Tourist Scams in Egypt

Tourist scams in Egypt are something every traveler should know about before setting foot in this fascinating land of history, culture, and adventure. While Egypt is celebrated for its iconic pyramids, bustling bazaars, and the serenity of the Nile, not every experience is picture-perfect. Like many tourist destinations around the world, Egypt has its share of opportunists who try to take advantage of visitors who are new, distracted, or simply unaware of local practices. These scams may be small and harmless, but some can be frustrating enough to spoil parts of a trip if you’re not prepared.

The good news is that being aware of common tricks and having the right strategies can help you enjoy a smooth and safe journey. Whether you’re visiting Cairo for its ancient wonders, exploring Luxor’s temples, diving in Sharm El Sheikh, or enjoying the relaxed vibe of Dahab, a little preparation goes a long way. Knowing how to avoid getting scammed in Egypt is not about living in fear; it’s about traveling smart. With the right approach, you’ll enjoy Egypt’s treasures with confidence, avoiding unnecessary stress while keeping your focus on the magic of the experience.

This guide explains the most common Egypt scams, breaking them down by location and type. From Egypt Pyramid scams at Giza, Luxor scams near the Valley of the Kings, and scams in Sharm El Sheikh at the Red Sea resorts, to Cairo airport scams that often surprise new arrivals and Dahab scams in the laid-back Sinai coast, you’ll find clear examples and practical advice. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to watch out for and how to handle situations calmly and confidently.

Common Egypt Scams Every Traveler Should Know

When travelers share their stories, certain patterns often emerge. Egypt is generally safe, but many visitors encounter the same set of scams, especially in busy tourist zones. One of the most widespread is the “unofficial guide scam.” Someone approaches you at a historic site, claiming to be a licensed guide. They might insist that entry requires a guide or that they can give you access to hidden areas. After a short walk and a few basic explanations, they demand a payment, often much higher than what an official guide would charge.

Another common scam involves transportation. Taxi drivers sometimes refuse to turn on the meter, instead quoting a vague price at the end of the ride that can be three or four times the normal rate. In other cases, they may take unnecessarily long routes around Cairo or Luxor to drive up the fare. Some drivers at tourist attractions also insist that parking is “far away” and that you need their services, only to drop you at the gate after charging a ridiculous fee.

In bazaars and markets, inflated prices are the norm, and haggling is expected. However, some shopkeepers take advantage of tourists’ hesitation to negotiate and demand extreme amounts. Others might push you into buying by handing over a “free sample” or “gift,” which suddenly comes with a cost.

Even in places of worship, scams occur. Tourists have reported being asked to pay unofficial “entry fees” by individuals standing near the gates of mosques or churches. Of course, these are not real charges, but many travelers who don’t know the customs end up paying.

Awareness is the best defense. If you understand how these scams work, you can respond with a polite smile and a firm “no thank you.” Carrying small bills helps with tipping honestly, without being pressured into overpaying. Most importantly, book services like guides, transportation, or excursions through official channels—your hotel, trusted agencies, or reputable online companies—so you’re always in control of what you’re paying.

Scams in Sharm El Sheikh and the Red Sea Resorts

Scams in Sharm El Sheikh usually revolve around excursions and transportation. Tourists walking near Naama Bay or Old Market are often approached by agents offering boat trips, snorkeling tours, quad bike safaris, or desert adventures at “special prices.” While many are legitimate, some tours are poorly organized, lack proper safety measures, or fail to deliver what was promised. For example, you may pay for a luxury yacht experience only to find yourself on a crowded fishing boat.

Another common scam involves dive centers. Egypt’s Red Sea is world-famous for diving, but not every dive shop maintains proper safety standards. Some lure tourists with very cheap offers, only to provide old, poorly maintained equipment or unqualified instructors. This not only ruins the experience but can also be dangerous.

Taxis in Sharm El Sheikh are another issue. Few drivers use meters, and prices are often quoted on the spot. Unsuspecting tourists may pay triple what locals pay for the same ride. Airport transfers are particularly notorious, with drivers charging heavily inflated rates.

In markets, aggressive selling tactics are common. Shopkeepers sometimes give you a “gift” only to demand payment once you accept. Others might corner you into their shop and pressure you to buy. It can be uncomfortable if you don’t know how to firmly say no.

The best way to avoid scams in Sharm El Sheikh is to book tours and transfers through your hotel or a reputable travel agency. When shopping, expect bargaining to be part of the culture, and don’t hesitate to walk away if you feel pressured. As for diving, stick to certified dive centers that have good reviews and professional standards. This ensures your Red Sea adventure remains one of the highlights of your trip.

Egypt Pyramid Scams: What to Watch Out For

The Egypt Pyramid scams at Giza are perhaps the most famous, simply because the pyramids attract millions of visitors every year. With so many tourists in one place, it’s the perfect ground for opportunists. The camel ride scam is a classic. Handlers approach tourists with friendly smiles, offering short rides for what seems like a small fee. Once the ride is over, the price magically multiplies. Some handlers even refuse to let the tourist down until they pay extra.

Another pyramid scam is the “photo trick.” Someone kindly offers to take your photo with the Great Pyramid or the Sphinx, but once the photo is taken, they demand payment. In other cases, they might grab your camera and refuse to hand it back until you tip them generously.

There’s also the fake ticket scam. Individuals standing near the entrance claim you need a “special” ticket to see certain parts of the pyramids, such as climbing inside or accessing viewpoints. In reality, the only real tickets are sold at the official counters.

Even small gestures can turn into scams. For example, locals sometimes hand tourists “free” souvenirs—scarabs, papyrus bookmarks, or postcards. Once you accept, they follow you, insisting on payment. Some even claim offense if you try to return the item.

The solution is simple: buy all tickets from official counters, agree on a price before accepting camel rides, and decline unsolicited offers of photos or souvenirs. If you’d like a guided tour, book it in advance through a trusted agency. That way, you can focus on marveling at the ancient wonders rather than worrying about who’s trying to take advantage of you.

Luxor Scams: Ancient Temples and Persistent Touts

Luxor is a city filled with history, from the Valley of the Kings to Karnak Temple. However, Luxor scams can sometimes overshadow the experience if you’re not prepared. The most common are touts pretending to be guides. They approach tourists near temples, offering “free tours” or claiming to have insider knowledge. At the end, they demand payment, sometimes aggressively.

Another well-known trick is the “closed site scam.” Someone tells you that a temple or tomb is closed, but they can take you to another place. Often, this means being led to a shop or market where they earn commission if you buy something.

Horse-drawn carriages, known as caleches, are part of Luxor’s charm, but they are also a source of scams. Drivers often quote very low prices at the start but later insist that the fee was “per person” or add extra charges for stops. Some even demand tips halfway through the ride, making the tourist feel trapped.

Markets in Luxor are lively but also filled with inflated prices. Shopkeepers may start at ten times the real value of an item. Some may even follow tourists down the street, pushing them to buy. Children sometimes join in, asking for “pens” or “souvenirs,” making visitors feel guilty if they refuse.

To avoid scams, always book guides through official sources. For carriage rides, negotiate clearly before getting in, making sure the price is for the whole ride, not per person. Don’t be afraid to say no politely if someone offers unwanted help. By staying calm and firm, you’ll enjoy Luxor’s incredible history without unnecessary stress.

Cairo Airport Scams: First Impressions Matter

Cairo airport scams can be frustrating for first-time visitors. One of the most common is the taxi scam. Unofficial drivers approach travelers inside the terminal, offering rides at inflated prices. Many don’t use meters, and the fares can be four or five times higher than normal.

Another scam involves “baggage helpers.” Men in plain clothes may grab your bags, insisting on helping, then demand large tips afterward. While tipping is part of Egyptian culture, this kind of aggressive behavior can feel uncomfortable.

Money exchange is another area where scams occur. Some travelers report being given incorrect change or false rates by unofficial money changers. Always use banks or official counters to avoid this problem.

Occasionally, fake “tour operators” approach new arrivals, offering hotel transfers or day tours. These operators often charge more than legitimate companies and may not deliver the promised service.

To avoid these problems, always use the official taxi stand outside the airport or arrange a transfer in advance with your hotel. If you need help with your luggage, look for uniformed airport staff rather than random individuals. And for currency exchange, stick to the official desks or ATMs inside the terminal. Taking these precautions ensures your first impression of Cairo is smooth and stress-free.

Dahab Scams: The Laid-Back Destination with Hidden Tricks

Dahab is known for its laid-back charm, but that doesn’t mean it’s scam-free. One of the most frequent Dahab scams involves dive shops. With so many competing centers, some advertise very cheap packages, but they cut corners with unsafe equipment or unqualified instructors. This puts both your safety and your enjoyment at risk.

Taxi scams are also common, especially for trips between Dahab, the Blue Hole, and Sharm El Sheikh. Drivers often quote inflated prices, assuming tourists won’t know the standard rate.

In markets, overpricing is normal, but some vendors push too far. Tourists report being pressured into buying souvenirs labeled as handmade when they are mass-produced. A small gift may suddenly turn into an expensive purchase once you’ve accepted it.

Budget accommodations in Dahab sometimes present surprises. Travelers have been charged hidden fees upon checkout for things like air conditioning, cleaning, or “service charges” that were not mentioned during booking.

To avoid these scams, choose dive shops that are well-reviewed and certified, agree on taxi prices before getting in, and confirm all accommodation costs in advance. Bargaining in markets is expected, so don’t hesitate to negotiate. With these strategies, Dahab remains a relaxing and unforgettable stop on your Egypt trip.

How to Avoid Getting Scammed in Egypt: Practical Tips

Travelers often ask, “Is Egypt safe?” The answer is yes—millions of visitors come every year without major issues. The key is awareness and preparation. Here are practical tips on how to avoid getting scammed in Egypt:

• Do your research. Know ticket prices, opening hours, and common scams before visiting attractions.

• Book official services. Arrange tours, guides, and transport through your hotel or trusted travel agencies.

• Negotiate clearly. Always agree on prices in advance, especially for taxis, camel rides, or carriage trips.

• Carry small bills. This makes tipping easy and prevents claims of “no change.”

• Stay polite but firm. A calm “no thank you” with a smile works better than confrontation.

• Trust your instincts. If something feels suspicious, walk away.

By following these tips, you’ll enjoy Egypt’s wonders without falling into traps. Most Egyptians are genuinely welcoming and proud to share their culture. Scams exist, but they are avoidable with awareness and preparation. Once you know the tricks, you can travel with confidence and keep your focus on the incredible beauty and history around you.