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All the pieces you might want to know to be ready for solo feminine journey in Egypt – together with security ideas and journey recommendation.
Egypt could be a little trickier to journey than many different countries- particularly for those who’re going alone. However it’s additionally a heat, fascinating, and unbelievable nation with a lot to find, and it ought to undoubtedly be on each traveller’s record.
Cairo particularly was overwhelming and chaotic – however fantastic. And regardless of seeing a thousand photographs (and climbing them in Assassins Creed!), nothing ready me for the magic of seeing the pyramids in actual life.
I do know that travelling to Egypt solo can appear daunting. I’ve been travelling the world solo for over a decade, however I used to be nonetheless nervous earlier than visiting Egypt for the primary time this 12 months.
Under, you’ll discover all my journey ideas for solo feminine travellers visiting Egypt for the primary time. Use the contents menu beneath to skip to the sections you want – and be happy to ask questions within the feedback.
Is Egypt Secure for Sole Feminine Travellers?
The quick reply is YES: total, Egypt is secure for solo feminine travellers. Nonetheless, there are some things to concentrate on, which I’ll define beneath.
Regardless of which nation you’re visiting, my recommendation to all solo feminine travellers is to stay vigilant, follow frequent sense, and keep away from harmful conditions. I’ve included some extra particular Egypt solo journey ideas later on this article to assist out.
Crime and Terrorism
Egypt’s crime charge is usually average, however crime nonetheless happens. Scams and pickpocketing are the most typical crimes in opposition to vacationers, however there have additionally been stories of armed robberies, muggings, sexual assaults, and break-ins. Do not forget that these are the exception, not the norm: most travellers to Egypt don’t expertise any issues.
If you might want to report against the law, contact the vacationer police on 126.
READ MORE: Tricks to Keep away from Being Robbed Whereas Travelling
Because the Arab Spring in 2011, there was vital political turmoil in Egypt. Protests and demonstrations happen throughout the nation and have change into violent every now and then. Keep away from any demonstrations and marches.
As of October 2024, the UK authorities’s International Journey Recommendation web site states “Terrorism is a danger throughout Egypt, notably in North Sinai.” It’s price noting, nonetheless, that they are saying the identical factor concerning the USA, and that there’s “a excessive risk of terrorist assault globally”.
In Egypt, there have been cases of terrorist assaults lately, and the authorities have elevated safety measures at vacationer websites and vital journey checkpoints. At all times verify the most recent scenario by way of your native authorities earlier than you journey.
There are some areas in Egypt the place the FCDO advises in opposition to all or “all however important” journey. Nonetheless, these are very distant areas such because the Egypt-Libya border, the place vacationers are extremely unlikely to journey. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Trouble and Harassment
One of many main issues with travelling solo in Egypt that I skilled was trouble from distributors (and infrequently from males) – lots of whom merely wouldn’t depart me alone irrespective of what number of instances I mentioned no.
This was notably rife in Giza, across the pyramids, since there are such a lot of vacationers visiting. We should seem to be “simple prey” to folks promoting souvenirs!
Folks adopted me for as much as twenty minutes making an attempt to get me to purchase one thing. There have been a couple of males who did the identical making an attempt to get me to decide on them as my “Egyptian boyfriend”!
More often than not, these conversations have been lighthearted – however the relentless promoting/following/pestering did really feel aggressive at instances. I discovered that one of the best tactic to cope with this was to easily ignore them and preserve strolling. It felt impolite, however I felt higher after my native information assured me it’s not.
Prime Tip: If you wish to go to a bazaar or market like Previous Cairo Bazaar, it may be price reserving a tour. A information might help you keep away from harassment from distributors – and aid you haggle for a greater value!
Undesirable consideration
As a solo feminine traveller, undesirable consideration from males was an occasional drawback. Fortunately, this was additionally fairly lighthearted more often than not – however I do know that harassment may be a problem. Keep away from going to bars solo or strolling alone at evening: Uber from door to door is the best choice after darkish.
There have been a lot of sexual assaults reported to the British Embassy, mostly within the touristy Purple Sea area and infrequently dedicated by somebody the sufferer had already met.
After I was in Sharm el Sheikh, a couple of guys messaged me on Instagram making an attempt to get me to satisfy up with them. I strongly advocate that you just say no to anybody who does this. Some extra ideas:
- Keep away from sharing your stay location on social media: submit your Instagram tales on the finish of the day.
- Don’t meet up with anybody you don’t know.
- Don’t permit resort workers to enter your room whilst you’re alone.
- Keep away from travelling in taxis alone. Use Uber or activate location sharing by way of WhatsApp for those who’re ever involved.
- Use respected suppliers for excursions and excursions.
- Verify critiques earlier than reserving. Get Your Information are my favorite place to search out excursions as a result of the critiques are verified – search for excursions which have excessive rankings from over 100 reviewers.
Well being and Hygiene
Beware the “Pharoe’s Revenge” – aka “traveller’s diarrhoea“. That is not at all particular to Egypt, however the nation has a popularity amongst travellers as a spot the place getting hit with a tummy bug is frequent.
The primary tip is to keep away from consuming faucet water. Use bottled water to brush your enamel, keep away from regionally made ice cubes (most locations use secure, store-bought ice), and avoid sliced fruit and salad leaves which may have been washed in faucet water.
Prime Tip: My Water-to-Go filter bottle was my BEST FRIEND on this journey – take a look at my overview for a 15% low cost.
The NHS advocate that you’ve got a Poliomyelitis and Tetanus vaccination for journey to Egypt. Should you stay within the UK you’ve most likely already had these, however make an appointment along with your GP for those who’re unsure.
What to Put on
I like to recommend loose-fitting, comfy clothes: costume in mild layers to guard in opposition to the solar.
If you wish to keep away from attracting undesirable consideration, keep on with lengthy clothes/skirts and trousers and keep away from issues like sizzling pants, cropped tops and really low necklines. Though a lady’s selection of clothes ought to by no means be an excuse for poor behaviour, the actual fact is that in some components of the world, sure clothes decisions can entice the mistaken form of consideration.
I primarily wore maxi clothes and wide-leg cropped trousers, with sleeves that coated my shoulders (largely for defense from the solar). If I wore a vest, I teamed it with a unfastened shirt or saved a shawl over my shoulders.
Cozy footwear are a should for sightseeing, particularly on the historical websites. The bottom is uneven and infrequently sandy – and also you’ll be doing a number of strolling. Closed-toe, comfy trainers or strolling footwear are your finest wager. In cities, I wore my Converse trainers – in Sharm el Sheikh, flip flops and sandals have been high-quality.
Prime Tip: Cross-body baggage are normally the most secure possibility. Contemplate an anti-theft bag made with slash-proof supplies – like those from Travelon.
Ideas for Solo Feminine Journey in Egypt
Get a Native SIM or eSIM
Get a neighborhood pre-paid SIM card or an eSIM so you’ll be able to keep on-line whilst you’re in Egypt (useful for on-line maps, translations, ordering Ubers, and many others).
The primary suppliers in Egypt are Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat and WE. You should purchase a pre-paid SIM at most airports, together with Cairo and Hurghada. Orange’s Holidays plan begins from 200 EGP (roughly £3 / $4).
Personally, I desire eSIMs: you’ll be able to obtain them to your telephone so there’s no want to alter SIM playing cards over. They’re normally a bit dearer, however you’ll be able to set it up earlier than you arrive in Egypt after which activate the sim as quickly as you land – so you will get on-line immediately with none faff!
Airalo: From £5.50 / $7 (1GB, 7 days). Use code EMILY9237 to get £2.50 off your first buy.
Nomad: From £4.50 / $6 (1GB, 7 days). Use code EMIL96SV to get 25% off your first buy.
Study the native emergency numbers
Memorise or save these in your telephone, in case of an emergency.
Vacationer Police: 126
Police: 122
Ambulance: 123
Have good journey insurance coverage
I can’t stress sufficient the significance of journey insurance coverage. Should you encounter a problem – whether or not it’s a cancelled flight (fairly frequent with Egypt’s inner airways) or a medical emergency – you need that coated.
I like to recommend Security Wing Journey Insurance coverage – they’ve insurance policies particularly for long-term travellers, digital nomads, and backpackers, and supply good cowl for extra adventurous forms of journey.
Keep away from travelling at evening
Keep away from taking public transport at evening or strolling alone in metropolis/city centres after darkish. Should you do journey at evening, for instance on an in a single day bus, take further care along with your belongings and keep away from being the final particular person left on board.
Extra security ideas for feminine travellers
- Keep away from sharing your stay location on social media: submit your Instagram tales on the finish of the day.
- Don’t meet up with anybody you don’t know.
- Don’t permit resort workers to enter your room whilst you’re alone.
- Keep away from travelling in taxis alone. Use Uber or activate location sharing by way of WhatsApp for those who’re ever involved.
- Use respected suppliers for excursions and excursions.
READ MORE: Methods to Shield Your Valuables whereas Travelling
Use Uber to get round – particularly in Cairo
The general public transport system in Cairo is fairly first rate and really low-cost – however whilst a seasoned solo traveller, I discovered it a little bit overwhelming. Uber is definitely extremely reasonably priced and made it a lot simpler to navigate the town.
You must keep away from taking taxis alone, particularly at evening – Uber is a a lot safer possibility due to its built-in security options and site monitoring.
Prime Tip: Arrange Uber’s Security options prematurely. You possibly can arrange a PIN verification, change on security check-ins, and add a trusted contact with whom you’ll be able to shortly share your location and journey standing for those who’re involved.
Don’t keep within the Giza space of Cairo
It was nice waking as much as a view of the pyramids, however the neighbourhood felt a little bit sketchy at evening. Just a few folks I’ve spoken to have mentioned the identical.
I don’t suppose Giza is especially harmful – nevertheless it felt a little bit extra run-down than different components of Cairo. It’s additionally a really touristy space, so all of the locals I encountered right here gave the impression to be making an attempt to promote me one thing – typically fairly aggressively.
I truly spend a couple of nights in Giza with none incidents (apart from a man hitting on me in an unpleasantly “not-taking-no-for-an-answer” kind of manner). However for those who’re new to solo journey or feeling nervous, I believe you would possibly discover the neighbourhood a little bit overwhelming.
E book excursions – particularly for the pyramids and different historical websites
Often, I’m a giant fan of exploring by myself. That’s what I did all through most of my journey – and I had a good time discovering the nation. Nonetheless, for those who’re nervous about visiting Egypt as a solo feminine traveller, reserving a couple of excursions could make exploring simpler.
It’s quite a bit smoother to get round with a information and a driver, so you’ll probably see extra – and have a greater understanding of what you’re taking a look at. Plus, a information is normally glad to take photographs of you (I’ve dozens of foolish poses with the Sphinx!)
Having a information was additionally nice as a result of the distributors at vacationer websites left me alone. Once they wouldn’t, my information at all times stepped in!
Verify critiques and ensure you’re reserving a tour firm with a great popularity – you need a information who truly is aware of their stuff. Get Your Information has a couple of female-guided excursions in Egypt – these have been good and I’d extremely advocate reserving one for those who’re visiting Egypt as a solo feminine traveller:
- Cairo: Feminine-Guided Pyramids, Bazaar, and Museum Tour – from £34.29pp / $45pp. I booked this one and extremely advocate it – click on right here to verify newest costs and availability.
- Full-Day Feminine-Guided Journey to Alexandria – from £50.67pp / $66.50 – click on right here.
- The corporate that ran my female-guided tour, Ocean Air Travels, additionally organized a non-public tour of Alexandria with a feminine information for me. Should you contact them instantly, they can supply a feminine information for any of their different journeys.
Keep in mind: it’s not impolite to be a bit impolite!
I discovered one of the best ways to deal with undesirable interactions (normally males) and pushy salespeople was to say “no thanks” as soon as after which simply keep silent.
A variety of distributors wish to ask questions like “the place are you from”, and when you’ve engaged, they have an inclination to not cease! My intuition was to reply simply to be well mannered – nevertheless it felt like as quickly as I engaged even within the slightest, they wouldn’t depart me alone till I purchased one thing. See the above part on “Trouble and Harassment” for more information.
It went in opposition to all of my British politeness to ignore and preserve strolling, nevertheless it was the simplest solution to keep away from being aggressively bought to!
E book in some downtime
Journey in Egypt may be irritating and overwhelming at instances – while nonetheless being a number of enjoyable. When you have time, I’d advocate reserving a few days at a pleasant resort or resort for some chill time. I liked my keep at Domina Coral Bay in Sharm el Sheikh.
Don’t be scared 💕
Whilst a seasoned solo traveller, I used to be nervous about heading to Egypt alone… however I liked it.
Most people I met have been so heat and pleasant. Tourism has nonetheless nowhere close to recovered since Covid and lots of people I interacted with, particularly in vacationer companies, have been delighted to welcome me to their nation. And it truly is a ravishing nation – filled with historical past, fable, and marvel.
So please don’t let the above warnings put you off. I actually imagine that so long as you make smart decisions, take the appropriate precautions and use your frequent sense, try to be completely secure travelling solo in Egypt.
Fast Abstract: Egypt Solo Feminine Journey
- Get a neighborhood pre-paid SIM or eSIM (use my referral codes above for a reduction)
- Study the native emergency numbers
- Have good journey insurance coverage
- Use Uber to get round – particularly at evening – and wait inside till the automobile arrives.
- Don’t keep in Giza
- E book excursions for the main points of interest (look out for excursions with feminine guides)
- Don’t have interaction with distributors simply to be well mannered. It’s not impolite to stroll away!
As I’ve mentioned above: don’t let the warnings make you too nervous or put you off visiting Egypt. It is a stunning nation with a lot fascinating historical past to uncover – to not point out scrumptious meals, a novel tradition, and beautiful landscapes.
Travelling in Egypt may be trickier than different international locations. Town centres are chaotic, the general public transport is usually problematic (I had a number of trains cancelled), and the distributors at vacationer sights are sometimes greater than a little bit over-zealous.
However on the entire, Egypt is secure for solo feminine travellers – so long as you utilize frequent sense, keep vigilant, take care, and keep away from harmful conditions!
Received a query about solo feminine journey in Egypt? Scroll down to go away a remark and I’ll attempt to assist!
Solo Feminine Journey Assets
Airalo – Purchase a pre-paid eSIM to your vacation spot to get on-line with out roaming charges. Use code EMILY9237 to get £2.50 off your first buy.
UK Authorities’s Journey Recommendation – All essentially the most up-to-date recommendation about entry necessities and visas for all locations (for British residents).
Match For Journey – The NHS journey recommendation web site. Search by vacation spot to see what vaccinations are wanted and verify for any well being points you want to concentrate on.
Security Wing Journey Insurance coverage – One of the best insurance coverage for long-term travellers, digital nomads, and backpackers.
Hostelworld – One of the best place to seek for hostels & funds lodging.
Reserving.com – One of the best reserving web site for all sorts of lodging. It normally has the bottom costs and the widest vary.
Get Your Information – My favorite web site for reserving excursions. It has a incredible vary of choices all around the world.
Uncover Automobiles – Simply seek for and e book automobile rent all over the world. Consists of rankings/critiques for every automobile rent firm.
XE Foreign money App – Easy foreign money conversions (works offline as soon as synced) Apple | Android
Maps.Me – Much like Google Maps, besides it really works offline (when you’ve downloaded the map). Apple | Android
