With respect: Could a blond, female American travel alone safely in Egypt? Tips?

Question

I speak (but don't write) an intermediate level of Egyptian Arabic, and I would learn how to write before I would go (I can read Middle Egyptian heiroglyphs, though!).

Also, I'm experienced with solo-traveling in European countries, but I've never been outside of Europe or the US.

I'm not sure I'd feel safe traveling alone in Egypt, though. Are my fears grounded in reality or media-myth? What are the best websites, if any, for learning about traveling solo in Egypt? Are you a woman or an american who has traveled solo in Egypt? Tips?

Thanks.

Thank you, Stratomanssy. I have always loved Egypt and I asked this question with respect. Hopefully, you could infer that I was not trying to offend anyone. I have always dreamed of visiting Egpyt one day, and I thought it would be such a shame not to go just because I didn't have a man with me. I liked your answer. We'll see what others have to say, too. Thanks again.

Answer 1

Well, I'm an egyptian woman living in Egypt. It's perfectly safe for you to come solo. My friends (Germans and Americans) come to me all the time. There's absolutely nothing to worry about.
You won't be harrassed or anything, you can only hear a few comments from guys, but that's all they will be, COMMENTS. In fact, if anybody (that's a big if) tried to hurt you, you'll find a million Egyptians running for your rescue!!!
Don't worry that you look foreign. Many foreigners live here peacefully.
I bet you when you get back to the US, you'll think to yourself "have I actually posted such a question?? It was perfectly safe! What was I thinking?!" ;)
Bon Voyage!

Answer 2

I am an American and a blonde too. I traveled solo in April to Egypt. I didn't have any problems at all as I was there for two weeks. I recently went back with my girlfriend this month we had a great time. Just as a side note both trips were to help the Egyptian people especially in Upper Egypt. I love the Egyptian people and also enjoyed touring some of the key spots. My recommendation is to find a family or someone there that you can hook up with. Just in my two trips I probably have a dozen places that I can now stay. Several people even offered their whole apartment to me. I'm going back in the spring and bringing 4 people with me this time. websites....I would look in virtualtourist.com

Answer 3

I am a blond European female and I did travel to Egypt alone. I have been in Cairo, Alexandria and Hurghada. And I can tell you that it is perfectly safe!
Unfortunately, there are many prejudice in the West about Middle East (and vice versa). But they are all so far away from the truth. In Egypt a woman can walk alone day or night normally and she will have no problem. The only thing that will happen is that some people will stare at you and some people will try to talk to you, but nobody will try to hurt you in any way (of course). If you want to talk to them, you may do that. I do that and I have never had any single problem because of that. On the contrary, I met some interesting people and made a few friends. But if you don't want to talk, you don't have to (of course), you can just ignore them, no problem about that either.
Another thing, don't try to hide the fact that you are a foreigner, because there is no chance to do that. Besides, there is no need for such a thing, as there is no problem about that (of course). You don't need to know Arabic to be safe or anything else. You don't need any particular precautions that you wouldn't need anywhere else in the world. In short, if you know how to take care of yourself at home, you will be perfectly safe in Egypt. You really don't need anything more that that.
Enjoy your trip!

Answer 4

Have no fear,Egypt is a very safe and friendly country to travel in. Even the rural areas. Its really only in the rural villages that you have to be conservative with your dress,loose fitting long sleeves ,jeans even below knee pants are fine.
If you treat Egyptian people with respect it will always be returned.
I think you have bought into the "media myth" and its easy to do. Such a lot of rubbish is fed to us in the West about Middle Eastern countries,though Egypt is actually African.
Its great you speak Arabic.Believe me,intermediate level will be adequate.You will be surprised how many Egyptians speak English very well.
A knowledge of Middle Egyptian "glyphs" will be great if you are going to Luxor and Aswan,as that was their power base.
Have a great trip and I'm sure it won't be your last.
Log onto Tour Egypt and have a chat with Jane who runs the Luxor blog,she is English but knows so much about Egypt.
Both Ancient and Modern and will be loads of help if you are travelling alone..

Answer 5

You go ahead and travel, have fun & enjoy Egypt to the extreme.
Its completely safe. I traveled there alone many times and I never had any kind of discomfort, even when I walked downtown. Very kind people the Egyptians.

I will recommend this site. They have Q/A that will assure you like this one:
(( Some of the travel safety questions that clients ask about countries like Egypt, Jordan and Syria are:

Q: I heard that locals there are unfriendly to American. Is this true?

A: Americans are very welcomed and well-received in countries like Egypt, Jordan and Syria and even--believe it or not--Iran. They are the most favored and most loved Western nationality in those countries. People in those countries love to see Americans, extend their greetings, chat with and extend a helping hand when asked.

Q: Is it safe for a single woman to travel to the Middle East without a man companion or a husband and how would I be perceived?

A:Yes, of course it is safe, and you would not stand-out being alone. In addition, our staff is there to cater to your safety and comfort. Also more than 55% of Egypt Tours & Travel clients are women traveling alone. ))

http://visitegypt.net/safety.htm
&
http://experts.about.com/q/Egypt-221/safe-americans.htm

safe trip

Answer 6

Hi...

When it comes to personal safety, NO country on this planet can guarantee that. However it is always wise to take all necessary precautions.

Blondes + Females = More Attention... being American is the bonus part :).

Just be cautious and it'll all be OK. Remember there is NO "patch" or "update" for human stupidity, most of the time people fall victim to their own stupidity.

On the positive note, Egypt is a lot safer than other places.

Peace out,
LFI.

Answer 7

Most of the advice you're getting here is fairly good. So long as you are respectful, people will be respectful in return.

You may want to look into getting the Lonely Planet travel guide for Egypt - it could help out.
To ensure your own safety, you will probably want to register with the US Embassy. You can do this through the State Department website. You'll also want to check the State Department travel advisories.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1108.html
In essence, avoid situations that could be problematic - like large demonstrations. If you feel uncomfortable, get out of the situation and seek help if you feel you need it. These are things you probably already know, but it doesn't hurt to reinforce them.
Dress modestly.
Traveling solo can be a little challenging, but also more rewarding than signing on to a tour company (in some ways) as you'll be able to set your own schedule and actually get to talk to Egyptian people as opposed to experiencing the country in air conditioned sterility from a tour bus. :)
Organizations like American Express can help you to arrange transportation and other tourist activities without the formality of a set tour, so you may want to check that out.

www.touregypt.com is an excellent resource for travel information and historical information as well.

While it is true that there are anti-western/anti-American groups in Egypt, they are a fringe and they are not well-liked by the majority of Egyptians who realize full well that the majority of the nation's economy is based on tourism. The Egyptian government has taken and continues to take steps to ensure the safety of visitors. Some of the safety precautions can make travel a little more challenging for solo tourists, but a little knowledge of the situation helps. For example, you cannot visit most areas in Middle Egypt as this tends to be a hotbed of fundamentalist activity. And, at least in 04 (the last time I was in the country) tourists had to travel in certain cars on certain trains (this seems to change on a regular basis, so you'll need to check). Also in 04 (again, this may have changed) one couldn't travel alone by road from Luxor to Dendera or Abydos but had to be part of a formal convoy of tourist vehicles (you can rent buses, mini-buses, and/or taxis for the trip) escorted by Egyptian police and military.

And on a side note to "brian s" - Daniel Pearl was killed in Pakistan, several thousand miles away from Egypt. He was a journalist investigating Al Qaeda terrorists. I think I'm safe in saying that that is a VERY different situation from being a tourist in an entirely different country.

Answer 8

i always find that kind of question here if it is safe for American or women alone to be here, i don't know what that crazy fake media make at people's mind, sure it is big effect which you all got from media but the real life is totally different. the fact is here i have not much to say but really you will see by yourself when you do this trip how much you could be welcoming, the hospitality from the Egyptian . and hope to hear from you after you do this trip.
wish you happy new year, enjoy your trip and if you need any specialist info. about trips here ask me any time.
ps.:- i recommended "startomanssy" as best answer.

Answer 9

Hi Miss Ellie, Yes a woman call Dear Friend..2 years ago I drove to Oregon By My self to visit My oldest Daughter and My 3 grand kids.. I would stop for gas and to eat and nothing else.I did take My 357 mag. just to make sure I was Safe..I did the same on the way home which is California..It is an 8 hour drive one way for Me..So Yes Dear you can do it and be safe too. Your Friend, poppy1

Answer 10

I travel alone frequently (blond American) and recently returned from Egypt. Do Not Worry. ...I don't speak Arabic but I think it would be a plus. I never once felt unsafe. I firmly believe that no matter where you go if you act/walk/talk like a victim, it is going to increase your chances of becoming one. Be confident and aware of your surroundings just like you would anywhere. "Walk Like an Egyptian" as the saying goes. ; )
I found the Egyptians to be very protective of Americans. Please, please please do NOT believe everything you hear/read in the media.