Is it safe to drive in egypt?

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timsdad

IT ALL depends on where in Egypt.
but the general rule is NO.
as the Egyptian driving licence is not accepted in nearly every other country as they drive that badly.

Ismaily Rules

Only if u can keep up baby. It's a jungle here. And I disagree with the one who said Egyptian drivers drive bad, as a matter of fact they drive in very risky situations. It depends on how u define good driving or bad driving. If for u good driving is playing by the rules, then I suggest that u never try to drive here. If u r into wild stuff, then hop in and take ur turn.

Dunceboy

Not in the cities, no. Unlike other places this is not because of the risk of driving into 'troubled areas' but because Egyptian drivers are a tad more 'frantic' than those in say, Stow on the Wold. In truth, they are very careful and my perception (laughed at by my Egyptian friends) is that they are a lot politer than I expected given that they are cutting each other up all the time - but work on the principle that if their car is slightly ahead of another then they have right of way. The mail about not having lights is true, and there are dozens of jokes such as green = go, red = go faster. Best advice - get a taxi or walk. Egypt is wonderful and the people are very friendly, but Mad Max would come out in a cold sweat if he was asked to drive in Cairo.

Ruby

No it is hella scary! but most drivers are professionals, but in a crazy way. I have an American driving license, however; I will only drive in places like Alexandria or anywhere in the North Coast. Driving in Cairo is not an option for me because it is hard for them to follow any rules, and on the other hand, I can only drive following the rules. if ppl see me driving in designated lanes, not crossing a red light, they will probably shout and curse me and I might end up in a car accident. u do not follow any driving rules in Egypt

sistablu...Maat

In Cairo,only if you are into extreme sports and have nerves of steel.
The taxi drivers rule!
They outnumber public transport 4 to 1,and although they are excellent drivers they use only brakes and the horn,and a few hand gestures. That is it!
After almost 5yrs, of being there about 4mths a year. I still can't work out what the road rules are!For cars,buses or pedestrians.
I am still working on the same advise I was given the first week I was there,wait and run when everyone else does.
Or just be brave,look straight at them and walk right on though the traffic.
Evidently you arn't considered other than a tourist, till you loose your fear of the traffic.
Outside if Cairo its fine.Even better than many western countries roads.
The highways are in pretty good shape in most areas.There are lots of places to take a break,clear road signs etc.
Except Luxor can be a bit frenetic, with the calabash's pulling up suddenly in front of you.
But the horses have nerves of steel and don't scare easily.
It is all just part of Egypt's charm.

Coley

I love Egypt but if you are not from there let me say loud and clear HELL NO dont even think about trying it!

I am quite good at driving and from what I saw and experienced you would be crazy to even think about it.

We are talking about people who drive with their lights off at night at speed through the busy streets of cairo because it saves on bulb lifetime! No joke!

Stratomanssy

Honestly, no! I'm Egyptian and I drive here normally, but because I am used to it. Foreigners aren't, and they find it very difficult to adapt with how people drive here. It's not that Egyptians are bad drivers, because we're not, but it's because we kinda have different rules here! Someone can pass by you from the right, no problem! Some don't even know that it's wrong to do that. It's totally expected to find a car racing toward you while the street is only a one way street! You just have to somehow let it pass. Stuff like that.
I have a friend who went to the UAE and came back for vacation, he was afraid to drive again. In the case I'm telling you about, he DID drive normally, but consider that this is what he has been taught to do from the very start.

On the other hand, foreigners who live here drive all the time, and now, they're kinda familiar with those "rules" as well.

So, my advice to you, if you're coming only for vacation, do not drive. If you plan on staying here, OK, drive, BUT take some time to kinda "learn" how it's done here.

You can check on utube and those websites how the traffic here is. Just write traffic in Cairo or in Egypt, and believe me you'll be amazed!! :)

Wise Heart

In Cairo please don't even think about it, in Alex it's not advisable, in touristic places and cities only if you need to.
All of the above in case you are not living in Egypt since many years and you can not understand life here.

*~* Overwhelmed *~*

Drive.Why not?

kdc

is it hell. seriously when we arrived we were only 15 minutes from the airport to our resort and i can tell you everyone on the coach was a nervous wreck. there are no laws like there is here. the cars are worse than the busses. no one gives way, there are no lights, no speed limits, the drivers dont even look when approaching cross roads, the Egyptians just walk out in the middle of the road and dont seem to bother, horns are going all the time.

Crazy girl

I would say yes if you know what you are doing. They drive very fast and crazy (as my egyptian friends would say) but they are good drivers i think they got me from place to place in one piece and i wasn't sick when i got out. I would just say if you are not an experienced or not a confident driver then i would say stick to a taxi.

fifi

NO!NO!NO!DEFINITELY NOT-If you value your life i would not, even the feluccas can be wild, but its all part of the fun of Egypt, let the Egyptians do the driving

Reeemo

Mad Dog

Just imagine you are driving in "Need For Speed" & everything will be fine

Kalooka

no.

cutiepie

i lived in Egypt for many years and driving well....it's a bit risky...it's wild people just do their own thing...i would get an Egyptian driver if i was you but still...it's not really that safe...

Lorraine A

I personally wouldnt! Ive heard that to pass your driving test in Egypt all you have to do is drive forward a few metres and reverse a few metres in a straight line and youve passed!?! I went to Jordan once and their driving is erratic! You get hooted from the person behind you to go before the light turns green! Madness x

Ali baba and the 40 thieves!

Lol ahahaha. Driving in Egypt well..unless you don't mind people who "don't play by the rules" then driving in Egypt may be a little problem lol. Not all of them are crazy, it's just the odd one or two! But all your hear all day long in Egypt is beep beep beep beep beep all day and night. It is reasonably safe to drive in Egypt but taxi's are so cheap so you might well take a taxi..

God bless, take care and Enjoy your time in Egypt ..x

april

Went to egypt last year & if you value your life i would'nt, NO!

Arthur R

I wouldn`t advise it unless really necessary

juno622

Yes it is - just as long as you know what you are doing. Drive like the locals do and learn the international signs.

John N

Of course it is, just mind those pyramids.

dodo

Egypt is very safe to drive except you are bad driver

LIBERIAN MAN

yes, just rent a camel

Pablos+3

Why not?

God bless.

shashana2003

Um No!

ReDWiNe

yes it is safe but the streets are bit crowded during rush hour , if u ever been to London or NY city its same rush hour crowd there but the difference is some drivers break the law here but nowadays ,The traffic in Egypt has become very strict.

hazem_sherif_barakat

it is just as driving in any country you idiot

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