Visit Egypt Solo: ​​Tips and Information

Introduction

I can't deny it: of all the destinations I've traveled to, Egypt is the one where I felt the least safe. If you're planning a vacation in tourist destinations like Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada, you probably won't encounter any problems. However, visiting cities like Cairo or other popular tourist destinations in Egypt could bring you unpleasant surprises that you should know about in advance to minimize the risks.

Don't get me wrong, my intent is not to scare you. Traveling alone in Egypt is absolutely doable, but it requires careful planning and the awareness that it won't always be a smooth trip. On many occasions, you'll have to remain vigilant to avoid scams and uncomfortable situations, but Egypt can give you an unforgettable experience with the right precautions.

It's not a destination for everyone

This is not a matter of personal taste - anyone would be amazed by the majesty of the pyramids. What I want to highlight is the type of person who chooses to travel to Egypt. Unfortunately, one must be aware of the challenges that the country presents, including the inequality of treatment between men and women. As a man, I had no particular problems walking through the streets of the cities, but I cannot guarantee the same level of safety for a female traveler.

Egypt, in fact, faces several social issues, and women traveling alone may find themselves in uncomfortable or even dangerous situations. It is essential for female travelers to take additional precautions, such as dressing conservatively and avoiding isolated areas.

Of course, the advice I am about to give you applies to all travelers, but for women it is important to take additional precautions. In general, I suggest relying on a local guide to navigate the different areas of the city. There are several reliable websites where you can book tours or guided visits with local experts. To start planning your trip, I recommend checking out GetYourGuide or GuruWalk. I used the latter to book tours to the Pyramids of Giza and the Khan El Khalili market in Cairo, and I have to admit I was very happy with it.

How to move (almost) easily

Uber is the answer to everything. It's easy to book a ride, you already know the amount you're going to pay, and you can tell if the driver is honest or not based on reviews. It's not all roses here either. I've had some unpleasant episodes:

• To get back to the airport I took an Uber from downtown Cairo but it was a terrible experience: the driver asked me for way more money than I should have (in cash) during the ride, even though I had already paid with my card through the app. He literally threatened to leave me in the middle of nowhere if I didn't pay. Needless to say I had to argue a lot with the driver and eventually I got to a meeting point.
• Several drivers who ask for a lot of extra money to take you from one place to another.

In general, choose drivers with a rating above 4.9. If they ask for cash, refuse immediately, as they will probably try to ask for more than the amount initially agreed upon. Keep trying until you find an honest driver (most of them are). It may be helpful to inform the driver in advance that you will leave a tip based on the distance of the trip.

If possible, avoid taking taxis. I don't mean to criticize an entire category of workers, but unfortunately many taxi drivers try to take advantage of tourists. Always agree on the price of the ride in advance, perhaps by consulting the Uber app first to get an idea of ​​the cost. Also, make sure the taxi driver is taking the correct route, by monitoring the route via GPS.

The subway is also an option. I have taken it three times and found it to be extremely safe. Also note that there are carriages reserved exclusively for women.

Is it safe to walk alone?

Generally speaking the answer is yes, but it depends a lot on the area you are in. If you are in Cairo, I strongly advise against venturing into areas like Giza or Attaba as it is chaotic. On the contrary, the center of Cairo (around El Tahrir Square) is definitely quieter, although you will still have to deal with some pushy vendors.

Beware of scams

Unfortunately, scams are a real plague in Egypt. I had read several online resources and had an idea of ​​what to expect when I arrived. I admit that the situation is less serious than I thought, but I am a rather shy and cautious person.

In Egypt, you will be asked for extremely high prices for almost everything, whether it is buying a small souvenir or taking a camel ride. To avoid surprises, find out the average prices for various activities in advance and be prepared to bargain.

What to bring when traveling alone

Power bank, spare phone, money distributed in different places (for example, some in the wallet and some in the backpack), passport kept separately from other documents, and paper copies of documents - it may seem excessive, but it is always better to be well prepared. When traveling, you never know what can happen, and meticulous preparation can make the difference.

A more general tip: Avoid bringing huge cameras because the probability of having them confiscated at the airport is very high. Drones on the other hand have been completely banned in the country so they will definitely be confiscated.

Where to stay when traveling alone

If you are traveling alone, hostels can be a great option, especially in Cairo. Not only do they offer affordable accommodations, but they also provide the opportunity to socialize with other travelers and maybe even team up to explore the city together. In Cairo, I stayed at a hostel called Holy Sheet (fun pun intended).

Are the attractions safe?

Honestly? Not entirely. I have had a few unpleasant incidents, such as in Coptic Cairo, where policemen approached me demanding a tip. I am strongly against such practices and have heard of several tourists being detained with invented excuses. To avoid problems, I decided to leave a few cents each time.

Also, having a local guide can make a big difference. With a guide, for example, they didn’t ask for your student ID for a discount at the pyramids and the backpack checks were much less rigorous. I’ve heard completely opposite experiences from solo travelers, so having a guide can really make things easier and minimize issues.

At the Giza pyramids, be prepared for vendors and people who will try to convince you to go on a camel ride. Personally, I didn’t find them particularly pushy, contrary to what you read online. The key is to firmly refuse and not ask further questions unless you’re genuinely interested.

Other attractions like the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel, and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization were completely uneventful.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Egypt offers a unique and fascinating travel experience, but it requires proper preparation and attention to detail. While tourist destinations like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada can be relatively quiet, cities like Cairo present challenges that are worth knowing about in advance. Being vigilant, choosing hostels as your base, and being wary of vendors and scammers can make a big difference. With the right planning and precautions, Egypt can be an unforgettable destination. If you have any questions or feedback, you can leave a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram.

Thank you for reading,

Explorer's Tale.