I was planning my trip to Egypt for a long time. After all, who doesn’t want to see the Great Pyramids at least once in their life?

However, like any popular tourist destination, it is not without its share of scams. I didn’t believe it at first but after witnessing these scams in person, I know them to be true.

So, if you are planning a trip to Egypt soon, then here are some of the top scams to watch out for:

The “Friendly” Local Guide

One of the most common scams in Egypt involves overly friendly locals who offer to guide you around for free. 

They might approach you near popular tourist sites and start a friendly conversation. I myself faced this a couple of times at Luxor Temple, Dahshur Pyramids, and more.

Eventually, they will take you to shops where they receive commissions or demand a high fee for their “guiding services” at the end of the tour. 

To avoid this, always ask them for a price beforehand if you need a guide. 

Personally, I would suggest you hire an official guide with an agreed-upon price as they are more professional and reliable.

Taxis and Overcharging

Another prominent scam in Egypt to be wary of is the taxi scam. Drivers might refuse to use the meter, take a longer route, or quote exorbitant fares. 

Personally, I didn’t face this issue as I always booked a cab using Careem, InDrive, or a similar app. Another option is to book a cab through your hotel for sightseeing as that’s more reliable.

Fake Tickets and Attractions

Did you know that tickets for most tourist attractions in Egypt can be bought online? Yes, that’s correct!

Unfortunately, many people don’t know this, which is why they often get scammed by locals who sell them fake tickets at the entry of these attractions or charge them for free attractions. 

Check the official Egypt website – https://egymonuments.com to buy tickets and get information on whether an attraction is closed or not.

The Camel Ride Scam

Camel rides near the Pyramids of Giza can be a fun experience, but they are also a hotspot for scams. 

Most of the operators demand more money mid-ride or refuse to let you get down until you pay extra. 

To avoid this, I suggest you book a camel ride from a licensed operator with a written price agreement. 

The Nile Cruise Scam

The biggest disappointment for me was the Nile cruise, while the cruise experience was good, for visiting the temples, it was definitely the worst choice. 

Unless you pay a higher fee and come through a licensed operator, you don’t get a guide or a ride to the Edfu Temple. Moreover, at each temple, you get barely 1-1.5 hours that you have to share with lots of other cruise tourists.

So, you need more time to understand the history of these temples or take good photos and videos. 

If you want to truly learn about Egyptian history and marvel at the architecture of these temples, then avoid the Nile cruise. 

The Overpriced Eateries Scam

One of the most common scams in Egypt is that local eateries with no menus ask you a ridiculous amount of money for the most basic items. 

You will find them set up outside bus stations, train stations, and popular tourist spots. They don’t have a menu and will ask you your order and once done, they will ask you thrice of what you would normally pay for it.

The only way to avoid it is by asking the price upfront and eating at places that do have a menu so that you aren’t overcharged.

The Baksheesh Scam

If any local offers to take your photo, help you carry your bags, or try to help you in any way, be wary because they will ask for a tip at the end of the service.

“Baksheesh” is a term for tipping or small bribes in Egypt and you will be asked for it several times a day. 

Whether you choose to take the help of a local guard for taking photos or small information, you will be expected to pay a small tip. It is unavoidable unless you can be firm and politely tell them you don’t have any money for the tips.

However, the best way to keep them happy and avoid a conflict is by keeping smaller denomination notes and handing them out when asked for a baksheesh.

If you want to book a trip with Travel LYKKE, then use my code ‘RACHITA‘ to get a discount on your next vacation.

For any queries, you can reach out to holidays@lykke.travel

About the Author – Rachita Saxena is an IT Engineer turned full-time travel blogger who left her job in 2018. Since then, she has traveled to over 20+ countries including Seychelles, Turkey, Jordan, and more. Over the years, she has worked with multiple tourism companies to share travel experiences with her followers. She is a qualified PAD Rescue Diver and has explored quite a bit of the underwater world. You can follow her journey on different social media platforms and her website MeanderWander.