Scams in Egypt: Common Tourist Scams & How to Avoid Them
Are you visiting Egypt and worried about scams? From overpriced taxis and fake guides to unexpected charges and persistent sellers, there are several common scams you should know about.
In this guide, I’ll cover the most common scams in Egypt, where you may encounter them, and simple ways to avoid them.
Want to save yourself the hassle?
➡️Book Pyramids of Giza private tour with a Egyptologist guide and hotel pick-up here
➡️Book Luxor day trip from Hurghada here
➡️Get an eSIM Yesim or Saily before you travel, so you can use Uber and Careem when you land.
Are There A Lot Of Scams In Egypt?
Yes, as a tourist you will probably come across a few. Mostly it means overcharging, pressure to buy, help you didn’t ask for, and unexpected charges.
It happens most in busy tourist areas like the pyramids, markets and areas around beach resorts. The good news is that these situations are easy to handle once you know what to expect.
Most people I met in Egypt were kind and welcoming, so you don’t need to be suspicious of everyone.
Quick Overview Of Common Scams
| Scam | Where You May Encounter It | How To Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Airport transportation | Cairo and other airports | Use Uber, Careem, or a private transfer |
| Overpriced taxi rides | Cairo, Hurghada, and other cities | Agree on the fare or use a ride-hailing app |
| Fake or unsolicited tour guides | Pyramids and other attractions | Use a reputable tour company |
| Camel or horse rides | Giza and tourist sites | Agree on the total price before starting |
| Unexpected charges | Taxis, restaurants and bars | Ask about the price before agreeing |
| Free gifts or drinks | Markets and tourist areas | Ask if it is really free or politely decline |
| Pickpocketing | Crowded markets and tourist areas | Keep valuables secure and stay aware |
| Strangers Offering To Help | Attractions and busy streets | Politely decline if you do not need help |
| Restaurant or bar overcharging | Tourist areas | Check the menu and bill |
| Romance scams | Resorts and online | Be cautious about requests for money or gifts |
Types Of Tourist Scams In Egypt
Here are some of the most common scams you may encounter while visiting Egypt.
1. Transportation from the airport
After you leave the airport, you may be approached by people offering taxis or transportation. Some will offer to take your luggage and ask where you are going.
Don’t take a taxi from someone who approaches you at the airport. Just say “No, thank you” or “La Shukran” and keep walking. The best options are Uber, Careem, or a private transfer booked in advance.
2. Overpriced taxis
Taxi drivers may quote tourists a higher price, especially if the fare has not been agreed on beforehand. You may notice this in Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, and other busy cities.
Before you get in, make sure the driver understands your destination. Showing it on a map helps. Agree on the price before the ride starts, and write the number down if there is a language problem.
Some also show prices in Arabic numbers, so it helps to know them (you’ll find them below).
3. Unsolicited Tour Guides
Around major attractions, you may be approached by people offering tours or guiding services. Some will walk you around, but give very little useful information, and then ask for a high price.
This doesn’t mean everyone who offers help is a scammer. But I recommend booking tours in advance through reputable companies like GetYourGuide or Viator instead of agreeing to one on the spot.
4. Camel Rides And Horse Carriage Rides
You will often get offers for camel or horse carriage rides, especially around the pyramids in Giza. The seller may say it is too far to walk.
A low price quoted at first may not always be the final price. Before you get on the animal, agree on the total price and what is included, such as the length of the ride and the way back.
If you are not interested, you can simply say no and walk.
5. Agree On The Price Beforehand
Someone may offer you a service, help, drink, ride, or another item and say, “We will talk about the price later.” This can lead to a surprise when it’s time to pay.
- Always ask the price before accepting.
- If someone refuses to give you a price, walk away.
- Check whether the price is per person or for the whole service.
- Keep small Egyptian pound notes for small payments and tips.
Bargaining is common in some markets and tourist areas. Malls, supermarkets, and many established businesses have fixed prices.
6. Picture taking
Someone may offer to take your photo, and then ask for money afterward. If you don’t want the service, simply say “La Shukran” before they start.
If you choose to pay, a small amount of change in Egyptian pounds is enough.
7. Pickpocketing
Pickpocketing can happen in crowded places, just as it can in many busy tourist destinations. Keep your valuables secure, especially in crowded markets, attractions, and transport areas.
- Keep your bag in front of you.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
- Keep your passport secure.
- Pay attention if someone distracts you.
- Avoid putting valuables in pockets that are easy to reach.
8. Strangers Offering To Help
If you look lost, someone may offer to show you the way or help you with something. The person may be truly helpful, as many Egyptians are kind and happy to help.
Sometimes, though, they expect payment afterward. If you don’t need help, politely say no and continue on your way.
9. Giving something for free
Someone may offer you tea, coffee, a gift, or something from a shop. The offer can be sincere, as offering tea is part of Egyptian hospitality.
If you are unsure whether something is free, ask before you accept. In markets, a “free” gift can also be a way to start a sales conversation.
10. Restaurant and bar scams
The problem here is unexpected or unclear charges. Service charge and taxes may not be included in the listed menu price, and that is not a scam by itself.
- Check the menu carefully before you order. Taking a picture of it helps.
- Ask if tax and service charge are included if it is not clear.
- Check the final bill before paying.
- Make sure you were charged only for what you ordered.
- Be careful if strangers invite you to a bar or restaurant. You may end up with a very high bill, as the place can be connected to the person who invited you.
11. Romance Scams In Egypt
This type of scam can happen in beach resorts, especially if you are traveling alone. Someone gives you a lot of compliments, says how beautiful you are, that he thinks about you day and night, and may even talk about marriage.
After you go home, the loving messages continue. Then comes the request for money, gifts, or help with a visa or travel.
Anyone can get emotionally involved when someone is so attentive. If you have only recently met someone, don’t send money or gifts, however close it feels.
How Not To Get Scammed
Here is a quick checklist you can save.
Say a firm No
You can be polite but firm. Say “No, thank you” or “La Shukran”, repeat it if needed, and keep walking if someone is persistent.
Use A Trusted Transportation Option
- If you don’t want to negotiate with taxi drivers, use Uber or Careem where available
- At airports, use Uber, Careem, or a pre-arranged private transfer
- If you take a taxi, agree on the price before the ride starts.
Book tours in advance
Book tours through reputable platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator. Don’t buy tours from random people approaching you outside attractions.
Agree on the price beforehand
✔️ Ask the price before accepting a service.
✔️ Make sure you understand what is included.
✔️ Negotiate politely where bargaining is expected.
✔️ If someone refuses to give you a price, walk away.
✔️Carry small Egyptian pound notes for small purchases and tips.
Protect Your Belongings
- Keep your bag in front of you in crowded places.
- Keep your passport and valuables secure.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Pay attention if someone tries to distract you.
Know your destination
Before you go somewhere, check:
- the correct location and entrances
- official ticket prices
- where tickets are sold
- opening information, where relevant
- travel time
- transportation options
Learn basic Arabic
Knowing a few basic Arabic words can make everyday interactions easier. It also helps you feel more confident when you are dealing with prices or persistent offers.
I visited the Pyramids of Giza with my Egyptian family. Around the pyramids, a man approached us to sell some magnets. I liked 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?😁
Here are some useful phrases:
✔️ 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:
Knowing how Egyptian Arabic numerals look can help you when you check prices, menus, and signs.
Don’t trust too easily
Egyptians are often warm and welcoming, but as a visitor, you should stay aware of your surroundings and understand what you are agreeing to.
✔️ Be friendly but firm.
✔️ Observe before you trust anyone.
✔️ If a situation becomes uncomfortable, prioritize your safety and leave rather than arguing over a small amount of money.
Scams In Egypt: FAQs
Is Egypt safe from scams?
No destination is completely free from scams, and Egypt is no exception. You may encounter overcharging or pressure to buy, especially around busy tourist areas.
In most cases, these are small annoyances rather than serious problems, and most visits go smoothly. If you know what to expect and stay aware, most situations are easy to avoid.
What are the most common scams in Egypt?
The most common ones are airport transportation offers, overpriced taxis, fake tour guides, and camel or horse ride pricing.
You may also meet “free” gifts or drinks, strangers offering help, and unexpected charges in restaurants. Less common, but worth knowing about, are pickpocketing and romance scams.
How can I avoid scams in Egypt?
To avoid getting scammed in Egypt, use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem for transport. Agree on all prices in Egyptian pounds before accepting any service, and say “La Shukran” firmly to offers of help or “free” gifts you didn’t ask for.
Book your tours in advance through reputable companies, and arrange a private transfer for the airport. Keep your bag in front of you in crowded places, and check your bill in restaurants. If someone is persistent, stay polite, repeat “La Shukran,” and keep walking.
Should I bargain in Egypt?
Bargaining is common in some markets and tourist areas. Many businesses, such as malls, supermarkets, and established shops, have fixed prices. If you bargain, stay polite, and if you don’t want to buy, you can just walk away.
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