Egypt

33 scams

Also known as the gift of the Nile, a trip to Egypt will bring you through gorgeous sweeping deserts as well as some of the most iconic structures in the world.

However, Egypt is particularly notorious for tourist targeted scams and many find these a challenge to deal with.

Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.

Emergency number

Police: 122
Ambulance: 123
Fire: 180
Tourist police: 126

Travel guide

Travel safety

Camel and horse (caleche) ride scams in Egypt

7 1

How it works: Opening: Claiming a camel ride/horse ride can help you enter attractions via a secret entrance and save on the entrance fee. Claiming that you can get closer…

Unofficial guide and guard scams in Egypt

5 5

How it works: Version 1: unofficial guides will ask to check your ticket, not return it and then proclaim themselves as your guide. You will be brought on a low…

Papyrus scroll museum scam in Egypt

6 0

How it works: Opening: your driver recommends and brings you here, or a street tout claiming to be an Egyptologist/head of a Papyrus institute offers to show you how papyrus…

Camel handlers photo scam in Egypt

5 1

How it works: Version 1: pushy camel handlers will pressure you to take a photo of them with their camels. A fee is then demanded. Version 2: these camel handlers…

Cheap tours with hidden fees in Egypt

5 2

How it works: Opening: advertising cheap tours with hidden fees is a common scam. Set-up: fees could include separate payment for food and drinks or transport at inflated prices. Places…

Helpful stranger shopping scam in Egypt

3 2

How it works: Situation: a common scam is the appearance of a helpful stranger who helps you with a difficult situation, then brings you to a shop where he gets…

Pyramids sound and light show ticket scam in Egypt

3 0

How it works: Situation: at the show, there are only two categories of seats – VIPs and one open area. Set-up: scammers will claim that there are different tiers of…

Luxor postcard scam in Egypt

4 0

How it works: Opening: a local asks if you speak English. If you say yes, he will ask for your help in writing to a family member in your home…

Price quote scams in Egypt

3 2

How it works: Version 1: at markets, items usually do not have prices listed. Depending on how rich you look, different levels of inflated prices will be quoted. Version 2:…