is it safe to drive in egypt?

Answer 1

IT ALL depends on where in Egypt.
but the general rule is NO.
as the Egyptian driving licence is not accepted in nearly every other country as they drive that badly.

Answer 2

Driving In Egypt

Answer 3

its safe. dont worry. You can rent a car , better be from a reputable shop. Make sure its a dependable car (mostly what we got here are some entry levels Mitsubishi lancers , toyota corollas , etc.. ) make sure it is in a condition that would be dependable for long trips driving. Be careful as some scammers might rent you a bad conditioned car. make sure spare tire and paper work is ok. reputable cars usually have orange tourism license plates. White license plates indicates that it is a Private car owned by a private individual. You can always rent a taxi, cabs or cars intended for tourism transport, usuallydriven by others (like cars owned by a tourism agency). be aware that you'll need an international driving license (in case $hit happens.) , be also aware that Egyptian Driving style is a retarded driving style. its far more different and be ready for some real aggressive driving when needed. how long: i am not sure , but i think something like a 4 hour driving. not really much to see on the road except desert. Take care and be safe. if there is anything i can do dont hesitate shooting an email. cheers john

Answer 4

Honestly, no! I'm Egyptian and I drive here normally, but because I am used to it. Foreigners aren't, and they find it very difficult to adapt with how people drive here. It's not that Egyptians are bad drivers, because we're not, but it's because we kinda have different rules here! Someone can pass by you from the right, no problem! Some don't even know that it's wrong to do that. It's totally expected to find a car racing toward you while the street is only a one way street! You just have to somehow let it pass. Stuff like that.
I have a friend who went to the UAE and came back for vacation, he was afraid to drive again. In the case I'm telling you about, he DID drive normally, but consider that this is what he has been taught to do from the very start.

On the other hand, foreigners who live here drive all the time, and now, they're kinda familiar with those "rules" as well.

So, my advice to you, if you're coming only for vacation, do not drive. If you plan on staying here, OK, drive, BUT take some time to kinda "learn" how it's done here.

You can check on utube and those websites how the traffic here is. Just write traffic in Cairo or in Egypt, and believe me you'll be amazed!! :)

Answer 5

In Cairo,only if you are into extreme sports and have nerves of steel.
The taxi drivers rule!
They outnumber public transport 4 to 1,and although they are excellent drivers they use only brakes and the horn,and a few hand gestures. That is it!
After almost 5yrs, of being there about 4mths a year. I still can't work out what the road rules are!For cars,buses or pedestrians.
I am still working on the same advise I was given the first week I was there,wait and run when everyone else does.
Or just be brave,look straight at them and walk right on though the traffic.
Evidently you arn't considered other than a tourist, till you loose your fear of the traffic.
Outside if Cairo its fine.Even better than many western countries roads.
The highways are in pretty good shape in most areas.There are lots of places to take a break,clear road signs etc.
Except Luxor can be a bit frenetic, with the calabash's pulling up suddenly in front of you.
But the horses have nerves of steel and don't scare easily.
It is all just part of Egypt's charm.

Answer 6

Not in the cities, no. Unlike other places this is not because of the risk of driving into 'troubled areas' but because Egyptian drivers are a tad more 'frantic' than those in say, Stow on the Wold. In truth, they are very careful and my perception (laughed at by my Egyptian friends) is that they are a lot politer than I expected given that they are cutting each other up all the time - but work on the principle that if their car is slightly ahead of another then they have right of way. The mail about not having lights is true, and there are dozens of jokes such as green = go, red = go faster. Best advice - get a taxi or walk. Egypt is wonderful and the people are very friendly, but Mad Max would come out in a cold sweat if he was asked to drive in Cairo.

Answer 7

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
is it safe to drive in egypt?

Answer 8

No it is hella scary! but most drivers are professionals, but in a crazy way. I have an American driving license, however; I will only drive in places like Alexandria or anywhere in the North Coast. Driving in Cairo is not an option for me because it is hard for them to follow any rules, and on the other hand, I can only drive following the rules. if ppl see me driving in designated lanes, not crossing a red light, they will probably shout and curse me and I might end up in a car accident. u do not follow any driving rules in Egypt

Answer 9

I love Egypt but if you are not from there let me say loud and clear HELL NO dont even think about trying it!

I am quite good at driving and from what I saw and experienced you would be crazy to even think about it.

We are talking about people who drive with their lights off at night at speed through the busy streets of cairo because it saves on bulb lifetime! No joke!

Answer 10

Only if u can keep up baby. It's a jungle here. And I disagree with the one who said Egyptian drivers drive bad, as a matter of fact they drive in very risky situations. It depends on how u define good driving or bad driving. If for u good driving is playing by the rules, then I suggest that u never try to drive here. If u r into wild stuff, then hop in and take ur turn.

Answer 11

I personally wouldnt! Ive heard that to pass your driving test in Egypt all you have to do is drive forward a few metres and reverse a few metres in a straight line and youve passed!?! I went to Jordan once and their driving is erratic! You get hooted from the person behind you to go before the light turns green! Madness x