How safe is Cairo to walk around?

Cairo is generally safe to walk around during the day in popular tourist areas like Zamalek, Downtown, and Giza, but requires high caution, especially at night. While violent crime is low, petty theft (pickpocketing, purse snatching) and harassment are common. Visitors should exercise high caution, dress modestly, and use Uber instead of walking late.

Is it safe to walk the streets of Cairo?

Cairo is generally safe for tourists right now, especially in major tourist areas such as Giza, downtown Cairo, Zamalek, and along the Nile, where security is visible and tourism is closely monitored.

Is it safe to walk at night in Cairo?

Tourists should exercise extra care when they are out late at night. The streets of Cairo can be dangerous at any time of day, but more so at night. Tourists, and especially female tourists, should take taxis rather than walk around the city at night.

Where to avoid in Cairo?

Some of Cairo's worst neighborhoods to stay in while visiting are given here, and why it may be better to look elsewhere.

• Shubra. Overview. ...
• Imbaba. Overview. ...
• Mohandiseen. Overview. ...
• Dar El-Salam. Overview. ...
• Heliopolis (Certain Parts) Overview. ...
• Maadi (Some Areas) ...
• Zamalek (Less Desirable Corners) ...
• Nasr City (Certain Areas)

What is the most common crime in Cairo?

Crime levels in Cairo and Alexandria are moderate. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Harassment of women, including foreigners, is a problem in Egypt.

Egypt Tour Was NOT What We Expected (I wish they told us...)

Do and don'ts in Cairo?

In Cairo, DO dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees, wear loose clothes), use Uber/Careem for transport, bargain in markets, drink bottled water, tip generously (baksheesh), and visit sites early; DON'T drink tap water, display public affection, take photos without permission, wear revealing clothes (especially at religious sites), or engage with obvious scammers. Respect local customs by dressing conservatively, particularly at mosques and churches, and be mindful of strong sun and potential scams.

Is it safe to stay near the pyramids?

Is it safe to visit the Pyramids? The Giza Plateau is one of the safest parts of Cairo, with a heavy security presence monitoring the entirety of the Pyramids and Sphinx, all roadways leading to the area, and all entrances.

What to do in downtown Cairo at night?

8 of the Best Ways to Spend a Night in Cairo

• Opera House. The Cairo Opera House is Egypt's premiere performing arts center. ...
• Al-Tannoura Egyptian Heritage Dance Troupe. ...
• Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Center. ...
• Felucca by Night. ...
• Dinner Nile Cruise. ...
• Muizz Street (Bayt al-Suhaymi) ...
• Pyramids Sound and Light Show. ...
• Cairo Tower.

How can I avoid petty theft in Cairo?

Be mindful of your belongings: Like any tourist destination, Egypt has its share of petty theft and scams. Keep your belongings secure, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid flashing valuables in public. Avoid traveling alone at night: Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night.

What should I wear to be respectful in Cairo?

Modesty is Key: Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country with conservative dress norms. Dressing modestly is important, especially for women. This means covering your shoulders, chest, and knees. For men, avoiding shorts and sleeveless shirts in public areas is advisable.

What is tipping etiquette in Egypt?

Plan to tip around 10-15% in Egyptian restaurants. However, the exact tip amount when eating out in Egypt depends on the place, occasion, and order size. It's customary to give your waiter or waitress a slightly higher tip than you would a bartender, as they are likely sharing their tip with the kitchen staff.

What are the high-risk areas in Egypt?

Exercise a high degree of caution in Egypt overall due to the threat of terrorism, including to the following areas:

• Cairo and the Nile Delta area, including Qena, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, Aswan and Abu Simbel.
• the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matrouh.
• Siwa via the Marsa Matrouh-Siwa Road.

What is the safest place in Cairo?

Garden City - Quiet With Riverside View

It's also close to many of Cairo's top attractions, yet it offers a quieter experience and better Nile views than bustling downtown. This neighborhood is home to several foreign embassies. So, the vibe here may make you feel much safer.

Where to avoid in Egypt?

The Libyan and Sudanese border areas are two places not to visit in Egypt. This is because Egypt's borders with Libya and Sudan are very porous. Armed groups and bandits regularly cross over into Egypt.

Do they speak English in Egypt?

English is the most widely used language in tourism. The majority of the road signs in Egypt are written both in Arabic and English. In addition, many English words have started being used by Egyptians in their daily life.

Is $1 a good tip in Egypt?

About $1-2 USD per day is a nice gesture. Tip someone who carries your bags up to your room around $1 equivalent, although they may leave abruptly after dropping bags off and not stay to receive a tip.

Is it better to use cash or card in Egypt?

Check with your bank what it'll cost to use your card for payments in Egypt. Most big hotels, established stores, and restaurants will accept Mastercard and Visa, and contactless payments are common. Smaller hotels, cafés, shops, and markets are more likely to expect cash.

What not to wear in Cairo?

Just remember to cover up from your shoulders to below the knee. While women are expected to dress more conservatively than men, even the fellas should leave the short shorts and tight singlets at home. Also, avoid packing anything in white.

What food to avoid in Cairo?

What food not to eat in Egypt? To avoid foodborne illnesses, steer clear of tap water, unpeeled fruits and vegetables, and street food that may not have been prepared under sanitary conditions. Dairy products that are not pasteurized and undercooked meats should also be avoided.

What are the unspoken rules in Egypt?

In Egyptian culture, the right hand is used for all things clean and good—handing over gifts, eating from the communal dish—and the left hand for everything dirty and impure (yes, the dreaded bum gun). Never eat with your left hand, and always hand over money or gifts with your right or both hands.