Taxi from Luxor airport to hotel?

Question

Being single female would I be safe to just get in any taxi at luxor airport to take me to my hotel?I would feel real nervous,keep thinking taxi may take me some were other than were I wont to go.Have any other women on here got taxi from airport?I went by transfer 2 years ago,but thinking of going on my own without agents,but last time lots of young men hanging about at airport,snatch my case,even though I said no thank you.If I stand about at airport I am sure I would have crowd round me,I think I may stay in Nubian Oasis hotel as it is very cheap,no one seems to know this hotel though,it is mainly for students and backpackers,although not all,not sure yet were to go,palace seems great,but its very expensive for two weeks.Wish I new some trust worthy people there who would befriend me.

Answer 1

Hey- I'm going to Luxor on my own on the 18th. (21 year old female).

You will have to haggle I'm afraid... you can either halve the price they originally say, or when they give the price say: "too much, I'm going to another taxi" and start walking away. There are many there, so they know you could find someone cheaper, so he'll quickly lower the price.

Do NOT get in a taxi if there is more than one guy in it- walk away without a second glance, no matter what price they offer.

I'm staying in a rather cheap hotel too but good location and that’s the most important thing to me- it is called Tutotel. Although I never stayed in it before, I have been to its disco a few times. Last time I stayed in the Sheraton, but that's way too costly on my student budget now.

When are you hoping to go?  You will get a lot of hassle, some people will tell you to dress a conservatively to stop that- but the truth is, if you don't go out alone at night, or down some dark street, you will be fine- so just the same common sense as any country. There are tourist police everywhere (get their number and store it in your phone before you go), and it is a busy place- take the compliments with a laugh I say :)

Have a great time, I know I will :)

Answer 2

I've been in Luxor.Key to luxor is being forcefull.If you don't want someone to touch your bag say 'Leave it alone,I'm fine'.Approach a taxi and ask how much to wherever?Say 'don't be ridiculous I'll give you (then offer half) if he says something in between say ok.When in Luxor hire a bike,it's a small place and then you wont need to get hassled by fecking Kalesh drivers.There's a place near the Winter Palace does reliable cheaper deals than reps for Balloon rides over the Valley of Kings.Well worth it,magical!

Answer 3

Misty sounds like an expert on that. Ask the tourist support officers in the airport or your airliners personnel. It should be safe to take a taxi by your own.

Answer 4

i'm not sure, you see i'm quiet worried as well. im leaving for egypt for the first time on the 16th, staying in cairo for a bit and then in luxor round the 20th. i'm also staying at a cheap hotel in luxor for backpackers, its called 'happyland hotel'. i'm also scared about getting hassled my other men but as iam going with my boyfriend and few other male friends, my mind is at ease in some way. why don't you go with someone? i wouldn't feel safe catching taxi's and walking around on my own but then again i have never been to the country so i don't know what the people are like. i'm off next sunday, when are you going?

goodluck in whatever you decide to do :-) xx

BARRY Z, how could you say that?? omg! hard work than a holiday? it looks like an amazing place full of amazing historical monuments, which you should learn to appriciate!

Answer 5

Hi Jeannette,

I'm not a woman, but I have travelled all over the world, especially in the middle and far east so perhaps I could be of help.

First of all you will be generally safe as long as you take common sense precautions, the same as you would at home. (Rely on instincts, dont get too drunk, dont trust any stranger, etc). Egypt relies on tourism and has a dedicated tourist police who will help you and look after you if needed. Look for them if you feel threatened.

Secondly it is a muslim country, and unfortunately their attitude to lone women leaves a lot to be desired. Just dress modestly (knees and shoulders covered, no cleavage, etc) and wear bandanas/headscarves in religious sites and you should be okay.

Taxi drivers and touts are unfortunately a hassle in ANY country, particularly poorer ones. Push past the touts and ignore them, be firm and shout 'no' firmly if needs be, and head straight for the official yellow cab stand or better yet hire a limo straight at the airport (less than £10!!!!). But make sure you do this from OFFICIAL stands, DO NOT, REPEAT DO NOT listen to the touts or anyone who tries to usher you into their taxi.

In terms of the hotels, any cheap backpacker hotel is generally safe, get your own room, it is still cheap enough in egypt, keep your valuables on you (passport etc) and your pack in a pacsafe and you are safe. If you can team up with another backpacker or two while you are there, even for a few days, do that. Any backpacker, especially other women should be more than willing to share taxi's etc and may save you a little ogling.

If you haven't already get a lonely planet book (the latest edition is only a few months old!) This will give you a lot of background information and ideas for alternative places to stay if your plans change.

I hope this helps, but if you need any specific advice or just need some fears allaying then email me [e-mail] and I'll do my best.

P.S. Ria and Misty have got some good advice too hun. Have a great time, and try not to let the hassles of touts spoil your trip. Count it as part of the experience. Have a great time!!

Answer 6

Why would you go back after getting hassle before?

I personally found Luxor more like hard work than a holiday.

I would not go back . Its a horible place. Everyone is full of shite and has no respect for either s*x.

Answer 7

Hey.... You should be fine in a taxi on your own....although you may get ripped off. Luxor is my second home and I know so many people... If you want you can email me for more info I would be happy to help! If you are going when I am there I can send a taxi for you... I have a taxi driver I have been using for fours years now I love him 2 pieces and hes in my extended family LOL.....

Ive never heard of that hotel but have you ever thought of staying in an appartement?? It could work out cheaper and more comfy!!

Drop me an email and we can chat more! x