Okay, I'm new to this whole thing and accidentally posted this as a poll! I wondered why it wanted me to put in an answer...
I'm really just wanting some feedback from people about whether women can go out on their own in Egypt. I would be with a group for the most part but may be on my own for some parts of some days. I've been told women can't go out on their own, even if they're dressed modestly, etc. Is that true? Thanks for your help.

I've lived in Cairo for a few years and can tell you that is total BS. Women may receive a fair share of verbal harassment, but there is no physical danger to be out alone, even at night. Dress appropriate to the situation and you won't have as many problems, but even Egyptian girls show skin at times.

i agree with baksheesh,
but, (as almost everywhere) you should avoid lonely areas at night, especially places like the cemetries in cairo and assuan. also, some egyptian guides at tourist spots might touch you "just by accident". i´m male, but that happened to a girlfriend of mine on the top of a minarett in cairo even though i was close at her side. nothing serious, but definetly a little annoying. she was almost dressed like a nunn ...

i went there alone from east africa and had a great time. yes, i was approached by men who said rude things to me but, for the most part, i was left alone. the most frustrating thing for me was walking around with my blonde hair in a plain ponytail, no makeup, long sleeves, long pants, hiking boots, standing next to egyptian women in low-cut blouses, big hair and gobs of makeup - and i was the one who got the rude comments from men! go figure.

go, don't worry, have an amazing time.

so i don't get it - u r dressed down - without make up probably loose clothing as opposed to the egyptian woman with a low cut shirt makeup looking beautiful

what can i wear? what would be crossing the line?

can i wear "fitting" jeans - or do my pants have to be loose?

can i let my hair loose or no?

Sadly you will probably attract some unwelcome attention whatever you wear, just by virtue of being Western, which translates in some ignorant men's minds as loose. My wife had her breasts grabbed by a passer-by in a cairo street when she was holding hands with me, and she was dreesed in baggy clothing with no make up. However, this was the only really offensive incident in our month in the country. Egypt is a great place, and it would be a real shame to let the idiocy of a small minority of the men put you off visiting.

the hotel longchamps is a 3 star hotel in zamalek in cairo and is ideally suited to women travellers. run by a woman, hebba bakri, it is spotlessly clean, friendly and very very aware of looking after its guests. they offer great advise, transport and attentive service. for single women travellers this hotel is IDEAL and thoroughly recommended. i can supply more details if required. forget the 5 star hotels, this hotel remembers your name, is friendly and clean. i cannot recommend it highly enough. all european languages spoken ~ especially german, french and english.


regards

petsim