I'm going to Cairo next year, I have some questions about the people there?

Question

I'm going to Cairo next year with my mom. I'm a 17 year old American female.

I am so excited to go and experience something different, because I've never been out of the country.

However, my mom will go, but, is hesitant, and my father, who is usually very laid back, is ALREADY telling me what to do, even though he's not going.

I know I'm not supposed to walk down dark streets at night, etc., but my father said the people in Egypt are "Weird" and that "I (and my mom) and 'crazy' for going by ourselves without a tour group...

Is it true the men there hate young American females? That's what he said - and he usually does NOT say things like that. He says that they will treat me badly...

But I've done so much research on Cairo, and I read about peoples experiences and they all say it's a safe city.

So, being a young American female, can someone give me (neutral) point of view of how the people (females included) will treat me there?

Oh, and is it OK if I don't wear a scarf over my head? I've seen women there (in videos/pictures) who walk around with out them but dad says "They don't like their women uncovered."...but I was just planning to wear a nice shirt and black pants/capri type? Is that OK for Cairo?

Thanks for the help...my father is really upsetting me, and I need some guidance since this is not an easy thing to plan. He's starting to ruin it for me and refuses to go into detail.

Answer 1

You have  nothing to worry about, you'll love it.

for first time traveler, keep your passport n money safe,

and don't smile a lot to men.

Answer 2

It is safe and there is nothing to worry about. I'm being very objective. It is a tourist country that treats its visitors with much respect. You really have nthg to worry about. And no, you don't have to wear a scarf.  As long as you are decently dressed (a skirt that covers your knees or pants or even bermudas that cover the knees, half-sleeved t-shirts) it will be alright for you to walk freely.

I think that the answers to the following question will also help you to get the right picture:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

Answer 3

I dont think you are egyptian at all.

it is in GOD (ALLAH) we trust. !!

Answer 4

your father is partially right ..it would be much more better if you booked a tour group ..coming to Egypt you an your mom alone without planning every thing ahead is alittle bit insane

an no Egyptian men don't hate young American females it's just the huge cultural gap they just think american women are loose an easy to take advantage on ...

not waring a head scarf is totally OK ..

the only thing that will upset you about Egypt is ignorance an poverty that's everywhere ..people trying to suck money out of you in every possible way an overcharge you for every thing

most of the answers here will be alittle bit biased ..telling you every thing is fine ..

if you have further questions feel free to e-mail me ...

Answer 5

people are very friendly

Answer 6

Welcome

Answer 7

i will give you an objective answer.

Cairo is a safe city .

it is awake by day and by night .

many females , Moslem and Christan , do not cover their heads with a hijab.

you can explore the city and enjoy your visit .

all the people here are friendly and warm.

we dont have any bad feelings towards Americans .

make it your goal to visit the most famous places here and see the utmost of the city 's historical and modern places of interest .

Enjoy your visit .

Answer 8

Hate to break it to you, hun, but your father is partly right.

No, they don't HATE young American females, but will you get some unwanted attention? You bet ya....

Did you know there is a LOT of sexual assualts/rape there?

If you're a young, American girl, the men there will probably touch you, and may even try to abduct you.. I am NOT saying this to scare you, but you will stick out...and you dont HAVE to wear a burka or w/e, but don't show too much - it ain't New York City!!

So, you will definitely get a LOT of male attention, partly because you will stick out so much...so be prepared...but your right, never walk alone at night...that's like your ASKING FOR IT. The women won't pay attention, they might look at you because you will be "different" but don't worry too much about them...your father is right, you can run into a weird person in Egypt, like every country, but ignore them..anways this isn't to scare you, but I had a friend who lived in Cairo many years who told me this stuff...just be safe sweetheart.

Answer 9

u don't need to ask , Egypt is a very nice and free country and our people are very lovely and friendly and they accept any habbits , because we are a tourism country , and WELCOME  

Answer 10

Your old man have no idea, he live in the dark ages, it is very safe there, people are very friendly and there is no dark street to be afraid off, I reckon it is saver the US, I'm British and go there for some work contract with my family, I can tell you go and enjoy.

Answer 11

In general people in Egypt are familiar with tourists existence around and are friendly with them.

What you father mentioning is a misinterpretation.  , you will attract attention as a tourist and that's normal, and would happen in any other places around the world. the main point is not to attract attention to your self as a female. Because Egypt is an a conservative society. So exposing your self in un-appropriate way (to our conservative society) might attract "undesired" attention from young men who might stare at you. the best way is to ignore them. or to the opposite they might not look at you at all as it is religiously (for Muslims and Christians of Egypt) not right to look at a woman with lust. So don’t see it as they hate you. actually they respect you.

So just dress in a trouser not skirts, if skirts that make it cover under your knees, also wear shirt or T-shirts, not beach like tight shirts.

Just act friendly with Egyptians. because some tourist are overloaded with prejudices of this kind your father mentioned, and this makes them give a dull imperission and some kind of disrespect when they deal and interact with Egyptians, and this irritate Egyptians as a result.

don't worry about your safety, Tourism police has recognizable and extensive existence in all tourist places (historical, shopping malls, Cairo down town, resorts ...etc). Just as you said don't walk late at night in narrow side-ways, and don't try to explore slum-neighborhoods. i just recommend you to keep a mobile phone with you for any case of emergency.

emergncy number is: 120

try to tour Cairo through google earth. And visit websites that can tell you about where to go, and how to reach there…

i mean put a plan for your visit before you come. and make some days for open-exploration of the city.

i don't have a website in mind to recommend, but you can use "travel Egypt" as keywords search. but keep in mind that Cairo is a very diverse country and contains a lot of attractive sites with different experiences.

And if you have something to complain (or an inquiry) about you can send it to the Egyptian Government website:

https://www.misr.gov.eg/english/services...

Answer 12

Why Visiting Egypt is A Good Idea        

A lot of individuals think that Egypt is closely linked with museums and pyramids when the truth is that the country offers a whole lot more. It is currently hosting the Holy Land tours that visit various Islamic, Christian and Pharaonic historical sites together with religious monuments and this is just the start of what you are probably not aware of. You can visit a lot of nature linked locations, beach resorts and culturally speaking there is a lot to learn in the country.

Egypt comes with a hot and dry climate so before venturing on any trip you should think about hats, sunscreen, walking shoes and sunglasses. A lot of historical sites do not allow flash photography so you need to bring high speed film and power adapters might be recommended for Americans as Egypt uses 220 Volt power. You should also bring long sleeved shirts and long pants because local dress codes will require them, especially when visiting mosques and churches. Always remember to drink plenty of water during exposure to the desert and all should be perfect.

Any classic tour of Egypt will focus on historical sites linked to Ancient Egypt. Most tourists usually come to the country for a period of 10 to 14 days and the locations that are most popular are Luxor, Cairo, Aswan and Nile cruises. Most pre-arranged trips start in Cairo due to it holding the largest airport of the country. Trips to Luxor are usually 1 to 2 days long and one day must be reserved for Aswan, located in the south of the country.

Four major religious tours are available and tailored to fit the needs of your religious background. For instance, Muslim tourists will usually opt for an in-depth tour of Islamic towns. A lot of religious tours will also include Pharaonic sites like the Egyptian Antiquity museum and the Pyramids. Nile cruises are usually optional but you could consider one if you are looking for relaxation and education. Nile cruises visit several sites and rural Egypt is highlighted, bringing back a piece of live history and an idea of how people used to live in the country.

You can also go for adrenaline tours that are specialized on golfing, fishing in Lake Nasser and desert walking. Even bird watching attractions are present due to Egypt being a migrating path for a lot of bird species. On the other hand, most European tourists will come to the country to relax on a sea and sand holiday and not opt for bird watching. The main thing is that no matter what you may want to do, Egypt does have something for everyone and this is why visiting Egypt is a very good idea.  

  

Answer 13

Women's Safety

Women, particularly foreign women, are frequently subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment, and verbal abuse. This often takes the form of staring, inappropriate remarks, catcalls, and touching. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

Forced Marriages

There are reports of female Canadian citizens being forced into marriage without their prior knowledge or consent. Parents, relatives and the community may use relentless pressure and emotional blackmail, threatening behaviour, abduction, imprisonment and physical violence to coerce young people to enter into marriage. While both men and women experience forced marriages, it is a form of violence most commonly perpetrated against women. They have been unable to return to Canada, and their passports and money have been retained by family members. Canada opposes the practice of forced marriage and urges all countries and regions to respect their international human rights obligations relating to free and full consent to marriage. Forced marriage constitutes a human rights violation under several legal instruments, including international human rights law, to which Canada is a signatory. If you are in Canada and you believe that you are being forced to travel overseas or to marry, you should contact provincial social welfare authorities and your local police. You may also contact the Emergency Operations Centre (tel.: [phone]) or the nearest Canadian government office (see Section 5 above).

Answer 14

First of all Egypt is one of the safest places there is.

second No one here hates young american females.

third i think that when you come to egypt you will see how the egyptians treat their visitors.

fourth No you don't need to wear a scarf over your head (By the way it is called a hijab) many of the egyptians themselves don't wear it it is specific for the muslims only and although that not all of them wear it.

the only real problem is the overcharge that you will get so i suggest that you ask any egyptian contact you may know about the prices first and it would be better if he bought the stuff for you.

that's all there is to say but i think that you would enjoy a lot the visit to egypt.