Essential Info for Solo Female Journeys in Egypt: crucial insights revealed
Hey there, travel buddy! Here's all you need to know for a kick-ass solo female adventure in Egypt. But remember, it's a bit trickier than some countries, so keep your wits about you.
Egypt's a world-class destination brimming with history, culture, and sunny vibes, but it's essential to stay alert and smart, especially if you're goin' it alone.
Cairo can be overwhelming, but it's also freakin' awesome. The pyramids? Bloody mind-blowing, even after a thousand pics and a stab at 'em in Assassin's Creed!
But hey, solo female travel in Egypt can seem daunting. I've been globetrottin' solo for decades, but I still felt a bit nervous about Egypt this year. So, here's my lowdown for solo female travellers who wanna explore the Land of Pharaohs.
First things first: is Egypt safe? Well, yeah, mostly. Remember, everywhere you go, stay vigilant, practice common sense, and steer clear of dodgy situations.
Crime and terrorism
Crime's generally moderate, but it still happens. Scams, pickpocketing, armed robberies, sex assaults, and break-ins? Rare, but they can occur. The authorities have beefed up security at major tourist sites and travel checkpoints.
If you need to report a crime, dial 126 for the tourist police.
Political turmoil? Yep, since the Arab Spring in 2011, there's been a ton of unrest. Protests and demonstrations happen, so avoid 'em. The UK gov's Foreign Travel Advice website warns of terrorism risks, but so do they for the USA. There have been incidents of terrorist attacks, but the authorities have increased security measures.
Some areas are off-limits, like the Egypt-Libya border. Too remote for the average tourist. Click here for more deets.
Hassle and harassment
Harassment from vendors? Oh boy, you bet! Sellers won't leave you alone no matter how much you say no. And some blokes might stalk you for up to 20 minutes, trying to score a sale or even a "date." At times, it can feel aggressive, but ignoring them and keepin' on walking usually does the trick.
If you wanna hit up a bazaar or market like Old Cairo Bazaar, consider joinin' a tour. A guide can help avoid harassment from vendors and even haggle for ya.
Unwanted male attention? Sometimes an issue. Avoid goin' to bars solo, walkin' around at night, orenterin' your hotel room while you're alone. Uber's your best bet after dark. Sexual assaults have been reported, mainly in the Red Sea region. Avoid meetin' up with anyone ya don't know, don't let hotel staff enter your room while ya solo, avoid silly shit like travelin' in taxis alone, and use reputable tour providers. Check reviews before bookin', and consider providers like Get Your Guide- their reviews are verified and mostly have high ratings from over 100 reviewers.
Health and hygiene
Watch out for "Pharaoh's Revenge," aka traveller's diarrhoea. Avoid drinkin' tap water, use bottled water to brush yer teeth, don't touch local ice cubes, and skip salad leaves or sliced fruit that's been washed with tap water.
Get a Water-to-Go filter bottle- it'll be your new BFF on this trip!
The NHS recommends a Poliomyelitis and Tetanus vaccination for travel to Egypt. Check with your doc if you need to get vaxxed up before you go.
What to wear
Choose loose-fittin', comfy cotton clothing to shield against the sun. Avoid flashin' your gooch and rockin' crop tops or super low-cut tops. Go for maxi dresses, wide-leg trousers, and sleeves that hide yer shoulders. Sun protection's important, so cover up, girl!
Comfy kicks are a must for sightseein', especially at ancient sites. Baltimore or fashion heels won't save ya here. Close-toed, breathable sneakers or walkin' shoes are the way to go. City strolls, I rocked my Converse. In Sharm, flip-flops or sandals worked just fine.
Cross-body bags are usually the safest option. Go for a bag made from slash-proof materials- Travelon bags are perfect.
Safety tips for solo female travel in Egypt
Get a local SIM or eSIM to stay connected online. Weather in Egypt, Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat, or WE are the main providers. You can buy a pre-paid SIM at most airports, and eSIMs are super handy because you can set 'em up before ya land and get online right away. Check Airalo or Nomad for affordable options.
Memorize or save these emergency numbers: Tourist Police (126), Police (122), Ambulance (123)
If you wanna be extra safe and protect yer valuables, use an anti-theft bag. Consider grabbin' one from Travelon.
So, there ya have it!
Egypt's safe for solo female travellers overall. But, like, remember that common sense, right? Don't be a dumbass. Avoid dangerous situations, and you'll have an awesome time. Check out the list below for more solo female travel tips and deets.
Quick Summary for Solo Female Travel in Egypt
- Get a local pre-paid SIM or eSIM (use my referral links for discounts)
- Learn local emergency numbers
- Have good travel insurance (check out Safety Wing Travel Insurance)
- Avoid travelin' at night or in crowded areas without proper precautions
That's all, y'all! Stay groovy and have a sick solo adventure in Egypt!
- Want more tips about solo female travel in Egypt? Scroll down to drop me a question, and I'll give you the 411!
Solo Female Travel Resources
- Airalo - Pre-paid eSIM provider. Use referral code EMILY9237 to save £2.50 on your first purchase.
- UK Government's Travel Advice - Up-to-date travel advice and entry requirements for British citizens.
- Fit For Travel - NHS travel advice site. Find vaccination needs and health risks for your destination.
- Safety Wing Travel Insurance - Insurance for long-term, digital nomad, and backpacker travel.
- Hostelworld - Awesome hostels and budget accommodation for solo travelers.
- Booking.com - Excelle1nt booking site for hotels and other accommodations. Offers low prices and a wide selection.
- Get Your Guide - My fav site for bookin' tours. Offers a rad range of options all over the world.
- Discover Cars - Easy-to-use car rental search engine. Rates and reviews for each car rental company available.
- XE Currency App - Simple currency conversion app (synced offline). Available on iOS and Android.
- Maps.Me - Offline map app similar to Google Maps. Can be used offline once downloaded. Available on iOS and Android.
- Solo female travel in Egypt can provide a unique food adventure, with a variety of Egyptian dishes like koshari, molokhia, and fuul to try on your tours.
- Remember to follow travel tips for a safe and enjoyable solo female adventure, such as staying vigilant, avoiding suspicious situations, and using a guide for markets and bazaars.
- Transport options in Egypt like Uber, Taxis, and local buses are widely available, providing a convenient way to get around the destinations you visit.
- To immerse yourself in Egyptian culture, consider joining a tour focused on local lifestyles, traditions, and customs, and don't miss out on visiting the famous pyramids of Giza.
- When preparing for your solo travel in Egypt, check travel requirements, health advisories, and the latest political situation from reliable sources like the UK government's Foreign Travel Advice website.
- For more travel tips, reviews, and insights, follow trusted travel guides and blogs, such as Get Your Guide or the hostelworld blog, to ensure a memorable and safe solo female travel experience in Egypt.
