Cairo, Egypt: Safety Tips for Travellers
Cairo is one of the most exhilarating cities on Earth — a sprawling, ancient metropolis where pyramids share the skyline with minarets and the smell of koshary drifts through bustling souks. But like any major city, arriving prepared makes all the difference between a trip of a lifetime and an avoidable headache. Here's everything you need to know to stay safe and travel smart in Cairo.
Overview
Home to over 20 million people, Cairo is the largest city in Africa and the Arab world. It serves as Egypt's cultural, political, and economic heart, drawing millions of visitors each year to iconic landmarks like the Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, and the medieval Islamic quarter of Khan el-Khalili. Despite its intimidating reputation for chaos and crowds, Cairo is genuinely welcoming to tourists, and serious violent crime against visitors is relatively rare. That said, petty crime, scams targeting tourists, and traffic hazards are real concerns worth preparing for.
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP) — approximately 30–31 EGP to $1 USD (rates fluctuate, always check before travel)
- Language: Arabic, with English widely spoken in tourist areas
- Best time to visit: October to April, when temperatures are far more manageable
- Time zone: GMT+2
Essential Information
Before you land, register your trip with your country's foreign affairs department and purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. Cairo's public hospitals can be under-resourced, so having private clinic coverage is strongly advised. Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, and insurance documents stored separately.
Tourist scams are the most common issue travellers face. The most frequent ones involve unsolicited "guides" at the Pyramids who offer free help and later demand payment, taxi drivers quoting inflated fares, and papyrus or perfume shop owners who lure visitors in under the guise of a free tour. A polite but firm "no thank you" goes a long way. Agreeing on a price before getting into any taxi or starting any guided service is non-negotiable.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; use ATMs inside hotels or shopping malls for better security
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques, markets, and residential neighbourhoods — both men and women
- Solo female travellers should be prepared for unwanted attention and consider dressing conservatively and avoiding eye contact in crowded areas
- Drinking tap water is not recommended — stick to sealed bottled water throughout your stay
- Emergency number in Egypt: 123 (police), 123 or 115 (ambulance)
Practical Tips
Getting around Cairo safely starts with transport choices. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are your best friends — fares are fixed, routes are tracked, and you avoid price disputes entirely. A typical ride across the city costs between $2–6 USD. The Cairo Metro is safe, efficient, and incredibly cheap (under $0.30 USD per journey), and women have dedicated carriages for added comfort. Avoid flagging down unlicensed taxis on the street, particularly at night.
Stick to well-trafficked tourist neighbourhoods like Zamalek, Maadi, and Downtown Cairo during your first few days while you get your bearings. Zamalek, on Gezira Island, is particularly popular with expats and international visitors for its calmer streets, restaurants, and relatively relaxed atmosphere. Islamic Cairo around Al-Azhar is vibrant and unmissable but can be overwhelming — going with a licensed guide your hotel recommends is a smart move here.
- Book Pyramid visits early in the morning to avoid the worst heat and the heaviest scam pressure
- Carry small denomination bills for tips (baksheesh) — tipping is culturally expected and appreciated
- Photograph respectfully; always ask before taking photos of people, and never photograph military installations or government buildings
- Stay aware of your surroundings in Khan el-Khalili market — pickpocketing can occur in dense crowds
Getting There
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the main gateway into Egypt and is well connected to major global hubs. Direct flights operate from London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris CDG, Dubai, and New York JFK, with carriers including EgyptAir, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Emirates. Round-trip fares from Europe typically range from $250–500 USD, while transatlantic flights from the US average $700–1,100 USD depending on the season. The airport is located approximately 22 km from central Cairo, and taking an authorised airport taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the safest arrival option — expect to pay around $10–15 USD into the city centre.
Accommodation Options
Cairo has a solid range of accommodation across all budgets, and staying in a reputable hotel adds a meaningful layer of safety and convenience.
- Budget ($20–50/night): Cairo hostel districts around Downtown offer decent options like the Osiris Hotel or Wikalat el-Balah area guesthouses — clean, central, and social
- Mid-range ($80–160/night): The Kempinski Nile Hotel and Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah in Zamalek offer great value, excellent security, and stunning river views
- Luxury ($200+/night): The Four Seasons Cairo at First Residence and the Marriott Mena House — with its legendary Pyramid views — are world-class choices that include concierge services to help you navigate the city safely
Plan your trip to Cairo
Cairo rewards the curious and the prepared in equal measure. With the right precautions in