Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Suez, As Suways, Egypt
1. Street Vendors Scam
Unscrupulous vendors selling overpriced or counterfeit goods. Be cautious when bargaining and verify the authenticity of items.
- Price Verification: Always check prices of items before purchasing to avoid being overcharged.
- Avoid Alone Areas: Stay in crowded, well-lit areas to minimize the chances of falling for scams.
- Shop Smartly: Purchase from reputable vendors and familiarize yourself with local prices.
2. Tour Guide Scam
Fraudulent guides offering services that may lead to overcharging or unsafe situations. Ensure your guide is registered and reputable.
- Check Credentials: Ask for the guide's registration documents and ensure they are authentic.
- Research Ahead: Research the tourism board-approved guides in Suez before your trip.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels fishy, trust your instincts and politely decline their services.
3. Taxi Scam
Dishonest taxi drivers using unfamiliar routes or overcharging. Use pre-paid taxis or agreed fares to avoid being overcharged.
- Pre-Paid Taxi: Use prepaid taxis from official taxi stands to ensure a fair fare.
- Ask for Receipt: Always request a receipt or proof of payment to avoid any disputes over the fare.
- Fixed Rates: Agree on the fare before starting your journey to eliminate any surprises at the end.
4. Sim Card Scam
Unscrupulous vendors selling non-functional SIM cards or overcharging for them. Buy from authorized retailers to avoid issues.
- Authorized Retailer: Always purchase your SIM card from an authorized retailer or store.
- Check Activation: Ensure the SIM card is activated and working before leaving the shop.
- Data Package: Consider purchasing a data package to avoid excessive roaming charges.
5. Car Rental Scam
Fraudulent car rental companies providing damaged vehicles or charging for hidden fees. Use reputable companies and inspect the vehicle before renting.
- Check Company Reputation: Research the rental company's reputation online before using their services.
- Inspect the Vehicle: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any damage before signing the rental agreement.
- Read Fine Print: Carefully read through the rental agreement to avoid hidden fees and charges.
6. Exchange Rate Scam
Unfavorable exchange rates offered by dishonest money changers. Use reputable exchange centers or banks.
- Reputable Exchange Centers: Exchange your currency at a bank or authorized exchange center.
- Check Rates: Compare exchange rates with other vendors to ensure fairness.
- Secure the Exchange: Count your money immediately after receiving it to avoid any discrepancies.
7. Beggar Scam
Scams disguised as charity requests. Be cautious when giving money and verify the need.
- Give Wisely: If you wish to give, do so directly to a reputable charity or organization.
- Avoid Alone Situations: Never give money in secluded areas and avoid one-on-one interactions.
- Report Suspicious Behavior: If you suspect a scam, report it to local authorities or your embassy.
8. Restaurant Scam
Overpriced meals or fake menus at tourist-oriented restaurants. Choose eateries frequented by locals to avoid being ripped off.
- Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on where to eat and avoid flashy, tourist-oriented restaurants.
- Check Menu Prices: Always check menu prices before ordering to avoid any surprises.
- Avoid Drinks Without a Price: Be cautious of drinks without listed prices as they may be overpriced.
9. ATM Scam
Skimming devices installed on ATMs to steal your card information. Use well-lit, familiar ATMs or banks to minimize the risk.
- Well-Lit and Familiar ATMs: Use well-lit, familiar ATMs or those located inside banks for added security.
- Cover Keypad: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keylogging devices.
- Check for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering before using it.
10. Hotel Scam
Overbooked hotels or extra charges for amenities. Book through reputable channels and read reviews to avoid such scams.
- Reputable Booking Channels: Book your hotel through a reputable channel, such as a travel agency or trusted online booking site.
- Read Reviews: Read reviews of the hotel to ensure it meets your expectations and avoid any surprises.
- Understand Charges: Clearly understand the charges for amenities, services, and taxes before booking.
11. Cruise Ship Scam
Unscrupulous vendors approaching cruise ships to sell counterfeit or overpriced goods. Remain on the ship's premises to avoid such scams.
- Stay on Ship Premises: Remain on the cruise ship's premises to avoid being approached by unscrupulous vendors.
- Check Prices: Always compare prices with what you would pay back home before making a purchase.
- Ask Ship Staff: If in doubt, ask the ship's staff for advice or assistance.
12. Bazaar Scam
Vendors selling counterfeit goods or overpriced items. Bargain cautiously and verify the authenticity of items.
- Bargain Wisely: Bargain cautiously to ensure a fair price, but be aware that haggling is expected.
- Verify Authenticity: Always verify the authenticity of items before purchasing, especially popular souvenirs like jewelry and textiles.
- Check Local Prices: Compare prices with other vendors and check local prices to avoid being overcharged.
13. Camel Ride Scam
Unfair pricing or poor treatment of camels. Choose reputable operators and bargain cautiously to ensure fair prices.
- Reputable Operators: Choose a reputable operator with good reviews, and ensure they treat the animals humanely.
- Bargain Cautiously: Always bargain cautiously to avoid being overcharged for camel rides.
- Check Safety Measures: Ensure the operator provides safety measures and instructions before embarking on the ride.
14. Tutankhamun Tomb Scam
Fraudulent tours to fake tombs or overpriced guided tours. Book through reputable tour operators to avoid such scams.
- Reputable Tour Operator: Book your tour through a reputable tour operator with good reviews.
- Check Ticket Prices: Compare ticket prices for the tombs with other operators and verify authenticity.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid street vendors offering tours to the tombs as they may lead to scams.
15. Diving Scam
Unlicensed diving operators or overpriced packages. Choose a reputable operator with proper certifications and licenses.
- Reputable Operator: Choose a reputable operator with proper certifications, licenses, and good reviews.
- Check Equipment: Inspect the diving equipment provided by the operator to ensure it is in good condition.
- Ask for Dive Details: Ensure the operator provides details about the dive location, duration, and safety procedures.