Is it safe for solo travelers to walk around Cairo at night?

Stick to well-lit main streets and tourist areas after dark. Avoid walking alone in Islamic Cairo's narrow alleys at night. Use Uber/Careem for evening transport - it's cheap and much safer.

How do I handle aggressive vendors and touts?

Say 'la shukran' (no thank you) firmly and keep walking. Don't stop to explain or negotiate. If someone follows you, duck into a shop or restaurant.

What if I get completely lost?

Go into a pharmacy, restaurant, or hotel lobby and ask for help. Most educated Cairenes speak some English. Show them your hotel address written in Arabic on your phone.

Should I tip metro workers and taxi drivers?

Metro workers who help with directions expect 2-5 EGP. Round up taxi fares to the nearest 5 EGP. Uber/Careem drivers don't expect tips but 5-10 EGP is appreciated.

How to Navigate Cairo Solo as a First-Time Visitor

Navigate Cairo solo by downloading offline maps, learning basic Arabic numbers, and using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem for longer distances. Stick to main tourist areas during your first few days, carry small bills for tips and bargaining, and always negotiate taxi fares before getting in.

Download essential apps before you arrive. Get Google Maps offline for Cairo, Uber, Careem, and Google Translate with Arabic downloaded. Test them on wifi at the airport.
Master the metro system. Buy a rechargeable metro card at any station for 5 EGP plus credit. Women can use the first two cars (women-only). Line 1 connects most tourist sites - Sadat station for Tahrir Square, Saad Zaghloul for downtown.
Learn basic navigation Arabic. Memorize: yameen (right), shemal (left), doghri (straight), fein (where), and numbers 1-10. Write your hotel address in Arabic to show drivers.
Set transportation ground rules. For taxis: agree on price before getting in (20-40 EGP for short trips). For Uber/Careem: always verify license plate. Keep 5 and 10 EGP notes for tips and small purchases.
Plan routes using landmarks. Cairo addresses are confusing. Navigate by major landmarks: Tahrir Square, Khan el-Khalili, Citadel, Coptic Cairo. Tell drivers the nearest major landmark, not street addresses.
Handle street interactions confidently. Walk with purpose, avoid eye contact with touts, and learn 'la shukran' (no thank you). If lost, ask in shops or restaurants rather than on the street.

Is it safe for solo travelers to walk around Cairo at night?: Stick to well-lit main streets and tourist areas after dark. Avoid walking alone in Islamic Cairo's narrow alleys at night. Use Uber/Careem for evening transport - it's cheap and much safer.
How do I handle aggressive vendors and touts?: Say 'la shukran' (no thank you) firmly and keep walking. Don't stop to explain or negotiate. If someone follows you, duck into a shop or restaurant.
What if I get completely lost?: Go into a pharmacy, restaurant, or hotel lobby and ask for help. Most educated Cairenes speak some English. Show them your hotel address written in Arabic on your phone.
Should I tip metro workers and taxi drivers?: Metro workers who help with directions expect 2-5 EGP. Round up taxi fares to the nearest 5 EGP. Uber/Careem drivers don't expect tips but 5-10 EGP is appreciated.