Is Giza safe?
Heavily policed around tourist sites and generally safe, but touts are persistent and street harassment is common. Traffic and scams cause more trouble than violent crime.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: None/5, .
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-07-14.
- Homicide rate in Egypt: 1.3 per 100,000 people (2017, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Egypt: 10.1 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 122 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 180 · Tourist police 126.
Safety in Giza at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | None/5 · |
| Crime | Pickpocketing in crowds, and persistent touts, scam sellers and horse or camel handlers who demand money after tours. |
| At night | Main roads stay busy late. Use Uber or Careem after dark; avoid empty side streets and unlit stretches near the plateau. |
| Solo women | Solo women often face catcalling and persistent attention; dress modestly, avoid empty areas and use app taxis. Serious assaults on tourists are rare. |
| Other risks | Chaotic traffic and few pedestrian crossings; Summer heat and dehydration at the plateau; Smog and dust in autumn and spring |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Touts say a gate is closed and redirect you to a paid 'special' entrance
- Camel and horse handlers add fees, then demand more after the ride
- Fake guides or papyrus, perfume and carpet shops pay commission to drivers
- Taxi drivers refusing the meter near the Pyramids
Take care
- Camel and horse rides: agree the full price and time before mounting
- Walking on unlit streets or wide roads at night
- Accepting 'free' gifts or tea from strangers
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing people needs their consent; children, officials and military sites, including the Suez Canal, are off-limits.
- Importing or flying a drone without Defence Ministry permission can mean up to 7 years in prison.
- Criticising the government, including in social media posts, can lead to detention.
How Giza compares in Egypt
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Hurghada | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Aswan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Dahab | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Marsa Alam | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| El Gouna | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Siwa Oasis | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cairo | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Luxor | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Alexandria | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Giza safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women often face catcalling and persistent attention; dress modestly, avoid empty areas and use app taxis. Serious assaults on tourists are rare.
Is Giza safe at night?
Main roads stay busy late. Use Uber or Careem after dark; avoid empty side streets and unlit stretches near the plateau.
What is the crime rate in Giza?
Pickpocketing in crowds, and persistent touts, scam sellers and horse or camel handlers who demand money after tours. Nationally, Egypt records 1.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2017).
What number do I call in an emergency in Giza?
Police 122 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 180 · Tourist police 126.
More about Giza
Going to Giza solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
- Grand Egyptian Museum
- Egyptian Streets: metro fares from 27 March 2026
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.