Is Egypt Safe? Yes with a few Cautions! Update

This is an update to my original post date Oct 2008.

Widely reported is the crude home made bomb attack at Khan Khali where one french tourist was murdered, and 20 injured, followed by a knife attack on expat teacher (minor injury) by a crazy, and a failed petrol bomb attack at the Metro. I still stand by my original comments that yes Egypt is safe, relative to many other areas and countries. The family of individual murdered, and persons injured, rightfully so will not agree - and as resident of Egypt, my sincerest condolences.

Keep in mind there has been no violence of this nature since 2006. Land transport by car, bus or train is statistically much more dangerous than attacks by deranged murders.

Let's see now rest of world faired in 2007 (source: http://wits.nctc.gov/reports/crot2007nctcannexfinal.pdf. Please click on the pic to see more clearly. (The report presented in the link has many more graphs). Bear in mind, Egypt did not contribute a singe terroist death, or injury during 2007, or 2008.

Here is the text of my original post.

First the question - Is Egypt Safe? Let's be a bit more specific with this question as it covers several areas.

First I would like to say, when westerners visit Egypt they are often apprehensive. Travelers are often surprised by their friendly, hospitable reception and take home with them good feelings about Egypt and its population. The exception is, the persistent hassling from "hawkers" and "touters" selling the trinkets at pyramids and other tourist sites.


Being a resident for many years here is the "poop" with the list in decreasing order of importance - in my personal opinion.

1. Driving in Egypt, a country with one of the highest rates of road fatalities per mile driven in the world, is a challenge. Even seasoned residents of Cairo must use extreme care and situational awareness to navigate the hectic streets of the capital. Traffic rules appear to be routinely ignored by impatient drivers. Many traffic lights in Cairo do not function. (They seem only for decoration in Cairo but other centers as Alexandria there seems a good effort for them to work in proper manner). Main intersections are staffed by policemen who use subtle finger and hand movements to indicate which cars may move. Motorists in Egypt should be especially cautious during the rare winter rains which can cause extremely slippery road surfaces or localized flooding. Public mini and micro buses are considered unsafe. Driving at night anywhere and especially on unlit highways, or rural roads, is dangerous as explained in previous posts. Last time in Canada, vehicles had headlights on during daylight hours - but here, many drivers (especially taxis) don't use their headlights even at night.

2. Walking the streets in Cairo, and I suspect in all metropolitan areas of Egypt are safe. Violent muggings, or presence of Urban Gangs, is rare to extent I have not heard of any. But in saying that, use common sense, and don't go exploring for problems brandishing loads of jewelery. However, pedestrians should exercise extreme caution when crossing roadways. Especially true of high volume roadways. Maybe seem like a silly statement, but some roadways will seem impossible to cross, so consider getting a taxi to drive you down road, make a U turn and drop you. He may think you are a bit funny but won't say no to cash. Keep in mind pedestrians are a nuisance and one only has to watch the locals take, what appears to us, as the death defying ballet movements dodging vehicles, to catch a bus on other side. If you see a good break in traffic, look both ways as could be motor bike, bicycle, donkey cart, or even car coming against the flow of traffic against the curb. Also a word of caution about walking especially at night. You will note, on many streets locals walk on the roadway. That is for good reason as sidewalk might have open holes, or other obstructions not easily seen. I can assure you ankles have been badly sprained and in one case I know of, leg broken. See this youtube video, and many others available, of crossing street in Cairo - deathwish LINK

3. Egypt experienced a string of terrorist bombings in 2004, 2005, and 2006 which were intended to disrupt the Egyptian tourist industry. Security has been really stepped up and is visible to most, but also there is the invisible group working the problem. Egypt seems at no greater threat than any Arab state, or even the larger European centers considering attacks in London, and Madrid.

4. Petty theft is prevalent, so take the proper precautions and don't tempt people by leaving valuables laying about or in vehicles. Mobile phones are a favorite. Pickpockets, like anyway in world, can be working the tourist areas so take the proper precautions. Purse snatching has been reported. If any bad experience, report quickly to nearest Tourist Police, and if important documents gone missing, remember to report to your Embassy, after Tourist police. There are instances where wallets have been stolen, to be found later at Police station, with only cash missing.

5. Pharaoh's revenge (diarrhea ) is common for tourists, and new families moving to Egypt. It is not that the bugs are worse than elsewhere, just different and plentiful. Avoid ice and local water as first line of defense. But, plan for it, and carry Immodium and / or Lomotil. The disagreeable experience should be short lived say 12 to 24 hours. If longer get some medical attention. If you forget to bring yours, go to any Pharmacy, or better yet find a phone number and they will deliver if in same area. (if late at night call Mobinil 8000 to find 24 hour one). Immodium has not be available lately but the Pharmacists will be able to recommend what will work that is available (usually a generic). Recommended is Drotazide. Locals like me, are usually not bothered after one or two bouts.

I feel quite safe here with my family. As I mentioned before - common sense goes along ways, as with any travel destination.