solo
 

I am a 62 year old male and want to go solo to Cairo.

Would i be safe in a city like Cairo?

As safe any anywhere else! It's a big crowded city.
Just don't leave your common sense at home.

Agree with Sandi, you should be fine. Just split your money around your pockets and then if in shops etc people dont see you pulling out a load of notes - unless they are the small ones.

other than that I dont think you would have ANY problems at all.

Scotsgirl

Thanks girls.

I think that i'm being put-off somewhat by reading virtual tourist.....

..... I've been reading conflicting reports from people on vt as regards the hassle from hawkers,street vendors etc.Plus the antics of petty thieves waiting to pounce on the lone tourist,especially in a place like Cairo.But,i suppose this can happen anywhere.I'm a seasoned tourist,and i'm aware of the challenges which sometimes face all of who travel.I think it's a case of just applying a bit of common sense and being vigilant at all times.Thanks again girls for you comments.

You are almost always more of a "target" if you are alone rather than in a group. I would suggest going with a group through a reputale tour company. You can book as a single and have your own room to yourself but still travel in the safety of being with experienced local tour guides and travelling with other people. Contact me privately, if you'd like help with suggestions.

Julie Roggow (just do a search for my name on the internet)

Admittedly, Egypt/Cairo does have some more insistent touts, but a firm Lo Shukran (no thanks) should do it. Or simply ignore them. But, I've found those in Turkey and Southeast Asia to be just as annoying... the bane of travelers at many destinations.

As scotsgirl, just don't flash the cash, wear good jewelry (don't think that's your concern :) ), have a large camera hanging off your neck (a small pocket inexpensive camera will serve just as well when in the crowded Bazaar). You'll be fine.

Thank you Ladies for you help,it's appreciated.

....that's ok Sandi,i don't wear jewellery,and i've only got a Kodak browie...lol

only joking my dear.

I have a Brownie (from the 40s) as a hand-me-down from my dad! It's so cute! He also gave me one of those Minox "spy" cameras. These sit on the shelf with every other camera I've had since the 60s. They both get lots of comments! :)

Compared with a number of large European and Latin American cities I've visited (and New York City in the early 90s), Egypt generally felt much safer (in terms of the risk of theft and violence). I was just there last week.

Oops - I pressed send too soon. I also wanted to mention that, of all the places I've travelled, Egypt had the most consistently warm and friendly people I've ever encountered.

Hi Solo

I found that just by saying La La LA LA LA!!! in a stronger accent than the first LA did the trick. Although once it was necessary to say no in my native tongue (Glaswegian - Glasgow) it did begin with F and end in Off and I found that worked just as well haha!! Just dont show fear :-)

On the brownie, well as it is a collectors item I wouldnt show that off either :-). I dont have a brownie - but I was a brownie (like a girl guide) of course I didnt learn my Glaswegian no there! :-)) but I did learn how to take people across roads - but I wouldnt advise letting me take you across a road in Cairo - unless your fast on your feet :-))

Scotsgirl

sorry i should have said Hi Mahler77 lol

Scotsgirl

Hi scotsgirl,

The old soldiers'farewell works then does it? i'll have to remember that.lol.

I use the name mahler ,because mahler's music has been the love of my life since my teenage years.

Every summer,i go to vienna to visit his grave at gringzing friedhof.My friends think i'm crazy.

thanks scotsgirl.love your sense of humour.

Hi Frogoutofwater,thanks for your reply.

I found things are a lot better in New York nowadays.I was there in march 07 and april 08.Never had a problem at all,and never felt threatened.However,i did stick firmly to the well trodden tourist tracks.

Sad to say, i've never been to south america,so i can't offer any personal comment.

I've been to all the major European capitals,and again,never experienced a problem,perhaps i've been lucky.I did however have a bit of bother with a beggar in Madrid a few years ago when he insisted that i give him two cigarettes and not one.An altercation ensued which attracted quite an audience.In the end,he walked away moaning with his one cigarette....

Hi sandi,

I too had my brownie in the 60's,i was only joking above btw...lol

Actually sandi, i'm quite a lousy photographer to be honest,absolutely cretinous in fact.i never get it right.I've taken many a useless picture in my time.I'm too embarrassed to go into detail.My brain never seems to be in synch with the press button....and like your cameras,my pictures get lots of comments.

best wishes sandi

Hi Roggow,

Thank you for your offer of help.

Actually roggow, i prefer to go solo,for the most part anyway.Sorry if that sounds a bit antisocial,it isn't meant to be...sincerely.I will certainly keep your offer in mind.Thanks again.

best wishes mahler77.

Hi Guys,

I know i'm being a pain,but one last question please.

How far is it from the entrance/ticket gate to be alongside the pyramids? Do i walk or ride? I must admit that i'm reluctant to hire one of they desert contraptions.They must stink to high heaven,both front and rear......and from what i've seen on VT the horses don't look suitable either.Most of them look older than me.WALK IT????

mahler -

I'm not the best photographer, but must say with the new digital cameras, I surprise myself with some pretty decent pics. You'll do just fine.

For getting around Cairo - the Pyramids, Sphinx, Bazaar, Museum, to name a few - you can arrange with your hotel (their Tour Desk) for a guide/driver. Split up your time, Day 1 for Pyramids & Giza and maybe Memphis and Saqqara; Day 2 for the Museum and Bazaar.

Or you can contact Debbie Senters, a regular poster here with Casual Cairo... who gets great reviews from those who have used her services. Her email is: [email protected]

Hello sandi

Thanks for your advice,

I was hoping that a lot of the attractions you mention would be walkable?.I'm a great walker,despite my age..lol

Best if i talk to someone at my hotel...

Believe me, these days 62 "isn't old"

Well, not quite in Methuselah's age group i must admit.

I can still walk the Ringstrasse in Vienna once a year ;-)

.....best wishes Sandi

Hello Mahler...no problem in Cairo alone but you mentioned "walking" to the sights in Cairo...really not a walking city and you will see that immediately upon arrival. While I realize you are an experienced traveler...I consider myself the same...different ballgame here. I would encourage you to either prebook with a guide to see the highlights...they will provide the transportation (not a group) or do it with your hotel once there. A good guide will facilitate your sightseeing and share their culture with you...just wandering around on your own could be pretty frustrating in this city...just my opinion and I generally avoid any tour like the plage...some time on your own is fine in certain areas but time with a guide is really beneficial in Cairo.

Cairo is definitely not a walkable city! The sites are spread out, the traffic is horrid, the metro is there but not necessarily easy....then there are the crowds, the construction, the sheep.....

Well, a private guide would be best! :)

Thanks Turaj for your advice.

I think i'm making the mistake of treating Cairo like a European city,ie user friendly.That isn't the case in Cairo is it? What we have here,is a completely different culture,and therefore should be treated as such.

I've heard of the horrific road congestion and the horrendous crowds in the city.I would imagine that with the heat to contend with as well it can be very tiresome.Especially as the major attractions are far apart.On holiday, I'm so used to doing everything on foot that it's become second nature to me.It looks like that i will have to revise my strategy whilst in Cairo.

In the light of what you and others on here have said,i think i'll work out what i want to do each day and book a taxi accordingly.I'll speak to someone at my hotel as soon as i arrive.

...........nahler77

Hello Grc,

The consensus of opinion on here seems to be that Cairo isn't a walkable city.You concur on this issue.

If the metro isn't as good as it should be,this only adds weight to the taxi option.

Thank you for your help Gcr.Your advice is appreciated.

<<I think i'm making the mistake of treating Cairo like a European city,ie user friendly.That isn't the case in Cairo is it? What we have here,is a completely different culture,and therefore should be treated as such.>>

This is exactly right! With this understanding - and of course the wonderful advice you'll get here - you're on your way to having a fabulous trip!

Hi Mahler

Thats the first time I heard it called the Old Soldiers Farewell. lol

I will remember that for the future.

We also have a further advanced method in the west of Scotland called the Glasgow Kiss. Did you hear of this one before.

It involves placing your head against the nose of the offender in a quick movement so as to cause initial shock and mild pain lol

Scotsgirl

if you need a private guide and a private car to get you around you could try the company that I recommend which is Egypt Quality Tours. They are real good. That way you wouldnt be a solo solo :-)

Scotsgirl

Hi Scotsgirl how are you my dear?

Yes i've heard of the famous 'Glasgow kiss': It's likely to occur when Billy meets Dan.A difference in opinion ensues,which is settled-one way or another- when bone meets soft tissue,and it's quite painful so i'm told.

Yes i do need a private guide in Cairo,everyone on here has offered that opinion.

...........mahler77

Can you help me Scotsgirl?

I'm in possession of loads of 200 e/pound notes.Where can i change them into smaller denominations?

Hi Mahler

Yes, on the private guide you could try the one I suggested above, they are great. And they will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel each day. They will give you itineraries and if you want you can add things and take things out.

On the 200 LE Notes, yes just take them with you and get smaller notes when you arrive. Any bank will change them for you or any exchange point. your hotel will do the same. Or what I do, is I find a reputable place, buy something small and let them stare me out as they give me the change back grudgingly lol

Scotsgirl

be careful of the 50 notes, make sure they are 50 pounds and not 50 piastres thats the equivalent of say a £5 and a 50p if it were in UK. So dont get caught out with that, just have a skim through your notes to ensure they are pounds in your change. Ive heard of someone before who got scammed that way.

Scotsgirl

Hi Scotsgirl,

Thanks again for your help and advice.

A private guide looks to be the best option.I'll enquire when i get to my hotel.

I've been told of the 50 notes money scam.I think this scam gets a mention on vt too .I'll have to be on my guard.A lucrative little business isn't it when they can get away with it.

Best wishes Scotgirl...mahler77

.....I'll look at your private guide recommendation too.....
"Egypt quality tours"