You Can't Ride Cairo's Microbuses Unless You Master These Hand Signals

There are loads of transportation methods for getting around in Cairo, such as app-operated cars like Uber, government and privately-owned buses and microbuses, metro stations and even ferries. The kind of ride you choose really depends on your budget. And when metro stations fail you, nothing is cheaper than a microbus.

Nevertheless, when speaking of budget-friendly rides, the benefits of riding a microbus are not only limited to money but also the fact that it’s more common to find one in the streets of Cairo. Usually, buses and metro stations only have certain stops and they are filled with loads of people during rush hour, resulting in standing until you reach your destination, squished in the middle of sweaty people, and this can last up to an hour or even more! You don’t want that happening, do you?

However, riding a microbus in Cairo can be a bit tricky, since most of them don’t have written signs on their windows. It’s hard to identify where they are heading, especially when you’re trying to stop one in the middle of Cairo’s crazy traffic. That’s why riders in Cairo use specific hand signals so that a microbus will notice them and know where they’re headed. Each hand signal represents a specific area in the capital. If a microbus is going that route, they’ll pull over and you can jump in.

These hand signals below will make your experience as a beginner smoother, and most importantly, will allow you to ride like a local.

6th of October

The Pyramids

Seventh District, Nasr City

End of Street

Remaya Square

First of Abbass, Nasr City

Dokki

Ard El Lewa, Mohandeseen

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