Safety concerns in Cairo, other tourist towns?
Replies: 34 - Last Post: Mar 26, 2012 4:06 AM Last Post By: ourluxor
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I'm booked to go to Cairo on 2/15 and from Cairo to Sharm on 2/18.....Seems really bad and don't know if I should cancel my reservation.17
From what I saw in Cairo today, things were still relatively normal everywhere north of Talaat Harb Square, with people shopping and sitting in cafes - definitely less than on an ordinary Friday night, but to imagine that the whole city is a war zone would be quite wrong.19
"Would suggest browsing the Luxor or Egypt forums on Trip Advisor."So would I turaj.
But instead of just reading the personal rants of the few, try looking at posts from recently returned holidaymakers, as they often tell a quite different story. Also, count the number of Luxor DE's posting about the supposed pevalence of the Luxor horror stories.
As you rightly state, "each traveler will have to decide". My hope is that they will put in a little bit of work, and weigh all the available evidence, and not only react to a lot of scaremongering. After all, it's them who will miss out on all the excitement, mystery and beauty that Egypt has to offer, even during this time of dramatic change.
Edited by: ourluxor
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Re #13 etc, I don't think there is any indication that the woman being quoted is not Egyptian. Plenty of women have gone to Tahrir, in these days as in previous protests. Whether those responsible for these attacks are organised groups or not, as some have claimed, I don't know. But obviously when large crowds are out protesting, women should not be feeling intimidated against going.That said on the matter of principle, I certainly wouldn't recommend Tahrir at the moment as a tourist experience. I would say that it is clearly somewhere for foreigners who don't have actual business there to stay away from, both because it is potentially dangerous and because it's an Egyptian affair which doesn't really require tourists who may put themselves in danger as well as facilitating the many claims that are being made about shadowy foreign interference.
Though, that said again, short of actually going up to the frontlines between the protestors and the police (or other acts of madness), crossing the streets is still probably the riskiest thing you can do in Cairo.
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I was just there, as posted before. Avoid Mindan Tahrir and hotels near there and you will be fine. At least that's how it is now. It could change, but who knows.I live in Thailand. Reminds me of the riots in Bangkok last year. If you avoided that small area, the rest of the town was fine. And this time, the airport was not effected.
Keep an eye on the media to see how things go. Hopefully, it will calm down shortly. Hopefully.
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It might also be a good idea to stay away from the Syrian embassy on Abd al-Rahim Sabry street in Dokki. It was stormed by protestors last night, and it seems there was shooting by the security forces, though no reports of injuries.23
Life in Cairo goes on as usual. The protests and the trouble are all taking place in the limited perimeter of Tahrir square, which is easy to avoid. I'd suggest to avoid Tahrir square if you're not familiar with Egypt. The rest of the city is perfectly fine, the only issue is an increase in theft - pickpocketing and handbag snatching, South Italian style - so take a backpack and keep an eye on your stuff.24
Correction - the Syrian embassy is in Garden City, the address I mentioned above is the old one.As I said on another thread, Falaki (a.k.a. Bab el-Louq) square and the streets south of it and east of Tahrir are the centre of the confrontations, it's worse than Tahrir where most of the time there have only been peaceful demonstrations. Anywhere north of Talaat Harb Square or Shari Muhammad Sabri Abou Alam should be fine. Of course, when there aren't confrontations going on, Falaki square is fine.
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Garden City is the neighborhood where most embassies and located, and where many expatriates live. It has to be one of the safest neighborhoods in town. Syrian embassies have been besieged by pro-democracy protestors everywhere in the world for the past few days, it's not specific to Cairo.As usual, you'll be safe as long as you stay away from crowds.
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+These ladies are astonishingly stupid, especially that blonde on the first video. Instead of staying away from Tahrir square, she goes there at night.And then they complain of "serious sexual assault"... go figure.+
So, that's o.k. then? Best that wifey stays home and in the kitchen, eh?!
Why can't women be part of the revolution?! Without being sexually assaulted..!!
With these kind of attitudes I would recommend women all over the world do self-defense classes.....
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"Why can't women be part of the revolution?! Without being sexually assaulted..!!"Because in certain cultures women who are seen to be independent or assertive, are deemed to be unrespectable (especially foreigners who are poking their noses into something about which they have no real comprehension) and in those same cultures a woman who is unrespectable is fair game for men to treat as a sex object; there solely for their gratification! Again, in those same cultures, many 'respectable' women wouldn't have any qualms about this sort of behaviour towards a woman who willingly put herself in such a position.
Get real!
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Thank you all for the advice. I am just back home, all went fine, no hiccups. I found Egyptians friendly, but have seen quite a few fulll throttle arguments happening in the streets, and one in the airport. But its just the way they are I guess!Our taxi crossed Tahrir the first day we were in Cairo, I could see people in the camps, but no roiting etc. Would advise all travellers to stay informed, rest should be fine.
The frequent kidnappings do sound nasty, we pretty much stuck to the beaten path, a pity in a way, but better safe than sorry!
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Luxor, with all due respect, I think I am "real". You on the other hand sound like you condone violence towards women....I have travelled in loads of countries on my own and certainly don't "poke my nose" in anywhere. I take normal precautions. And have never had trouble either.
I keep out of any disturbance/riot areas, but you could be caught up in it, the world is a volatile place nowadays.
Doesn't give men the right to treat women as lesser beings. Or assault them.
Any man with a mother, sister, wife or daughter would think the same....
I did a self-defense course, any man messes with me better look out! LOL
