Egypt · Cairo

Cairo Travel Safety Guide

Cairo requires heightened awareness. Most visitors enjoy it without incident, but verbal harassment of solo women, aggressive vendors at pyramids, and political flashpoints are real risks. Use registered guides and ride-hailing.

58/100
Safety Score
High Risk
Risk Level
Back to Egypt Safety Hub

Emergency Contacts

Save these numbers before you arrive. Calls are free from most local phones.

Tourist Police
126
Police
122
Ambulance
123
Fire
180

Critical Advisories

Read before you go — these are the situations most likely to affect your safety.

Avoid Tahrir Square and large political gatherings; monitor local news.

Dress modestly and ignore catcallers; walking alone at night outside central areas is not advisable.

Use Uber or Careem rather than street taxis; confirm the driver and plate in the app.

Keep small change; many vendors 'cannot break' large notes.

Common Scams to Avoid

Recognise the pattern, decline firmly, and walk away.

Pyramid 'guide' hustle

Unlicensed 'guides' at Giza latch onto you, demand baksheesh, and herd you to camel or souvenir vendors. Hire a licensed guide through your hotel.

Fake museum closed

Touts near the Egyptian Museum claim it is closed and offer an alternative tour. Ignore and proceed to the gate.

Perfume/papyrus overcharge

Drivers or 'guides' take you to perfume or papyrus factories with inflated prices. Never buy under pressure.

Safe Areas

Neighbourhoods and districts recommended for first-time visitors.

ZamalekMaadiNew CairoDowntown (daytime)

More cities in Egypt

City-by-city safety scores, scams and emergency contacts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions travellers ask most.

Last reviewed and verified for 2026. Always check your government's latest travel advisory before departure.

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