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Occasional in Egypt

Scam in EgyptTaxis

Ride-hailing driver demands more than the app quote in Egypt

App-booked rides in Aswan.

How it works

An Uber driver messages before arrival to negotiate a higher price than the fare shown in the app.

Warning signs

  • A message asks you to accept a higher fare before pickup.

How to avoid it

  1. Read driver messages before the car arrives.
  2. Decline a ride if the proposed price is unacceptable.
  3. Keep the messages if you report the demand through the app.

If it happens to you

Do not get in while the price remains disputed. Use the app's support process to report the fare demand.

  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 happensApp-booked rides in Aswan.Aswan

What travellers report

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

More scams in EgyptUnsolicited help crossing the street: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the ride-hailing driver demands more than the app quote scam in Egypt?

An Uber driver messages before arrival to negotiate a higher price than the fare shown in the app.

How can I spot it early?

A message asks you to accept a higher fare before pickup.

How do I avoid ride-hailing driver demands more than the app quote in Egypt?

Read driver messages before the car arrives. Decline a ride if the proposed price is unacceptable. Keep the messages if you report the demand through the app.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Do not get in while the price remains disputed. Use the app's support process to report the fare demand.

Where in Egypt does this happen?

App-booked rides in Aswan. It has been reported in Aswan.

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: inflated taxi fares and unused meters, no-change taxi trick, fake taxis.

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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