is Egypt safe for americans?

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I'm a single American female college student and I just spent three and a half weeks living in Cairo (I was volunteering for an organization). I didn't stay in a hotel and I didn't have a tour guide. I lived in an apartment that I found and rented by myself. I walked to the grocery store and shopped alone once or twice a week. The worst problem I had was men staring at me on the metro even though I wasn't wearing anything revealing (easily remedied by taking the women's car). I survived the madness that is the Khan Al-Khalili, rush hour metro riders, getting lost once or twice, street food, and whatever else came my way. Granted, I've studied Arabic for a year and a half (MSA and the Levantine dialect, but I studied Egyptian for a few weeks before arriving in Cairo), so I know enough to ask for directions/help/taxis and know how to get lower prices when haggling. Everywhere I went, people were nice and welcoming. Every single time I rode the metro, the man who took tickets at the turnstiles shouted "WELCOME TO EGYPT!" to me (this was the same man and I'm fairly certain he remembered me, but he was nice). Police officers who were directing traffic would stop cars just so I could cross the street. You'll make friends VERY quickly and if you speak any Arabic at all, people will be dumbfounded and that much more willing to help you and be friendly. The politics in Egypt might be scary, but the people themselves definitely aren't!...Show more

Today our car was actually attacked by a group of men. I'm American, I'm not sure why they attacked the car but they did. Egypt at this time, is not safe. People can tell you what they want but at this point, do NOT come to Egypt. Tensions are rising in Egypt. People of a soccer game were attacked at Port Said. These people that were attacked are from Cairo. Tomorrow ( Friday) is a big day in Cairo. Protest are planned and most likely will get violent. Egypt basically has no security right now. You can argue, but when your own police in the soccer stadium refuse and stand bye to watch all the violence and deaths in front of them. In my opinion, which I could be wrong, Egypt is soon to have another "Uprising" or "Revolution". These protest are going to be aimed towards Security forces and SCAF, as far as I know. I love Egypt! Hope things get better soon though. Long live Egypt <3...Show more

There is a slight anti American feeling. Shame. Sorry but I would go to mainland Egypt and not Sharm. I do not want to harm Egypts reputation so I prefer not to print the full facts
Generally Egyptians adore and love their visitors. Avoid areas where protests are....Show more

Next year? As in 2013? Who knows, things change quickly in Egypt.....just keep following the news. I'm American and have lived in Egypt 7 years now, even through the revolution and never had any problems (but I know some foreigners have). Just wait it out and remember things aren't usually as scary and widespread as they look to be on television....Show more

Egypt is quite safe for all tourists including Americans. The best way to see Egypt is to go on an organised tour where you will see a lot more than you would if you went independantly.

The tourist areas like Sharm el Sheik are just the best and not expensive if you stay away from the top hotels.

The loss of 72 lives at a soccer match is unfortunate but as a tourist you would not be troubled....Show more