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Very common in Egypt

Scam in EgyptOn the street

Friendly conversation that leads to a shop in Egypt

Tourist streets, markets, outside museums and near cruise ships.

How it works

Someone starts a friendly conversation, offers tea or promises to show you a nearby shop. The shop may keep moving to the next corner. Other openers include asking for help translating or writing a letter, claiming to know you from a cruise ship, asking your nationality or offering flattering comments. The aim is to lead you into a shop and earn a commission or pressure you to buy. This is especially persistent in Luxor.

Warning signs

  • A stranger quickly turns a social conversation into a shop visit.
  • Someone claims to recognise you but gives no convincing details.
  • A supposedly nearby shop is always around another corner.

How to avoid it

  1. Decline invitations you did not seek out.
  2. Keep walking if someone tries to lead you away from your route.
  3. Use a short, polite refusal instead of explaining yourself.
  4. Choose shops yourself and compare prices.

If it happens to you

Leave the shop if you feel pressured. Do not buy simply because someone spent time talking to you or showing you goods.

  1. Get to a safe, public place. End the interaction calmly and do not chase a thief.
  2. Check whether anyone needs medical help. Call 123 for an ambulance if there is an urgent medical problem.
  3. Block missing cards and report unauthorised payments to your card issuer. Secure affected accounts and a stolen phone.
  4. Save receipts, booking details, messages and payment records. Write down the time, location, amount and any vehicle or seller details.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
Where it happensTourist streets, markets, outside museums and near cruise ships.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in EgyptLarge tourist markups in markets: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the friendly conversation that leads to a shop scam in Egypt?

Someone starts a friendly conversation, offers tea or promises to show you a nearby shop. The shop may keep moving to the next corner. Other openers include asking for help translating or writing a letter, claiming to know you from a cruise ship, asking your nationality or offering flattering comments. The aim is to lead you into a shop and earn a commission or pressure you to buy. This is especially persistent in Luxor.

How can I spot it early?

A stranger quickly turns a social conversation into a shop visit. Someone claims to recognise you but gives no convincing details. A supposedly nearby shop is always around another corner.

How do I avoid friendly conversation that leads to a shop in Egypt?

Decline invitations you did not seek out. Keep walking if someone tries to lead you away from your route. Use a short, polite refusal instead of explaining yourself. Choose shops yourself and compare prices.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Leave the shop if you feel pressured. Do not buy simply because someone spent time talking to you or showing you goods.

Where in Egypt does this happen?

Tourist streets, markets, outside museums and near cruise ships.

How common is this scam in Egypt?

Very 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: unsolicited help crossing the street.

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.

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