Exploring Egypt: A Solo Woman's Journey

Women travelling alone in Egypt may experience unwanted attention from local men, including catcalling, groping, and sexual harassment. However, many female travellers report feeling safer in Egypt than they expected, and say that Egyptian people are warm and welcoming.

To avoid unwanted attention, it's recommended that women dress modestly, covering their shoulders, chest, and wearing loose-fitting pants and long sleeves. It's also a good idea to carry a light scarf to cover your head when entering mosques or other religious buildings. When travelling, women should try to sit next to other women or families on public transport, and use women-only carriages on the Cairo metro.

Despite safety concerns, Egypt remains a top destination for travellers due to its ancient relics, natural beauty, and opportunities for cultural immersion.

Dressing conservatively and respecting local customs

• Cover your shoulders and cleavage: Avoid wearing sleeveless tops, tank tops, or clothing that reveals too much cleavage. Opt for long sleeves or at least three-quarter-length sleeves.
• Choose the right length: Ensure your clothing covers your knees. Capris or long pants are suitable, but avoid short skirts or shorts.
• Loose-fitting clothing: Favour loose, flowing tops and dresses over tight-fitting clothing. This will help you stay cool in the Egyptian climate and respect local customs.
• Avoid skimpy or revealing clothing: Do not wear skin-tight clothing, plunging necklines, or clothing that emphasises your curves.
• Pack a scarf: Bring a lightweight scarf that you can use to cover your head when visiting mosques or to drape over your shoulders for added coverage.
• Swimwear and beachwear: At hotel pools and beach resorts, you can wear a bikini, but it is polite to cover up with a kaftan or wrap when leaving the pool area. At public beaches outside of tourist resorts, consider wearing a burkini or a swimsuit that covers your body from wrist to ankle.
• Practical footwear: Opt for sturdy, closed shoes, such as walking sandals or sneakers, as the streets in Egypt can be uneven and dusty. Flip-flops are best reserved for the beach and poolside.

In addition to dressing conservatively, here are some other tips for respecting local customs in Egypt:

• Avoid intimate behaviour in public: Public displays of affection, such as kissing and cuddling, are generally frowned upon. Even holding hands is not common among Egyptian couples.
• Be mindful of cultural differences: Avoid wearing white clothing, as it can become transparent in the bright sunlight, revealing your body shape. Additionally, avoid wearing clothing with political slogans or offensive language.
• Respect religious sites: When visiting mosques or other religious sites, cover your hair with a scarf and ensure your clothing covers your body from wrist to ankle. Remove your shoes or wear overshoes provided by the site.
• Gift-giving: When invited to an Egyptian home, it is customary to bring a gift, such as sweet pastries, tea, or sugar.
• Hand gestures: Avoid pointing with your index finger, as it can be considered rude. Instead, use an open hand or gesture with your whole hand.
• Eating etiquette: Egyptians traditionally eat with their right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. Avoid eating or passing food with your left hand.
• Tipping and baksheesh: Tipping is a common practice in Egypt, known as "baksheesh." It is expected for various services, such as waiters, luggage handlers, and even for the luxury of toilet paper in public restrooms. Carry small notes and coins to facilitate tipping, and keep a separate "baksheesh pocket" for ease of access.

Remember that dressing conservatively and respecting local customs will not only make your travels smoother but also show respect for the Egyptian culture and people.

Avoiding travelling alone at night

Egypt is a remarkable country to visit, but as a woman travelling alone, it requires a good amount of caution. The country's society is highly patriarchal, and women often face daily harassment, especially in crowded areas. However, the level of safety can significantly improve if you respect the local norms and dress conservatively.

• It is generally not recommended for solo female travellers to walk alone at night in Egypt.
• In tourist areas, the risk may be lower, but it is still wise to exercise extra precaution.
• In other areas, it is best to avoid nighttime walks altogether due to a lack of street lights in certain districts and occasional harassment.
• Consider hiring a reliable local guide or taking a registered taxi if you must be out after dark.
• Stick to populated, well-lit areas, and avoid commuting alone.
• Limit night-time excursions whenever possible.
• Cultural norms, as well as safety considerations, make it less advisable to wander in the late hours.
• Use a reliable taxi service when travelling at night.
• If you are in Cairo, use a ridesharing app like Uber or Careem, which provides a digital record of your driver.
• If you are in a group, you may feel more comfortable taking the train. First-class tickets are the safest option.

Dealing with unwanted attention and harassment

As a solo female traveller in Egypt, it is important to be aware of the potential for unwanted attention and harassment, and to know how to deal with it. Here are some tips to help you navigate this situation:

• Dress modestly: In Egypt, it is important to dress conservatively to avoid attracting unwanted attention. This means covering your shoulders, chest, and wearing loose-fitting pants or long skirts. A light scarf is also a good idea to cover your head when entering mosques or other religious sites. Blending in with the local crowd can help you avoid undue attention.
• Use women-only transportation: When using public transportation, opt for women-only carriages or cabins whenever possible. In Cairo, for example, the metro has women-only cabins to help you avoid unwanted attention.
• Be cautious when using taxis: Try to arrange taxis through your hotel or use ride-sharing apps like Uber, which many local women consider safer. Always sit in the back seat when travelling alone.
• Stay alert and trust your instincts: Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts if a situation doesn't feel right. If you feel uncomfortable in a particular location, such as a hotel, restaurant, or taxi, leave immediately.
• Decline unwanted invitations: Do not accept invitations from strangers, especially if they offer to show you around or take you out. While most people have good intentions, it is better to be cautious and decline politely if you don't feel safe.
• Ignore catcalling: If you experience catcalling, it is usually best to ignore it and keep walking. If you feel threatened, you can enter a store or bring attention to the situation by saying "Stop!" loudly.
• Be firm and seek help if needed: If someone is pressuring you to do something you don't want to do, stand your ground and firmly refuse. If necessary, enlist the help of others or seek assistance from your hotel or the tourist police by calling 126.
• Be aware of cultural differences: In Egypt, even friendly conversation or eye contact can sometimes be misinterpreted as flirting. Avoid engaging in prolonged conversations with strangers if you don't feel comfortable, and politely decline selfie requests if they make you uneasy.
• Consider wearing a wedding ring: Wearing a wedding ring or even inventing a husband can be a deterrent to unwanted attention.
• Stay in public areas: Try to avoid going to bars alone or walking alone at night. Stay in well-lit, populated areas as much as possible.
• Be cautious when visiting religious sites: Some religious sites, such as mosques, may have specific dress codes or restrictions for women. Respect these rules and cover your head with a scarf if required.

Transport options and safety

If you're a woman travelling alone to Egypt, you may be concerned about navigating the country safely. Here are some transport options and safety tips to consider:

Metro

The metro is a cheap and reliable mode of transportation in Cairo. Women may prefer to use the female-only carriages to avoid unwanted attention. These are usually the first and second, or the fourth and fifth cars, and will be indicated by signs on the platform. However, the metro doesn't cover all tourist destinations, such as the Pyramids or the Cairo International Airport.

Ridesharing Apps

Ridesharing apps like Uber and Careem are available in Cairo and Alexandria. These apps provide a digital record of your driver and can be safer and cheaper than regular taxis. Uber, for example, allows you to share your trip details with loved ones and provides an escalation route if anything goes wrong. However, you will need a local SIM card or WiFi to use these apps effectively.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in Egypt, but negotiating fares can be challenging. Always agree on a price before getting into the taxi, as drivers may try to inflate the price or not use the meter for foreigners. Additionally, be cautious of taxi drivers who may try to take you to shops or other locations you didn't request.

Walking

Walking can be a safe option during the day, especially if you dress conservatively. However, it's recommended to arrange a taxi or rideshare for travelling at night.

Domestic Flights

Egypt Air provides domestic air services to major tourist destinations from its Cairo hub. This can be a more expensive option, but it may be worth considering for longer journeys or if you're short on time.

Trains

Egypt has an extensive railway network, with the main line following the Nile River. Trains are generally safe, and there are sleeper trains available for longer journeys, such as the route from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan.

• Dress appropriately and conservatively to respect Egyptian culture and avoid unwanted attention.
• Always sit in the back seat of taxis and stay alert. Arrange drivers and taxis through your hotel, or use ridesharing apps like Uber, which many local women say is safer.
• Be cautious when engaging in conversation with strangers, as even friendly conversation can sometimes be interpreted as flirting.
• Avoid accepting invitations from strangers to show you around or take you out, unless you feel completely safe.
• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If a situation doesn't feel right, remove yourself from it.
• Be mindful of cultural norms and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan.

Staying safe in tourist areas

Tourism police and army personnel are everywhere in Egypt, and security checkpoints are set up all over the country. While this may be unnerving, it is actually a safety measure. You will be required to show your passport at these checkpoints, so always keep it on you.

When travelling between tourist areas, flying is the safest option. It costs about the same as first-class train tickets.

In Cairo, the metro is a cheap and reliable mode of transport. Women may want to take advantage of the female-only cabins to avoid unwanted attention. These are typically either the first and second cars or the fourth and fifth cars and will be indicated by signage on the platform. However, the metro does not stop at all tourist sites.

Ridesharing apps like Uber and Careem are a good alternative. They provide a digital record of your driver, which can be useful in case anything goes wrong.

If you are travelling outside of cities or ridesharing is not an option, taxis and private drivers are readily available. Always agree on a fare before getting in.

If you are walking, especially in Cairo, be mindful to dress conservatively. Avoid walking alone at night.

Egypt has a reputation for tourist scams. For example, vendors at the Pyramids may offer you a "gift" and then hassle you for payment as you walk away. Never accept a camel ride, taxi ride, or any item without first agreeing on a price.

Keep your phone charged and on you, with a local SIM card or a good way to use the internet. This will help you communicate with others and get help if you need it.

If you feel unsafe, duck into the nearest restaurant, shop, or hotel and ask for assistance. Egyptians are warm and helpful, and they will be more than happy to help.

Frequently asked questions