Egypt is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. Pyramids, the sea, and warm sunshine year-round attract millions of travelers. However, along with tourists come those ready to take advantage of their inexperience.
In this article, we'll break down the TOP-10 most common tourist scams in Egypt and explain how to avoid them. This guide is based on verified sources and real traveler experiences.
1. "One dollar" at the pyramids: camel/horse/photo → extra charge to "get down"
One of Egypt's most famous scams is the offer to take a photo on a camel or horse "for just a dollar." It sounds tempting, but reality is quite different.
How the scheme works
They promise you "a photo for $1," but once you're on the camel or horse, the price suddenly becomes $50–100 to get down or for the "service" itself. Often the animal's owner demands money aggressively, taking advantage of the fact that you physically can't dismount on your own.
Red flags
- The phrase "One dollar!" without a clear price list
- Attempts to put you on the animal without prior agreement
- Pressure: "quick, get on, don't think"
- No official cashier or badge
How to avoid
- Don't get on "quickly" without complete clarity on the price
- If you want to ride — agree on EVERYTHING in advance: mounting + riding + photo + dismounting, final amount, who accepts payment
- Use only official points, cashiers, or uniformed staff
- If you feel pressure — just walk away
2. Cheap tour → half the day at "mandatory" shops + hidden fees
Cheap tours often turn out to be not as profitable as they seem at first glance. The low price is compensated by commissions from shops and on-site fees.
How the scheme works
The tour is sold at an attractive price, but they compensate with commissions from papyrus, oil, souvenir shops and on-site fees (entrance tickets, boat, drinks, lunch).
Red flags
- Price too low compared to market rates
- Vague program without details
- Phrases like "tickets/lunch/drinks — we'll clarify later"
- No clear list of what's included and what's not
How to avoid
- Demand a detailed program and "included/not included" list
- Ask right away: "Will there be shop stops? How much time at sites?"
- Buy tours from verified companies with good reviews
- Compare prices in several places before buying
3. "Helpers" at attractions: "secret passage/hieroglyph" → baksheesh $5–10
At entrances to popular attractions, "helpers" often appear offering to show you something special.
How the scheme works
"Caretakers" or "helpers" approach you at the entrance, quickly show something (often publicly accessible) and demand money. Sometimes they provoke rule violations, like photos "where not allowed," then demand payment.
Red flags
- Phrases "I'll show you only," "secret place"
- Attempts to lead you away from the main group
- Immediately asking "tip?" or "baksheesh?"
- No official uniform or badge
How to avoid
- Ignore unofficial help, don't engage in long conversations
- Only approach people in official uniform or at cashiers
- Remember the phrase "La, shukran" (no, thank you) and calmly repeat it
- Don't let anyone take your phone for a "better photo"
4. Fake tickets and "closed entrance": "skip the line/cheaper" → ticket doesn't work
Scammers often offer to buy tickets "cheaper" or "skip the line" right on the street, bypassing the official cashier.
How the scheme works
They offer "faster and cheaper," but the ticket turns out to be for children, fake, or already used. Or they lead you "another way" straight to a souvenir shop.
Red flags
- Selling tickets away from the official cashier
- Claims "main entrance is closed" without proof
- Demanding cash and rushing your decision
- No receipt or official ticket
How to avoid
- Buy tickets only at official cashiers
- Check entrance rules on stands or official signs
- If in doubt — go to the cashier or contact tourist police
- Keep tickets until the end of your visit
5. Taxis and transfers: "no meter," inflated fare, "no change"
Transportation is one of the most common areas for tourist scams in any country, and Egypt is no exception.
How the scheme works
A common scheme is to name the price only after the ride, "forget" about the prior agreement, or claim the meter is broken. Also popular is the phrase "no change" when paying with a large bill.
Red flags
- Not naming the price in advance
- Phrase "Meter broken"
- Starting to drive without agreeing on the amount
- Price too high compared to market rate
How to avoid
- Agree on the price BEFORE starting the trip or use apps (Uber, Careem)
- Keep small bills — less chance of "no change"
- Record the cost in a message or repeat aloud: "Total X pounds, yes?"
- Order transfers through your hotel — often more reliable
6. Souvenirs "papyrus/oils/alabaster": demonstration + "certificate" → fake at triple price
Souvenir shops are an integral part of most tours. But not everything that glitters is gold.
How the scheme works
They take you to a "factory," show a beautiful production show, and sell "authentic" items with certificates. In reality, these are often souvenir fakes at heavily inflated prices.
Red flags
- Phrases "only we have real papyrus/oil"
- Aggressive sales with pressure
- No price list, bargaining turns into theater
- Certificates look homemade
How to avoid
- Don't buy on emotions, compare prices in 2–3 places
- Set a budget in advance and don't exceed it
- If the goal is impressions, watch the show for free and leave without purchases
- Remember: most souvenirs can be bought cheaper at the market
7. "Change money" / bill swap / sleight of hand during counting
Money is always an area of heightened attention from scammers. A simple request can turn into losing the entire amount.
How the scheme works
They ask to change a large bill, and in the process may snatch the money, "lose" some bills, or slip you a fake. Also popular is distracting conversation during counting.
Red flags
- Asking you to take out your wallet on the street
- Insisting on counting in a crowd or noisy place
- Distracting with questions or gestures
- Too-fast hand movements
How to avoid
- Don't take out your wallet on the street and don't show cash
- Exchange money only at a bank, exchange office, or hotel
- Carry money separately: some in wallet, some separately
- Count money only in a safe place
8. Restaurants/cafes: "menu without prices," bill swap, paid "extras" you didn't order
Restaurants in tourist areas can present unpleasant surprises in the form of inflated bills.
How the scheme works
They may bring what you didn't order (bread, sauces, salads), then include it in the bill. Or the dish price "suddenly" turns out different than you thought.
Red flags
- Menu without prices
- Not giving a receipt or bill
- Handwritten bill without itemization
- Bringing dishes you didn't order
How to avoid
- Order only from a menu with prices, clarify "price per portion or per 100g?"
- Ask for an itemized bill and check all items
- Immediately clarify if bread/water/sauces are paid
- Choose establishments with clear pricing and good reviews
9. Hotel/resort services: "upgrade," "mandatory" fee, imposed services
Even at the hotel where you plan to relax, there may be attempts to sell additional services.
How the scheme works
Sometimes they impose paid services, "upgraded rooms" for an extra fee, or tours "only through us" at inflated prices.
Red flags
- Confusing your booking conditions
- Not providing written confirmations
- Pressure phrases "last chance," "only today"
- Prices much higher than market rates
How to avoid
- Record all conditions in writing (booking screenshot, email confirmation)
- Compare tour offers: hotel vs external agencies
- Ask in advance: what's included in "all inclusive," what's paid
- Don't agree to extra fees without verifying information
10. "Baksheesh" and etiquette: where tips are normal, and where it's manipulation
Tips (baksheesh) are an important part of Egyptian culture. But it's important to understand the difference between voluntary gratitude and manipulation.
How the scheme works
Tips are common in Egypt, but "baksheesh" may be demanded for minimal service or even "just because." They often use pressure and guilt.
Red flags
- Demanding money aggressively
- Phrases "I helped — pay" without your consent
- Provoking guilt
- Following you and insisting
How to avoid
- Keep small change and give tips only for real service, at your discretion
- Politely refuse: "No, thank you" and walk away
- Respect local norms: modest clothing, behavior in religious places
- Take photos of people only with their permission
Quick checklist "how not to get caught"
- Agree on the price right away (or have a fixed price list/app)
- Don't take out your wallet on the street and don't count money in crowds
- Buy tickets and tours from official or verified sellers
- Ask what's included in the price (tickets, drinks, transfers)
- Carry small bills for taxis and tips
- Practice a short refusal: "La, shukran" + smile + keep walking
- If pressured — go to the cashier, hotel, or tourist police