cut down on the PDA. Some Egyptian women won’t shake hands with men they don’t know so be mindful when around others.
View of city from the Pyramids of Giza Photo by: Heather Newgen
14. The customer service in Cairo is exceptional from my experience. Locals wants travelers to feel valued and they cater to your every need.
Egypt Travel and Safety Tips!
15. The exchange rate is great and your money will go far. Things are very inexpensive. You should bargain with street vendors but be fair. Egypt is a poor country and this is how people make a living.
16. Get your visa ahead of time so you won’t have to at the airport when you arrive in Egypt. Sometimes it can take a long time and the visa requirements always chance, so it’s better to get it in advance. For people who live in Los Angeles you can go to the Egyptian Consulate. It takes about five days to approve. Or you can mail your passport to the consulate. For more information click here.
Egypt Travel and Safety Tips!
17. Taking photos of military personal and public buildings like train stations, police stations is prohibited. Also snapping pics inside many tombs and museums isn’t allowed. Read the signs carefully.
Memphis, Egypt
18. Standard tipping is 10%. You will see a service charge on your bill, but that goes to the restaurant and not the server. Also anyone helping you with luggage, directions, photos or any type of service will expect a couple of bucks or For taxis you agree on the price ahead of time–or you should. So tipping isn’t as customary, but if you have exceptional service you should round up or leave a little extra.
For full day guides it’s suggested to leave 100 LE
For drivers 50 LE, but I give more because traffic is so crazy and they’re job is incredibly challenging.
19. Drinking alcohol on the streets is illegal so don’t do it.
Egypt Travel and Safety Tips!
20. Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country so out of respect for the culture, you shouldn’t wear tank tops except for at popular tourist sights. However, you should bring a scarf or long-sleeved shirt to cover up after leaving the sight. Women should also wear skirts below the knees and longer pants. At tourist resorts it’s okay to wear shorts. Cairo is a very modern city, but still practices traditional customs and values.