Egypt : Safety by City
Egypt, or officially – the Arab Republic of Egypt, is located in Africa.
It is a beautiful country with a rich history worth exploring.
Lately, there has been an increased risk of terrorist attacks, so some tourists may get discouraged from visiting.
The ones that go, must visit the Egyptian Museum located in Cairo.
It is a unique walk through time and an opportunity to learn about the history.
Also, there is the largest archeological site in Egypt, cemetery of Memphis that exists for more than 3000 years.
Karnak is a complex dedicated to the glory of pharaohs.
All these places, and many other, are attracting thousands of tourists every year.
Warnings & Dangers in Egypt
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Egypt is a very attractive destination for tourists from around the world. With so many things to see and do, it is no wonder. However, great caution is advised when in Egypt in order to stay safe. The crime rate is going up lately.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Public transport can be a little bit hard to understand for tourists because everything is written in Arabic. The drivers don't respect the rules and pedestrians must wait until it's safe to cross. Some roads are poorly maintained. Be careful.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
Pickpocketing is a very big problem in all tourist areas, including Egypt. Make sure you stay alert in all the crowded places. Keep your belongings close to you and don't let anyone distract you. Stay alert during the entire vacation.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : HIGH
Egypt is susceptible to many natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, rockslides, water scarcity, and sand storms. Over the last 2 decades, natural hazards caused material damage of almost 350 million dollars and the deaths of many people.
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
Mugging in Egypt mostly refers to carjacking by armed criminals. It is very important to cooperate because these people are in most cases interested just in the car. However, if you try to resist it the situation can quickly become dangerous.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
Egypt is at a very high risk of terrorist attacks, so staying vigilant is highly recommended. Avoid political or religious gatherings. Tourists have been targeted in the past, so it is necessary to stay informed during the entire stay and to follow the security protocol in case something like this happens.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
A common scam refers to tours that get charged by a very high price with the promise of a spectacular tour, but the tourist ends up being guided very poorly. It is very important to take only the trusted and recommended guides.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
Female travelers have traveled solo before without any issues. However, dressing politely is a must if you want to stay safe and avoid comments from men on the streets. Make sure you stay alert when going out at night, especially when going to bars.
How Safe Is Egypt for Tourists?
There are many scams that tourists must be aware of when going to Egypt for a vacation.
If you get offered a cheap tour, either there are hidden costs and fees, or you will not get what you signed up for.
Many tourist guides promise to guide the tourists to many stops, but it ends up being a shorter tour.
In addition, camel handlers often offer tourists to take a picture of them by the camel, but request a high price while holding the camera.
It is a common scam, so be very careful not to be tricked into it.
There are also cases when the stranger acts very kindly and offers help to tourists to show them the cheap shop where they can buy interesting things.
After that, they request a fee for the service.
The food is very tasty in Egypt, but be very careful about the prices.
There is often one menu for the locals and the other, more expensive, for the foreigners.
Make sure you ask about the price before ordering the food, otherwise you may end up with a huge bill to pay.
Tourists must be aware of all the dangers in Egypt in order to have a good time and stay safe.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Egypt?
In general, tourists require a visa for visiting Egypt, but there are also visa-exempt countries.
Make sure you check your visa status before making arrangements.
The passport must be valid at least 6 months.
Which Currency Is Used in Egypt?
The official currency is the Egyptian pound.
The symbol is E£.
One U.S. dollar equals 16,03 Egyptian Pounds.
Even though the Egyptian pound is mostly used, American dollars and euros are also accepted.
How's the Weather like in Egypt?
The climate goes from very cold to very hot.
On the northern coast, the climate is Mediterranean and the winter that lasts from December to March is windy, humid and cool.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Egypt?
Egypt has 26 airports in total.
The biggest one is the Cairo International Airport.
It is located 15km away from Cairo, in Heliopolis.
It handles around 16 million passengers per year.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
Tourists are strongly advised to have a travel insurance policy when traveling no matter how long the trip may be.
It should include the coverage for medical expenses, theft, loss of luggage and cancelation.
What Are Some Things to Do in Egypt?
When in Egypt, don’t miss to go and see the Pyramids of Giza.
More than 4000 years old, these pyramids defy the time and still make us wonder how they were built.
Is the Water in Egypt Safe to Drink?
Tap water is drinkable in Egypt, but since it is very chlorinated, its taste is not very good.
Just to be on the safe side, consume bottled water.
It is available everywhere.
Is Uber Safe in Egypt?
Uber is available in Egypt and the market is developing very fast.
The service is available, but there were some complaints that the drivers don’t know how to read online maps.
The company worked hard on educating its drivers.
