Scam in EgyptTours and guides
Mosque rooftop visit with a hidden markup in Egypt
How it works
A new acquaintance promises directions to a mosque and says there is no tip. They then ask for an entrance and rooftop payment, give a smaller amount to the guardian and keep the rest.
Warning signs
- A stranger offers a mosque visit while stressing that no tip is needed.
- Payment is collected by your new acquaintance rather than confirmed at the entrance.
How to avoid it
- Find the entrance yourself.
- Confirm charges directly before entering or going onto the roof.
- Do not give a stranger money to arrange access.
If it happens to you
Stop before paying if the charge was not agreed. Ask directly at the entrance what the payment covers.
- 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 mosque rooftop visit with a hidden markup scam in Egypt?
A new acquaintance promises directions to a mosque and says there is no tip. They then ask for an entrance and rooftop payment, give a smaller amount to the guardian and keep the rest.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger offers a mosque visit while stressing that no tip is needed. Payment is collected by your new acquaintance rather than confirmed at the entrance.
How do I avoid mosque rooftop visit with a hidden markup in Egypt?
Find the entrance yourself. Confirm charges directly before entering or going onto the roof. Do not give a stranger money to arrange access.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop before paying if the charge was not agreed. Ask directly at the entrance what the payment covers.
Where in Egypt does this happen?
Unsolicited mosque visits in Cairo. It has been reported in Cairo.
How much can it cost me?
The described trick asks for LE100, pays the guardian LE20 and keeps the rest.
How common is this scam in Egypt?
Occasional. 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: the attraction is supposedly closed, unwanted guiding followed by a payment demand.
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