How to avoid common tourist scams in Egypt

Egypt remains one of the world’s favorite getaways: warm weather, beautiful beaches, iconic pyramids, and prices that don’t bite. Yet the sunny mood can be dampened by small but persistent scams. Taxi drivers, guides, souvenir sellers — many try to squeeze out extra money. To keep the holiday intact, it helps to know the typical tricks and how to sidestep them.

1. An overpriced visa

The first trap can appear right at the airport. Tourists are steered toward a visa at an inflated price, sometimes escorted aside for “help” with paperwork. In reality, the visa should be purchased only at designated bank kiosks at the official rate.

Avoid buying from anyone who approaches you, even if they look like airport staff. Head straight to the official bank windows.

2. Taxi at a triple fare

Taxi drivers are seasoned at working tourists: they might refuse to switch on the meter, quote a bloated price, and then claim they have no change.

Use Uber or Careem — the fare is visible upfront. If you take a street cab, settle the price before you get in and keep small bills on hand.

3. Inflated restaurant bills

Some cafés and restaurants play with pricing: a menu lists numbers without stating the currency. A traveler assumes Egyptian pounds, and only later discovers the bill is in dollars — several times higher.

Before ordering, ask which currency the prices are in. Request a receipt and check every line.

4. A “better” room for a fee

At hotels, guests are sometimes told their room is “already taken,” but for a small surcharge they can be moved to a “better” option. In practice, it’s a nudge to pay extra for what should already be included.

Calmly insist on the room you booked. If they refuse to check you in, contact your tour operator or the hotel manager. Calling ahead to reconfirm the reservation helps.

5. “Free” gifts, photos, and favors

Offers of a free souvenir, a quick tour, or a photo with a camel are common. Once a tourist agrees, payment is suddenly expected — and refusal can trigger a scene.

Be polite but firm in turning such offers down. If you do accept, settle the price beforehand. Calm and a clear “no” go a long way.

6. Hotel guides and pricey excursions

Hotel guides often warn that buying a tour elsewhere voids your insurance. That fear is used to sell excursions at two to three times the price.

Check your policy terms in advance — in 99% of cases it’s valid regardless of where you book. Compare hotel rates with local agencies and read reviews before paying.

7. “Mandatory” stops at expensive shops

During excursions, groups are frequently brought to stores with inflated prices, presented as having the “best” goods. In reality, the guide gets a cut, and the tags are far higher than in ordinary stalls.

Don’t be swayed. If you don’t plan to buy, step outside and wait. Research typical souvenir prices so you know what’s fair, and shop in small local stores rather than tourist boutiques.

Egypt is a wonderful place to unwind, but it pays to stay alert when it comes to money. The rule of thumb is simple: don’t rush, double-check details, and resist the first offer. If someone pushes hard or creates a sense of urgency, chances are it’s a setup.