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Is Egypt safe for solo female travelers?
I’ve been to over 50 countries around the world as a solo female traveler, but I have to admit I was a little apprehensive about traveling to Egypt alone.
That’s why I booked a 10-day group tour through the country to start with, followed by some exploration of my own.
And I have to say that honestly, while I loved Egypt and I wouldn’t hesitate to return one day, it was one of the most challenging and tiring countries I have ever been to at the same time.
Overall, I don’t think it’s a good destination for the majority of solo female travelers, but that definitely shouldn’t stop you from going there.
Here are the most important things you need to know about solo travel and safety for women in Egypt:
1. It’s safe, but not for the faint of heart
Egypt is safe for solo female travelers, but I wouldn’t recommend it for the majority of women.
You should only go to Egypt if you are extremely assertive, confident and experienced in traveling independently.
This is not a good destination for a first-time solo trip.
Although I never felt physically unsafe in Egypt, the constant staring, commentary and fussing from men became tiring and unlike anything I had experienced elsewhere in the world.
2. Scams abound
One thing you should know about Egypt before you go is that there are a lot of tourist scams.
This won’t be a problem as long as you are prepared and know how to identify and avoid scams.
Never getting into a taxi without agreeing a price with the driver in advance.
Know that if a seller offers you a ‘gift’, it won’t actually be free, so just ignore him or her and walk by.
And if you’re shopping at the market, be prepared to do some hardcore haggling and never agree to the first (or second, or third) price you’re quoted.
3. You must be assertive
Egypt is a destination where you have to be constantly on your guard and feel comfortable being assertive, even if it feels ‘rude’.
If you don’t completely ignore the sellers on the street or say a firm “no” and move on, they will follow you and harass you endlessly.
Don’t fall prey to the high-pressure sales techniques that salespeople will use as you walk down the street or through markets, and remember that you can always walk away.
4. Tipping is a way of life
Tipping is a big part of the culture in Egypt, and you really can’t ignore it.
If you visit Egypt on a tour like I did, your guide will probably collect a collection of tips for everyone (mine was $75 per person for a 10-day tour) and make sure they are distributed to drivers, porters, waiters, and so on .
To use a restroom in Egypt, you usually also need to tip the attendant a small amount (5 to 10 Egyptian pounds, or $0.10 to $0.20).
Going back to point 3 above, don’t be afraid to push back and say no if someone like a tour guide asks for more money after you’ve already tipped him or her.
5. Dress conservatively
Egypt was the first Middle Eastern country I traveled to, and I knew it would be important to dress conservatively.
But keep in mind that if you are a foreign woman, dressing conservatively still won’t help you stand out or avoid swear words and constant fuss.
In Egypt, I always wore long dresses (with a sweater or scarf to cover my chest and shoulders) or flowy pants and a long-sleeved top and felt comfortable.
6. Poverty is very visible in Egypt
Poverty is extremely visible in many parts of Egypt, and this is something you should be prepared for before you go.
It doesn’t mean Egypt is unsafe, but it’s something that can really catch you off guard if you’ve only seen Instagram-worthy photos of the country online.
A particularly heartbreaking phenomenon that is common in Egypt is child beggars.
No matter how terrible the situation is, it is best not to give them money as this perpetuates the cycle of exploitation. The children are not allowed to keep this money, and adults often force them to beg.
7. Food hygiene is questionable
As I have said several times, Egypt is not necessarily a country unsafe place – it can just be uncomfortable. Apart from the constant hassles and scams, I would say one of the biggest problems you may face is getting sick.
Food hygiene standards in Egypt are not the same as in the US or Europe, which can lead to many travelers becoming ill.
This is definitely a destination where you’ll want to travel with lots of Pepto-Bismol and Imodium and be picky about where you eat.
You also cannot drink the tap water in Egypt. I recommend getting one LifeStraw filter water bottle. It’s cheaper than always buying bottled water and better for the environment.
I literally never travel without mine and I have used it to drink safe tap water in so many countries around the world.
8. There’s not much of a solo travel scene
One thing I found interesting about Egypt is that there isn’t really a solo travel or backpacker scene.
I think part of the reason why I found it so easy to travel alone through almost all of Central and South America is that it is so common to stay in hostels, meet other solo travelers, book backpacker activities, and so forth.
This is just not so much of a “thing” in Egypt. So if you not If you travel alone through Egypt you won’t miss much, which brings me to my final tip…
9. Traveling solo is not necessarily cheaper
You won’t save much money if you travel through Egypt independently, compared to booking a group tour.
There are plenty of affordable group tours in Egypt (check out companies like G-adventures or Travel fearlessly) which only cost slightly more than if you tried to book your own accommodation, transport and activities.
Normally I’m not into group travel, but in Egypt I 100% think this is the best option.
It also takes all the stress out of navigating a potentially challenging destination so you can actually do it to enjoy Egypt.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
