Scam in EgyptTours and guides
The attraction is supposedly closed in Egypt
How it works
A driver or stranger says your museum, temple or other destination is closed. They then offer a tour or lead you to a shop instead. In Luxor, individual tomb closures can be real, so check the entrance notice rather than trusting a street approach.
Warning signs
- Someone announces a closure before you reach the official entrance.
- The same person immediately offers a replacement tour or shop visit.
How to avoid it
- Check opening times before setting out.
- Continue to the official entrance or ticket office to confirm.
- At the Valley of the Kings, read the ticket-office sign showing which tombs are open.
- Do not let a driver choose a replacement activity for you.
If it happens to you
Decline the diversion and verify the opening status yourself.
- 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.
- TripadvisorEgypt Forum2025A scam I saw today - Egypt ForumA contributor reported encountering a tourist being led to a bazaar after a man claimed the museum was closed for prayer.Read on Tripadvisor
- Redditr/travel2021Egypt Trip 2021: Biggest mistake of my lifeA traveller described a man claiming their intended museum was closed and proposing a market visit instead.Read on Reddit
- Travel blog9 Common Scams in Egypt & How to Avoid Them Like a ProThe author described a taxi driver's museum-closure claim leading to an alternative boat excursion.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the the attraction is supposedly closed scam in Egypt?
A driver or stranger says your museum, temple or other destination is closed. They then offer a tour or lead you to a shop instead. In Luxor, individual tomb closures can be real, so check the entrance notice rather than trusting a street approach.
How can I spot it early?
Someone announces a closure before you reach the official entrance. The same person immediately offers a replacement tour or shop visit.
How do I avoid the attraction is supposedly closed in Egypt?
Check opening times before setting out. Continue to the official entrance or ticket office to confirm. At the Valley of the Kings, read the ticket-office sign showing which tombs are open. Do not let a driver choose a replacement activity for you.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Decline the diversion and verify the opening status yourself.
Where in Egypt does this happen?
Outside museums, near temples and during taxi rides to attractions. It has been reported in Cairo, Luxor.
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: unwanted guiding followed by a payment demand, mosque rooftop visit with a hidden markup.
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