Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Shubrā al Khaymah, Egypt

All Topics about Shubrā al Khaymah All Cities in Egypt

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced or fraudulent taxi rides by agreeing on a price before starting the journey and using licensed taxis only.

Knowledgeable Driver: Ask for directions to your destination to ensure the driver is familiar with the area.
Licensed Taxis: Look for a legal emblem or sticker on the taxi indicating it's licensed.
Agreement on Price: Agree on the price before starting the journey to avoid unexpected charges.

Avoid unauthorized guides who may charge exorbitant fees or lead you into scams. Stick to licensed guides from reputable tour companies.

Licensed Guide: Ensure the guide has a valid license and wears a proper uniform.
Reputable Company: Book your tour with a well-known, reputable company for peace of mind.
Fair Price: Ask around for pricing and compare offers to avoid overpaying.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods from street vendors. Instead, buy souvenirs from licensed shops and markets.

Licensed Shops: Look for shops with a legal emblem or sticker indicating they're licensed.
Authentic Goods: Examine the quality of goods before purchasing to ensure authenticity.
Warranty or Guarantee: Ask for a warranty or guarantee on your purchase, as counterfeit items often lack such protections.

Use authorized currency exchange centers and beware of poor exchange rates when exchanging money on the street.

Authorized Centers: Exchange your currency at banks, hotels, or authorized exchange centers.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates among various providers to ensure a fair rate.
Secure Transactions: Ensure the transaction is conducted securely and that you receive an official receipt.

Avoid restaurants with hidden fees by checking menus for prices, and stick to popular, well-reviewed dining establishments.

Menu Prices: Check the menu for prices before sitting down to eat.
Well-Reviewed Restaurants: Read reviews online and ask locals for recommendations.
Hidden Fees: Ask questions about any additional charges before ordering your meal.

Avoid sim card scams by purchasing sim cards at official outlets and not from street vendors.

Official Outlets: Buy your SIM card from an official mobile network operator store.
Valid Identification: Provide valid identification when purchasing a SIM card.
Activation Fee: Ensure there is no unreasonable activation fee for the SIM card.

Avoid car rental scams by renting from reputable companies and checking the vehicle for damage before driving off.

Reputable Companies: Rent a car from a well-known, reputable car rental company.
Damage Inspection: Inspect the vehicle for damage before driving off to avoid being charged later.
Insurance Coverage: Ensure the rental company offers insurance coverage in case of an accident.

Avoid hotel scams by booking through reputable channels and checking the hotel's credentials beforehand.

Reputable Booking Channels: Book your hotel through trusted online travel agencies or the hotel's official website.
Hotel Credentials: Check the hotel's ratings, reviews, and official licensing before booking.
Room Inspection: Inspect the room for damage or discrepancies upon arrival.

Avoid ATM scams by using machines located in well-lit, populated areas and covering the keypad while entering your PIN.

Well-Lit Areas: Use ATMs located in well-lit, populated areas to reduce the risk of tampering.
Cover Keypad: Cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN to prevent others from observing it.
Check for Skimmers: Examine the ATM for any suspicious devices, such as card readers or cameras.

Avoid overpriced gold in Gold Souks by shopping around and asking for a certificate of authenticity.

Shop Around: Compare prices at multiple stores before making a purchase.
Certificate of Authenticity: Request a certificate of authenticity to ensure the gold's purity.
Purity Testing: Ask for a purity test of the gold before making your purchase.

Avoid overpriced camel rides by negotiating a price before mounting the camel and checking its health.

Negotiate Price: Agree on a price for the camel ride before mounting the camel.
Camel's Health: Check the camel's health and well-being before riding.
Reputable Operator: Choose a reputable operator with good reviews for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Avoid overpaying in bazaars by haggling and asking for the best possible price.

Haggle Skills: Develop your haggling skills to get the best deal.
Fair Price: Research prices online or ask around for a fair price before bargaining.
Politeness: Maintain politeness during the negotiation process to build rapport and trust with the seller.

Avoid safari scams by booking through reputable tour operators and checking their credentials.

Reputable Operator: Book your safari with a well-known, reputable tour operator.
Safety Guidelines: Ensure the operator follows safety guidelines and provides appropriate protective gear.
Wildlife Conservation: Choose operators who prioritize wildlife conservation and ethical practices.

Avoid water sport scams by renting equipment from licensed providers and checking their safety standards.

Licensed Provider: Rent water sports equipment from a licensed provider.
Safety Standards: Ensure the provider follows safety standards and provides appropriate safety gear.
Insurance Coverage: Ask about insurance coverage in case of an accident or equipment failure.

Avoid overpriced tourist buses by researching prices and checking the bus for safety features.

Research Prices: Compare prices with other tour operators before booking.
Safety Features: Ensure the bus has seatbelts, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits.
Reputable Operator: Choose a reputable operator with good reviews for a safe and enjoyable experience.