Is Egypt Safe For Solo Female Travelers? 9 Things Women Need To Know
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Is Egypt secure for solo feminine vacationers?
I have been to 50+ countries around the world as a solo feminine traveler, however I’ve to confess, I used to be slightly 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 by myself.
And I actually should say that whereas I beloved Egypt and wouldn’t hesitate to return sooner or later, it was probably the most difficult and exhausting nations I’ve ever been to on the similar time.
Total, I do not suppose it is a good vacation spot for almost all of solo feminine vacationers, however that should not discourage you from visiting in any respect.
Listed here are crucial issues it is best to find out about solo feminine journey and security in Egypt:
1. It is Protected, However It is Not For The Faint Of Coronary heart
Egypt is secure for solo feminine vacationers, however I would not advocate it for almost all of ladies.
You need to solely go to Egypt solo if you happen to’re extraordinarily assertive, assured, and skilled touring by yourself.
This is not a superb first-time solo travel destination.
Whereas 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 might skilled elsewhere on this planet.
2. Scams Abound
One factor it is best to find out about Egypt earlier than you go is that vacationer scams abound.
This may not be a difficulty so long as you come ready and know the best way to establish and keep away from scams.
By no means get right into a taxi with out agreeing on a value with the driving force beforehand.
Know that if a vendor presents you a “present,” it is not truly 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 conform to the primary (or second, or third) value you are quoted.
3. You Want To Be Assertive
Egypt is a vacation spot the place it’s essential to be in your guard on a regular basis and the place you have to be comfy being assertive, even when it feels “impolite.”
In case you do not completely ignore distributors on the street or firmly inform them “no” and maintain strolling, they may comply with you and maintain pestering you endlessly.
Do not 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 at all times stroll away.
4. Tipping Is A Method Of Life
Tipping is a large a part of the tradition in Egypt, and there is actually no approach round it.
In case you go to Egypt on a guided tour as I did, your information will probably take up a set 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 make use of any restroom in Egypt, you may additionally often have to 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 have already tipped them.
5. Gown Conservatively
Egypt was the primary Center Jap nation I traveled to, and I knew it will be vital to decorate conservatively.
However remember that if you happen to’re a international girl, dressing conservatively continues to be not going that will help you mix in or keep away from catcalls and fixed hassling.
I at all times wore lengthy attire (with a sweater or scarf to cowl my chest and shoulders) or flowy pants and a long-sleeved high in Egypt and felt comfy.
6. Poverty Is Very Seen In Egypt
Poverty is extraordinarily seen in lots of components of Egypt, and that is one thing you have to be ready for earlier than you go.
It does not imply that Egypt is unsafe, nevertheless it’s one thing that may actually catch you off guard if you happen to’ve solely seen Instagram-worthy photographs of the nation on-line.
One notably heartbreaking factor that is widespread to see in Egypt is youngster beggars.
As terrible of a state of affairs 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. Meals Hygiene Is Questionable
As I’ve talked about a number of instances, Egypt shouldn’t be essentially an unsafe place — it may well simply be uncomfortable. Apart from the fixed hassling and scams, I’d say one of many greatest points you may face is getting sick.
Meals hygiene requirements in Egypt will not be the identical as they’re within the U.S. or Europe, which may result in many vacationers getting sick.
That is positively 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 not drink the faucet water in Egypt. I like to recommend getting a LifeStraw filtering water bottle. It is 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 A lot Of A Solo Journey Scene
One factor I discovered fascinating about Egypt is that there is not a lot of a solo journey or backpacker scene.
I believe a part of the explanation I’ve discovered it really easy to journey solo all through virtually all of Central and South America is due to how widespread it’s to remain in hostels, meet different solo vacationers, ebook backpacker actions, and so forth.
That is simply not as a lot of a “factor” in Egypt. So if you happen to do not journey Egypt solo, you are not lacking out on a lot, which leads me to my remaining tip…
9. Touring Solo Is Not Essentially Cheaper
You will not save a ton of cash touring independently in Egypt versus reserving a bunch tour.
There are many inexpensive group excursions in Egypt (try firms like G Adventures or Intrepid Travel) that work out to value solely barely greater than if you happen to have been to try to ebook your individual lodging, transportation, and actions.
I am not often one for group excursions, however in Egypt I 100% suppose it is the best choice.
It additionally takes away the entire stress of navigating what is usually a difficult vacation spot so you possibly can truly get pleasure from 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, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.