Restaurant Scams in Cairo, Egypt
Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks. Below are the restaurant scams scams reported in Cairo — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Hurghada, Casablanca, and Chefchaouen.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
1
Restaurant Scams Scams
10
Total in Cairo
How it works
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.
See all scams in Cairo
10 total warnings across all categories