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Very common in Egypt

Scam in EgyptShopping

Large tourist markups in markets in Egypt

Markets, souvenir shops and street stalls, especially Luxor's main Souq and Cairo's Khan El-Khalili.

How it works

Sellers quote foreigners much higher prices and use persistent bargaining to make a poor deal feel like a discount. In Luxor, an opening quote can be ten or even a hundred times a reasonable price. A printed price does not always protect you from a tourist markup.

Warning signs

  • The price drops sharply as soon as you hesitate.
  • A seller pushes you to buy before you compare other shops.
  • The amount requested does not match the price label.

How to avoid it

  1. Compare several shops before buying.
  2. Set your maximum price before bargaining.
  3. Learn Eastern Arabic numerals so you can read labels and bills.
  4. Walk away when the price or pressure feels wrong.

If it happens to you

If you have not paid, stop the purchase. If you have paid, keep the receipt and ask calmly for a refund, without assuming one will be offered.

  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 happensMarkets, souvenir shops and street stalls, especially Luxor's main Souq and Cairo's Khan El-Khalili.

What travellers report

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

More scams in EgyptThe attraction is supposedly closed: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the large tourist markups in markets scam in Egypt?

Sellers quote foreigners much higher prices and use persistent bargaining to make a poor deal feel like a discount. In Luxor, an opening quote can be ten or even a hundred times a reasonable price. A printed price does not always protect you from a tourist markup.

How can I spot it early?

The price drops sharply as soon as you hesitate. A seller pushes you to buy before you compare other shops. The amount requested does not match the price label.

How do I avoid large tourist markups in markets in Egypt?

Compare several shops before buying. Set your maximum price before bargaining. Learn Eastern Arabic numerals so you can read labels and bills. Walk away when the price or pressure feels wrong.

What should I do if it happens to me?

If you have not paid, stop the purchase. If you have paid, keep the receipt and ask calmly for a refund, without assuming one will be offered.

Where in Egypt does this happen?

Markets, souvenir shops and street stalls, especially Luxor's main Souq and Cairo's Khan El-Khalili.

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: papyrus museums, inflated discounts and imitation papyrus, market price changed from per kilo to per half-kilo, tea used to pressure a perfume purchase.

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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