Hurghada Scams to Avoid in 2026 (Egypt)
Hurghada tourists face aggressive timeshare-style resort presentations, taxi overcharging, and quad bike rentals that come with fabricated damage claims.
Tour & Activities scams are the most documented risk in Hurghada — 4 of 11 reported incidents fall in this category. See all 4 →
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Last updated: April 2, 2026
Camel Ride Hostage Fee at Desert Sites
Camel handlers near desert excursion sites and the outskirts of Hurghada assist tourists onto camels at a low initial price, then walk the camel far from the drop-off point and demand a much higher fee to return, with the tourist unable to safely dismount.
📍Desert excursion areas on the western outskirts of Hurghada toward the Red Sea Hills, and informal camel handlers near the Bedouin village tours
How to avoid: Agree on the total price for the complete round trip before mounting. Bring only the agreed exact amount. If the handler demands more, stay calm and wait — they will eventually return to the start point.
This scam type is also documented in Luxor and Casablanca.
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Medium Risk
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Hurghada · Egypt · North Africa
Open map →📍Where These Scams Are Most Active in Hurghada
Specific areas and landmarks with the highest concentration of documented incidents.
Camel Ride Hostage Fee at Desert Sites
Desert excursion areas on the western outskirts of Hurghada toward the Red Sea Hills, and informal camel handlers near the Bedouin village tours
Quad Bike Rental Damage Claims
Desert tour assembly points on the outskirts of Hurghada toward the Eastern Desert, and informal rental stands near the Safari Land and Desert Rose areas
Jet Ski Rental Damage Scam
Public and resort beaches in Hurghada, particularly along the Sahl Hasheesh strip and the beaches fronting El Dahar, where informal jet ski operators park their equipment
Airport Transfer Overcharge
Outside the arrivals terminal of Hurghada International Airport (HRG) and the road directly in front of the terminal building
Bazaar Carpet and Alabaster Pressure Sales
The Hurghada bazaar (souk) in El Dahar old town, particularly along Sharia Sheraton and the market streets between the old town and the Marina
All-Inclusive Resort Excursion Overpricing
Excursion desks in all-inclusive resorts along the Hurghada coastal strip from Sahl Hasheesh to El Gouna, marketed as a convenience for resort guests
These areas are safe to visit — knowing the setups in advance makes them far easier to recognize and avoid.
How it works
Camel handlers near desert excursion sites and the outskirts of Hurghada assist tourists onto camels at a low initial price, then walk the camel far from the drop-off point and demand a much higher fee to return, with the tourist unable to safely dismount.
How it works
Quad bike rental operators in the desert areas near Hurghada rent out damaged vehicles, then claim tourists caused the damage on return, demanding large sums. Operators may hold passports until paid.
How it works
Jet ski rental operators on Hurghada beaches document no pre-rental condition, then claim damage caused by the renter upon return. They demand cash payments for repairs on the spot, threatening to call police or confiscate passports as leverage.
How it works
Unlicensed taxi and minibus drivers waiting outside Hurghada airport approach arriving tourists and offer transfers to resorts at prices that seem fair but are significantly above market rates. Some claim to represent official hotel transfer services.
How it works
Vendors in the Hurghada bazaar area use children, family appeals, and persistent following to pressure tourists into buying carpets, alabaster ornaments, and papyrus at vastly inflated prices. Initial asking prices can be ten times the fair market value.
How it works
Excursion desks inside all-inclusive resorts sell tours at two to three times the price of the same trips offered by local operators in town. Tourists who do not leave the resort are a captive market and often do not realize cheaper options exist nearby.
How it works
Tourists at restaurants in the marina area are handed menus without prices or with prices in a currency other than Egyptian Pounds. When the bill arrives in EGP the total is much higher than expected, citing exchange rates or service fees not disclosed upfront.
How it works
Informal currency exchange booths clustered inside and around the Hurghada tourist bazaar on Sheraton Road routinely shortchange visitors by palming notes or misrepresenting the rate displayed on their boards. A common method involves counting back change quickly while folding bills so smaller denominations are hidden inside larger ones. The official rate shown on the board may also include hidden commission fees not disclosed until after the transaction.
How it works
Boat operators selling glass-bottom boat trips on the beach charge premium prices for what turns out to be a painted glass panel in the floor with poor visibility, visiting areas with minimal marine life. Some boats are not seaworthy and lack required safety equipment.
How it works
Vendors at kiosks in the tourist marina and El Dahar market sell SIM cards at inflated prices with promised data packages that are either smaller than stated or that expire within 24 hours. Some activate premium-rate subscriptions without disclosure.
How it works
Street vendors and shopfront sellers throughout the Hurghada bazaar area sell paintings on what is described as authentic papyrus, a material made from the Cyperus papyrus plant historically used in ancient Egypt. Nearly all tourist-market papyrus is in fact banana leaf paper, which is far cheaper to produce and has no lasting value as a collectible. Sellers charge prices consistent with genuine papyrus and may include a story about the painting being hand-made by a local artist.
Hurghada Safety — Frequently Asked Questions
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If you're visiting more than one destination
Similar scam patterns are active across the North Africa region. Before visiting Chefchaouen, Agadir, and Fez, review each city's guide — tactics vary and local setups differ even for the same scam type.
Editorial note: Scam warnings for Hurghada are compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, travel community reports, and traveler-submitted incidents. All entries are reviewed for accuracy and local specificity before publication. Read our full methodology →