A lot of travellers are currently concerned about the Coronavirus at this moment and rightly so - there are a growing number of cases in Egypt and travel there is not possible at the moment. We will provide updates here as the situation changes and we are able to restart our tours to the country. You can also follow the official site of the WHO and government travel advice for more information.
This article concentrates on general safety in Egypt.
The question here though isn't whether or not you should visit this prominent country but rather is it safe to visit? The short answer: Yes, Egypt is safe! However, for the long answer, carry on reading.
A lot of travellers are currently concerned about the Coronavirus at this moment and rightly so - there are a few cases and its advised that travelling isn't the best idea at the moment. The best advice we can give you is to consult the official site of the WHO for further information or contact your embassy.
After many years of turmoil and especially the November revolution in 2011 tourist numbers dropped but years went on, the political situation died down.
2018 was the first year that saw a significant increase in tourism and a renewed interest in Egypt and its safety for travellers.
Cairo is an incredible city, but pretty much one big maze - here's where we would recommend a tour guide. It's quite easy to get lost on the big markets and as a fair-skinned traveller, you might get quite some attention.
But is it safe to go to the markets in Cairo at night? Yes, pretty much.
Some locals might be staring at you and apart from local vendors and café owners trying to sell you something, its pretty much as safe as it can get.
A good tip to remember is that there is safety in numbers - if you are a small group, your biggest fear is getting lost. If you do, just call one of the ever-present taxis and ask them to get you to your hotel.
If you are not brave enough to take on Cairo, Luxor or Aswan on your own, we recommend hiring a local guide. He will be your safety shield, know what to do in each situation and keep you from falling for scams.
Generally speaking, Egypt is safe for solo female travellers as well but, keep in mind that as a woman, you should stick to dressing conservatively.
There are a few reports of harassment, but that the reality is that this is neither uncommon nor unheard of no matter where you go.
Egypt is full of hawkers and shop owners. So, is it safe to visit the Pyramids in Egypt? Again, yes, but stick to one very important golden rule: Don't talk to the locals and don't tell them where you're from - just say "no thank / la shukran" in a friendly way and move on.
Vendors will start a conversation by asking your name and where you are from. From there, they will invite you to check out their offers and then they will make you a present. "Take it. Is present.". Don't. Walk away. The "present" will be free, but incidentally, the vendor's sister will be marrying tomorrow, and she'll somehow be offended if you don't chip in some money for her dowry.
In Cairo, locals will offer you to show you a shortcut - this is quite a tempting offer, but just another scam. In the best case, they will expect a tip.
Handing your camera to a local, especially around the Pyramids, might not be a good idea either. They will appear to be helpful and then ask a big tip for taking the pictures.
Money changing tricks are also abundant. Mostly, you are asked to change coins into bills. And always change money at a local bank or withdraw it directly from the ATM. Nothing good will come from changing money from a local for a "good rate".
Driving with local taxis can be a problem - the older taxis don't have meters, and if they don't - prearrange a price beforehand, but always leave a small tip. Sometimes they will try to add a fee for extra persons or extra baggage, etc.
Don't get the wrong impression - Egypt is by far not the only country where tourists are being scammed, you'll pretty much have scamming issues everywhere you go.
As a traveller its always best to do your research on the place you visit and Egypt like any other country isn't perfect - there will be scammers here and there or whatever the case may be but if you're wary about your surroundings it will be the best vacation ever.
Have a look at our Egypt tours.
This 13-day tour explores cosmopolitan Istanbul and the ancient sites of Troy, Pergamum and Ephesus, features a 3-night cruise in the Gulf of Fethiye on board a traditional Turkish gulet and explores the fantastic scenery of Cappadocia.
Type
Days
Price
Shoestring
13
From
£1597
£1699
CAMPING OR ACCOMMODATED. This two week adventure takes you through the magnificent Lakes and Wildlife parks of Kenya, across Uganda and the Equator, and up into the jungle trekking to see chimpanzees & visit the mountain gorillas
Type
Days
Price
Overland
15
From
£2609
£2899
Need some travel inspiration or looking for some handy travel tips? Our blog provides excellent insight into our travel destinations - from tour updates to country guides, packing lists to little known things to do, you'll find it all in our travel blog.