Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Alexandria, Al Iskandarīyah, Egypt

Alexandria, Egypt, Alexandria, Local Insights & Practical Info, Common Scams & How to Avoid Them

Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Alexandria, Al Iskandarīyah, Egypt

1. Citadel of Qaitbay

Historic fortress offering stunning sea views, beware of aggressive vendors inside.
  • Aggressive Vendors: Vendors may insist on showing you their goods or services without consent.
  • Ticket Scams: Some may try to sell fake or overpriced tickets at the entrance.
  • Guide Services: Unlicensed guides might approach you offering their services, often with inflated prices.

2. Alexandria Library

Iconic library attracting millions with its architectural beauty; avoid ticket scams and aggressive vendors.
  • Ticket Scams: Some might try to sell fake or overpriced tickets at the entrance.
  • Aggressive Vendors: Vendors may insist on showing you their goods or services without consent.
  • Photography Restrictions: Some areas within the library have specific photography restrictions.

3. Montazah Palace Gardens

Beautiful royal gardens with a panoramic view of the Mediterranean; watch out for ticket scams and unauthorized guides.
  • Ticket Scams: Some might try to sell fake or overpriced tickets at the entrance.
  • Unauthorized Guides: Unlicensed guides may approach you offering their services, often with inflated prices.
  • Restricted Areas: Certain areas of the gardens are restricted to the public.

4. El Alamein War Cemetery

Memorial dedicated to soldiers who lost their lives during World War II; beware of aggressive vendors and guide scams.
  • Aggressive Vendors: Vendors may insist on showing you goods or services without consent.
  • Guide Scams: Unlicensed guides might approach you offering their services, often with inflated prices.
  • Respect and Sensitivity: The site is a place of remembrance; visitors should be respectful and sensitive to the history.

5. Pompey's Pillar

Monument commemorating Emperor Diocletian; stay vigilant against ticket scams and unauthorized guides.
  • Ticket Scams: Some might try to sell fake or overpriced tickets at the entrance.
  • Unauthorized Guides: Unlicensed guides may approach you offering their services, often with inflated prices.
  • Photography Restrictions: Certain areas of the monument have specific photography restrictions.

6. Alexandria Catacombs

Historical burial site with intricate carvings; beware of ticket scams and aggressive vendors.
  • Ticket Scams: Some might try to sell fake or overpriced tickets at the entrance.
  • Aggressive Vendors: Vendors may insist on showing you goods or services without consent.
  • Safety Considerations: The site is dark and confined; take precautions to ensure your safety.

7. Corniche

Beautiful seafront promenade with stunning views; avoid pickpocketing and aggressive vendors.
  • Pickpocketing: Petty thefts such as pickpocketing may occur in crowded areas.
  • Aggressive Vendors: Vendors may insist on showing you goods or services without consent.
  • Photography Opportunities: The Corniche offers picturesque views and landscapes for capturing memories.

8. Roman Amphitheater

Ancient amphitheater used for various events; beware of ticket scams and aggressive vendors.
  • Ticket Scams: Some might try to sell fake or overpriced tickets at the entrance.
  • Aggressive Vendors: Vendors may insist on showing you goods or services without consent.
  • Event Scams: Some might try to sell fake tickets for upcoming events, or scam visitors with false promises.

9. Alexandria National Museum

Museum showcasing Egypt's rich history; beware of ticket scams and aggressive vendors.
  • Ticket Scams: Some might try to sell fake or overpriced tickets at the entrance.
  • Aggressive Vendors: Vendors may insist on showing you goods or services without consent.
  • Artifact Protection: The museum houses valuable artifacts; visitors should be mindful not to damage them.

10. Egyptian Museum of Modern Art

Modern art museum displaying works by Egyptian and international artists; beware of ticket scams and aggressive vendors.
  • Ticket Scams: Some might try to sell fake or overpriced tickets at the entrance.
  • Aggressive Vendors: Vendors may insist on showing you goods or services without consent.
  • Art Appreciation: The museum provides a unique insight into contemporary Egyptian and international art.

11. Alexandria Citadel and Fortresses Area

Historic area with several forts; beware of ticket scams and aggressive vendors.
  • Ticket Scams: Some might try to sell fake or overpriced tickets at the entrance.
  • Aggressive Vendors: Vendors may insist on showing you goods or services without consent.
  • Historical Significance: The area is rich in history and offers a glimpse into Egypt's military past.

12. Alexandria Tram

Modern transportation system providing city sightseeing; beware of pickpocketing and aggressive vendors.
  • Pickpocketing: Petty thefts such as pickpocketing may occur in crowded areas.
  • Aggressive Vendors: Vendors may try to sell goods or services inside the tram without consent.
  • City Exploration: The tram offers an easy and convenient way to explore Alexandria's attractions.

13. Alexandria Beach

Popular beach destination with water sports; beware of scams related to equipment rental and beach activities.
  • Equipment Scams: Some might rent defective or overpriced equipment for water sports.
  • Activity Scams: Some might offer inflated prices or fake promises for beach activities.
  • Beach Relaxation: The beach provides a great opportunity to relax and enjoy Alexandria's Mediterranean coastline.

14. Alexandria Souk El-Attarine

Traditional marketplace offering various goods; beware of overpricing and aggressive vendors.
  • Overpricing: Prices may be inflated for souvenirs or goods.
  • Aggressive Vendors: Vendors may insist on showing you goods or services without consent.
  • Cultural Exchange: The market provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in Egyptian culture and traditions.

15. Alexandria's Graffiti Art

Street art showcasing local and international artists; beware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.
  • Pickpocketing: Petty thefts such as pickpocketing may occur in crowded areas.
  • Art Appreciation: The graffiti offers a glimpse into Alexandria's vibrant and creative community.
  • Photography Opportunities: The street art provides numerous opportunities for capturing unique images.