Egypt, with its rich history and vibrant culture, is a top tourist destination. To make the most of your trip, it's crucial to be aware of common scams and how to avoid them. Here's a more detailed breakdown of common scams and additional tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in Egypt:
Common Scams in Egypt and Tips to Avoid Them
1. The Taxi Scam:
Scam Details: Taxi drivers may take longer routes or overcharge tourists, especially at airports and popular tourist spots.Avoidance Tips: Use reputable taxi services, insist on using the meter, or agree on a fare in advance.
2. Airport Entrance Fee Scam:
Scam Details: Some cab drivers ask for unauthorized airport entrance fees to exploit unsuspecting travelers.
Avoidance Tips: Use reputable airport shuttle services, verify official charges, and refuse to pay any additional fees.
3. Baksheesh Requests:
Scam Details: Locals often ask for tips (baksheesh) for minor services, whether it's helping with directions or offering assistance.
Avoidance Tips: Be polite but firm, and give tips only when you feel it's deserved.
4."Official" Tour Guides:
Scam Details: Self-proclaimed guides may approach tourists and charge exorbitant fees for their services.
Avoidance Tips: Always book tours through reputable agencies or your hotel.
5.Street Performers:
Scam Details: After posing for photos, street entertainers may aggressively demand money from tourists.
Avoidance Tips: Be cautious when interacting with street performers and avoid engaging unless you're willing to pay.
6."Closed" Attractions:
Scam Details: Touts may falsely claim that popular attractions are closed, redirecting tourists to other costly alternatives.
Avoidance Tips: Verify attraction status with official sources, such as websites or local authorities.
7. Spill Scam:
Scam Details: A person may intentionally spill something on you and then demand compensation.
Avoidance Tips: Be cautious in crowded areas, keep personal belongings secure, and decline any offers for assistance.
8. Photo Scams:
Scam Details: Locals may insist on taking photos with you and later demand payment.
Avoidance Tips: Politely decline if you're uncomfortable or negotiate a fee beforehand.
9. Felucca Ride Scams:
Scam Details: Some boat operators may overcharge tourists for felucca rides along the Nile.
Avoidance Tips: Negotiate prices and the ride duration in advance to avoid overcharges.
10. Counterfeit Goods:
Scam Details: Some vendors sell counterfeit branded items, deceiving tourists with fake products.
Avoidance Tips: Shop at reputable stores and inspect products carefully before buying.
11. Unwanted Assistance:
Scam Details: Individuals may offer unsolicited help at tourist sites and later demand payment.
Avoidance Tips: Politely decline help unless it's genuinely needed, and be cautious about expectations for payment.
12. Guided Tours That Skip Attractions:
Scam Details: Some tour guides might skip parts of the itinerary to save time or pocket entrance fees.
Avoidance Tips: Research tour providers and read reviews to choose trustworthy guides.
13.Overpriced Souvenirs:
Scam Details: Some souvenir shops near tourist attractions may inflate prices.
Avoidance Tips: Haggle and compare prices from multiple shops to get a fair deal.
14.Fake Tickets:
Scam Details: Tourist attractions may have counterfeit tickets sold by unauthorized vendors.
Avoidance Tips: Purchase tickets only from official sources, like ticket booths or reputable tour agencies.
15.Unrequested Services:
Scam Details: Unscrupulous tour guides may provide unsolicited services and then demand payment.
Avoidance Tips: Clearly communicate your preferences and refuse services you haven't requested.
16. Porter Scam:
Scam Details: At the airport, someone may offer to help with luggage and charge a fee without your consent.
Avoidance Tips: Politely decline any unwanted assistance and handle your luggage on your own.
17. Hotel Booking Scams:
Scam Details: Beware of fraudulent bookings; only book accommodations through reputable websites or agencies.
18. Camel Photo Op Scam:
Scam Details: It's not uncommon for unsuspecting tourists to fall victim to the camel photo op scam. You may be strolling around popular tourist destinations, such as the pyramids, when an opportunist offers you the chance to take a photo atop a camel for free. However, here's the catch: once you're on the camel and the photo is taken, the owner or handler will demand a hefty fee for your descent. The "free" photo becomes a costly adventure in a matter of seconds.
Avoidance Tips: Clarify all costs upfront, negotiate before accepting offers, and don't mount the camel until you're certain of the terms.
19. Hidden Car Rental Costs:
Scam Details: Renting a car while traveling can be a convenient option, but it can also lead to unpleasant surprises if you're not vigilant about the terms and conditions. Some rental agencies impose mileage limits, meaning you can only drive a certain number of kilometers per day without incurring extra charges. It's common for rental companies to fail to adequately disclose this limitation, leaving travelers unaware of the potential financial repercussions. You can end up paying up to 600 dollars extra for this!
Avoidance Tips: Carefully read and understand rental agreements, including terms, conditions, and potential extra charges.
20. Price Ambiguity:
Scam Details: Many small shops in Egypt don't display clear price tags, leaving tourists uncertain about the actual cost of items.
Avoidance Tips: Bargain and ask for prices upfront to avoid surprises, even at medicine shops. Also, apprise yourself with the fair price of commodities beforehand.
21. Drug Scams:
Scam Details: Scammers may approach tourists with offers of illegal substances like hashish, which can lead to legal troubles.
Avoidance Tips: Politely decline any offers of illegal substances, and be aware that such transactions are illegal.
Additional Tips to Avoid Scams:
- Be cautious of strangers offering help, as they often expect compensation.
- Don't let anyone buy tickets, ferry passes, or anything else for you; verify prices and legitimacy independently.
- Also, get on the government ferry only as local operators will claim that their ferries are public when you ask them for a government ferry's whereabouts.
- Be clear about prices before accepting goods or services; don't hesitate to ask for prices in advance.
- Politely but firmly decline free items or services; they often come with expectations of future purchases.
- Avoid purchasing food and drinks near tourist attractions, as prices are frequently inflated with poor quality and tiny portions. Coffee, usually around 15EGP, can cost you 50EGP around temples.
- Be cautious of locals who speak perfect English, as some may have ulterior motives.
- Avoid making eye contact with potential scammers, as it may invite unwanted attention.
- Use headphones to deter street vendors and avoid engaging in conversation.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can enjoy your journey through Egypt while minimizing the risk of falling victim to scams. Egypt is a remarkable destination with much to offer, and these precautions will help you make the most of your visit.
