Cairo, Egypt

• Cairo has 20+ million people crammed into a sprawling metropolis where 4,500-year-old pyramids sit visible from downtown streets. The call to prayer echoes between crumbling art deco buildings while traffic barely moves.
• Street harassment is pervasive - the 2013 UN report finding 99% of Egyptian women experienced harassment still holds up. Conservative dress helps but doesn't eliminate the problem. You'll need to learn 'la' (no) and get comfortable ignoring catcalls completely.
• Egypt runs heavy security at tourist sites with armed guards everywhere, and Tourist Police (126) speak English and generally try to help. Neighborhoods like Zamalek and Maadi have enough expats that solo dining feels normal. Downtown and Islamic Cairo have interesting architecture and culture but get unsafe after dark.
• Uber costs $1-5 for most rides and is essential - don't get in unmarked taxis. The Metro has women-only cars marked with pink signs on platforms. Cairo takes patience, but you get 5,000 years of history, good museums, and cheap food if you can handle the intensity.

Arabic is the main language. English is spoken in tourist areas, upscale neighborhoods like Zamalek and Maadi, and by Tourist Police (126). Uber drivers usually speak limited English. Emergency services (123) have some English-speaking operators. Basic Arabic phrases help in non-touristy areas.

• Cover shoulders, knees, and chest. Loose long pants, maxi skirts, and tops with sleeves help in the heat and reduce some attention. Bring a light scarf for mosques.
• Street harassment happens constantly - staring, comments, catcalling, regardless of what you wear. Learn 'la' (no) and 'imshi' (go away). Don't engage - just keep walking.
• Little English outside tourist areas and expat neighborhoods. Download Google Translate and learn basic Arabic greetings. People appreciate attempts to speak Arabic even if you massacre the pronunciation.
• Ramadan changes everything - restaurants close during the day, people get cranky from fasting, traffic is a nightmare before iftar (sunset meal). The evening celebrations and food are good if you can deal with the backwards schedule.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police: 122. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Uber and Careem work well and cost $1-5 for most rides. Use these instead of street taxis, especially at night. Sit in the back seat and share your ride details with someone using the app's safety features.
• The Metro is cheap ($0.15 per ride) but gets packed during rush hours. Use the women-only cars marked with pink signs on the platform - first two carriages of each train. This cuts down on harassment significantly.
• Don't get into unmarked taxis or cars that aren't your confirmed Uber/Careem. At the airport, pre-book a transfer or use the official ride-hailing area. Regular taxi drivers often take longer routes around tourist sites.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Cairo with local guides and curated experiences.