Scam in EgyptBuses and trains
Boat and ferry overcharging in Egypt
How it works
Boat and felucca operators try to charge tourists too much. An unclear quote can leave you bargaining after you have already committed to the trip.
Warning signs
- The operator will not confirm a total price before boarding.
- The quote does not clearly cover your intended crossing or trip.
How to avoid it
- Confirm the full route and total price before boarding.
- Ask independently about the fare before approaching an operator.
- Make clear whether you want a simple crossing or a longer outing.
If it happens to you
If you have not boarded, decline the trip. If already aboard, stay calm and settle the dispute after reaching a safe landing.
- Get to a safe, public place. End the interaction calmly and do not chase a thief.
- Check whether anyone needs medical help. Call 123 for an ambulance if there is an urgent medical problem.
- Block missing cards and report unauthorised payments to your card issuer. Secure affected accounts and a stolen phone.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and payment records. Write down the time, location, amount and any vehicle or seller details.
- Report crime to police or a Tourism Police kiosk in a tourist area. Call 122 if you need urgent police assistance, and ask for a report reference.
- Contact your insurer, booking platform or transport operator as relevant. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing or you need consular help.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the boat and ferry overcharging scam in Egypt?
Boat and felucca operators try to charge tourists too much. An unclear quote can leave you bargaining after you have already committed to the trip.
How can I spot it early?
The operator will not confirm a total price before boarding. The quote does not clearly cover your intended crossing or trip.
How do I avoid boat and ferry overcharging in Egypt?
Confirm the full route and total price before boarding. Ask independently about the fare before approaching an operator. Make clear whether you want a simple crossing or a longer outing.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If you have not boarded, decline the trip. If already aboard, stay calm and settle the dispute after reaching a safe landing.
Where in Egypt does this happen?
River crossings to Elephantine Island, the West Bank and other river sights. It has been reported in Aswan.
How common is this scam in Egypt?
Common. Tourist scams and persistent sales pressure are common in Egypt, especially in Luxor and busy tourist areas in Cairo. The main problems are inflated fares, shop diversions, misleading sales claims and demands for payment after unwanted help. Pickpocketing also happens, while reports of drink spiking in budget accommodation deserve particular care.
Are there similar scams in Egypt?
Yes: horse-carriage fare changes at the destination, extra charge pocketed by a bus ticket seller, false claim that tourists cannot buy daytime train tickets.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 122 for urgent police assistance. Report theft, threats or suspected fraud and ask for a report reference. Tourism Police: look for a designated Tourism Police kiosk in a tourist area. Explain what happened and show any receipts or other evidence. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to block a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Ride-hailing app, transport operator or booking platform: use its official support channel. Include the booking, driver messages, receipt and agreed price. Travel insurer: contact the claims or emergency-assistance service listed in your policy. Keep police references and supporting documents. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for a lost passport, detention or serious crime. Ask what consular help is available.
What number do I call in an emergency in Egypt?
Police: 122, Ambulance: 123, Fire: 180, Highway: 136.
Reviewed by @snuck