Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Egypt or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
ATM safety in Egypt at night really depends on whether you're in a city or out in the desert. In Alexandria, I used an ATM near the corniche around 10:30 PM - safe and active area. In Siwa, forget it - no 24-hour machines, and power cuts happen. Always carry some Egyptian pounds from a day withdrawal before heading to remote spots.
I lived in Dahab for a few weeks and found ATM access super easy. Even late at night, the QNB and Banque du Caire machines near the beach strip were accessible and well-lit. Dahab is one of those mellow spots where you can walk around at midnight and still feel safe. Just be careful with older ATMs - some had card issues.
Used an ATM in Aswan around 9 PM after returning from a boat tour. It was near a hotel and there were still some locals around. Felt safe, but I wouldn’t trust ATMs far from tourist spots. In places like Luxor or Aswan, machines attached to hotels or banks are the safest bet after dark. Keep small notes, too - not all vendors give change.
Cairo never sleeps, but that doesn’t mean every ATM is safe at night. I withdrew cash near Tahrir Square after 11 PM - a Banque Misr ATM. Crowded, bright, and no issues. Still, I always cover the keypad and keep an eye out. ATM safety at night in Egypt depends on the area - avoid quiet backstreets or unlit machines.