While Egypt is a very beautiful place that is both rich in history and culture, travelers should always take the extra step in ensuring their safety and their own protection. A foreign land, regardless of its beauty can still be prone to a variety of hazards ranging from the smallest of things such as unhygienic sources of water to extreme occurrences such as civil unrest. As a traveler, it is your obligation to find out the things you need to know about before going to a foreign land such as Egypt.

Before you go and get on a plane to Egypt, you should find out as much as you can about your destination and the things you should avoid doing. Generally, it is best to avoid going to the middle of the Nile region. So, to be constantly safe, avoid this area as much as you can. It is better to remain in other popular tourist destinations than to visit areas rarely seen and risk your safety along the way. Take the time to check travel advisories given by your embassy and in the news.

One of the things that you should do is to get photocopies of your travel documents and important identification papers. Have one set inside your every day travel bag, one in your luggage and deposit the original copies in the hotel safe. There are many ATM machines in Egypt where you can withdraw money but do use banks and official moneychangers when you want your money exchanged in the local currency. Major credit cards are honored in big establishments. However, when you are shopping for souvenirs, keep your dollars and your credit cards out of sight and use local currency, so you will have greater bargaining power and pay for the item in the local currency rate and not in dollar or pound rate.

Another important thing that you should not forget is to take out a travel health insurance that includes emergency evacuation. This is your safeguard against untoward incidents. If you have prescription medication, be sure to have enough that will last for the whole duration of your travel to Egypt. Be sure to have these medicines in their original packaging and bring your original prescriptions with you. A medical alert bracelet is also a good idea.

While there may be pockets of tension as youth groups in Egypt find fault in some government policies, Egypt is a generally peaceful country and tourists are flocking to the popular hotspots in the country.

Regardless of any country you visit, there is still a slight possibility that petty thieves may be lurking about targeting unwary tourists. Egypt is a third world country and there are many poor people who think that tourists that come to their country are very rich. So be aware that pickpockets and bag snatchers are about. Always be on the lookout for any stranger trying to get close to you. In addition, you should always have your belongings such as bags with you when you travel. Never leave any valuables, bags or luggage where a clear line of sight is not possible. When you are living in a hotel, always ensure that your luggage is locked and take the keys with you as you go on with your travels.

There are also other things or possibilities that you should also be aware of during your stay in Egypt. A lot of the times, there are peddlers or people that will annoy you to the bones in an attempt to get you to buy their wares. If you are quite afraid of them, do know that they are quite harmless and are more annoying than dangerous. If you want to prevent these individuals from following you, especially if you are a woman, then simply tell them in a firm tone that you would like them to stop what they are doing. Egyptians do not like to be accused of following people and will instantly stop what they are doing when you command them to. The best phrase to use is “La Shukran,” which means, “No, thank you.” If they are getting overly persistent, seek help from the many Tourist Police patrolling the area, as they are there for your protection.

Your health and well-being is very important when you visit Egypt. After all, it wouldn’t be any much fun if you go on and get sick now would it? As a general health reminder, you should always bring enough bottled water with you that are store-bought. Never drink water from the tap nor ask for service water inside restaurants. So in order to avoid having an upset stomach or experience diarrhea, everything you consume must come from a bottled source or a restaurant (for food). It will be a wise decision to bring a first aid kit with you containing anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamines, low-grade antibiotics and antiseptics as well as fever and pain relievers. Bandages and plasters as well as safety pins should also be included.

Egypt is a predominantly a Muslim country, and the women that live there are conservative to the bone. As a female traveler, you should keep in mind that the people here, not only men, are not used to seeing Western fashion. In fact, they find some of the popular items of clothing to be offensive. One of the things you should never ever do in Egypt is to wear shorts or miniskirts that show a lot of leg. Not only does it warrant unwanted attention, it is also very disrespectful to their culture. When you are taking public transportation in the form of a bus or a train, always try and sit beside a woman or a large family. Never be in the company of groups of men nor should you ask directions from them.

The country is quite vast and it will be easy to get lost. It is imperative that you inform your hotel of your itinerary for the day so that you can be located in case you cannot find your way back. When in Egypt it is best to join organized tours with official tour guides to make the most of your stay. Do always carry your hotel’s call card with its contact information with you.

Be careful when crossing the street as drivers in Egypt drive on the right. Be extra careful when visiting busy Cairo. It is not advisable to hire a car and drive it yourself when in Egypt. Hiring a taxi on your own to take you around is not advisable either. It will be better if you inquire with your hotel regarding tour companies and other modes of transportation. It is likewise better to get their suggestions on restaurants and shopping areas.

Be sure to have plenty of sunscreen with you and protect your head with a hat or umbrella. Always wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from the strong rays of the sun and wear pure cotton clothes as much as possible. Use good walking shoes to protect your feet and make trekking around the many wonderful sights around Egypt pleasant and comfortable. Heeled shoes and open-toed sandals are not advisable, as most of the areas you will visit in Egypt will have rough roads, sandy areas and wooden floorboards.

Remember that your bags will be checked when entering museums and other tourist spots in Egypt so be sure to carry only the essentials to avoid delays. And be reminded that a video camera may not be allowed in some areas. Some of the locations and monuments, tombs and temples you will visit will use natural light for illumination so it is advisable that you carry a pocket flashlight with you. A compact mirror may also be very useful to reflect light and help you see some of the details better. Heed the warning signs, as flash photography is not allowed inside some of the monuments, museums and tombs.

It will be practical to arrange for tour guides or learn how to haggle with freelance guides as you tour monuments and museums. It will be better if you can join a group of other tourists so that you can share the cost of paying for a guide. In most cases, it will be easier to have this pre-arranged by your hotel prior to going on your day’s itinerary. Even taking a camel ride can be arranged by your hotel for you.

Avoid buying items for sale at the Giza Plateau because you can buy these items at a much lower price in Khan El-Khalili. Always arm yourself with the right information so that you will remain safe and make the most of your trip in Egypt. The practical safety tips that are listed in our Travel Guide Egypt are general safety tips that are meant to provide you with an overview of what to bring, what to avoid and what to look out for while in Egypt. Be mindful of travel advisories and advice from your hotel staff when you reach Egypt for more specific safety precautions.