Question 1

What is the "Pyramid Camel and Horse Ride Scam" scam in Cairo?

Accepted Answer

At the Giza Pyramids, operators offer "short" camel or horse rides for a small fee ($5–10). Once on the animal, the handler refuses to stop until taken far from the entry point, then demands $50–200 to be brought back. Threats may be used to enforce payment. Firmly decline all camel and horse ride offers at the Pyramids. If you do ride, agree on the exact route, time, and total cost before mounting. Keep the cash in your hand, not your bag, and pay only when back at the starting point.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Government Tourist Office" scam in New Delhi?

Accepted Answer

Near Connaught Place and the railway stations, official-looking offices display Indian Tourism signs and approach tourists with offers of help. They sell overpriced tour packages, bogus train tickets, or simply collect money for services never delivered. The official India Tourism office is at 88 Janpath. Any other "government" tourist office is likely a scam. Book trains on the official IRCTC website or at the International Tourist Bureau at New Delhi Railway Station.

Question 3

What is the "Jet Ski Damage Scam" scam in Phuket?

Accepted Answer

Jet ski rental operators present tourists with large damage bills for pre-existing scratches when they return the equipment. Operators may be backed by local mafia and become threatening when tourists refuse to pay. Refuse jet ski rentals unless you can document every existing scratch in video with the operator present. Pay only by credit card so you can dispute. Better yet, avoid jet ski rentals in Phuket entirely.

Question 4

What is the "Timeshare Breakfast Presentation" scam in Cancun?

Accepted Answer

Representatives at the airport arrival hall and along the Hotel Zone approach tourists offering free excursions, resort day passes, or dining credits in exchange for attending a 90-minute timeshare presentation. Presentations consistently last 4-6 hours and employ extreme high-pressure tactics. Refuse all offers tied to attending a presentation regardless of how attractive the free gift appears. If you are genuinely interested in a resort, arrange a visit independently. The time lost to these presentations significantly impacts short vacations.

Question 5

What is the "Fake Train Booking Office" scam in New Delhi?

Accepted Answer

Near New Delhi Railway Station, unofficial travel agencies display professional-looking signs mimicking the official Indian Railways booking office. Staff tell tourists their intended train is full and sell them overpriced tickets on private buses or inferior services, sometimes issuing completely fake rail tickets that are rejected at the platform. Book train tickets only at the official Indian Railways booking counters inside the station, at the tourist quota counter on the first floor, or through the official IRCTC website. Any office on the street outside the station is unofficial.

Question 6

What is the "Unsolicited Guide Demanding Payment" scam in Tangier?

Accepted Answer

In the medina and near the port, strangers offer directions, walk alongside you, and point out sights without being asked, then demand large tips for their unsolicited "help." Say clearly "no thank you, I don't need a guide" and keep walking. Do not engage in conversation — any interaction is interpreted as acceptance of the service.

Question 7

What is the "Camel Ride Ransom at the Pyramids" scam in Cairo?

Accepted Answer

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. 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.

Question 8

What is the "Unofficial Guide at Temple Entrances" scam in Luxor?

Accepted Answer

Men hang around the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple claiming to be official guides. They attach themselves uninvited and demand $20–$50 afterward. Hire guides only through your hotel or licensed tour companies. Say firmly "no thank you" and keep walking if approached.

Tour & Activity Scams for Tourists — Worldwide Warning Guide

Most Common Tour & Activity Scams

Pyramid Camel and Horse Ride Scam

Fake Government Tourist Office

Jet Ski Damage Scam

Timeshare Breakfast Presentation

Fake Train Booking Office

Unsolicited Guide Demanding Payment

Camel Ride Ransom at the Pyramids

Unofficial Guide at Temple Entrances

Destinations with Tour & Activity Scams

Other Scam Guides