Google search results vary depending on who you are and where you’re located, but one thing’s for sure: typing the question “Is Egypt safe?” is extremely common.  It’s something virtually everyone does when they begin considering whether or not to take the leap.

I get it.  I Googled it too. It’s a natural question to ask, especially with images of the upheaval from 2011.

But that was more than a decade ago. 

That being said, none of what I’m saying here — or anywhere at all, for that matter — should be construed as actual advice. I’m just passing along my own personal experiences. As with everything, you shouldn’t just take what one person says and run with it. Do your own research, make your own plans, figure out what’s best for you and your own comfort level.

So is Egypt safe, or what?

Take a look at the picture above.  I took that in Giza — notice anything about it?  Besides the giant Pyramid, I mean.

Yes, the cops.  They’re everywhere in Egypt.  Regular police, tourist police, plainclothes police.  The reason for this is simple: Egypt doesn’t want anything bad to happen to tourists, because that equals bad publicity.

Tourism is a big part of the economy here.  While a Google search will inevitably turn up stories about tourists being killed or injured, this is rare.  The government has a vested interest in keeping you safe from violence.

Of course, Egypt is a big country.  If someone asked me if the United States is safe, I’d say “Sure it is.”  But at the same time, a small town in Kansas isn’t the same as certain areas of large cities at night.

Obviously you’ll want to steer clear of regions like the Sinai Peninsula, but at least in my personal experience, all of the main tourist sites in Egypt are safe.  On the whole, crime in the country is low.

But Egypt is scary!

“OMG.  Egypt is so scary.  There’s weird people talking in this totally weird language.  Everyone is yelling.  Women are wearing these crazy things on their heads.  It’s dirty and there’s graffiti and things are falling apart.  And the roads are terrible and people are beeping their horns and it’s super dangerous and I’m never ever going back!”

Who said that?  Not me.  But odds are, someone has.

Take a look at the picture above.  I took that in the market in Luxor.  What do you see?  Strange foreigners?  A bombed-out building?

What you’re actually looking at is a family making its way through a hole in the wall that blocks off the train tracks.  There’s nothing sinister going on. 

The point I’m trying to make here is that safety is inexorably linked to perception.  What we consider “safe” has to do with the environment we’re used to, and Egypt is a place that can seem confusing and utterly foreign.

There’s people who could speak with far more knowledge than I when it comes to the reasons for this.  Maybe it’s movies.  Maybe we’re used to associating the sound of the Arabic language with “bad guys.”  Maybe shopping at Target has trained us to think clean surfaces mean a safe environment.  Who knows?

The feeling of “safety” comes almost entirely from our own stereotypes and preconceptions.  Would you feel safe walking down the streets in these pictures?  I was there completely alone, and no one stabbed me or robbed me.  I wasn’t kidnapped, and no one tried hitting up the United States for ransom.

The interactions I had revolved almost entirely around people welcoming me and thanking me for coming to Egypt.

You know who else felt safe in the back streets of Luxor?  And elderly British couple I ran into, who said they visit at least once a year.  I thought they were lost, and was a little embarrassed when it turned out they had way more experience here than I did.

Is Egypt safe for women?

Is Egypt safe for women?  Is Egypt safe for women traveling alone?  How did I know you were going to ask that…

Now, these are tough questions for anyone to answer — especially me, since…you know…I’m not a woman.  I guess the answer is a wishy-washy “It depends.”

Many women travel to Egypt alone, or in groups of other women, and are completely fine.  For some others, this isn’t the case.

I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that if you’re coming from a Western country, Egypt’s culture is going to be completely different from what you’re used to.  It’s over 90 percent Muslim, which is something you need to keep in mind when you’re out and about.

While Egypt certainly isn’t as “strict” as some other Middle Eastern countries, it’s best to dress conservatively — meaning, it’s probably not wise to walk around in revealing clothing.  Even shorts aren’t always recommended.

Certainly, it would be great if tourists could just walk around wearing whatever they like, but doing so is likely to attract attention and possibly harassment.

Because yes, harassment of women is an issue in Egypt.  This ranges from catcalls and inappropriate comments, to gropings and sometimes even worse. 

Of course like I said before, Egypt is a big country.  It’s unfair to paint everyone with the same brush.  What may be an issue in a megacity like Cairo may not be a problem at all somewhere else. 

Certainly, it’s best to use common sense — for example, using Uber in Cairo is likely safer than hopping in a random cab, and sticking to the areas where other tourists are is a better idea than wandering down unfamiliar residential streets in the middle of the night.

I think it’s also worth noting that some of the comments directed at women are solely meant to get their attention and engage them in conversation, with the intent of selling them something. 

Many women have complained about people asking “How many camels” it would take to buy them — although some may consider this to be in poor taste, it’s meant as a “joke.”  No one is actually trying to buy women with camels.  They intend for it to be flattering, or just to get a conversation started.

I hate to keep repeating “It depends,” but whether or not a solo female traveler can have a good experience in Egypt is up for debate.  A lot of it depends on how experienced of a traveler that woman is. If you’re a woman who hasn’t traveled internationally before, going with a tour group is certainly worth considering. Or for that matter, there’s nothing wrong with signing up for a tour group at all. It’s not for me, but being comfortable on your trip should be your priority.

And as always, I recommend the TripAdvisor Forums.  They have a lot of discussions on this very topic. The people there are far more experienced than I, and were beyond helpful when it came to planning my trip.

So don’t just take my word for it. For that matter, don’t just take my word for anything. Do some reading, ask some questions. Figure out what’s best for you.

Being hassled isn’t dangerous

Being approached by strangers isn’t something we’re used to in the US.  Or in most parts of the Western world, for that matter.

Again, this all comes down to perception.

You will be approached on the streets in Egypt — especially in areas like Luxor.  People will come up to you, offering you cab rides or hot air balloon rides, and so on.

Yes, a few are looking to scam you.  Some may follow you for a bit, continuing to make their sales pitches.  And if you read online reviews of Egypt, you’ll inevitably find people who were utterly terrified by this. Once they get home, their friends will ask them “Is Egypt safe?” and they’ll respond “No, absolutely not!”

And I can understand that.  In a city like Luxor, it’s common for people to hang around the doors of the hotels.  Some will have seen you arrive, and will do anything to strike up a conversation:

“Oh, you came yesterday, right?  You were in the blue car?  Where’s your friend, the one in the red dress?”

It can feel like you’re being stalked — but it’s not dangerous.   These people are simply salesmen.  To a certain extent, it’s just part of the culture.

Personally, I think it’s best to just embrace being hassled.  Look at it as part of the experience of visiting Egypt.  None of these people are going to pull out a knife and try to rob you.  No one will try grabbing your arm or pulling you somewhere, which is more than I can say for visiting a “safe” place like Paris.

Perception is everything when it comes to safety.  Use your wits, don’t behave foolishly, and everything will be perfectly fine.  Is Egypt safe?  I think so.  Should you go?  Just do your research. It’s an amazing place, full or wonderful sites and experiences. Figure out what’s best for you personally.

Note: Everything I say here is my own personal opinion, and may not work best for everyone. I’m far from an expert, so please just do whatever is best for you, and be sure to visit the TripAdvisor Forums to ask questions and do some more research!