Cairo remains Egypt's most visited yet statistically riskiest city, with persistent petty crime, elaborate tourist scams, and occasional security incidents concentrated in downtown and Khan el-Khalili areas. Political tensions and sporadic protests can escalate quickly, requiring constant situational awareness despite improved tourist infrastructure since 2024.
Safety overview — Cairo 2026
Risk score
6.8/10
Night safety
Be careful
Tap water
Bottled recommended
Country
Egypt
Safety tips for Cairo
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Warning
Avoid the 'friendly guide' scam common in Khan el-Khalili bazaar—unofficial 'helpers' demand inflated commissions or lead you to overpriced shops; use official tourism police guides only
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Critical
Never travel alone after dark in Downtown Cairo (Zamalek, Garden City); stick to Nile-side restaurants and use registered taxis or ride-apps with visible license plates
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Warning
Counterfeit currency and fake antiquity scams are rampant near Islamic Cairo and Coptic Cairo; exchange money only at banks or ATMs, never street vendors
⚠️
Caution
Egyptian Museum area has increased pickpocketing; keep valuables secured, use day packs, and avoid displaying cameras or jewelry in crowded spaces
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Health
Tap water quality varies by district; stick to bottled water even for brushing teeth; street food vendors in Ramadan present higher contamination risks—eat at established restaurants
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Traffic
Cairo's traffic fatality rate is triple the global average; never hail unmarked taxis, use Uber/Careem, wear seatbelts, and avoid driving yourself—pedestrian crossings are treated as suggestions
💡 Stunning mosques and markets but labyrinthine streets—hire a local guide or use offline maps, very crowded during day
⭐ Top pick: Zamalek—offers the best balance of safety, comfort, and access to central Cairo while actually being enjoyable to stay in, with the Nile as your backyard.
Getting around Cairo
✈️ Airport transfer — Best option: Uber for convenience; Metro for budget
Metro8 E£ (~0.25 USD)· 45-60 min
Uber/Uber Eats120-180 E£ (~4-6 USD)· 30-45 min
Airport Taxi250-400 E£ (~8-13 USD)· 30-40 min
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Cairo Metro 2-8 E£ per trip (~0.06-0.25 USD)
Covers Lines 1, 2, and 3; serves downtown, Giza, and helwan
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Public Buses (CTA) 2-5 E£ per trip (~0.06-0.15 USD)
Extensive network covering most neighborhoods and outlying areas
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Uber/Careem 25-80 E£ typical fare (~0.8-2.5 USD)
On-demand ride-sharing; available 24/7 with GPS tracking
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Microbuses & Minibuses 3-10 E£ per trip (~0.09-0.30 USD)
Shared vans following set routes; cheap and direct but crowded
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Bike Sharing (Eco Masr) 50-150 E£ monthly (~1.50-4.50 USD)
Limited bike stations in New Cairo and Zamalek; short-distance option
Health and medical in Cairo
Cairo, Egypt's sprawling capital, offers iconic historical sites like the Pyramids and Egyptian Museum alongside modern amenities. Healthcare quality varies significantly between private facilities and public hospitals, with private options generally meeting international standards.
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Routine immunizations, Yellow Fever (if traveling from endemic countries), Hepatitis B
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Dar Al Fouad Hospital
Private · English spoken
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As-Salam International Hospital
Private · English spoken
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Cairo Hospital
Private · English spoken
🚨 Dial 123 for ambulance. For serious emergencies, go directly to private hospitals listed above. Public emergency services are basic; private facilities are safer for tourists.
Emergency numbers — Cairo
🚨 Police: 112 · Ambulance: 112 · Tourist Police: +20 2 2390-6425 (English-speaking; located near major tourist sites)
Cairo remains Egypt's most visited yet statistically riskiest city, with persistent petty crime, elaborate tourist scams, and occasional security incidents concentrated in downtown and Khan el-Khalili areas. Political tensions and sporadic protests can escalate quickly, requiring constant situational awareness despite improved tourist infrastructure since 2024.
Is Cairo safe at night?
Night safety in Cairo: Be careful. Always take standard precautions in any major city.
Is tap water safe to drink in Cairo?
Tap water status in Cairo: Bottled recommended.
What is the best area to stay in Cairo?
Our top pick for staying in Cairo is Zamalek—offers the best balance of safety, comfort, and access to central Cairo while actually being enjoyable to stay in, with the Nile as your backyard.. Book accommodations with confirmed AC and backup generators (power cuts happen), negotiate rates directly for weekly stays, and always verify metro/taxi proximity before booking—distance in Cairo equals 2+ hours of your day.
Do I need vaccinations to visit Cairo?
No required vaccinations for most nationalities. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Routine immunizations, Yellow Fever (if traveling from endemic countries), Hepatitis B.
What is the emergency number in Cairo?
In Cairo: Police 112, Ambulance 112, Tourist Police +20 2 2390-6425 (English-speaking; located near major tourist sites).
How do I get from the airport to Cairo city centre?
Best option: Uber for convenience; Metro for budget. Metro: 8 E£ (~0.25 USD), 45-60 min. Uber/Uber Eats: 120-180 E£ (~4-6 USD), 30-45 min. Airport Taxi: 250-400 E£ (~8-13 USD), 30-40 min
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