Is Egypt Safe For Solo Female Travelers? 9 Things Women Need To Know
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Is Egypt protected 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 a bit apprehensive about touring to Egypt alone.
So I booked a 10-day group tour of the nation to begin off with, adopted by some exploring alone.
And I actually must say that whereas I liked Egypt and wouldn’t hesitate to return someday, it was one of the vital difficult and exhausting international locations I’ve ever been to on the similar time.
General, I do not assume 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 an important 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 protected for solo feminine vacationers, however I would not suggest it for almost all of ladies.
It is best to solely go to Egypt solo for those who’re extraordinarily assertive, assured, and skilled touring by yourself.
This is not an excellent 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 would 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 establish and keep away from scams.
By no means get right into a taxi with out agreeing on a value with the motive force beforehand.
Know that if a vendor gives you a “reward,” it is not really 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 you could be in your guard on a regular basis and the place you should be comfy being assertive, even when it feels “impolite.”
When you do not completely ignore distributors on the street or firmly inform them “no” and preserve strolling, they are going to observe you and preserve pestering you endlessly.
Do not fall prey to the high-pressure gross sales ways that distributors will use as you stroll down the road or via markets and keep in mind you possibly can all the time stroll away.
4. Tipping Is A Method Of Life
Tipping is a big a part of the tradition in Egypt, and there is actually no manner round it.
When 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 individual for a 10-day tour) and handle distributing them to drivers, porters, waiters, and so forth.
To make use of any restroom in Egypt, you will additionally normally 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 more cash after you’ve got already tipped them.
5. Gown Conservatively
Egypt was the primary Center Japanese nation I traveled to, and I knew it will be essential to decorate conservatively.
However take into account that for those who’re a overseas girl, dressing conservatively continues to be not going that will help you mix in or keep away from catcalls and fixed hassling.
I all the time wore lengthy attire (with a sweater or scarf to cowl my chest and shoulders) or flowy pants and a long-sleeved prime 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 ought to be ready for earlier than you go.
It does not imply that Egypt is unsafe, however it’s one thing that may actually catch you off guard for those who’ve solely seen Instagram-worthy images of the nation on-line.
One significantly heartbreaking factor that is frequent to see in Egypt is little one beggars.
As terrible of a scenario as it’s, it is best to not give cash to them as a result of it perpetuates the cycle of exploitation — the youngsters 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. Except for the fixed hassling and scams, I’d say one of many largest 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 undoubtedly a vacation spot the place you will wish 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 international locations around the globe.
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 feel a part of the explanation I’ve discovered it really easy to journey solo all through nearly all of Central and South America is due to how frequent it’s to remain in hostels, meet different solo vacationers, e-book backpacker actions, and so forth.
That is simply not as a lot of a “factor” in Egypt. So for those who do not journey Egypt solo, you are not lacking out on a lot, which leads me to my ultimate tip…
9. Touring Solo Is Not Essentially Cheaper
You will not save a ton of cash touring independently in Egypt versus reserving a gaggle tour.
There are many inexpensive group excursions in Egypt (try corporations like G Adventures or Intrepid Travel) that work out to price solely barely greater than for those who have been to try to e-book your personal lodging, transportation, and actions.
I am not normally one for group excursions, however in Egypt I 100% assume it is the most suitable choice.
It additionally takes away the entire stress of navigating what generally is a difficult vacation spot so you possibly can really get pleasure from Egypt.
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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.