Scam in EgyptHotels and rooms
Taxi or station tout diverts you to a hotel in Egypt
How it works
A driver or tout pushes you towards a hotel that pays them a commission. Airport taxi drivers are especially associated with this trick. Travellers without a clear accommodation plan are easier to pressure.
Warning signs
- The driver insists on a different hotel from the one you requested.
- A stranger at the station wants to choose your accommodation.
How to avoid it
- Book accommodation ahead or know its name and location.
- Keep the address available on your phone.
- Repeat your chosen destination firmly.
- If the driver insists, ask to stop at a public landmark near your accommodation.
If it happens to you
Decline the replacement hotel. If necessary, end the ride at a safe public place near your intended destination.
- 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.
- Travel blogThe Man in Seat 61 traveller reportsSleeper trains from Cairo to Luxor & Aswan | 2026 times & ticketsA traveller warned that apparent ticket inspectors record passenger details so accomplices can impersonate their arranged pickup in Luxor for a taxi and hotel scam.Read on Travel blog
- Travel blog2025Taxi Scams Tourists Keep Falling For in Cairo | Travelbinger | TravelbingerThe article describes drivers claiming a booked hotel does not exist or has closed to redirect passengers elsewhere.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the taxi or station tout diverts you to a hotel scam in Egypt?
A driver or tout pushes you towards a hotel that pays them a commission. Airport taxi drivers are especially associated with this trick. Travellers without a clear accommodation plan are easier to pressure.
How can I spot it early?
The driver insists on a different hotel from the one you requested. A stranger at the station wants to choose your accommodation.
How do I avoid taxi or station tout diverts you to a hotel in Egypt?
Book accommodation ahead or know its name and location. Keep the address available on your phone. Repeat your chosen destination firmly. If the driver insists, ask to stop at a public landmark near your accommodation.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Decline the replacement hotel. If necessary, end the ride at a safe public place near your intended destination.
Where in Egypt does this happen?
Airports and arrival points; accommodation touts also approach travellers at Luxor station.
How common is this scam in Egypt?
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: drink spiking by accommodation touts or staff.
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