Inflated taxi fares and unused meters in Egypt: how to avoid it

How it works

Drivers may leave the meter off, claim it is broken or demand a high fare after departure. In Alexandria, drivers routinely refuse meters. Luxor taxis have no meters. In Hurghada, a vague quote can lead to arguments about the currency or whether the price covers the whole car or each passenger. Cairo drivers may also ask for more for extra passengers or a large-hotel destination.

Warning signs

The driver starts moving without using an agreed meter or confirming a total fare.
The meter is supposedly broken.
The driver avoids saying which currency applies or whether the quote covers everyone.

How to avoid it

In Cairo, choose a white metered taxi and ask for the meter before departure. Sharm El Sheikh airport taxi meters must be used.
Where meters are not used, agree the destination, currency and total fare for all passengers before getting in.
Ask your accommodation for a fare estimate before finding a taxi.
Avoid drivers who approach you directly outside a bus or who wait outside expensive hotels.

If it happens to you

If the driver changes the terms early in the ride, ask to stop somewhere safe and public. At the destination, collect your belongings before paying. Seek help nearby if the dispute becomes intimidating.

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 inflated taxi fares and unused meters scam in Egypt?

Drivers may leave the meter off, claim it is broken or demand a high fare after departure. In Alexandria, drivers routinely refuse meters. Luxor taxis have no meters. In Hurghada, a vague quote can lead to arguments about the currency or whether the price covers the whole car or each passenger. Cairo drivers may also ask for more for extra passengers or a large-hotel destination.

How can I spot it early?

The driver starts moving without using an agreed meter or confirming a total fare. The meter is supposedly broken. The driver avoids saying which currency applies or whether the quote covers everyone.

How do I avoid inflated taxi fares and unused meters in Egypt?

In Cairo, choose a white metered taxi and ask for the meter before departure. Sharm El Sheikh airport taxi meters must be used. Where meters are not used, agree the destination, currency and total fare for all passengers before getting in. Ask your accommodation for a fare estimate before finding a taxi. Avoid drivers who approach you directly outside a bus or who wait outside expensive hotels.

What should I do if it happens to me?

If the driver changes the terms early in the ride, ask to stop somewhere safe and public. At the destination, collect your belongings before paying. Seek help nearby if the dispute becomes intimidating.

Where in Egypt does this happen?

City streets, airports, stations and outside large hotels or restaurants. It has been reported in Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh.

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: no-change taxi trick, fake taxis, a cheap taxi ride becomes an expensive tour.

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.