SAFETY and Scams
When it comes to safety Egypt is ranked pretty low on different indexes. A revolution occurred as recent as 2011 and the violent aftermath of 2012 and the removal of the new leader n 2013 were a huge change for the country. In 2014 they formed a new government, one that has remained in power for the past 5 years. And there is still some unrest among the people again as inflation on food has risen and the dislike for the government is growing again.
Terrorism is prevalent throughout the country in certain regions, but on a global scale a rarity for tourists and travelers to experience any of this. There were 7 terror attacks in Egypt in 2017, 6 in 2016 and at least 4 in 2018 Sounds like a lot, but in a global context, it isn’t. The most important part: Almost none of these attacks targeted foreigners, almost all of them happened in mosques or churches. That said, there was one bomb to hit a tourist bus, in Dec last year. And even last month in February 2019 a suicide bomber killed a policeman and two civilians.
However, the military has quite visible checkpoints all over the country (virtually ever 500 meters). Most tourist attractions have a quite high safety standard (and always a visible military presence), and buses usually travel in police-escorted convoys as we will experience going to Abu Simbel, where we have police permits to travel that area. But keep in mind millions of people travel to Egypt every year without major incident.
The bigger issue is the fact that in 2016 Egypt's currency crashed and the value of the dollar skyrocket against their Egyptian pound, increasing the already high poverty rates of over 26% throughout the country. Egyptian society is moderately unequal in terms of income distribution, with an estimated 35–40% of Egypt's population earning less than the equivalent of $2 a day, while only around 2–3% may be considered wealthy. This is a double edged sword as it is great to travel cheaply for a westerner, the rate of scams, pick-pocketing, and begging has increased.
As a westerner you will experience some of the most friendly welcoming people in the world. However since the poverty is so high, and everyone is trying to make money, a lot of what appears as “pushiness” by the touts trying to sell you their guide services, they will want to take pictures of you for fee, and try to make you pay extra “fees” for entering tombs and sites, all of which are scams. Unless you have been to a deeply impoverished nation you will thrown off by their abrasiveness and insistence. Don't let this bother you as it is part of the culture and has been for many years, it just is worse as of late. While sometimes exhausting and frustrating to deeply bargain for everything and avoid scams, it is all part of the experience. And remember these people are poor so they need to make money anyway they can, you will never be able to relate to what that is like, most likely.
As for women and safety, you undoubtedly will come across some men who will catcall, say rude things in Arabic, whistle, and hiss at the women in your group, this is generally harmless and should be ignored both by men and the women in your group. Don't get into a fight, as Egypt's jails are not included in your tour.
A few suggestions for dealing with Scams and unwanted services. Some of these suggestions are for everywhere, others are a little more for certain countries and areas, and these generally apply, however sometimes these rules can be disregarded at times at your personal discretion:
Terrorism is prevalent throughout the country in certain regions, but on a global scale a rarity for tourists and travelers to experience any of this. There were 7 terror attacks in Egypt in 2017, 6 in 2016 and at least 4 in 2018 Sounds like a lot, but in a global context, it isn’t. The most important part: Almost none of these attacks targeted foreigners, almost all of them happened in mosques or churches. That said, there was one bomb to hit a tourist bus, in Dec last year. And even last month in February 2019 a suicide bomber killed a policeman and two civilians.
However, the military has quite visible checkpoints all over the country (virtually ever 500 meters). Most tourist attractions have a quite high safety standard (and always a visible military presence), and buses usually travel in police-escorted convoys as we will experience going to Abu Simbel, where we have police permits to travel that area. But keep in mind millions of people travel to Egypt every year without major incident.
The bigger issue is the fact that in 2016 Egypt's currency crashed and the value of the dollar skyrocket against their Egyptian pound, increasing the already high poverty rates of over 26% throughout the country. Egyptian society is moderately unequal in terms of income distribution, with an estimated 35–40% of Egypt's population earning less than the equivalent of $2 a day, while only around 2–3% may be considered wealthy. This is a double edged sword as it is great to travel cheaply for a westerner, the rate of scams, pick-pocketing, and begging has increased.
As a westerner you will experience some of the most friendly welcoming people in the world. However since the poverty is so high, and everyone is trying to make money, a lot of what appears as “pushiness” by the touts trying to sell you their guide services, they will want to take pictures of you for fee, and try to make you pay extra “fees” for entering tombs and sites, all of which are scams. Unless you have been to a deeply impoverished nation you will thrown off by their abrasiveness and insistence. Don't let this bother you as it is part of the culture and has been for many years, it just is worse as of late. While sometimes exhausting and frustrating to deeply bargain for everything and avoid scams, it is all part of the experience. And remember these people are poor so they need to make money anyway they can, you will never be able to relate to what that is like, most likely.
As for women and safety, you undoubtedly will come across some men who will catcall, say rude things in Arabic, whistle, and hiss at the women in your group, this is generally harmless and should be ignored both by men and the women in your group. Don't get into a fight, as Egypt's jails are not included in your tour.
A few suggestions for dealing with Scams and unwanted services. Some of these suggestions are for everywhere, others are a little more for certain countries and areas, and these generally apply, however sometimes these rules can be disregarded at times at your personal discretion:
- When approached by a tout avoid eye contact and keep walking
- Don't even say “no thank you” as this encourages them to continue, while this may seem rude, it is not, you are just used to “politeness” and responding to people, but it encourages the touts.
- Always ask to see official badges if approached.
- Never let anyone handle your bags unless you are absolutely sure it's safe
- Keep your money in a money stash or hotel safe never in your back pocket
- If you are carrying a purse keep in front of you and a good hold onto it in crowed areas or restaurants
- Don't put your purse, or daybag on the back of a chair always keep it close to you
- Keep small amounts of Egyptian pound in one pocket and the rest in another to avoid letting them know how much money you have
- Rule of thumb for costs ask your host what the price should be, but generally figure the price you would pay at home cut into 1/3rd of the price. 1/3rd to 1/10th the starting price.
- Nothing is ever free
- Never let anyone take a picture for you as they will demand payment for the service
- Always buy a Photo pass if you want to take pictures (some sites are free) as the guards will consistently ask you for the pass and confiscate your camera and make you pay a fine if you don't have on or lose the pass
- Always keep a photo copy of your passport on you and one in a safe place. Hand this copy to people if needed
- If something looks suspicious avoid it and avoid dark alleys
- Keep an eye on your surroundings and personal items at all times
- Always triple check the price before agreeing for anything. For example when they say that is only 50, you need to clarify if they mean Egyptian pound or U.S. Dollars.
- Many places will insist on U.S. Dollar instead of Egyptian Pound, it's up to you to pay those prices or not, do not overpay.
- Many Shop owners are tricky as they will try to convince you a certain statue is a certain quality, you will never get a gold statue for $3
- Do not let anyone put a scarf or head-wrap on you as they will demand payment
- Always pay exact change for items purchased or in small bills
Baksheesh
As Egypt is notorious for Baksheesh it will be hard to avoid. If you don't know what it means: Baksheesh is a small sum of money given as alms, a tip or a bribe. It comes from several forms, one example is begging, another one is money for a service such as taking photos or leading you to a site entrance, and the 3rd type is when someone wants a bribe for you to do something, like take photos without a photo pass, be led into an off limits site, etc... Baksheesh is just part of the culture
Beggars - are at your discretion but remember this is a very poor country and you can't help everyone.
Various Services - It's hard to avoid and sometimes may be worth the little sum, for example, bathrooms often have attendants and charge a small sum to enter, however it's hard to tell who is an attendant and not sometimes, it may be up to you to decide or care, if the price is worth waiting.
Bribes - generally not worth it, For example a guard may tell you it's alright to take photos in a tomb where it is officially not allowed ,just give him a little Egyptian pounds, it seems okay at first, but as it could be a scam to trick you into taken those photos, and then getting caught by another guard (his friend) who pretends to yell at him, and then says to you, "you have to pay a fine now."
Legitimate Tips - Are encouraged and except for meals not included, there will be several times you have private drivers for sightseeing or a Felucca boat ride, if you enjoyed the transportation/boat cruise your host will ask if you want to tip a little bit to the driver/captain. Your meal package covers taxes and tips, but you are always welcome to leave more. And for other services like bellhops, barbers, maids, etc... this is always encouraged if you enjoyed the service. Remember not to overdo it as it will change the economic structure and make it harder for other people to survive when over-tipping becomes commonplace.
Beggars - are at your discretion but remember this is a very poor country and you can't help everyone.
Various Services - It's hard to avoid and sometimes may be worth the little sum, for example, bathrooms often have attendants and charge a small sum to enter, however it's hard to tell who is an attendant and not sometimes, it may be up to you to decide or care, if the price is worth waiting.
Bribes - generally not worth it, For example a guard may tell you it's alright to take photos in a tomb where it is officially not allowed ,just give him a little Egyptian pounds, it seems okay at first, but as it could be a scam to trick you into taken those photos, and then getting caught by another guard (his friend) who pretends to yell at him, and then says to you, "you have to pay a fine now."
Legitimate Tips - Are encouraged and except for meals not included, there will be several times you have private drivers for sightseeing or a Felucca boat ride, if you enjoyed the transportation/boat cruise your host will ask if you want to tip a little bit to the driver/captain. Your meal package covers taxes and tips, but you are always welcome to leave more. And for other services like bellhops, barbers, maids, etc... this is always encouraged if you enjoyed the service. Remember not to overdo it as it will change the economic structure and make it harder for other people to survive when over-tipping becomes commonplace.
