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Money & ATM Scams in Cairo, Egypt

Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons. Below are the money & atm scams scams reported in Cairo — how they work and how to avoid them.

For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Marrakech, Alexandria, and Aswan.

Last updated: April 6, 2026

2

Money & ATM Scams Scams

19

Total in Cairo

How it works

Unauthorized money changers approach tourists near Tahrir Square, Khan el-Khalili, and the Egyptian Museum offering exchange rates better than official counters. They use sleight of hand to fold notes, swap denominations during counting, or include outdated currency to reduce the actual amount received. Since the exchange is illegal, victims have no recourse.

How it works

Tampered ATMs near tourist areas in Cairo — including those close to the Egyptian Museum, along Talaat Harb Street in Downtown, and near the Giza pyramid entrance — have been reported with card skimming devices. A separate tactic involves a bystander "helpfully" pointing out that you dropped money or that the machine is broken, distracting you long enough for an accomplice to grab your card or memorize your PIN.

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19 total warnings across all categories

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