Is Cairo Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Cairo is relatively safe for solo female travelers but certain precautions should be adhered to. It is common to experience street harassment in the form of staring and comments, and women may feel uncomfortable in crowded places. However, violent crime is relatively rare. Avoid travelling alone at night and dress conservatively to respect local customs. Also, it is recommended to be vigilant in tourist areas due to the risk of pickpocketing.

Safety rating

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How safe is Cairo?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

While Cairo is generally safe for tourists, solo female travelers should be cautious, especially at night. It's always best to avoid walking alone after dark. Stick to populated, well-lit areas, avoid commuting alone and limit night time excursions whenever possible. Cultural norms as well as safety considerations make it less advisable to wander in late hours. It's recommended to use a reliable taxi service when traveling at night.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Cairo, including buses, metro, and taxis, is largely accessible, but may be a bit challenging for solo female travelers. While reports of untoward incidents aren't unheard of, many women use them daily without issues. However, cultural misunderstandings and occasional language barriers could prove uncomfortable. The city's bustling atmosphere, particularly during rush hours, could be overwhelming. It is advisable to stay vigilant, avoid crowded rides, and travel during off-peak times where possible. Some metro trains have women-only cars, which adds a level of comfort and security. As for taxis, always insist on using the meter to avoid being overcharged.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:High

Navigating the streets of Cairo as a solo female traveler can be quite challenging. It's common to experience unwanted attention, including catcalling or overtly persistent vendors. While rare, there have been instances of more unsolicited physical contact. Dressing conservatively and observing local customs can help to mitigate these experiences, but it's prudent to be prepared for this reality. However, be assured that most Egyptians are kind-hearted and helpful, willing to step in if situations escalate.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Cairo is generally safe for travel and the locals are often curious and welcoming towards foreigners. However, as a solo female traveler, you may encounter minor issues such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or scams, especially in crowded and touristic areas. Always keep your belongings close to you and stay alert.

Is Cairo worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.7 /5

based on 13 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.3/5

Safety

3.4/5

Food

3.8/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Solo travel

Cairo is a must to get to Giza. The old museum is still worth a visit, and people can be helpful and lovely. Uber was rather safe and effective form of travel. However finding a decent place to stay in the city is a challenge. Overall, try to stay closer to Memphis or Giza and really just try to get to Luxor. Best. Place. Ever. If you want a cheap and amazing company, Aladdin family tours has hotels and guides for stupidly cheap. All the Instagram worthy photos you could want from their restaurant overlooking the Nile and they always book an Egyptologist to show you round. They are so sweet and won’t scam you in Luxor or Cairo.

Posted: June 12, 2024
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Family travel

Traveling to Egypt was a great experience! Cairo city is super cheap and you can use taxi app al the time without worry for the price. The food is amazing, especially if your hosts or hotel are Egyptian, they will prepare absolutely delicious food for you. Males are a bit intrusive some times, just be cautious. A lot of people spoke Spanish to my surprise, so do not say anything bad about your host because they might understand you lol. Overall have cash ready because there is not many card payment options.

Posted: June 9, 2024Experienced: March, 2024
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Solo travel

It’s safe to use airbnb there and better to go with it because hotels in Cairo are over priced when we compare the prices.. best way to stay in Cairo is using airbnb. It’s safe in Cairo for a girl solo traveller

Posted: February 11, 2024
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Elodie

Elodie

France

Solo travel

It's a trip of a lifetime. Cairo is definitely a good place to discover the piramids. However the locals are too interested by your wallet. I felt like a walking ATM. You have to learn how to say no and you will definitely have a mariage proposal or two. I enjoyed the monuments and the history of this country however the locals are not very welcoming or at least it didn't feel very genuine. Might try Sharm.

Posted: January 26, 2024Experienced: December, 2021
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Solo travel

Egypt is just the mother of the world 🌍🔐❤️ The safest place ever If u happened to get there u should definitely visit the pyramids Shabrawy restaurant all the way ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 It depends if u know Egypt very well 1000usd will be enough for a month but if u don’t know the country very well its gonna cost you fortune 😂 InDrive app for transportation

Posted: December 29, 2023Experienced: August, 2023
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Solo travel

I did not like it in Cairo. I did not feel safe there, I was constantly harassed by vulgar men and deceived whenever possible. Cairo is a chaotic and dirty city. It is impossible to cross the street, so crowded and dangerous, as cars and motorcycles squeeze in every direction. I would never return to this place and never recommend it to anyone. It was a total hell, and I got the worst food poisoning in my life.

Posted: September 28, 2023
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Solo travel

I'm a very pale redhead and I was alone in Cairo for a few days. I felt safe and even met a few incredibly nice locals, with whom I spent some time. I dressed modestly and maintained confidence, and everything was fine.

Posted: July 18, 2023
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Solo travel

I fell in love with Cairo. The Zamalek area in Cairo turned out to be stunning and was the place I liked the most. Full of art galleries and gardens full of palm trees. The rest of Cairo was quite intense - but Koshary Abou Tarek was simply incredible. I was grateful that I met a few charming locals who showed me the city - walking down El Moez street and wandering through the back alleys is an experience I will never forget, it was like going back in time. I can't wait to return.

Posted: May 23, 2023
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Solo travel

Cairo is a safe city, and the people are very nice. However, the attention from men was irritating (even though I always wore long pants and discreet shirts). Overall, I spent a pleasant time there, but it was tiring.

Posted: April 10, 2023
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Solo travel

I went solo in July and I only did guided tours. Apart from that, I kept to my room. I didn't stay in downtown Cairo, but in the old city, from where I had a view of the Pyramids from my balcony. I found Cairo to be dirty, with dangerous traffic and men calling out to women at every step. My experience would have been much better if I had a companion.

Posted: April 10, 2023
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Is Cairo safe for women?

Safety index

2.9 /5

Based on 14 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 14 local experiences

Overall It's safe here in Egypt but also you have to take care from strangers around you , the public transportation is surely safe , also walking alone in the streets is safe but you don't have to trust anyone also

Posted: December 25, 2024
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Farida

Farida

There is a concerning culture of sexual assault as there is in most heteronormative societies that have sexual and religious shame. Catcalling is very common, as long as you know where you’re going and stay in good areas you’ll be safe

Posted: December 24, 2024
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Meet locals in Cairo

Joyce

Joyce

About Me

Howdy! My name’s Joyce, I’m a 20 year old student at the American University in Cairo, I study architectural engineering. I absolutely love traveling and meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Speaking

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Aiman

Aiman

About Me

Im a dentist and also an event planner 🫶🏻 I still get shy the first minute I get to meet a stranger 🙈 but im hilarious as soon as I get to know u 😂

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Cairo

Mayada

Mayada

Cairo

Can host for:

4 days

About me

Hi, I'm Mayada and I'm interested in animals, books, camping, cinema, cycling, education, events & social, fashion, food & cuisine, live music, nature, photography, languages, shopping and skiing

Speaking

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Hla

Hla

Cairo

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m a biomedical engineer , working in a different fields passionate to learn and explore the world , a loving mother , good partner , crazy human being and loyal friend

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Cairo

Yana

Yana

About Me

Open-minded, talkative girl who knows a bunch of things about ancient Egypt. Into graphic design and illustration, like to take photos and working out as well Close to nature - sun lover - local joker

Speaking

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Safety in Egypt