Summary
- Egypt is considered safe for solo female travelers, with low crime levels and strong policies to protect women’s privacy and safety. The World Health Organization also recognized Egypt for its low coronavirus spread risk in 2021 due to effective government measures.
- Solo female travelers are advised to dress conservatively, covering shoulders and knees, and to be mindful of their behavior in public. It’s recommended to avoid public displays of affection and to be cautious about engaging in conversations that could be misinterpreted.
- Hiring a travel agency is recommended for the safest and most efficient travel experience. Female travelers should always sit in the back seat of taxis or use women-only carriages in public transportation. Staying in high-rated, secure hotels is also advised.
- In case of harassment, it’s best to ignore it and move on. If the situation escalates, shouting for help or contacting the tourism police is recommended. Booking with a travel agency can provide additional security and support.
- Egypt offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty for solo female travelers to explore. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the ancient ruins of Luxor and Aswan, there are numerous destinations and experiences to enjoy. Hiring a female tour guide can enhance the experience by providing insights into Egypt’s archaeological splendor and rich culture in a comfortable and safe manner.
Top tips for traveling to Egypt as a Solo Woman are key pointers for every female traveler to experience the most comfortable and safest vacation in Egypt. This article’s goal is to provide every woman traveler with all the key information to enjoy the best tour in Egypt. This article was written by the ETP team, which is a highly expert group of tour operators and tour guides who understand how women can stay safe during their time in Egypt.
Every female traveler will find several beautiful destinations to explore, such as Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Sinai, Hurghada, and more hidden gems. Egypt is a piece of heaven made for people who appreciate the value of history, culture, and immortal beauty. Plus, it offers the chance for solo female travelers to feel empowered when they gaze at the history and great constructions made by Egyptian women.
Is Egypt Safe for A Woman?
Many women will ask the golden question, “Is it safe for a woman to travel alone to Egypt?” The answer will always be yes since Egypt is one of the safest travel destinations in the world right now due to the low crime level when compared with the crime rates of many Western countries and strong policies to protect privacy and ensure the safety of all the women both foreign and domestic across the lands of Egypt.
Plus, in 2021, the World Health Organization places Egypt at the lowest level of coronavirus spread Risk worldwide due to the measures taken by the Egyptian government that helped control the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of each traveler, such as cleansing all the visited attractions daily, which helped record the lowest number of infections and the highest number of recovery cases.
A single woman traveler will always find what she is looking for among the great destinations of Egypt, both ancient and new, and create some amazing joyful memories that will remain to the end of time. So here are a few answers to the most common questions about traveling to Egypt as a solo woman and some safety guidelines to know to make your adventure one to remember.
What are the Top Tips for Female Women Travelers in Egypt
- Hiring a travel agency during your tour in Egypt is the safest for a solo woman traveler.
- Research and plan your itinerary in advance with your tour operator, including transportation and accommodations.
- Dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and knees. Wear a long skirt or pants or a T-shirt, but a long-sleeved shirt is ideal. Keep a scarf ready for visiting mosques and religious sites.
- Always sit in the back seat of taxis and stay alert. Arrange drivers and taxis through your Travel agency or use Uber.
- Be mindful of your behavior by avoiding public displays of affection, and be aware of your body language. It’s generally best to avoid loud laughter or speaking too loudly in public.
- Even friendly conversation can sometimes be interpreted as flirting; avoid engaging if you don’t feel comfortable, even if it feels impolite. Politely decline selfie requests if you’re not comfortable.
- Do not accept invitations from friendly strangers.
- Do not eat, drink anything, not even water, or smoke in public during Ramadan, which is considered impolite.
- Trust your instincts and Be aware of your surroundings.
- Wearing a wedding ring or inventing a husband and children may help you to avoid unwanted attention.
- Bring your own sanitary products.
- Leave your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member at home.
- Consider hiring a female tour guide who will illuminate Egypt’s archaeological splendor and rich culture in a comfortable and safe manner.
- Learn some basic Arabic phrases like “Hello” “Thank You” and “no” that can go a long way in showing respect and making your interactions with locals more positive.
- Tell someone like a hotel staff or a friend where you’re going to ensure your absolute safety.
- Make sure to stay updated on current events and travel advisories in Egypt through official government websites or trusted news sources.
- Haggling is part of all markets and bazaars, so every female traveler should do her research beforehand so she knows what a fair price is and is prepared to walk away if the price is not ideal.
Will I be Harassed in Egypt?
Unfortunately, harassment is a universal phenomenon that happens in Egypt as well, so you might face some minor verbal abuse. You have to be careful, and the best way to deal with it is to ignore it and move on with your tour. If you are concerned, the tourism police will always be by your side. Dress modestly and stay away from public and crowded places.
Book with a trusted travel agency that will provide everyone with all the means and coverage to ensure everyone’s security. Make sure to learn Arabic words and keep your tour guide with you all the time, who will provide the most ideal sense of protection. Keep the number of your tour operator and travel agency in direct contact.
How to Deal With Harassment
You simply ignore it and move on with your day. If the harasser is persistent, you can shout and ask for help from the police. That’s why it is good to have a tour guide with you at all times who will prevent any discomfort or harassment. All you have to do is contact your travel agency through the tour guide or tour operator, who will handle the situation immediately.
Booking with a travel agency will make harassment a highly rare encounter, as our staff will be with you every step of the way, thus ensuring everyone has the most incredible adventure in the blessed atmosphere and attractions of this heavenly travel destination.
To Tour or Not to Tour
It is a good idea for women travelers to travel in packs as safety is in numbers. Tours are a chance to explore all the desired highlights of Egypt in an organized, timely fashion. Solo Woman Egypt tours give the full freedom to explore and have less interaction with locals. Tours create a magical and perfect environment to witness all the cultural and archaeological wonders of Egypt in the most entertaining manner.
Plus, they come with all the required services and a team that will work harmonically to make every single moment of your time in Egypt something special. If you believe that booking a tour could limit your freedom, then you are wrong, as there will be plenty of flexibility to create your own adventure and get to live the most epic memories.
Places to Avoid… and Not to Avoid
All the archaeological, natural, and cultural marvels found in all the ethereal cities of Egypt are gems not to be avoided or missed. Cairo and Luxor at night is the place to be as the heat fizzles out and many families stroll to the streets, where all the hidden beauty of the city rises, offering the ultimate unexpected pleasure for all female travelers.
Most of Egypt’s budget hotels are fine for solo women, so make sure to stay in a fully rated and comfortable hotel before making any steps. The key to a safe trip and secure accommodation is to do your own research and choose the ideal tour, suitable accommodations, and fun activities. This will enable everyone to know what to avoid and the best places to be while in the heavenly cities of Egypt.
How to Get Around Egypt as a Female Traveler
Booking with a travel agency will be completely perfect for all female travelers who wish to move with speed, safety, and efficiency to all the magnificent attractions of the golden Egyptian cities. Female travelers can use either a taxi or Uber & Careem because there isn’t any difference between the two in terms of safety. Both Cairo and Alexandria are easy to get around because of the numerous ways of transportation at cheap prices.
Always sit in the back seat if you use a taxi or Uber, and if you use a train or metro, ride the women-only carriages. On all the other public transportation, always sit next to a woman. Make sure that your driver is skilled and knowledgeable of all the streets of Egypt. Plus, Carry a map or download offline maps on your phone for navigating unfamiliar areas.
What to Wear in Egypt as a Solo Girl
Dress Conservatively since Modesty is the best Virtue the key to receiving good treatment and respect.
“What to wear while being in Egypt?” is a very important question, and the answer is that It is advised to always dress modestly while traveling across Egypt as the nature of Egypt is a bit conservative, so always cover your knees, upper arms, and cleavage. When you are about to visit or enter the mosque, cover down your ankles and wrists and put a headscarf on your head to cover your hair. Save all the shorts and singlet for the beach. Loose-fitting and breathable clothes are made with amazing fabrics like cotton or linen that keep you cool in the sun.
Tight or revealing clothing might attract unwanted attention. Covering shoulders and knees is the general standard for men and women in Egypt. Make sure to wear long pants, maxi dresses, skirts below the knee, and loose tunics, which are good options. Having a light scarf is handy for various situations when entering religious sites, protecting yourself from dust, or providing additional modesty when needed. Choose clothes that make you feel confident and respectful without compromising your well-being.
Find Yourself a Safe Hotel: A Home Away from Home
Hotels are the best places to stay as all the entrances are security-checked and secure, so pick a high-rated hotel before traveling to Egypt, which can become your second home while traveling. Make sure to calculate your budget and choose the best-fitting accommodations where every female traveler can relax and be in total safety.
Your booked travel agency will ensure that every female traveler stays at a top-rated, highly reviewed, and safe hotel. Always carry your hotel business information when you are out in case you get lost and want to get home, but your Arabic isn’t good. Trust your gut instinct and avoid situations that will make all female travelers feel uncomfortable.
Book Local Female Guides
All female travelers should consider hiring a female tour guide when they desire to experience a sense of safety when traveling across the streets of Egypt. It is always good to have a local female tour guide with you while traveling across Egypt, as she will understand you completely and make sure that you get everything that you need as a woman. It is always better to be accompanied by a trusted local guide than to be alone, who will provide the most incredible details about Egyptian history.
The key to hiring a good female guide is booking a travel agency that guarantees its level of excellent service. Before booking a tour with a travel agency that provides a female guide, be sure to check reviews and ratings from previous travelers to ensure their credibility and professionalism.
Mark Your Territory
Mark your territory by taking all the steps to be incredibly safe and comfortable. Be Aware of your surroundings, trust your instinct, & plan every step; it is always wise to learn the full details and information about the places that you will be visiting not only on the internet but also on the ground by exploring the government sites, travel blogs, and public forums to learn about the concerned places.
Research the places, attractions, and activities that you plan to visit in Egypt thoroughly before your trip. Understand the local customs, laws, and potential safety concerns in each area to help you make informed decisions. Keep your phone charged and accessible at all times. Learn the names of the tourist places that you intend to visit, plus learn some useful Arabic words like:
- Salam or Marhaba: Hello
- Bettkalm Ingleezi? : Do you speak English?
- Jameel : Beautiful
- Ismi…: My name is…
- Shukran: Thank you
- Afwan: You are welcome (Reply to Shukran)
- Em’shee (go away)
- Lu Samaht (excuse me)
- Aiwa (yes), laa (no), Yalla (lets go)
- Min Fudlak (please