Question 1

What is the "Camel and Horse Ride Price Escalation" scam in Sharm El Sheikh?

Accepted Answer

Similar to Giza, handlers at desert excursion areas and near tourist sites help tourists onto a camel or horse at an agreed price, then demand much more at the end of the ride, claiming the original price was a deposit or was per minute rather than for the full ride. Agree on the exact total price for the complete round trip in writing or with a witness before mounting any animal. Bring only the agreed amount to hand over and make clear you have no more money available.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Excursion Sellers at Airport" scam in Sharm El Sheikh?

Accepted Answer

Touts at Sharm El Sheikh Airport arrivals and near hotels sell overpriced excursion packages claiming official affiliations with the resort. The same trips are available through your hotel rep or a reputable agency at half the price. Compare excursion prices at your hotel, through a reputable agency in Na'ama Bay, and with online reviews. Never buy from anyone who approaches you at the airport. Book diving only with PADI-certified centers.

Question 3

What is the "Quad Bike Rental Damage Claim" scam in Sharm El Sheikh?

Accepted Answer

Quad bike rental operators in the desert tour areas take a deposit or credit card imprint before rental. Upon return, they claim pre-existing scratches or mechanical faults are damage caused by the renter and refuse to return the deposit, or charge significant repair fees. Photograph and video the quad bike thoroughly from all angles before accepting it, making sure to capture existing damage with a timestamp. Get a written condition report signed by the operator. Use a credit card rather than cash for deposits.

Question 4

What is the "Snorkeling Trip Bait-and-Switch" scam in Sharm El Sheikh?

Accepted Answer

Budget snorkeling boat trips sold on the beach promise visits to premium reef sites with equipment included. The actual trip visits degraded or distant reefs, equipment is poor quality or ill-fitting, and extra charges appear for items described as included in the booking. Book snorkeling excursions through your hotel or a reputable dive center rather than from beach touts. Ask specifically which reef sites are visited and get equipment included in writing. Read TripAdvisor reviews from recent visitors.

Question 5

What is the "Dive Operator Safety Shortcuts and Upsells" scam in Sharm El Sheikh?

Accepted Answer

Budget dive operators undercut reputable centres on price but cut safety corners, use poorly maintained equipment, and pressure divers into buying unnecessary additional dives, courses, and equipment rental. Some operators are not properly certified. Book only with PADI or SSI certified dive centres. Check certification numbers on the PADI website. Read recent diver reviews mentioning equipment condition and guide-to-diver ratios. Do not prioritize price over safety when diving.

Tour & Activity Scams in Sharm El Sheikh

Camel and Horse Ride Price Escalation

Fake Excursion Sellers at Airport

Quad Bike Rental Damage Claim

Snorkeling Trip Bait-and-Switch

Dive Operator Safety Shortcuts and Upsells

Experienced a scam here?