10 Common Tourist Scams in Egypt and How to Avoid Them

# 10 Common Tourist Scams in Egypt and How to Avoid Them

Egypt is an incredible destination, but like any major tourist hotspot, scammers target unwary visitors. Here's how to protect yourself while still enjoying authentic Egyptian hospitality.

## 1. The "Free" Camel Ride

**The Scam:** At the Pyramids, someone offers you a "free" camel ride or photo opportunity. Once you're on the camel, they demand exorbitant payment (sometimes $100+) and refuse to let you down until you pay.

**How to Avoid:**
- Never accept "free" anything from strangers
- If you want a camel ride, arrange it with official tour guides
- Agree on price IN WRITING before getting on
- Keep your money hidden until service is complete

**Egy360 Tip:** Book pyramid tours through our verified partners for fixed, fair pricing!

## 2. Papyrus Shop "Detours"

**The Scam:** Your taxi driver or tour guide insists on stopping at a "government papyrus shop" or "perfume factory." These pay huge commissions to drivers, and prices are 5-10x market rate.

**How to Avoid:**
- Tell drivers firmly: NO STOPS
- Say you've already been to these shops
- Shop at Khan el-Khalili instead
- Use Uber/Careem to avoid this scam

**Fair Price:** Real papyrus bookmarks: 10-20 EGP, paintings: 50-150 EGP at Khan el-Khalili.

## 3. The Fake "Closed Today" Scam

**The Scam:** Someone (appearing official) tells you the attraction you're heading to is "closed today" but they can take you somewhere else (where they earn commission).

**How to Avoid:**
- Check official opening hours online beforehand
- Walk to the attraction entrance yourself
- Ignore people stopping you en route
- Ask at your hotel, not random people on the street

## 4. Taxi Meter "Broken"

**The Scam:** Taxi drivers claim their meter is broken and quote inflated flat rates (often 5-10x the real price).

**How to Avoid:**
- Use Uber or Careem ALWAYS
- If you must use taxi, agree on price before entering
- Learn reasonable prices (downtown to Pyramids: 50-70 EGP)
- Have exact change ready

**Best Solution:** Download Uber and Careem apps at the airport. Your trip will cost 50-70% less than street taxis!

## 5. The "Helpful" Photography Scam

**The Scam:** Someone offers to take your photo, then demands payment. Or they position you for a "better angle" with their camel/horse/shop in the background, then demand money.

**How to Avoid:**
- Politely decline photography help
- Use a selfie stick or tripod
- Only ask other tourists to take photos
- Say "La shukran" (No thank you) firmly

## 6. Overpriced "Tourist" Restaurants

**The Scam:** Restaurants near major attractions have no prices listed, then charge 10x normal rates. A tea that should cost 5 EGP becomes 50 EGP.

**How to Avoid:**
- Check prices BEFORE ordering
- Walk 2-3 blocks away from attractions
- Eat where locals eat
- Download a menu photo if prices aren't listed
- Use Egy360's verified restaurant recommendations

**Normal Prices:**
- Tea/coffee: 5-10 EGP
- Koshari: 20-30 EGP
- Full meal: 50-100 EGP

## 7. The Currency Confusion

**The Scam:** Vendors quote prices in dollars/euros but give change in Egyptian Pounds at terrible exchange rates. Or they claim you paid in pounds when you gave dollars.

**How to Avoid:**
- Use Egyptian Pounds for everything
- Clarify currency BEFORE transaction
- Keep different currencies in separate pockets
- Get change in the same currency you paid

**Exchange Rate (approx):** $1 USD = 30 EGP

## 8. Fake Entrance Fees

**The Scam:** Someone at pyramid/tomb entrances claims you need to pay them directly, or adds fake fees to the official price.

**How to Avoid:**
- Pay ONLY at official ticket booths
- Know the real prices beforehand
- Official tickets have security features
- Ignore people demanding "fees" before the entrance

**Real Entry Fees (2024):**
- Giza Pyramids: 200 EGP
- Egyptian Museum: 200 EGP
- Luxor temples: 200-300 EGP each

## 9. The Sob Story Scam

**The Scam:** Someone befriends you, shares a sad story (sick child, need medicine), then asks for money. Or they give you a "gift" then demand payment.

**How to Avoid:**
- Never accept unsolicited gifts
- Be friendly but firm with boundaries
- Give to registered charities, not individuals
- Learn the phrase: "Mafeesh fulus" (I have no money)

## 10. Baksheesh (Tip) Demands

**The Scam:** People demand tips for unwanted "services" - pointing at something, opening a door, taking a photo of you, or simply existing near you.

**How to Avoid:**
- Only tip for actual requested services
- Say "La, shukran" repeatedly
- Walk away confidently
- Tip appropriately when service is good (5-10 EGP for small services)

**When to Actually Tip:**
- Restaurant servers: 10-15%
- Hotel porters: 5-10 EGP per bag
- Tour guides: 50-100 EGP for good service
- Drivers: 10-20 EGP
- Bathroom attendants: 2-5 EGP

## General Anti-Scam Strategies

### DO:
✓ Research prices beforehand
✓ Use Uber/Careem exclusively
✓ Book tours through verified companies (like Egy360!)
✓ Keep small bills for legitimate expenses
✓ Trust your instincts
✓ Ask your hotel staff for price guidance

### DON'T:
✗ Accept "free" anything
✗ Stop at shops your driver suggests
✗ Pay for services you didn't request
✗ Believe "closed today" claims
✗ Flash large amounts of cash
✗ Let someone "hold" your money

## Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Most Egyptians are genuinely warm and hospitable. These scams are run by a small minority targeting tourists. By staying informed and vigilant, you can avoid these schemes while enjoying authentic Egyptian culture.

**Travel Smart:** Book your Egypt accommodations and tours through Egy360 - we verify every provider to protect you from scams!