Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Al Marāghah, Sūhāj, Egypt

1. Taxi Scam Avoidance

Learn to negotiate a fixed price before starting the journey to avoid overcharging.

Knowledge of Fixed Rates: Understand the normal rates for popular destinations.
Avoid Unofficial Taxis: Only use licensed taxis or ride-hailing services.
Stay Aware: Remain vigilant for any unusual behavior from the driver.

Exchange money only at reliable exchange offices and avoid exchanging in streets or with individuals.

Licensed Exchange Offices: Verify the exchange office is licensed by the Egyptian authorities.
Compare Rates: Shop around for the best exchange rates before deciding on an office.
Secure Transactions: Ensure that your money and passport are always in your sight during transactions.

Avoid accepting unsolicited help from strangers offering guiding services and ask for recommendations instead.

Recommendations: Ask your hotel or hostel for recommendations on local guides.
Licensed Guides: Ensure the guide is licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
Research Beforehand: Learn about popular tourist attractions to avoid being led astray.

Avoid eating or shopping in areas where prices are significantly higher than average.

Price Comparison: Compare prices with other establishments in the area.
Tourist Traps: Avoid areas heavily frequented by tourists, especially during peak hours.
Local Recommendations: Seek advice from locals on where to dine or shop.

Buy SIM cards only at authorized retailers and avoid offering personal information to strangers.

Authorized Retailers: Purchase the SIM card from an official store or authorized vendor.
Secure Transactions: Ensure that your ID and passport are not copied during the transaction.
Network Coverage: Choose a network with good coverage in Al Marāghah to avoid signal issues.

Only use reputable internet cafes and be cautious of keyloggers or spyware.

Secure Internet Cafés: Choose internet cafes that have a good reputation among locals.
Use Secure Connections: Only use secure websites and avoid accessing sensitive information.
Protect Your Devices: Install antivirus software on your devices before using public computers.

Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering assistance or inviting you to their homes.

Stay with Trusted People: Stick to the people you know and trust.
Be Aware of Scams: Recognize signs of scams, such as being offered something for free.
Report Suspicious Incidents: Inform your hotel or embassy if you encounter any suspicious individuals.

Refuse rides from unlicensed taxis or drivers offering off-road shortcuts.

Licensed Drivers: Only accept rides from licensed drivers with proper identification.
Stay on Main Roads: Remain on main roads and avoid accepting offers for off-road shortcuts.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid traveling alone in isolated areas or at night.

Only donate to reputable charities and avoid street solicitations from individuals.

Reputable Charities: Research and donate to well-known and trusted charities.
Legitimate Solicitations: Avoid giving money to people asking for it on the street.
Verify Collections: Ensure that collections are made in the name of a legitimate charity.

Avoid services offering significantly higher prices than average.

Price Comparison: Compare the service's price with others in the area.
Local Recommendations: Seek advice from locals on where to find reasonably priced services.
Avoid Overpriced Areas: Avoid areas heavily frequented by tourists, especially during peak hours.

Purchase goods only from reputable shops and beware of counterfeits.

Reputable Shops: Choose shops with a good reputation among locals.
Authentic Goods: Be cautious of items that seem too cheap or appear to be counterfeit.
Warranty and Returns: Only purchase goods with a valid warranty and return policy.

Book accommodations only through trusted websites or reputable establishments.

Trusted Websites: Book accommodations on well-known travel booking platforms.
Reputable Establishments: Choose hotels or guest houses with good reviews and a proven track record.
Secure Payments: Ensure that the booking is secure, using a trusted payment system.

Choose street food vendors with good hygiene practices and avoid eating unhygienic food.

Hygienic Vendors: Select vendors with clean food preparation areas.
Cooked to Order: Avoid eating precooked or displayed food for extended periods of time.
Beware of Allergies: Inform the vendor about any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Avoid engaging in long-term relationships with strangers offering you money or gifts.

Recognize the Signs: Be aware of signs of a scam, such as excessive generosity or unusual requests.
Stay Away from Scams: Avoid engaging in relationships that seem too good to be true.
Report Suspicious Individuals: Inform your hotel or embassy if you encounter any suspicious individuals.

Avoid interacting with street performers who ask for money or involve you in a trick.

Recognize the Signs: Be aware of signs of a scam, such as excessive persistence or aggressive behavior.
Avoid Interaction: Simply enjoy the performance from a distance without interacting.
Report Suspicious Incidents: Inform your hotel or embassy if you encounter any suspicious individuals.