13 Cairo Egypt Scams Every Tourist Should Know (I Fell for Few)
Egypt is incredible and most Egyptians are genuinely warm and welcoming. Cairo is one of the ancient cities and there are simple ways to explore the city. Like many other cities that are known for tourism, Cairo is also prone to scams. These are the traps that catch tourists off guard, especially first-timers. No matter how cautious you are, you get carried away when exploring a place for the first time. This article mentions different possibilities of scams and how to avoid getting scammed including a few of my very own experiences. Including a few I personally fell for – one of them the scarf trick at the Pyramids, which I detail below.
Quick Reference: 13 Cairo Scams at a Glance
| Scam | Where It Happens | Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Street Vendors | Pyramids of Giza, tourist sites | Nothing is free — smile and walk away |
| Bargaining | Khan El Khalili market, Sphinx area | Always negotiate — sellers start high on purpose |
| Photo Helpers | Pyramids, monuments, Cairo / Luxor / Aswan | Firm “No” before they even finish offering |
| Perfume / Spice / Tea | Streets, inside tour itineraries | Walk away or tell your guide you have allergies |
| Papyrus Stores | Souvenir shops across Cairo | Buy only from government-endorsed shops |
| Bills / Receipts | Restaurants, shops | Check itemized bill — 12% service + 14% VAT is normal, extras are not |
| Tips | Museums, restrooms | Don’t tip where signs say not to — it triggers a crowd |
| Camel Ride Vendors | Pyramids of Giza | Agree on time, distance, price — pay after, not before |
| Fake Officials / Tour Guides | Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, monuments | Never hand over passport or phone — always ask for ID |
| Money Exchange | Street vendors, markets | Count change before walking away — use banks only |
| Taxis | Cairo Airport, city streets | Book airport transfer in advance — use Uber during the day |
| Fake Reservations | Online, anywhere you book | Stick to official sites — especially when traveling with kids |
| Airport Porters | Cairo Airport | State clearly you don’t need help — avoid eye contact in line |
Cairo Egypt Scams: The Full Breakdown
Street Vendors
Yes you already know this, so did I. Yet I fell for this biggest rule of scams. Nothing is Free. This was at the Pyramids. But it could happen anywhere. These sellers approach and sweet talk, as if you look like one of their relatives or that you remind them of someone.
This lady in the below picture gave me a scarf and though I said I have no money on me. She said keep it, because I look like someone they know and she hugged me and wrapped the scarf on my head before I realized what was happening. This was the only time I was not with my tour guide as I was exploring the surroundings myself. There, I fell for the lie believing it was their hospitality because of another experience in Alexandria. I roamed around for 15-20 minutes by the pyramids. Never saw her again until I was about to get onto my car. She stopped the car mid of traffic and asked to pay for the scarf. I should have just given her the scarf back but instead paid for it to not interrupt the traffic.
To avoid getting scammed: Nothing is free. Smile and walk away. Or even better, avoid eye contact. They might follow you a little but eventually will give up.
Bargaining
Bargaining may not be everyone’s style, but in many parts of the world it’s how things work. Tried bargaining on a broken pyramid at a gift shop which was at full price and they happily gave it at the asked price. One street vendor outside the Sphinx was selling light weighted wooden figurines of the pyramids. Our tour guide mentioned they are available for 30 cents if we go to a store. The vendor priced it for 5$ each. When mentioned of it’s price at the store, he sold 5 for 5$ which was still higher than what the store offers but he was totally fine lowering them.
To avoid getting scammed: Khan El Khalili market is where this happens most — sellers there expect tourists to negotiate, so go for it. No harm in asking for a lower price. Sellers often start high, especially when they spot a tourist because they expect you to negotiate.
Photo Helpers
When I noticed a family struggling to get their group picture at a diagnal orientation, from instincts, I offered to help take a picture. They stared at me like I was about to snatch that phone away from them while taking the pictures and in a strict firm frustrated voice rejected my offer. I did not get it then, but by the end of my trip, I understood why. Many locals offer to take pictures and demand tips after causing more incovenience than help. No wonder the family was annoyed when I offered to help.
To avoid getting scammed: This is a common occurence outdoors near pyramids, monuments and structures in Cairo, Luxor or Aswan. As friendly and helpful you are by nature, do not offer anyone to take their pictures and do not accept anyone offering to take pictures for you. When someone approaches you, be firm and say “No”.
Perfume/Spice/Tea
When a local, stranger or even a guide invites you to a perfume or spice shop, it is not as simple as it sounds. They might give an excuse as they need to perform a prayer or they may assure you there’s no pressure to buy, but once you’re inside, it quickly turns into a full-on sales pitch.
To avoid getting scammed: Be clear upfront that you’re not interested. If it is a stranger, walk away. If you’re with a tour guide, tell them clearly that you’d rather skip the stop in the itinerary or mention you have allergies and prefer to wait in the car.
Papyrus Stores
Since the tourist market has risen abundantly, the locals know what the tourists are after and would find to make money out of anything they can. Papyrus is one such business. Many stores sell fake Papyrus, purchasing them is illegal.
To avoid getting scammed: Do your research on where you are planning to buy a papyrus. Government endorsed shops are safe.
Bills/Receipts
Wherever you are paying for shopping or food at restaurants, you can choose to pay with cash or card. And when you use your credit card which most of us do, there is so much scope for them to charge higher than the actual amount. Most Cairo restaurants add a 12% service charge + 14% VAT automatically. That’s not a scam — but being charged for items you didn’t order is. Check the itemized bill before paying.
To avoid getting scammed: Ask to review the charges when using a card. Especially on larger transactions and you should be good to use your card. If you see a difference ask them right away.
Tips
There are places like restrooms at the museums where they have a sign clearly stating not to tip anyone working at the premises. As soon as people notice you tipping, others nearby will approach expecting the same.
To avoid getting scammed: If possible try to avoid tipping where it is advised not to. If you hired a tour guide, check with them on the tipping limits for drivers or anyone you personally want to give for their service. Tip how much ever you want. No amount is too less. It is up to you. Tips are not mandatory.
Camel Ride Vendors
This is probably the more intense scam I have seen happen. Camel vendors just don’t let go off people when anyone shows interest or demand money while you are still on the camel. Sometimes they even do not complete the distance or time they agreed on.
To avoid getting scammed: Book official tours. If you have decided to take one on the spot from a camel vendor on the premises, be clear on the time, distance and price before getting on to the camel. Be confident and also make sure you have the exact change of the price you have agreed on. Pay after the ride is complete, not ahead.
Fake Officials/Tour Guides
Some local dress up or pretend to be police or government official and ask for your items like the phone or passport. Once you do, they start demanding money to return your belongings. Some vendors are in line with some local officials to take advantage of the tourist. Some common fake officials or guides go for are tickets proofs, passport check, luring for more private access of sites.
To avoid getting scammed: Always ask for identification. Do not hand over any of your belongings- personal or not to them. Call the officials/embassy in front of them to confirm. Again, be confident. When someone asks for validating your entry ticket, it is a scam – period. No one verifies or checks proof once you pay for it enter the premises. Similarly do not fall for instant guides at tourist locations like the Pyramids, monuments or the Museums.
Money Exchange Scams
When dealing with cash to buy anything on the street, make sure you have the right calculation and change returned to you. Also check you got back the right currency – Egyptian pounds. Sometimes they return a different currency form. Unless you carry Euros, or Dollars, they do not exchange it for Egyptian Pounds. So when you receive for instance Hungarian Forint which is a Hungarian currency does not have any value in Egypt and neither can be exchanged in banks or airport in the country.
To avoid getting scammed: Count your change before walking away. If you need to exchange money, use banks or official exchange counters — not street changers or anyone who approaches you.
Taxis
Uber is an option, but not always reliable, especially if you arrive at odd timings. We had all Ubers cancelled on us when we tried booking one after we headed out. We hired a taxi outside the airport. The minute we entered the premises of the hotel we were going to stay in, he started asking for more money till he dropped us at the entrance. His argument, if we can afford to stay at that hotel, we should be able to afford to pay him more. Commuting late at night in a taxi without any tracking or accountability can be risky.
To avoid getting scammed: Book an airport transfer prior to your arrival. During the day you can use Uber to get around to different sites. In case you could not book one in advance, there are official taxis at the airport, you can use them. They are safer than hiring one outside the airport. For advance booking options, viator has private transportation tours from and to the airport, reasonably priced. You can also check with the hotel you stay at if they can arrange airport pick up.
Fake Reservations
This goes without saying, if you have made any reservations for an activity or a place to stay at an unofficial site or with an unofficial person, it is highly likely to not exist at your arrival. This is has been a trending scam in the past year. Fake hotel portals can look completely professional — real hotel name, confirmation email, even the email domain looks promising. You only discover the booking doesn’t exist when you arrive. Looking for the best deals on hotels and activities in Cairo? Check out Cairo deals and winter strategies to book smart without getting scammed.
To avoid getting scammed: Stick to official sites when making the bookings. Especially when traveling with kids, it is hard to get a last minute accomodation for multiple people than just one person, after being scammed. Better be safe than sorry. It is always worth the extra money that you have a proper accomodation for you and your family and safer activity for your family to enjoy.
Airport Porters
If they think you are from the western countries they will tell the current president’s name and the one before. If they think you are South Asian, they tell some Bollywood actors names. And then lift our bags in this process and place it on the belt of customs check or whichever part of the security process you are in the airport and demand money for it. With a huge line backing up, it would seem easier to just give them the money. And they know that.
To avoid getting scammed: You need help with luggage, be prepared to tip. If not, state clearly you do not need their help. Even then, they might sometimes ask for money. Say no and go on with your process. Sometimes you cannot walk away when you are standing and waiting in line, avoid eye contact. Be aware of your surroundings and who approach you.
Final conclusion:
In short, don’t trust strangers who are extra nice or friendly, avoid eye contact and walk away. Book in advance or agree on a price ahead of the activity – Taxis to camel rides. Be confident. Hire a tour guide if you can, less scam opportunity with a tour guide around. Be vigilant and cautious of your surroundings.