Is Cairo Safe in January 2026?

Cairo taxis rarely use meters. Drivers quote prices at pickup that sound reasonable but demand more at the destination, or claim the price was in US dollars when quoted in Egyptian pounds. Airport routes are the worst affected.

How to avoid: Use Uber or Careem apps which offer fixed prices and no haggling. Agree on a price before entering any metered taxi — ask a local or your hotel what a fair price is. Have small bills ready to pay and avoid large notes.

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 They use sleight of hand to fold notes, swap denominations during counting, or include outdated currency to reduce the actual amount received.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 to avoid: Use only official exchange bureaus, hotel front desks, or ATMs affiliated with major Egyptian banks such as Banque Misr or CIB. Never exchange money on the street regardless of the offered rate. Count notes yourself before leaving the counter.

Shops near major tourist sites sell banana-leaf or rice-paper scrolls painted with hieroglyphics and claim they are authentic hand-painted papyrus. Genuine papyrus is more expensive and feels distinctly different. Tourists pay premium prices for worthless reproductions.

How to avoid: Visit the Dr. Ragab Papyrus Institute or similar certified shops where you can watch papyrus being made. Genuine papyrus is translucent when held to light and does not crack when folded gently. Be very skeptical of cheap papyrus near tourist sites.

At the Pyramids and Egyptian Museum, men approach claiming to be licensed guides or "antiquities police." They tag along, point out things, then demand large sums. Refusal leads to aggressive confrontation or blocking of the path.

How to avoid: Hire guides only through official channels (your hotel, licensed tour company). Wear headphones if you don't want a guide. Tell uninvited followers firmly and loudly "I did not hire you and I will not pay you." Do not engage in friendly conversation.

Camel and horse handlers at the Giza Pyramids offer a short ride for a small fee, often as little as 1 USD. Once the tourist is on the animal, the handler demands ten to twenty times the agreed price to bring it back, and may physically prevent the tourist from dismounting.

How to avoid: Agree on the full price for a complete round trip before mounting any animal. Get off immediately if they start moving away from the pyramids. It is safest to decline camel rides entirely and enjoy the view on foot.