My father was offered a job in Cairo, Egypt. How safe is it there?

Question

We live in the U.S. and if he takes the job, my mother would go with him. I would stay here because I'm starting college. But I would often visit. We were wondering what are their views on woman and Americans. Especially if they are living there. I posted this in the culture area, and no one really gave me any answers except for what seemed like somewhat of ignorant "out side looking in" style answers. My father is full blooded Samoan, dark skin, hair etc. however my mother is white, blonde, etc. Hopefully what I heard of Egypt is true, that's it's beautiful and safe..but I would appreciate honest answers.
Thanks to all that answer.

Answer 1

i think people are always positively surprised at how life is really in Egypt! apart from the fact that it gets really hot and being a foreigner you will be hassled a little bit more by beggers and taxi cabs will try to take advantage of you by tripling their rate! but otherwise, Cairo is very safe, you have people in the street all day even at night there are a lot of cars moving around, it is a city that never sleeps! i have lived here for 10 years, (i am Egyptian but lived abroad most of my life) and i honestly feel safer here then i do when i travel abroad to Europe or the US and start to think: "what if terrorists decide to hit right now!" the only thing i would tell your mum to be carefull about is her dress code, to try during the day when out shopping, not to dress too revealingly (cleavage, mini skirts etc...) because it would attract too many stares.
by the way there is an American University in Cairo that offers a very good program, why don't u try it for a semester and maybe you' ll decide to stay!

Answer 2

Living in Egypt would be safe, I'd imagine. While there have been some problems involving para-military groups and such, these are very rare and almost always directed at tourists, so as a resident this wouldn't pose a problem.

The fact is that most places are relatively safe. It's easy to get the wrong impressions, because most of what people learn about the world comes from the news, and it's inevitable that bad news is the only news you'll here.

My mother is black and my dad is white, and they have lived in various parts of the world (Thailand, Honduras) without encountering any problems.

Obviously, with Egypt being a predominantly Mulsim country, women are expected to cover themselves more than they are in other places, but from what I know Egypt is a relatively liberal place.

I understand your concern, but I wouldn't worry. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Egypt is very safe, actually a lot safer than most European countries and most states in the U.S
Been living in Egypt over 20 years, never had any bad expereinces.

By the way, the media may influence perceptions since there were a few terrorist attacks in the past. Such attacks happen everywhere nowadays, so no worries. Go for it

Answer 4

I'm an Irish-American married to an Egyptian and we moved here 5 years ago with our 5 children. We live in Alexandria and have never had any problems at all with safety.

My three boys (ages 11, 7 and 5) walk by themselves to school and to the mosque for prayer twice a day and all of my children run errands to this or that store to help me out every day. I don't worry about their safety even HALF as much as I did when we lived in Maryland. I would never dream of letting my child walk to the store alone in the States.

As to treatment of women, I get a little miffed with some of the answers to questions about Islam and Arab countries and how badly women are treated. It's all a bunch of hooey. I happen to live in an area that is more "sha'abiya" or common folk. You'll find some of the younger women wearing tightly fitted clothing but still wearing scarves or some who don't. It's a choice not a requirement. My sister-in-law lives in a more touristy section of town that is 2 blocks from the beach. In her neighborhood you'll see some really "hootchie mama" clothing and not always on the tourists.

My sisters and mother are afraid to come here to visit me and my kids because they hear of all these anti-American/anti-Christian horror stories put out by sometimes the State Department (in their Travel warnings) and by people who speak about things that they heard about from someone who knew someone, blah blah blah. I've lived here with my five children for 5 years and I've NEVER felt unsafe even once. I never would have brought my kids here if it was unsafe. I've lived here as a Christian and also as a Muslim, since I converted 3 years ago.
And I've never felt any prejudices toward me at all.

Most Egyptians are very hospitable and warm and generous people by nature. They can separate policies of governments from the people living under them and don't hold you accountable for what your govt does that is not to their liking.

The thing that's going to drive you nuts over here is how "helpful" people are to the point that it's sometimes don't right nosy.
;) But at least if you DO need help, your neighbor is only across the hall.

Answer 5

Being your father is full bloodied Samoan , he will not have a problem. I am half samoan as well mother samoan father Irish. I know nothing about Egypt but had to reply.....good luck.

Answer 6

it is safe in egypt, i am from usa and married to egyptian man, i was there for a long time and never had any trouble, i did not have to cover myself with a scarf because i am not muslim and noone treated me any different because of it, the people will look to you a lot because your looks are different, my sister went with me and she has dark hair and dark eyes so they didnt look to her much any different, but i have red hair and green eyes, so they really looked to me a lot, but it is very wonderful living around the people there, beats staying in a hotel and being with only the tourists!!!!! dont worry, and remember anything can happen anywhere nowadays

Answer 7

I'm Egyptian and my brother is in the auc(american university of cairo)there is alot of americans who work here its very safe there is nothing u can worry about,u can learn here also,this stupid person above gave u a totally wrong ling go to:
www.aucegypt.edu
this website will be also be useful for your dad I think:
www.yellowpages.com.eg
congrats and good luck in your study

Answer 8

Very safe nothing is bad there
Egypt is Safe country no need to worry

and they treat ppl from outside verygood where ever u r from

Answer 9

I know some one in Egypt very nice, but not all are alike.It is very modern and intelligent people. But Moses was Raised by one. Still they are a majority Muslim

Answer 10

I think its really safe. My bosses brother lives and works in Egypt