Is it safe to walk alone at night?

Avoid walking alone in non-tourist residential neighborhoods after dark. Stick to well-lit areas in Zamalek or inside your hotel compound.

Do I need to tip for everything?

Yes. Keep a stack of small bills (5, 10, 20 EGP notes). You will be expected to tip for bathroom attendants, hotel staff, and drivers.

Navigating Cairo Solo for the First Time

Cairo is intense but manageable if you rely on Uber for all transportation and hire a vetted private guide for your first 48 hours. Stay in Zamalek or Maadi to avoid the sensory overload of downtown while keeping a secure home base.

Use Uber exclusively. Do not hail street taxis. Use Uber to get door-to-door, which avoids price haggling and prevents you from getting lost in areas where you don't speak the language. It is cheap—usually $2 to $5 for a cross-city trip.
Hire a private Egyptologist. For your first time at the Giza Plateau or the Egyptian Museum, book a licensed guide through your hotel or a reputable agency like Memphis Tours. They act as a buffer between you and persistent street touts.
Set a firm 'No' policy. If someone approaches you on the street asking for money, 'baksheesh,' or offering an unsolicited tour, keep walking and say a firm 'La, shukran' (No, thank you) without stopping or making eye contact.
Dress for cultural respect. Women should cover shoulders and knees to minimize unwanted attention. Loose-fitting linen trousers and long-sleeved cotton shirts are your best armor against the heat and conservative social norms.

Is it safe to walk alone at night?: Avoid walking alone in non-tourist residential neighborhoods after dark. Stick to well-lit areas in Zamalek or inside your hotel compound.
Do I need to tip for everything?: Yes. Keep a stack of small bills (5, 10, 20 EGP notes). You will be expected to tip for bathroom attendants, hotel staff, and drivers.