Is Egypt Safe For Solo Female Travelers? 9 Things Women Need To Know

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Last Updated 36 minutes in the past

Is Egypt protected for solo feminine vacationers?

I’ve been to 50+ countries around the world as a solo feminine traveler, however I’ve to confess, I used to be just a little apprehensive about touring to Egypt alone.

So I booked a 10-day group tour of the nation to start out off with, adopted by some exploring alone.

And I actually need to say that whereas I beloved Egypt and wouldn’t hesitate to return in the future, it was one of the crucial difficult and exhausting nations I’ve ever been to on the identical time.

Overall, I do not assume it is a good vacation spot for almost all of solo feminine vacationers, however that should not discourage you from visiting in any respect.

Here are an important issues it’s best to learn about solo feminine journey and security in Egypt:

1. It’s Safe, But It’s Not For The Faint Of Heart

Egypt is protected for solo feminine vacationers, however I would not suggest it for almost all of ladies.

You ought to solely go to Egypt solo in case you’re extraordinarily assertive, assured, and skilled touring by yourself.

This is not a superb first-time solo travel destination.

While I by no means felt bodily unsafe in Egypt, the fixed staring, feedback, and hassling from males grew tiresome and was in contrast to something I’d skilled elsewhere on this planet.

2. Scams Abound

One factor it’s best to learn about Egypt earlier than you go is that vacationer scams abound.

This will not be a difficulty so long as you come ready and know how you can establish and keep away from scams.

Never get right into a taxi with out agreeing on a worth with the motive force beforehand.

Know that if a vendor gives you a “reward,” it is not really going to be free, so simply ignore them and stroll on by.

And in case you are purchasing within the markets, prepare for some hardcore haggling and by no means comply with the primary (or second, or third) worth you are quoted.

3. You Need To Be Assertive

Egypt is a vacation spot the place it is advisable be in your guard on a regular basis and the place you have to be snug being assertive, even when it feels “impolite.”

If you do not completely ignore distributors on the street or firmly inform them “no” and hold strolling, they are going to comply with you and hold pestering you endlessly.

Don’t fall prey to the high-pressure gross sales techniques that distributors will use as you stroll down the road or by way of markets and keep in mind you possibly can all the time stroll away.

4. Tipping Is A Way Of Life

Tipping is a big a part of the tradition in Egypt, and there is actually no manner round it.

If you go to Egypt on a guided tour as I did, your information will seemingly take up a group of ideas for everybody (mine was $75 per particular person for a 10-day tour) and deal with distributing them to drivers, porters, waiters, and so forth.

To use any restroom in Egypt, you may additionally normally must tip the attendant a small quantity (5 to 10 Egyptian kilos, or $0.10 to $0.20.)

Going again to level #3 above, do not be afraid to push again and say no if somebody like a tour information calls for extra money after you’ve got already tipped them.

5. Dress Conservatively

Egypt was the primary Middle Eastern nation I traveled to, and I knew it could be vital to decorate conservatively.

But remember that in case you’re a overseas girl, dressing conservatively remains to be not going that will help you mix in or keep away from catcalls and fixed hassling.

I all the time wore lengthy clothes (with a sweater or scarf to cowl my chest and shoulders) or flowy pants and a long-sleeved high in Egypt and felt snug.

6. Poverty Is Very Visible In Egypt

Poverty is extraordinarily seen in lots of elements of Egypt, and that is one thing you need to be ready for earlier than you go.

It does not imply that Egypt is unsafe, however it’s one thing that may actually catch you off guard in case you’ve solely seen Instagram-worthy pictures of the nation on-line.

One notably heartbreaking factor that is frequent to see in Egypt is baby beggars.

As terrible of a scenario as it’s, it is best to not give cash to them as a result of it perpetuates the cycle of exploitation — the kids do not get to maintain this cash, and adults are sometimes forcing them to beg.

7. Food Hygiene Is Questionable

As I’ve talked about a number of occasions, Egypt isn’t essentially an unsafe place — it will possibly simply be uncomfortable. Aside from the fixed hassling and scams, I’d say one of many largest points you would possibly face is getting sick.

Food hygiene requirements in Egypt usually are not the identical as they’re within the U.S. or Europe, which might result in many vacationers getting sick.

This is unquestionably a vacation spot the place you may need to journey with loads of Pepto-Bismol and Imodium, and be picky about the place you eat.

You additionally can’t drink the faucet water in Egypt. I like to recommend getting a LifeStraw filtering water bottle. It’s cheaper than shopping for bottled water on a regular basis and higher for the setting.

I actually by no means journey with out mine and I’ve used it to soundly drink the faucet water in so many nations all over the world.

8. There’s Not Much Of A Solo Travel Scene

One factor I discovered attention-grabbing about Egypt is that there is not a lot of a solo journey or backpacker scene.

I feel a part of the rationale I’ve discovered it really easy to journey solo all through nearly all of Central and South America is due to how frequent it’s to remain in hostels, meet different solo vacationers, e-book backpacker actions, and so forth.

This is simply not as a lot of a “factor” in Egypt. So in case you do not journey Egypt solo, you are not lacking out on a lot, which leads me to my remaining tip…

9. Traveling Solo Is Not Necessarily Cheaper

You will not save a ton of cash touring independently in Egypt versus reserving a bunch tour.

There are loads of inexpensive group excursions in Egypt (try firms like G Adventures or Intrepid Travel) that work out to value solely barely greater than in case you had been to try to e-book your personal lodging, transportation, and actions.

I’m not normally one for group excursions, however in Egypt I 100% assume it is the best choice.

It additionally takes away the entire stress of navigating what could be a difficult vacation spot so you possibly can really take pleasure in Egypt.

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Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.