COMMON ScAMS TO AVOID dURING YOUR VISIT TO EGYPT
Cairo, Egypt is a must-visit destination rich in history and culture, but as with any popular tourist spot, it has its fair share of scams. This guide is designed to help you stay informed and avoid common pitfalls so you can enjoy your trip worry-free.
Camel Ride Scam
At the Pyramids of Giza, camel handlers offer rides at what seems like a bargain price. However, once you’re on the camel, they’ll demand extra money to let you off, turning your cheap ride into a costly ordeal.
How to Avoid: Always agree on the total price, including the return trip, before mounting the camel. Stick to official tour operators when possible.
Fake Tour Guides
You might encounter scammers posing as official tour guides near popular sites like the Egyptian Museum or the Pyramids. They’ll offer to guide you through the attraction and, at the end, charge you a high fee for their services.
How to Avoid: Book your tours through trusted agencies, your hotel, or online platforms with reviews. Verify that the guide has proper credentials before starting a tour.
Papyrus Shop Scam
A local may offer to take you to a special papyrus shop where you’ll get “authentic” goods at discounted prices. In reality, these shops often sell fake or overpriced items, and the pressure to buy can be overwhelming.
How to Avoid: Research trustworthy shops beforehand and avoid being taken anywhere by a stranger. If you want genuine papyrus, visit government-endorsed shops or well-reviewed stores.
Fake Tourist Police
In some cases, someone posing as a tourist police officer may approach you and demand to inspect your passport or belongings. After this fake inspection, they may ask for a bribe to return your items.
How to Avoid: Always ask to see official identification, and avoid handing over important documents. When in doubt, find an actual police officer or contact your embassy.
Cheap Souvenirs Trap
Street vendors may offer you souvenirs like magnets or trinkets at incredibly low prices. However, once you show interest or attempt to buy, they’ll significantly increase the price or add unexpected fees.
How to Avoid: Be clear about prices upfront and don’t be afraid to walk away if the vendor changes the deal. Shop at fixed-price stores if possible to avoid haggling.
Restaurant Bill Scam
In some tourist-heavy restaurants, especially in areas like Downtown Cairo, the bill might include inflated charges, hidden fees, or additional items that you didn’t order.
How to Avoid: Review the bill carefully before paying and ask for clarification on any unfamiliar charges. It’s a good idea to ask about taxes or service fees in advance. Typical charges you will see on most bills are a 12% service charge and a 14% VAT charge. An additional tip is technically optional, but most servers will expect you to leave the change.
The Perfume or Spice Shop Scam
You may be invited into a shop by a local who wants to show you the “best” perfumes or spices in Egypt. Once inside, you’ll be pressured into buying products at inflated prices, and some might not be genuine.
How to Avoid: Be wary of anyone offering to take you shopping. Stick to buying from well-known shops with a reputation for quality.
In conclusion generally trust your instincts, If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is! Research common scams before visiting any destination to stay ahead of the game. Rely on apps like Google Maps for directions, and taxi services like Uber for reliable transportation. Enjoy your trip to Egypt, and keep these tips in mind to make the most of your experience without falling for common tourist scams!
The Helpful Stranger
One of the most common scams in Cairo involves a friendly local offering unsolicited help, such as giving directions or guiding you to a nearby attraction. Once the “help” is complete, they’ll demand a tip, often much higher than expected. While many Egyptians are genuinely kind, it’s wise to be cautious.
How to Avoid: Politely decline help unless you truly need assistance. If you do need help, ask someone in an official uniform or consult your phone’s GPS. You could also walk into a nearby shop/cafe and seek help from one of their employees.
Taxi Scams
Taxi drivers may refuse to use the meter, claiming it’s broken, or they may charge you in foreign currencies rather than Egyptian pounds, resulting in a much higher fare. Another tactic is to take unnecessarily long routes to increase the fare.
How to Avoid: Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem where prices are transparent and set in advance. If you take a street taxi, ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a price before starting the ride.
