Thread: Anyone gone to Egypt alone?? need advice

Hi everyone,

wanted to know if any dancers here have gone to Cairo on their own, and how they managed it?

was it too overwhelming?
were you able to get around and see everything without too much fuss?
did you hire someone to escort you around, and did it help?
did you have trouble getting in contact with dance instructors or costumers?
did it feel safe?
did you get totally ripped off on taxi rides/at the market?

I am going in May/June and might be there on my own for the first 3 weeks before some friends join me. I'm a bit worried about how I will handle it on my own...

any advice is much appreciated!! thanks :)

if you have done this sort of thing before and if you are a saavy traveler you will be fine.
I have done morocco, egypt, italy, portugal, spain, peru all by my lonesome and had a fabulous time. But I am kind of a tough chick.
So to answer your questions.
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
Hope that helps!

You can definitely do it alone although I would really suggest getting some contacts of friends of friends who live there or trying to find out if any dancer aquaintances will be there the same time as you who you could contact or meet up with at certain points. Trying to do everything on your own and the constant attention you get on the street can be a bit overwhelming if you are on your own the whole time.
The first time I went to Egypt I was completely on my own and didn't know anyone. Its not really how I would recommend going the first time if you have a choice but overall it was a great experience and I'm happy I did it. I spent time in Cairo and also traveled to Luxor and Aswan and I was fine but being completely on my own did get to be a little much. I also got really sick with a respiratory infection towards the end of my trip and had to go to the hospital. Again I handled it fine, and the staff at the hospital and the pension where I was staying were super nice and helpful, but having someone you could check in with in the city in case anything happens would be preferable even if you are on your own most of the time.
As far as getting around and getting in touch with dancers and costumers, it pretty easy. Just make sure you have a cell phone! Find out if your phone will work with an Egyptian sim card or you can buy a phone when you get there for about $40. It is absolutely worth it. For taxis just find out what they should cost for a certain distance etc., before going.

My twin sister went with just her mother-in-law and she was pestered enough (and she dressed very conservatively, etc.) to make her feel a bit uncomfortable, and she has traveled quite a bit. When they hired a guide, though, everything went alot more smoothly. Are you going with a tour group or completely alone?

I'm in the same dilemma! I want to go to Cairo in may/june too...
I was thinking about staying at Yasmina's B&B

The first time I went to Egypt I went alone (Cairo only). I had the chance and knew if I didn't take it it might not come up again for a while. I was there alone for a week or so, then my cousin met up with me for a few days.

Subsequently I also visited Egypt with my mom, a friend, and one more time alone (for a much longer period of time). The second time alone I was living with a friend's family, so I had a local support system. I recommend that route highly, but of course it was a lucky break that I had a close friend and roommate in San Francisco who was willing to foist me on his family, and that they were willing to have me.

To your questions (I'll focus on my first trip there alone):

was it too overwhelming?
Sometimes. I found places I could really relax (Diwan bookstore, Coptic Cairo, the womens cars of the subway). I also changed hotels a few times until I found one I felt really comfortable in (I guess I could have gone the big hotel route, it did not even occur to me at the time). I arrived without a plan of where to stay, and it all worked out. I wound up at the Windsor Hotel. Great room, nice and respectful staff, and a bar I was okay getting a beer in by myself.

were you able to get around and see everything without too much fuss?
Yes. I just did it, and it was fine. I really don't recall too many problems. Basic city street smarts help a lot. I like doing things on my own even at home, so it did not feel weird to me.

did you hire someone to escort you around, and did it help?
No, I didn't.

did you have trouble getting in contact with dance instructors or costumers?
I didn't really try that hard. I was totally ignorant about how to do it! Mostly I wanted to soak in Cairo, not just have a full on dance trip (though I was a full on dancer at the time...therefore I was also pretty broke!). I went to some shops, and was able to meet costumers that way. I did have a contact for Amira Al Kattan (she used to live in the US and I took a dance workshop from her in 1991 when I was a baby dancer!), and found her and her shop which was pure awesome sauce. I also went to Mohamed Ali Street and wandered around lost (but totally happy, oh my lord the music was divine), and went to some nightclub shows (twice myself, which was interesting, and many more when my cousin arrived).

I think it is much easier to find costumers and instructors now, there is more of a market for foreign dancers.

I did not tell anyone I was a belly dancer.

did it feel safe?
Yes.

did you get totally ripped off on taxi rides/at the market?
Probably! I love to bargain, and I know some Arabic, so that helped. But newbie tourist in any city...yeah, I am sure I did. Not in any way that I felt bad, though, or was too aware of.

I would do it all again in a heartbeat. If you go I hope it is wonderful and you tell us all about it! I am jonesing hard for Egypt right now, I hope to get back soon!

I went to Egypt with a group but made lots of trips alone. I felt safe everywhere (I do speak a little Arabic, that helped a lot!).
If it is your first time to Egypt, I could imagine that it will be a little bit overwhelming. All the crowds, noise, ... (But that is just the first few days!!)

I did ask the hotel manager (it was not a big hotel, it was the Garden City House hotel, across the street from the Semiramis Hotel) for a private driver.
He called a friend and asked if he was available the next day. We negotiated a price and that was that. He drove me around Cairo all day. ..l;,
You could also ask someone at the hotel what the normal price for a taxi ride is. There are usually some amounts that are kinda fixed, depending on where you go.

I have (unfortunately) never visited any workshops or costumers when I was there.... ,f::

The first time I went to Cairo was with friends, so my second time was not too much of a surprise (plus I have travelled all over the ME and to India both alone or with company).

The most overhelming thing was the traffic.

Yes, it's good to dress modestly, but I will always be recognized as a tourist and treated accordingly. I never felt really pestered though.
Just don't fall for the charms of an Egyptian man. Always keep in mind that tomorrow he will use the exact same lines on another unsuspecting tourist woman!

I have a shopping guide page:
Successful Shopping in Cairo
It might not be super accurate since I haven't been there in 6 years (BTW, I am always grateful for updates!) but it will help you find costumes. What else matters?

I felt safe, but I usually do. Even when walking through areas that made my Egyptian friend who is a certified tourist guide shake in horror. "You went WHERE??? I'd NEVER go there!" (I don't remember what it's called, it's the cemetary where people live in and besides the graves)
I hired her a few times to take me to the pyramids and the museum, but mostly I wandered around alone.

3 weeks? My goodness, your poor lungs ..l;,

But have fun and drink some strawberry juice for me!

MEISSOUN

Originally Posted by Monica

I found places I could really relax (Diwan bookstore, Coptic Cairo, the womens cars of the subway).

These were exactly my relaxing places when I was there on my own too. :) Also the Cairo opera house.

Originally Posted by salomestar

I'm in the same dilemma! I want to go to Cairo in may/june too...
I was thinking about staying at Yasmina's B&B

I just spent a few days at Yasmina's . . . I think it is a great way to ease into the Cairo experience. She has contacts for lots of dancers, shows and costumiers . . . plus she can arrange a guide and a taxi driver! She set me up with a guide who took me to Dashur then down to Fayoum for a day out of Cairo . . . ended up with 2 other women who had come a couple a days ahead of their group . . . so we split the cost which was quite reasonable to start. She got me a taxi driver (Ashraf) for a drive out to Kerdassah to go shopping for galabeyas . . . he was quite reasonable (pre-negotiated rate for round trip and time) and helpful.

she can give you lots of helpful advice about how to get around and where to go. AND she lives near the Pyramids . . . you can walk up the street and spend some time walking around the Pyramids without too much hassle (ok, you will run the gauntlet of taxis, caleche drivers, camel and horse rides . . . just say "NO" if you dont want to do it).

And, if you get tired of the hassle, there is Mena House right there for a quick stop . . . lovely grounds to wander around and a lovely hotel and a great Indian restaurant (if a bit pricey). Felfela restaurant is down the street and the Meridien Hotel is too for another place to stop off for a drink if you feel the need to go into another Western style hotel, hehe.

Aida Nour and Lubna are in Giza area too . . . so not far from Yasmina's . . . if you are interested in taking a class with them. Outi is not much further away either if you want to contact her . . . I went over there to get some CDs and visit then went to watch her dance on the Nile Pharaoh.

Yasmina is a sweetie, so is Outi of Finland and Leila from US. Leyla Lanty hooked me up with her tour guides, who were wonderful to tote me around. I went out a lot on my own too. I stayed in a flat by myself for 3 weeks, and I was 22, blond hair, blue eyes, with big boobs. I survived! If you email me I'll send you the phone numbers of everyone at the time. Also I have a very long blog about my experience on my site!

Oh and I forgot! Alia Thabit is bringing a group to Leila's dance seminar in early may too: Belly dance classes and performances in Vermont

Awww thanks for all the advice ladies!!! I feel better now.

Salome: if you end up going make sure to exchange contact info with me! we can meet and go places! (and anyone else who reads this and is going feel free to do the same).

I plan to stay with Aleya of Cairo. So she is being great about giving me advice and info. But she may be away for some of May so I got a bit worried about being on my own for the first few weeks. now I think it'll be ok :)

I'm so excited and I hope to start a blog to keep anyone interested updated on my experience.

I would not think about travelling to Cairo alone unless you know someone there.

Yes, people have done it and survived but hey.. you get in a taxi and ask for an address, he nods and before you know it you are dumped in an area you dont know. He has no idea what you want or what you are saying and niether does anyone else...

This has happend to me when I was living there..and I was very used to it.

What if you get sick, what if.. etc.

I am not trying to scare you but I cant believe anyone would travel alone for their first time to Cairo..

It would be a good idea for people to stay with Yasmina but it is worth remembering it is a B&B and not a guided 24 hour service..

I am just being honest here. ..g.:

I loved Cairo..on a package tour, staying at the Mena and with a
6' 6" son for company. ..g.:
We saw all the sights,had our own mad taxi driver full of sane advice (we were lucky) and a good tour guide to turn to. I met up with an American living there ( we had met on Bhuz!) and then with another American travelling alone at Mahmouds and visited places together.
I would imagine there are lots of tours or other dancers you could link up with and (if you get on with them of course) you'll feel a lot more relaxed in company especially if you can link up with someone who lives there and who knows their way around.

I've travelled to Cairo on my own four times in the last two years and loved every minute of it. Generally, my days were filled with dance and teacher training at ISOC and any free time I had was spent touring, visiting the sites, Khan al Khalili market, Nile cruise, etc.

My first trip was a bit overwhelming, I admit, and I am an experienced traveller, having lived alone in Europe for six years in five different countries. I did arrange for a guide to accompany me to my hotels and the train station, and that helped somewhat.

You will love Egypt and even more so if you are mentally prepared and open-minded to a vastly different way of life. Shira, Keti Sharif and others have posted excellent articles for dancers travelling to Egypt on their websites.

It would be useful to learn a few basic phrases in Arabic, including numbers, and to become familiar with Egyptian money as well.

Tour Egypt: Egyptian Money

The Egyptian people are wonderful and so very helpful. I'm sure you'll have an amazing experience, ya salam!


Khalida

Ooops, just reviewed the links on

Tour Egypt: Egyptian Money

and they don't have the current L100 bill listed; what we see is the reverse/English side from an older denomination (1978 thanks to Wiki) and the obverse/Arabic side of the bill is pictured backwards . . . .

You can click on the images at the end of this Wikipedia article which provides information on the colours, symbols and sites featured on the current series of bills:

[ame=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_pound]Egyptian pound - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]


Really interesting, going back now to read more!



Khalida

Originally Posted by caroline_afifi

It would be a good idea for people to stay with Yasmina but it is worth remembering it is a B&B and not a guided 24 hour service..

I am just being honest here. ..g.:

Sure, Yasmina does provide B&B option which can be a nice break from hotels . . . and it is nice that she does have contacts for many things . . . but you are on your own after that . . . free to explore, discover and get lost ;) !

I wanted to mention one more thing . . . whether you stay with Yasmina or not, consider getting her to do a costume photo shoot after you have purchased a new costume in Cairo! I was looking at some great photos she has taken of other dancers that have done this . . .and you can even ride out to have one taken with the pyramids in the background!

Thanks for all the honesty. I think it will be overwhelming at first but I hope I can settle into it after a few days. I know I have to be smart and careful not to get caught in bad situations.

cbarros: I am interested in doing a photo shoot with Yasmina! I love the pictures I've seen from her so far. Its definitely on my list of things to do! :)

Thanks for the advice ladies!

Melisa, once I get my stuff/ideas sorted out I'll keep in touch and let you know what I'll be up too!

Hi Melissa,

I've done Egypt on my own for a month and a half. If you have any questions feel free to ask anything.

I stayed at Nada's hostel most of the time. No problems getting in touch with instructors except NO ONE had voice mail so I had to keep trying. Annoying thing is everyone is eager to help you because they usually get a cut. That means if someone sets up a lesson for you or brings you to buy costumes, the price gets raised so they get a cut. Just the way business is done. If you go to Khan el Khalili and ask how to get to Yassers, whoever brings you gets a cut so best to find places on your own.

One teacher cost $120 USD per lesson when it was set up for me. When I contacted her directly it was $40USD.....

Hustlers are a pain in the butt but harmless. Yes taxi's will try to rip you off, lol.

Really it was ok overall and I felt safe most of the time. I went to Sinai and Dahab but didn't go South to Luxor & Aswan (was tired of the hustlers and they are way worse down there!).

Hi,

I already went a few times to Cairo, and it's a great city. You don't have to worry anything, you can wonder around alone. Egyptian people are really nice and friendly.
I will go in to weeks, and I will stay in arabian nights hotel (Cheap hotel - Arabian Nights Hotel Cairo ) it will be my first stay in this hotel. Before I always stayed in Victoria hotel, but the staff is getting each year a bit more unfriendly. I checked out the arabian nights hotel, and it has all good reviews. I choose this hotel beacuse it organise also trips, so when you travelling around alone, it is easy when the hotel can arrange trips. If you like I'll let you know how the hotel was.
I also can give you some addresses. Shops, restaurants, ...
Next to that in the times I travelled to Egypt I met a taxi driver, an old man, but he drives really carefull, and that's what you need in cairo. In the chaotic atmosphere, a good driver, because some of them are driving like hell.
I just tell him what I want to visit, and he brings me there, and he also guide me (last year I went to a kind of market place, and because we were the only two women there he guided us). He speaks a little English, but he is a perfect guide and taxi driver for the chaotic Cairo. If you would like I can give you his phone number?

The other think you have to know about Egypt, is that you have to be prepared for the so 'called' cultural shock. It's a poor country, people are very poor, they ask for everything a little money, but if you stay friendly they will treath you with respect. City's as Cairo are very busy, it's like it never sleeps, every where you see cars, really chaotic ...and besides that it's a dry city everywhere dusk and sand. So be prepared! My boyfriend went once with me, he is moroccan, and even he had some problems the first day, 'cause of the different culture. But once you are used to it, you will love it!

If you have any more questions you can ask me!

sille

I didn't go alone, but with Andrea2 from Bhuz. We were on our own, though, no groups/agents/guides. I prefer to travel that way. Andrea was sick a good portion of the time so I was on my own a lot.


was it too overwhelming?
Not at all. Just like traveling anywhere else, for the most part, except for traffic!!!!

were you able to get around and see everything without too much fuss?
Yes.

did you hire someone to escort you around, and did it help?
We went on our own part of the time, and with a guide part of the time. The guide helped in terms of reducing harassment and not having to haggle with cab drivers, but really we were fine on our own. We wound up paying him so much in commission on every purchase we made, in addition to his daily fee, that it wasn't worth it. Worse, he tried to keep those commissions a secret and it was rather insulting. You may want someone for your first couple of days while you get your bearings.

did you have trouble getting in contact with dance instructors or costumers?
Not at all. Phoned them up and they invited us over and gave us tea.

did it feel safe?
To be honest, I had a few moments of fear when I was on my own, but as it turned out I was always safe. I let my imagination run away with me.


did you get totally ripped off on taxi rides/at the market?
It's important to settle on a price BEFORE you step into a taxi, but if you're savvy enough to do that you won't get totally ripped off. Negotiating is a way of life in the markets, and you're expected to counteroffer. That's not really the same thing as someone intentionally ripping you off. Just know the rules before you go.


My advice is to learn at least a little Arabic before you go. Pleasantries, numbers, etc. It helps to know the alphabet so you can make out street signs and such.

You'll find plenty of people who speak at least a little English, but people really appreciate the attempt to at least be polite in Arabic. And if you can say things like 'what's your best price?' in Arabic, it goes a long way!

p.s. I LOVE tripadvisor.com for reviews of hotels, etc. I do most of my travel planning based on that site.

One more piece of advice -- never do anything without negotiating a price first. Don't start a lesson, get in a cab, try on a costume, etc. without asking first 'how much' and making a counteroffer.

Hi Melissa
How exciting you are going to Egypt!!
I went to Egypt by myself for one month.
I am coming to TO for the conference in April so we can talk about over a coffer then if you want.

Sam

Lots of good advice here. My first trip to Egypt was on my own "way back when". It was a bit overwhelming but I got to do and see most of the things I wanted to. And yes, I felt safe. Things have gotten a whole lot more accessible and organized than back in the late 70s but the traffic is still as bad if not worse!

Thanks to RaqOn for mentioning my friend and guide Ahmed and his son Karim who helped her on her first trip. If you want to know more about them, ask her or pm me.

If you have any specific questions about Cairo or Egypt in general, feel free to pm me.

Have a wonderful time! I'm going to be there between June 17 and July 18 and can't wait, even though it will be my 15th time!

Thanks everyone for the great advice.

whats everyones advice on going out later in the evening/night?

Samantha: yay!!! can't wait to see you at IBCC!!

LeylaLanty: thanks for all the info, maybe I will see you in Egypt! ('ll be there until June 23)

Lauren and ssille: your advice was really helpful, thanks!

A couple people have mentioned health issues.
FYI- you can walk into a pharmacy and talk to the pharmacist about what ails you and they will prescribe medication for you right there. That advice from Leila of Cairo saved my tummy while I was there. The Cipro I brought from the US did nothing to help me- and Egyptian pharmacist gave me Flagyl. And the prescription was dirt cheap!

Some health advice - pardon my boldness, but these things are important.
Read Shira's travel advice articles on Gilded Serpent
Staying healthy while traveling by Shira for the Gilded Serpent
and her health check list
Staying healthy while traveling by Shira for the Gilded Serpent
which is an exhaustive list from which you choose the items that apply to you.

*** and ***
Take mosquito repellent either a spray-on or moist towelettes!!!! You won't need it everywhere but if you're close to the Nile, you'll definitely need it! Also an anti-itch mosquito bite cream or ointment to treat the bites. You'll need lots of sun block. I take Immodium AD (a generic version) which does a good job of treating "King Tut's Revenge".

To avoid K.T.'s revenge - don't eat anything that hasn't been cooked thoroughly and avoid green salads and other uncooked vegetables. Fruits you can peel easily like bananas and oranges are generally safe.

That's all for now.

On going out in the evening - if you mean going to night clubs it's best to go with at least one other person, female or male. A lone woman is VERY unusual in the night clubs and may cause some pretty inquisitive looks if not unwanted attention. Catherine (cbarros) gave some good advice to make an effort early on to contact other dancers who may be in town with whom you could connect and go out evenings together. Or you could splurge and hire my friend Ahmed or his son to escort you.