
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Cairo, Al Qāhirah, Egypt
1. Overpriced Camel Rides at the Pyramids
Some tourists at the Pyramids of Giza encounter camel ride operators who demand exorbitant fees. Always agree on a clear price beforehand, and consider using a guide to help you negotiate. Beware of additional charges for "getting on and off" the camel.
- Price Negotiation: Confirm the service charge upfront to avoid surprises.
- Guided Assistance: Employing a trusted guide can help secure fair pricing.
- Additional Charges: Clarify all expenses, including any "extra" fees.
2. Taxi Fare Hikes
Taxi drivers may take longer routes or claim the meter is broken to charge more. Always insist on the meter or agree on a fare before starting your journey. You can also use a ridesharing app to ensure a fair price.
- Meter Use: Insist drivers use the taxi meter for accurate pricing.
- Fare Agreement: Confirm fares before departure to avoid disputes.
- Ridesharing Apps: Utilize apps for fixed, transparent pricing.
3. "Free" Gifts from Shopkeepers
Some shopkeepers offer a "free" gift, only to demand payment afterward. Politely decline such gifts to avoid uncomfortable situations. Instead, purchase goods directly if you are interested.
- Gift Acceptance: Reject unsolicited gifts to prevent misunderstandings.
- Clear Intentions: Specify you are not interested in purchasing at the onset.
- Direct Purchases: Buy items outright if genuinely interested.
4. Fake Goods Market in Khan El Khalili
Counterfeit products, such as brand-name watches and perfumes, are sometimes sold as genuine. To avoid scams, buy from reputable stores or verify authenticity carefully. Use the local market merely as a cultural experience rather than a shopping spree.
- Authenticity Check: Verify product genuineness before buying.
- Reputable Vendors: Purchase only from well-known, trustworthy shops.
- Cultural Exploration: Treat market visits as a sight-seeing activity.
5. Papyrus "Demonstrations"
Tourists may be lured into "papyrus" art demonstrations that end with high-pressure sales tactics. Politely refuse demonstrations unless you plan to purchase. Check official papyrus shops for quality items instead.
- Sales Pressure Refusal: Decline sales-heavy demonstrations.
- Interest Expression: Indicate disinterest if you don’t plan to buy.
- Quality Sourcing: Opt for recognized shops for genuine papyrus.
6. "Student Art Projects"
Local "students" may ask for donations or offer art at inflated prices, claiming it's part of a school initiative. Decline these offers kindly unless you're sure of their credibility. Support legitimate local artists through established galleries.
- Credibility Check: Verify students' authenticity before contributing.
- Donation Refusal: Politely decline unsupported donation requests.
- Gallery Support: Make purchases through vetted galleries.
7. Photo Opportunity Charges
Be cautious of people near tourist attractions offering to take your photo, then demanding a fee. Use your camera's self-timer or ask fellow tourists instead. Confirm arrangements and fees beforehand if hiring a photographer.
- Permission Confirmation: Communicate with impromptu photographers clearly.
- Self-Photography: Utilize self-timers to avoid unwanted charges.
- Tourist Assistance: Prefer capturing moments with other tourists' help.
8. Museum Entry Price Increases
Some unscrupulous guides quote inflated entry prices for museums. Always check the official entrance fees online or at the venue. Use guidebooks or maps for self-guided tours if needed.
- Official Fees Verification: Review fees on trusted sources beforehand.
- Direct Purchase: Buy tickets at official counters to ensure fair pricing.
- Guidebook Utilization: Use guides for accurate tour information.
9. Pickpocketing in Crowded Areas
Busy sites like Tahrir Square are hotspots for pickpockets. Keep valuables secure and be wary of close interactions with strangers. Travel with minimal valuables to minimize risk.
- Valuables Security: Store belongings in secured bags.
- Stranger Caution: Maintain a safe distance in crowded spots.
- Minimal Carry: Limit your valuables when touring.
10. Fake Tour Guides
Unlicensed agents may offer guided tours without the necessary expertise. Only hire guides through official agencies or hotels to ensure reliability. Confirm their credentials before accepting services.
- License Verification: Ensure guides have proper credentials.
- Agency Use: Book tours via credible organizations.
- Hotel Assistance: Seek guide recommendations from accommodation.
11. Money Exchange Tricks
Some currency exchangers might offer unfavourable rates or use illusion tactics in transactions. Use official banks or ATMs for currency exchanges to avoid fraud. Count your money carefully and double-check denominations.
- Reputable Exchanges: Choose well-known financial institutions.
- Transaction Vigilance: Stay attentive during cash exchanges.
- Denomination Check: Confirm correct notes are received.
12. Pyramid Complex "Extras"
Scammers near the Pyramids might charge for services that are actually included in the entrance fee, like "special tours." Always clarify what your ticket includes before accepting additional offers. Use guides or audio rentals through official channels.
- Service Inclusions: Confirm what the ticket covers in advance.
- Extra Offers Refusal: Politely deny unnecessary paid "add-ons."
- Official Services: Rely on official tours and rentals for guidance.
13. "Custom" Perfume Shops
Be cautious of shops that claim to blend personalized perfumes but offer diluted products at premium prices. It's best to buy from established brands to ensure quality. Comparison shop to understand market prices.
- Brand Reliability: Opt for recognized perfume makers.
- Market Comparison: Know pricing benchmarks before buying.
- Product Quality Check: Verify a shop's reputation beforehand.
14. Temple Fake Fees
At popular temples, some may request unofficial payments for entry or blessings. Familiarize yourself with legitimate entry fees online. Respectfully decline when approached for unofficial fees.
- Legitimate Fee Knowledge: Check official entry costs beforehand.
- Unofficial Fees Refusal: Deny requests for unverified payments.
- Online Information: Use trusted sites to verify costs.
15. Water Bottle Scam
Vendors may sell water bottles refilled with tap water sealed to appear new. Buy bottled water from reputable stores or large grocery chains. Always inspect the seal to ensure it hasn't been tampered with.
- Store Selection: Purchase from reliable, well-known outlets.
- Seal Inspection: Examine bottled water seals closely.
- Vendor Awareness: Recognize potential vendor scams.
16. "Egyptian Cotton" Vendor Trick
Be cautious of vendors selling supposed Egyptian cotton that is actually lower quality. Request certifications or buy from reputable stores to ensure authenticity. Understand average prices to spot overpriced goods.
- Certification Request: Ask for proof of product authenticity.
- Reputable Store Sourcing: Choose established vendors for trusted items.
- Price Benchmarking: Familiarize with legitimate pricing.
17. Phony Charities
Beware of individuals soliciting donations for charities that might not exist. Research and donate through accredited organizations. Always ask for documentation to verify legitimacy.
- Charitable Research: Only support verified, registered charities.
- Documentation Verification: Request credible identification.
- Accredited Donations: Use confirmed platforms for contributions.
18. Dodgy Nightclubs
Some nightclubs might lure tourists in with free drinks, then charge extremely high prices. Verify entry conditions and prices before consuming anything. Stick to recommendations from trusted local sources or your hotel.
- Pricing Awareness: Confirm charges prior to ordering.
- Local Source Recommendations: Follow trusted suggestions for venues.
- Condition Clarification: Understand club entry terms beforehand.
19. Street Food Charges
Vendors may initially advertise low prices and then demand higher payments once you've eaten. Clarify the cost before ordering any food. Stick to popular, well-reviewed stalls for a more trustworthy experience.
- Price Verification: Double-check costs prior to ordering.
- Review Utilization: Opt for highly rated stalls.
- Menu clarity: Request a clear breakdown of charges when unsure.
20. Time Share Presentation Traps
Some offer "complimentary" gifts in exchange for attending time-share presentations, leading to high-pressure sales. Avoid such offers if you're not interested in buying property. Politely refuse and maintain focus on your planned itinerary.
- Interest Declaration: Specify your disinterest early when approached.
- Gift Refusal: Turn down any "gifts" linked to time-sharing.
- Itinerary Focus: Prioritize your visit plans over unsolicited pitches.