Question 1

What is the "Fake Papyrus Art Sales" scam in Hurghada?

Accepted Answer

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. Authentic papyrus is semi-translucent when held to light and shows a woven cross-hatched fibre structure. Banana leaf paper is uniform and opaque. Purchase only from shops displaying a certificate from the Egyptian Papyrus Institute, or buy from reputable museum gift shops. Avoid street stalls entirely for this category of purchase.

Question 2

What is the "Souvenir Shop Commission Pressure on Marina Walk" scam in Hurghada?

Accepted Answer

Touts along Hurghada Marina and the Senzo Mall waterfront approach tourists offering "free" map or restaurant recommendations, then steer them into commission-paying alabaster, papyrus, or perfume shops where prices run 4–8 times market value. Refusal to buy after entering often triggers aggressive verbal pressure and guilt-tripping about wasting the seller's time. Decline map or recommendation offers from strangers near the Marina. If you want souvenirs, visit the official bazaar in El Dahar where prices are more competitive and you can comparison-shop freely.

Street Scams in Hurghada

Fake Papyrus Art Sales

Souvenir Shop Commission Pressure on Marina Walk

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