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 somewhat 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 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 identical time.
Total, 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 below are crucial issues it is best to learn 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 advocate it for almost all of girls.
You need to solely go to Egypt solo should you’re extraordinarily assertive, assured, and skilled touring by yourself.
This is not 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 the planet.
2. Scams Abound
One factor it is best to learn about Egypt earlier than you go is that vacationer scams abound.
This may not be a problem so long as you come ready and know easy methods to determine 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 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 buying within the markets, prepare for some hardcore haggling and by no means comply with 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 worthwhile to be in your guard on a regular basis and the place you should be snug being assertive, even when it feels “impolite.”
Should you do not completely ignore distributors on the street or firmly inform them “no” and maintain strolling, they’ll comply with you and maintain 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 by way of markets and keep in mind you possibly can at all times stroll away.
4. Tipping Is A Approach Of Life
Tipping is a big a part of the tradition in Egypt, and there is actually no method round it.
Should you go to Egypt on a guided tour as I did, your information will doubtless take up a set of suggestions for everybody (mine was $75 per particular person for a 10-day tour) and maintain 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 might be necessary to decorate conservatively.
However remember the fact that should you’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 snug.
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 should you’ve solely seen Instagram-worthy photographs of the nation on-line.
One significantly heartbreaking factor that is widespread to see in Egypt is baby 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 occasions, Egypt is just not essentially an unsafe place — it might simply be uncomfortable. Other than the fixed hassling and scams, I might say one of many greatest points you would possibly 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 need to journey with loads of Pepto-Bismol and Imodium, and be picky about the place you eat.
You additionally can’t 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 surroundings.
I actually by no means journey with out mine and I’ve used it to securely 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 virtually all of Central and South America is due to how widespread it’s to remain in hostels, meet different solo vacationers, guide backpacker actions, and so forth.
That is simply not as a lot of a “factor” in Egypt. So should you do not journey Egypt solo, you are not lacking out on a lot, which leads me to my closing 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 should you had been to attempt to guide 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 all the stress of navigating what generally is 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, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.