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Common in Egypt

Scam in EgyptTours and guides

Unwanted guiding followed by a payment demand in Egypt

Tourist sites, inside Luxor temples and during taxi rides.

How it works

Someone explains a sight or starts guiding without a clear agreement, then expects a tip or extra payment. Taxi drivers may charge extra for commentary you did not request. Inside Luxor temples, legitimate government guides can also push their services and demand tips.

Warning signs

  • Someone starts explaining or showing you things without being asked.
  • They avoid discussing payment before providing the service.
  • A guide continues after you say you want to explore alone.

How to avoid it

  1. Say clearly that you want to visit on your own.
  2. Agree the price before accepting any guiding.
  3. Do not assume a brief demonstration or explanation is free.
  4. Stop unwanted commentary early.

If it happens to you

State calmly that you did not request a paid service. If pressure continues at a tourist site, seek help from Tourism Police.

  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 happensTourist sites, inside Luxor temples and during taxi rides.

What travellers report

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

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Questions

What is the unwanted guiding followed by a payment demand scam in Egypt?

Someone explains a sight or starts guiding without a clear agreement, then expects a tip or extra payment. Taxi drivers may charge extra for commentary you did not request. Inside Luxor temples, legitimate government guides can also push their services and demand tips.

How can I spot it early?

Someone starts explaining or showing you things without being asked. They avoid discussing payment before providing the service. A guide continues after you say you want to explore alone.

How do I avoid unwanted guiding followed by a payment demand in Egypt?

Say clearly that you want to visit on your own. Agree the price before accepting any guiding. Do not assume a brief demonstration or explanation is free. Stop unwanted commentary early.

What should I do if it happens to me?

State calmly that you did not request a paid service. If pressure continues at a tourist site, seek help from Tourism Police.

Where in Egypt does this happen?

Tourist sites, inside Luxor temples and during taxi rides.

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: the attraction is supposedly closed, 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.

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