Question 1

What is the "Restaurant Bill Padding Near Islamic Cairo" scam in Cairo?

Accepted Answer

In tourist-facing restaurants and cafes along Al-Muizz Street, near the Al-Azhar Mosque, and in the alleyways adjoining Khan el-Khalili, bills routinely include items never ordered — additional mezze, bottled water that replaced tap, or a "tourist service" line item. Waiters rely on language barriers and the social discomfort of disputing a bill publicly. Ask for an itemized bill and cross-reference every line against what you actually ordered. Photograph the menu when seated so you have a record of stated prices. Pay the correct amount and leave; you are not obligated to pay for items you did not order.

Question 2

What is the "Tourist-Price Restaurant Menus Near Sights" scam in Cairo?

Accepted Answer

Restaurants surrounding Cairo's major tourist sites — particularly near the Egyptian Museum and in Islamic Cairo — operate a two-tier pricing system, with English-language menus priced significantly higher than the Arabic menus used by local customers. Cover charges for pita bread, dips, and soft drinks are quietly added to bills, and pressure to order more is common once seated. Some establishments also add a "tourism tax" not mentioned anywhere on the menu. Ask to see prices before sitting down and confirm whether service and taxes are included. Seek out restaurants one or two streets back from main tourist thoroughfares and look for places where you see local families eating. Keep an eye on the bill total as items are added.

Restaurant Scams in Cairo

Restaurant Bill Padding Near Islamic Cairo

Tourist-Price Restaurant Menus Near Sights

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