Women, Cairo

Bring your own toilet paper, some water and some 1Egyptian Pound notes wherever you go. You have to pay for the toilets in most of the places (even though you have paid for the entrance fee!), sometimes no water and toilet paper. When more than one cleaners or attendants will be in the toilet, each one of them will ask for the toilet fee!!.Oh my. The toilets in Egypt mostly are not the `sitting` toilets and the floor will be wet. This is the picture of the common toilet in Cairo. If possible, go to the toilet before you leave the house/hotel or restaurants.

once you are being touched by anyone in street or wherever , Never hesitate shouting so loudly , vulgar words are acceptable here , yes , and you will not loose respect , God , the guy touched you !
The point here is there are a bunch of people thinks that western women do not mind being touched and the worse some of them think that women enjoy it !

when shouting , you are giving him a lesson that he will never forget , he will never forget the shame he got when shouted at him at the public , and he will think too much before doing such things with other tourists .thus you are protecting yourself and other female tourists from such *****..
and trust me , he wont dare to look at you , and he will go away so quickly feeling that all eyes are killing him ..

An warning regarding how a woman should dress in Egypt comes with the usual preparation kit for the travel.

Still I've seen many tourists around dressed inappropriate for a Muslim country with its strict rules regarding the women dressing code.

Many tourists say that if you dress with a mini skirt the locals will treat you bad.

It can be, but I think that the main reason for dressing properly it should be the respect for the local culture and for their values. No one is saying that the women should cover their body entirely, but just dress decently.

After all we are visiting their country and we are only guests.

Many people say to beware of Egyptian men, and although I would agree I believe it is important not to tar all the men in this beautiful, hospitable country with the same brush. The simple fact that you are entering an Islamic country means that the culture and attitudes of the people will be greatly different.
When alone in Cairo I only had good experiences with the men. They'll stare at you openly - they are curious and the vast majority will be absolutely harmless. Egyptians are very tourist-friendly and will not accept people behaving inappropriately to westerners in particular. If someone is making you uncomfortable tell them to stop. If they continue raise your voice - you are never far from a sympathetic local.
Blondes or those with blonde children should be aware that their hair is wonderful to Egyptians, and it may be touched. There is no harm meant by this, blondes are a novelty to locals.
You will often be asked if you're married. If not, wearing a wedding band and saying you're married may help. If you are with a male friend ask if he can be your 'husband' for the trip. This makes dealing with the more over-friendly types easier. Covering your legs and arms will help you blend in more.
Cairo is wonderful, and I hope that no women are put off visiting by what they hear about Egyptian men. Egyptian attitudes to foreign women are for the greater part respectful and polite. I never felt unsafe, just uncomfortable while I got used to the attention -it soon becomes obvious that they're not about to jump you, they just find you interesting.

I went with my girlfriend in the very hot month of August.

The men in Cairo have a very stunted view of Western women; not as a consequence of religion, but because of the media they are exposed to.

If you are a female traveller to Cairo and wish to avoid unwanted attention, please cover up, perhaps with a shawl.

I have travelled in many African and Arab countries and I have never had the hassle that I did in Egypt last week. In 1 week both me and my friend were grabbed sexually by men whilst walking - once in Luxor and once in Cairo (yes we were covered in loose, long, plain clothing). One of the times we were in a mixed group - these men have no fear. I agree with other contributers - yes do shout after them - they look surprised and frightened and ran off. We saw 2 men jacking off and were continuously hassled verbally wherever we walked. So much for being good in Ramadan. A friend who lives in Cairo says it is getting worse - and advises to keep a good space between you and Egyptian men, even if this means stopping and changing your course. The teenage boys seems to be worse - having said that one of our attackers was a fat, bald middle-aged man in a suit.

Its actually really hard after a while not to let this ruin your holiday - but remember the sights are truly wonderful here and some of the locals who are not obviously fishing for the ubiquitous tips are genuinely nice open people.

I hear this a lot. And every time "We were dressed appropriately."

Being an "Egyptian Woman" is not just in what you wear, it's in Attitude. There's an impression that Western women are very permissive. It's not so much a "Western Women are Promiscuous." Rather it's a "Western women won't want to cause a scene." This is doubly the case for Asian women. And in part? It's kinda true. You WON'T speak up, You won't make a scene. You'll be nice and polite because you're so scared of offending someone.

Millions of Egyptian women manage to move amongst the men of the country without getting eyeballed, catcalled, pawed or commented to. They don't have to cover their head or keep their eyes down. It's an Attitude. It's that an Egyptian woman will not hesitate to bark a man down if she has to. She has No problem saying "No." Or "Stop That." And saying it loudly and firmly enough that the message gets across.

If you are here with your husband? Stick together. Typically, married couples, the woman will keep a gentle grip on her husband's elbow and they walk side by side. Make sure he's assertive enough to stand up for you.

Look at it this way. At the point that you are offended; it's permissible to be offensive yourself. If you are touched inappropriately? Pull away from the person, make stern eye contact and say.. rather loudly and firmly "Bas." Which means "Stop."

If you're getting hounded by a group (Young guys, I'll admit, tend to travel in packs) whip on them and ask very loudly "Inta Muslim?" Which means "Are you Muslim?" That's usually enough to remind them and to let them know that you will, in fact, make a scene.

If it gets really bad, there's usually a police officer nearby.. in Houssein (Khan al Khalili) they're in the main square near the cafe's.. look for a white Uniform. Usually just getting within eye shot of one will send an insistent man or men on their heels.

The Epaulets on the shoulders tell you the rank of the police officer. Blank black epaulets are the lowest rank, then they receive Stripes. Officers have Stars...up to 3. If you see one with three stars and an Eagle on his epaulets, he's a director, and very likely only in uniform for a specific reason. Most of them speak some English, tourist police specifically tend to speak pretty decent English (Though they may not initiate a conversation with you in English.)

Undercover officers will not be in uniform. If you are approached by a man not in a uniform asking to see your passport, ask for his ID first. They are obligated to show you their ID Card on Request.

You don't have to be rude or use bad language. But don't be afraid to be assertive, and don't be afraid to protect yourself. If you are meek in your speach and manners, then it's a vulnerability and people will treat you that way.

And if you find yourself in a situation like the girl on the felucca (For goodness sake don't take a felucca by yourself!) don't simply move away. If he speaks enough English to tell you all those dirty things, then he understands enough when you say "Stop. Don't say another word, and take me to shore. Now." Many of the Felucca pilots are either from other countries or from more rural areas of Egypt, and as rough as it sounds, if you treat them like hired help..put them in their place, they will behave.

Egypt isn't just a look or a place, its an attitude. Demand respect without being vulgar, and you'll get it.

OK..so if you're staying at a 5 star-hotel, or sitting around in one of their fany pubs, restaurants or going out to a nightclub then you can dress as you please, especially if you have a ride there. However, in broad daylight, and in public places (near mosques, in souks, etc..) try to be a bit conservative in the way that you dress. You'll feel more comfortable.

this thing is done everywhere in the world,but it is not harrasment by speaking or stoping.
just by looking to you.,dear female try to wear something not offensive while you are in Egypt we are a muslim country.

Avoid wearing hot shorts,clothes which show more than hide thats if you dont want millions of eyes looking to your body.!

Respect people walking they will do the same but dont be afraid from anything else,just the eyes.

As you know, when u r in Rome, Walk like the Romans do. Eventhough Egypt is kind of liberal and a touristic place, still it is part of the arab islamic community. This takes us to the fact that public display of affections is not so much appreciated in the streets. You might not be stopped by the police (it is illegal but they let you go), but you will be harrased for kissing your partner and many will be watching the scene.
Be patient till u r not in public.
Have Fun, kiss much.