Street Scams in Cairo, Egypt
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street 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
3
Street Scams Scams
19
Total in Cairo
How it works
A well-dressed local near Tahrir Square, the Egyptian Museum, or the Khan el-Khalili entrance approaches tourists claiming the site they are looking for is closed today for a holiday or government event. They then offer to personally escort the tourist to a "special gallery," papyrus institute, or spice market where they receive a commission on every purchase made.
How it works
Near the Giza Pyramids entrance, at the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and along the tourist strip in Islamic Cairo, vendors physically place a bracelet, scarf, or small figurine into a tourist's hand or onto their wrist without asking. The moment the tourist holds the item the vendor demands payment, often becoming aggressive or grabbing the tourist's arm if they try to return it.
How it works
Near Downtown Cairo and in tourist zones around the Egyptian Museum, a man drops a brush or rag near a tourist's feet, crouches to retrieve it, and in one motion begins shining the tourist's shoes without being asked. When finished he demands a large fee — often $10–20 — and follows or creates a scene if refused.
See all scams in Cairo
19 total warnings across all categories