
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.