What to avoid when traveling to Egypt?

If you decide to travel to Egypt: Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.



People Also Ask

We get this question a lot at Osiris Tours. In short, Americans and other visitors can rest easy: yes, Egypt is a safe country for tourists.

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Travel to the Egypt pyramids is very safe. Pickpockets, purse snatchers and scammers are probably the biggest risk for tourists visiting the pyramids, and especially when there are large crowds.

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Jeans, even white jeans, can be hot. (Update: Best to not take jeans unless you're wearing them in the evening, they are just too heavy/hot. Stick with light, cotton pants, dresses or shorts.)

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Often known as 'backsheesh' in parts of Asia and the Middle East, tipping is standard practice in Egypt. If you're happy with the service provided by waiters, drivers and other workers, leaving a small tip is a good way to show your appreciation.

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To protect yourself from illness:
  1. drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids.
  2. don't swim in fresh water, including the Nile River, to avoid waterborne diseases, such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis) (World Health Organization)
  3. avoid contact with dogs and cats.


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Safety and security
  • Terrorism in Egypt. Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt. ...
  • Terrorism during holiday periods. ...
  • Airports and airlines. ...
  • Terrorist kidnap. ...
  • Sexual assaults and harassment. ...
  • Protecting your belongings. ...
  • Staying safe at tourist sites. ...
  • Ramadan.


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Eating raw, under cooked, unwashed, or improperly handled meat, poultry products, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, shellfish, and seafood. Drinking contaminated water or beverages. Inadvertently ingesting fecal matter, protozoa eggs, or viruses by touching the mouth with dirty or improperly washed hands.

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The majority of local women you meet in Egypt will be wearing a hijab covering their head and hair. It is also common to see local Egyptian wearing niqabs which cover the woman's head, hair, and face except for the eyes. As a visitor, you are not required or pressured to wear either.

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Toilet paper - You can always buy toilet paper while there or take some from your hotel. If you're particularly worried about hygiene, also bring your travel toilet seat covers. Note - don't flush anything down the toilet in Egypt, not even toilet paper.

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While tap water in Egypt is considered safe for showering and brushing your teeth, it contains high levels of chlorination and isn't advised for drinking. The safest option is to drink bottled water which is widely available but always check that the seal is intact.

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Seeing the Pyramids from the outside is amazing, but there's something about venturing inside which just feels that bit more adventurous. Many people will tell you there's not much to see inside, and in some ways that's true.

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