How To Avoid Tourist Scams In Egypt
Are you visiting Egypt and want to avoid tourist scams?
Egypt is an incredible country with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and welcoming people. But like many popular destinations, it also has its fair share of scams.
While scams can happen anywhere, being prepared can help you avoid frustration and enjoy your trip.
In this guide, I will tell you the most common scams in Egypt and how to avoid them so you can make the most of your visit.
Are There A Lot Of Scams In Egypt?
Egypt has a large population, and poverty is widespread. While many Egyptians live comfortably, many others struggle to make ends meet.
In tourist areas like the pyramids, temples, and beach resorts, some locals see tourists as wealthy and try different scams to get extra money.
So, will you encounter scams in Egypt? Yes, as a tourist, you’ll likely come across some. But don’t worry—if you know what to expect and stay aware, you can avoid most scams and have a great trip.
When planning your trip, use my recommended travel resources
➡️Book tours with GetYourGuide or Viator
➡️Stay connected with Airalo eSIM
➡️Find accommodation with Booking or Expedia
➡️Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups
➡️Find the cheapest flights with WayAway flight aggregator
➡️Wherever you travel, bring insurance with you. SafetyWings
Types Of Tourist Scams In Egypt
There are many types of scams in Egypt. Here are some I noticed while visiting Egypt or heard of from travelers.
1. Transportation from the airport
The first scam you will experience in Egypt is once you step out of the airport. Be prepared for many men to approach you, offering transportation. Some will try to take your luggage, ask your name, and find out where you’re going.
If you agree to go with them, you’ll likely pay much more than you should. But don’t worry—just say “No, thank you” or “La Shukran” in Arabic, and keep walking. The best and cheapest options are taking a bus or using Uber.
2. Overpriced taxis
If you’re taking a taxi in Egypt, especially in Cairo or Luxor, expect to be overcharged. Before getting in, make sure the driver understands your destination. Show them a map and the estimated travel time so they know you’re informed.
Always agree on the price before starting the ride. Drivers often quote double the actual fare, so be ready to negotiate.
Some may pretend not to understand English, so it helps to write the numbers down. Others might show prices in Arabic, so knowing Arabic numbers can be useful.
3. Fake tour guides
In tourist areas, you’ll come across many fake tour guides offering overpriced tours. They might walk you around but provide little to no useful information.
To avoid this, I recommend never booking tours from random people outside tourist sites. Instead, book through reputable websites like GetYourGuide or Viator for a reliable and well-organized experience.
4. Offering camel rides or horse carriage rides
You’ll often encounter offers for camel rides or horse carriage rides, especially around the pyramids in Giza, though they can appear in other places too.
They can be very persistent, claiming it’s too far to walk around the pyramids. While they may quote a low price at first, expect to pay five times more once the ride is over.
To avoid this, I recommend walking or using an official tour instead of taking camel or horse carriage rides.
5. Never agree to pay later
Never agree to pay later. Many locals are skilled at showing you around, offering tea or coffee, or suggesting a taxi. When you ask about the cost, they’ll often say, “Don’t worry, you can pay later.” But when it’s time to pay, you may be shocked by the price.
To avoid this, always ask for the price upfront. If they refuse to tell you, simply walk away. This rule applies to everything – taxis, buying water, street food, and souvenirs.
And always remember to negotiate. In Egypt, nothing has a fixed price unless you’re shopping in malls or supermarkets.
6. Picture taking
While not a major scam, this is something to be aware of. If locals see tourists with a camera, they may offer to take a picture of you. It might seem harmless, as it’s common in many places, especially in the Western world.
However, if you accept, they’ll often ask for money afterward. You can offer around 5-10 Egyptian pounds, or simply say you don’t need a picture with “La Shukran.”
7. Pickpocketing
Pickpocketing happens everywhere, so no matter where you travel, always be cautious with your belongings. Avoid crowded places and keep your bag in front of you.
One common trick involves someone pretending to clean bird droppings off you. Don’t let them touch you, as it’s a distraction for pickpocketing.
Another scam occurs when street performers attract a crowd. While you’re distracted by the show, someone may try to pickpocket others around them.
8. Showing you the way
If you look lost, some scammers may offer to help, taking advantage of the situation. They’ll be friendly, ask where you want to go and offer to show you the way.
Once they’ve taken you to your destination, they may ask for money or even claim it was a tour. While many Egyptian people are genuinely kind and helpful, it’s good to be prepared for this kind of situation.
9. Giving something for free
Egyptians are known for their friendliness and kindness, and it’s common for them to offer you coffee or tea. However, as a tourist, you can become a target for scammers.
They might quickly offer you tea, invite you to sit, and chat with you. In the end, they’ll ask for money.
The same thing can happen in markets. A vendor may give you a “gift,” and once you accept it, you’ll feel pressured to buy something, even if you don’t want it.
10. Restaurant and bar scams
Scams can also happen in restaurants and bars. When dining out, be clear on what you’re ordering and how much it costs. Taking a picture of the menu can be helpful. After paying, always check your bill to make sure everything is correct.
The same goes for bars. Be careful with people you don’t know who invite you to a bar. You might end up with an overpriced bill, as they’ll likely share the money with their friends working there.
11. Romantic beach scam
In beach resorts, the romantic beach scam is very common. If a single woman is on holiday, some men may shower her with compliments, saying how beautiful she is, how he thinks about her day and night, and how he can’t live without her. He may even claim he wants to marry her.
Many women fall for these sweet words, get emotionally involved, and when she return home, the man continues to send her loving messages.
Eventually, the man will ask for money, and if she’s not careful, he may even push for marriage so he can leave Egypt.
This practice is common not only in Egypt but other African countries. Some women have lost everything after getting caught in this trap.
How Not To Get Scammed
Now that you know the most common scams in Egypt, here’s how to avoid them:
Say a firm No
Be strong but not aggressive. Say “No” firmly and repeat it if needed, as scammers can be persistent. If they don’t back off, try saying “La Shukran” (No, thank you) in Arabic.
Avoid taxis
Unless you enjoy negotiating prices, it’s best to avoid taxis. They often overcharge tourists. Instead, use buses, trains, or Uber for a fair price.
🔹 Buy tickets only at official counters inside bus and train stations—never from people outside.
Book tours in advance
If you plan to visit pyramids, and temples, or take a Nile cruise, book tours in advance from official sources like GetYourGuide or Viator. Avoid buying tours from people standing outside attractions.
Agree on the price beforehand
Prices are rarely fixed in Egypt, except in malls, supermarkets, or stores with set prices.
✔️ Always ask for the price before accepting a service.
✔️ Negotiate—start by offering half of what they initially say.
✔️ If they refuse to give a price upfront and say, “Later, later,” walk away.
✔️ Carry small bills for tips (baksheesh) or payments, as they may claim they don’t have change.
Avoid crowds
Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas like markets.
🚫 Don’t carry your passport or large amounts of cash.
🎒 Keep your bag in front of you.
🚶 If you see a large street gathering, walk away.
Know your destination
Before heading somewhere, research:
🔹 The correct location and entrances.
🔹 Ticket prices and where to buy them.
🔹 Travel time and transportation options.
This helps you avoid misinformation and scams.
Learn basic Arabic
Traveling with an Arabic-speaking friend can help, as locals are less likely to overcharge them. For example, I visited the Pyramid of Giza with my Egyptian family. When we were around the pyramids, a guy approached us to sell us some magnets.
I like them and we bought one pack of 6 magnets. When we continued, I asked how much they were. They said 1 EUR. I was like what? 6 magnets for only 1 EUR? Can you get me another pack, please? 😁
If you don’t have one, learning a few key Arabic words can make a big difference:
✔️ Yes – Naam
✔️ No – La
✔️ Thank you – Shukran
✔️ God’s Will – Inshallah (Useful to politely decline persistent offers—locals use this word often!)
✔️ Hello – Assalamu Alaikum
✔️ Goodbye – Ma’a Salama
✔️ How much? – Bkam
Arabic numbers:
Don’t trust too easily
Egyptians are warm and welcoming, but always stay cautious.
✔️ Be friendly but firm.
✔️ Observe before trusting anyone.
✔️ If you realize you’ve been scammed, don’t argue—just pay a small amount and walk away.
Following these tips and staying cautious will save you hassle, stress, and frustration. Instead, you will go home with beautiful memories of Egypt.
