Is Alexandria Safe for Tourists in 2026?
Alexandria is moderately safe for tourists. Our database records 12 documented scams, of which 3 are rated high severity. Most visitors complete their trip without incident, but specific risk areas and scam types are well-documented and worth reviewing before arrival.
See all 12 documented scams in AlexandriaOverall verdict
Moderately Safe
Safe with standard precautions
Scams documented
12
High severity
3
Medium severity
9
Top risk type
Taxi & Transport
High-severity risks in Alexandria
These are the most serious documented scams — rated high severity based on frequency, financial impact, and confirmation across multiple sources.
Airport Taxi Overcharging
highTaxis from Alexandria Borg El Arab Airport to central Alexandria (a 45 km journey) frequently quote inflated flat rates, sometimes three to four times the legitimate metered fare. Drivers target arriving tourists and often claim no meter applies to airport routes. The journey is long enough that overcharging can amount to a significant sum.
How to avoid: Use the airport bus or pre-arranged hotel transfer from Borg El Arab Airport. If taking a taxi, negotiate and agree on the fare before entering the vehicle. The approximate legitimate fare to central Alexandria is 150-200 EGP; significantly higher quotes indicate overcharging.
Where: Alexandria Borg El Arab Airport taxi rank and arrivals hall, 45 km southwest of central Alexandria
Bait-and-Switch Seafood Pricing
highSome seafood restaurants near the Eastern Harbor and Abu Qir Bay area display fresh fish at the entrance to attract customers, then charge per kilogram at rates not disclosed until the bill arrives. The displayed fish is sometimes substituted with a lower-grade catch. Bills can arrive at double or triple the amount a diner reasonably expected.
How to avoid: Ask for the price per kilogram and the approximate weight before the fish is cooked. Insist on seeing the fish weighed on a visible scale. If prices are not clearly posted or the staff is evasive about per-kilo rates, choose a different restaurant.
Where: Seafood restaurants near the Eastern Harbor in Alexandria, Abu Qir Bay area restaurants, fish restaurants along the Corniche between Montazah and central Alexandria
Antique Dealer Fraud in Attarine Market
highThe Attarine antique market in central Alexandria is known for sellers misrepresenting reproduction items as genuine antiquities, sometimes presenting documentation that appears official. Egyptian law prohibits the export of genuine antiquities, meaning buyers either receive fakes at antique prices or risk legal consequences if items are genuine.
How to avoid: Treat all antique claims with extreme skepticism. Under Egyptian law, genuine antiquities cannot legally be exported — any seller offering export documentation for ancient items is either fraudulent or drawing you into an illegal transaction. Purchase clearly labeled reproduction items only.
Where: Attarine antique market district in central Alexandria, around Attarine Street and the surrounding covered market lanes
Is Alexandria safe for you specifically?
Scam risk varies by traveler profile. Different types of visitors face different documented threats in Alexandria.
Solo travelers
Higher riskSolo travelers are more frequently targeted because they lack the deterrent of a group. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share itineraries with someone at home, and avoid deserted areas at night.
First-time visitors
Higher riskUnfamiliarity with local pricing, transport, and norms makes first-time visitors prime targets. Read the full scam database for Alexandria before arrival — knowing what scams exist is the single most effective protection.
Families with children
Lower riskFamilies with children are less commonly targeted for scams involving nightlife or bar areas. Standard precautions apply: use vetted transport, keep documents secured, and brief children on not accepting gifts from strangers.
Budget travelers
Higher riskBudget travelers spending time in hostels, using street food, and booking last-minute tours face increased exposure to accommodation scams, fake tour operators, and currency exchange fraud.
Areas to be cautious in Alexandria
These locations are specifically cited in documented scam reports for Alexandria. Exercise heightened awareness in these areas.
Airport Taxi Overcharging
Alexandria Borg El Arab Airport taxi rank and arrivals hall, 45 km southwest of central Alexandria
Unofficial Guide Approaches at Major Sites
Qaitbay Citadel entrance on the Eastern Harbor, Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa in Karmouz district, Pompey's Pillar site
Corniche Restaurant Overcharging
Corniche waterfront restaurants from Raml Station area to the Eastern Harbor, tourist-facing seafood establishments near Qaitbay Citadel
Bait-and-Switch Seafood Pricing
Seafood restaurants near the Eastern Harbor in Alexandria, Abu Qir Bay area restaurants, fish restaurants along the Corniche between Montazah and central Alexandria
Closed Attraction Redirect
Approaches concentrated near the Bibliotheca Alexandrina main entrance on the Corniche, at the Roman Amphitheatre (Kom el-Dikka) gate on Abd el-Moneim Street, and at the path leading to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa in Karmouz
What types of scams occur in Alexandria?
Taxi & Transport
Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.
3
25% of reports
Street Scams
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.
2
17% of reports
Restaurant Scams
Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.
2
17% of reports
Tour & Activities
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.
2
17% of reports
Money & ATM Scams
Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.
2
17% of reports
Other Scams
Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors.
1
8% of reports
Severity breakdown for Alexandria
Quick safety checklist for Alexandria
Before booking any tour or activity in Alexandria, verify the operator has verifiable reviews on multiple platforms.
Taxi & Transport scams are the most documented risk in Alexandria — review those warnings specifically before you arrive.
Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near Alexandria's main tourist attractions.
Keep a physical copy of your passport, travel insurance policy number, and embassy contact in a separate location from originals.
If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited help, tours, or currency exchange, politely decline and walk away.
Report any scam to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisories.
Is Alexandria safe — answered
Is Alexandria safe for tourists in 2026?
Alexandria is moderately safe for tourists based on our database of 12 documented scams. 3 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are taxi & transport, street scams, restaurant scams. Millions of tourists visit Alexandria safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.
Is Alexandria safe for solo travelers?
Alexandria has documented scams that specifically target solo travelers. Key advice: stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Review the full scam list for Alexandria before traveling alone.
What are the most dangerous areas in Alexandria for tourists?
Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in Alexandria include: Alexandria Borg El Arab Airport taxi rank and arrivals hall, 45 km southwest of central Alexandria. Qaitbay Citadel entrance on the Eastern Harbor, Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa in Karmouz district, Pompey's Pillar site. Corniche waterfront restaurants from Raml Station area to the Eastern Harbor, tourist-facing seafood establishments near Qaitbay Citadel. These areas are associated with taxi & transport, tour & activities, restaurant scams incidents.
Is Alexandria safe at night?
Nighttime risk in Alexandria is primarily concentrated around bar and nightlife districts, where overcharging, spiked drink incidents, and fake police are more common. Using official or app-based transport after dark and staying in well-lit, populated areas reduces risk significantly.
Is Alexandria safe for female travelers?
Alexandria is broadly accessible for female travelers with standard precautions. General guidance: use verified accommodation with secure entry, avoid sharing ride details publicly, dress in line with local customs to reduce unwanted attention, and keep emergency contacts accessible. Travel communities like r/solotravel and r/TravelHacks have current firsthand reports.
What scams should I watch for in Alexandria?
The top documented scams in Alexandria are: Airport Taxi Overcharging, Unofficial Guide Approaches at Major Sites, Corniche Restaurant Overcharging, Bait-and-Switch Seafood Pricing, Closed Attraction Redirect. The full database covers 12 individual scams across 6 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.
Should I get travel insurance for Alexandria?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Alexandria. Beyond scam-related losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft — all documented risk categories here. Look for policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance and explicit coverage for mugging or pickpocketing. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.
Is Egypt safe to visit in 2026?
Egypt as a whole is a popular tourist destination with documented scam activity across multiple cities. Alexandria specifically has 12 documented scams with a moderately safe safety rating. Check the full Egypt country guide for a regional overview and safety comparisons across all covered cities.
Editorial note: This safety assessment for Alexandria is based on 12 verified scam reports in the Before You Go database, compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Safety conditions change — always cross-reference with current government advisories before travel. Read our methodology →
Safety verdict
Moderately Safe
Safe with standard precautions
Quick stats
Full scam database
All 12 documented scams with locations, red flags, and how to avoid each one.
See all scams →Also in North Africa