Tourist Scams in Egypt: 7 Common Scams & How to Avoid Them (2026) | Travel Safe
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7 scams documented·Last updated: July 2026

Tourist Scams in Egypt: 7 Common Scams & How to Avoid Them (2026)

Egypt's ancient monuments — the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor, and Aswan — attract millions of tourists who are targeted by persistent and well-organized scam operations. Understanding the playbook before you arrive makes the difference between a frustrating and a magical visit.

Quick Reference: All Scams at a Glance

ScamWhere It HappensRisk LevelTypical Cost
Camel/Photo Fee at the PyramidsGiza — Pyramids of Giza plateau, Sphinx viewpointHigh€20–€100 ($22–$110 USD) in extortion
'Official Guide' ScamGiza, Luxor, Karnak Temple, Valley of the KingsHigh€50–€200 ($55–$220 USD) for an unwanted 'tour'
Baksheesh PressureEgypt — all tourist sites, hotels, restaurants, taxisMedium$1–$20 per incident, cumulative throughout the day
Papyrus Shop DiversionCairo — near Egyptian Museum; Luxor — near Karnak TempleMedium€50–€500 in overpriced goods
Felucca Boat Price SwitchAswan — Nile River felucca dock; Luxor — Nile bankMedium100–500 EGP ($2–$10 USD) in added charges
Fake Ticket SellersGiza, Luxor, Abu Simbel — near official ticket officesMedium200–500 EGP ($4–$10 USD) for worthless fake tickets
Currency ConfusionEgypt — markets, taxis, restaurants throughout the countryLowVariable — depends on the exchange rate differential
High Risk

Camel/Photo Fee at the Pyramids

Giza — Pyramids of Giza plateau, Sphinx viewpoint

How It Works

A camel owner approaches and offers a 'free photo' on his camel. Once you are on the camel, he demands €20–€100 to let you down. Alternatively, he walks you to a 'better viewpoint' and then demands payment for the walk. Some owners refuse to let tourists dismount until paid.

💸 Typical amount lost: €20–€100 ($22–$110 USD) in extortion

Red Flags

  • Camel owner offers a free photo
  • Owner approaches you proactively
  • Owner starts walking the camel before discussing price

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Free photo, just sit, no charge""
  • ""I take you to best view, no money""
  • ""You are on camel now, must pay to get down""

What To Say & Do

Agree on the exact price in writing (or on your phone) before getting on any camel or horse. Say: 'What is the total price for the ride and to get down?' Confirm in EGP, not USD. Official camel rides cost 150–300 EGP ($3–$6 USD).

High Risk

'Official Guide' Scam

Giza, Luxor, Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings

How It Works

A man in plain clothes or a partial uniform claims to be an 'official guide' or 'antiquities inspector' and offers to take you to restricted areas, hidden tombs, or a 'special entrance.' He leads you through the site and then demands €50–€200 for the 'private tour.' Some also try to sell fake antiquities.

💸 Typical amount lost: €50–€200 ($55–$220 USD) for an unwanted 'tour'

Red Flags

  • Guide approaches you at the entrance
  • Claims to have special access or be an official
  • No official Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA) badge
  • Offers to show you 'secret' areas

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""I am official guide, I show you hidden tomb, very special""
  • ""This area is closed to tourists, but I know the guard""
  • ""I work for the government, I give you private tour""

What To Say & Do

Hire only guides with official Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA) badges. Book through your hotel or a licensed tour operator. Say: 'La shukran' (No thank you in Arabic). Ignore all approaches at site entrances.

Medium Risk

Baksheesh Pressure

Egypt — all tourist sites, hotels, restaurants, taxis

How It Works

Baksheesh (tipping/gratuity) is deeply embedded in Egyptian culture, but tourists are often pressured into tipping for services they did not request — someone opens a door, points to a toilet, or holds a camera. Amounts demanded are often 10–20x the appropriate rate.

💸 Typical amount lost: $1–$20 per incident, cumulative throughout the day

Red Flags

  • Someone performs an unrequested service
  • Demands a specific dollar amount rather than accepting any amount
  • Follows you or blocks your path until paid

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Baksheesh! Baksheesh!""
  • ""I help you, give me dollar""
  • ""Photo? Give me money""

What To Say & Do

Carry small EGP notes (5–20 EGP) for genuine tipping situations. For unrequested services, say 'La shukran' (No thank you) firmly and keep walking. You are not obligated to pay for services you did not request.

Medium Risk

Papyrus Shop Diversion

Cairo — near Egyptian Museum; Luxor — near Karnak Temple

How It Works

A taxi driver or guide takes you to a 'government papyrus institute' or 'alabaster factory' as part of your tour. Inside, high-pressure salespeople sell low-quality papyrus prints or alabaster for €50–€500. The driver earns a 20–40% commission.

💸 Typical amount lost: €50–€500 in overpriced goods

Red Flags

  • Driver suggests a 'free' stop at a factory or institute
  • Stop is not on your agreed itinerary
  • Salespeople are unusually persistent

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Very famous papyrus institute, government certified, just look, no buy""
  • ""My cousin has alabaster factory, very cheap, just 5 minutes""

What To Say & Do

Agree your itinerary with the driver before departing and say: 'I do not want to stop at any shops.' If taken to a shop, you are never obligated to buy. Leave immediately.

Medium Risk

Felucca Boat Price Switch

Aswan — Nile River felucca dock; Luxor — Nile bank

How It Works

A felucca (traditional sailboat) captain agrees on a price of 100–200 EGP for a 1-hour Nile cruise. Mid-cruise, he demands additional payment for 'extra time,' 'wind conditions,' or 'going to Kitchener's Island.' The price doubles or triples by the end.

💸 Typical amount lost: 100–500 EGP ($2–$10 USD) in added charges

Red Flags

  • Captain adds extras mid-trip
  • Price not agreed in writing before departure
  • Captain claims the agreed price was 'per person' not total

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Wind is bad today, I need more time, extra 200 pounds""
  • ""Price was per person, not total""
  • ""I take you to island, very beautiful, extra 100 pounds""

What To Say & Do

Agree the total price, duration, and exact route in writing (or on your phone) before boarding. Say: 'Total price for 1 hour, no extra stops, is [amount]?' Confirm in EGP.

Medium Risk

Fake Ticket Sellers

Giza, Luxor, Abu Simbel — near official ticket offices

How It Works

Men near ticket offices claim the official office is closed or has long queues and offer to sell you tickets at a slight premium. The tickets are fake and you are turned away at the entrance.

💸 Typical amount lost: 200–500 EGP ($4–$10 USD) for worthless fake tickets

Red Flags

  • Ticket seller is not at the official booth
  • Claims the official office is closed
  • Ticket looks slightly different from official ones

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Ticket office closed today, I sell you ticket, same price""
  • ""Queue is 2 hours, I get you ticket faster""

What To Say & Do

Buy tickets only at official booths. The Giza Pyramids ticket office opens at 8:00 AM. Verify opening hours at egypt.travel. Never buy tickets from individuals.

Low Risk

Currency Confusion

Egypt — markets, taxis, restaurants throughout the country

How It Works

Vendors quote prices in 'pounds' which could mean Egyptian pounds (EGP) or US dollars, depending on what benefits them. A souvenir quoted at '50 pounds' might be presented as a $50 bill at checkout.

💸 Typical amount lost: Variable — depends on the exchange rate differential

Red Flags

  • Price quoted without specifying currency
  • Vendor switches from EGP to USD when you try to pay
  • Price seems unusually high for EGP

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""50 pounds" (meaning USD, not EGP)"
  • ""This is dollar price, not pound""

What To Say & Do

Always confirm: 'Egyptian pounds or US dollars?' before agreeing to any price. Pay in EGP where possible to avoid confusion.

If You've Been Scammed in Egypt

Don't panic. Document everything immediately — take photos, write down times, locations, and descriptions of anyone involved. Then follow these steps:

  1. 1.Report to local tourist police (most major cities have a dedicated tourist police unit).
  2. 2.Contact your bank immediately if your card was compromised — request a chargeback.
  3. 3.File a claim with your travel insurance provider — most policies cover scam losses.
  4. 4.Contact your country's embassy or consulate if you need emergency assistance.
Full step-by-step guide: What To Do If You've Been Scammed

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Frequently Asked Questions: Scams in Egypt

Is Egypt safe for tourists?

Egypt's main tourist areas — Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Hurghada — are generally safe for tourists. The scams listed are financially motivated. The Egyptian Tourism Police (tourist police) are present at all major sites and are generally responsive.

Do I need a guide at the Pyramids of Giza?

A guide is not required but can enhance your visit. Hire only licensed guides through the Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA) or your hotel. Official guides wear ETA badges. Expect to pay $30–$60 USD for a 2-hour guided tour.

What is the tourist police number in Egypt?

The Tourist Police can be reached at 126. They are present at all major tourist sites. The general emergency number is 122 (police) or 123 (ambulance).

How much should I tip in Egypt?

Tipping (baksheesh) is customary in Egypt. For restaurants, 10–15% is appropriate. For hotel staff, 10–20 EGP per service. For toilet attendants, 5–10 EGP. You are not obligated to tip for unrequested services.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Egypt?

No. Tap water is not safe to drink in Egypt. Buy bottled water from reputable brands (Baraka, Safi, Aquafina). Avoid ice in drinks unless you are confident it is made from purified water.

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