Scam in EgyptChanging money
Poor-rate hotel currency conversion in Egypt
How it works
A hotel accepts dollars or euros but uses a poor conversion rate compared with paying in Egyptian pounds. This is a pricing trap rather than proof of fraud.
Warning signs
- The foreign-currency total is offered without a clear conversion rate.
- The equivalent price in Egyptian pounds is much lower.
How to avoid it
- Compare the totals before choosing a currency.
- Ask for the conversion rate and final charge.
- Use banks or exchange offices for currency exchange.
If it happens to you
Ask for an itemised bill showing the rate used. Query an unexpected conversion before settling the bill.
- 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 poor-rate hotel currency conversion scam in Egypt?
A hotel accepts dollars or euros but uses a poor conversion rate compared with paying in Egyptian pounds. This is a pricing trap rather than proof of fraud.
How can I spot it early?
The foreign-currency total is offered without a clear conversion rate. The equivalent price in Egyptian pounds is much lower.
How do I avoid poor-rate hotel currency conversion in Egypt?
Compare the totals before choosing a currency. Ask for the conversion rate and final charge. Use banks or exchange offices for currency exchange.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for an itemised bill showing the rate used. Query an unexpected conversion before settling the bill.
Where in Egypt does this happen?
Higher-end hotels accepting foreign-currency payments.
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.
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