Taxi & Transport
Cairo Taxi and Tourist Site Scams: What to Know Before You Visit
Cairo, EgyptPapyrus shops, unofficial guides at the pyramids, and taxi overcharging are the main scam risks for tourists in Cairo. Here is how each works and how to navigate them.
Pyramid Area Scams
The Unofficial Guide Men near the Giza plateau offer to show you "secret" spots, take photos, or guide you through the site. There are no secret spots accessible to unofficial guides. At the end, payment is demanded — often aggressively. Only use guides booked through the official entrance or your hotel.
Camel and Horse Rides Camel and horse operators near the pyramids quote a price for a ride that sounds like a full experience. Midway through, the price changes — you are told the original price was "to go out" and a separate fee applies "to come back." Negotiate the complete round-trip price in writing before mounting the animal.
Khan el-Khalili Papyrus Shops Most papyrus sold near tourist areas is banana leaf, not genuine papyrus. Genuine papyrus is translucent when held to light; banana leaf is not. The Egyptian Papyrus Institute near the Egyptian Museum sells authenticated papyrus at fair prices.
Cairo Airport Taxis Unlicensed drivers at Cairo International Airport charge 3–5x the fair rate. Use the airport's official taxi counter inside arrivals, or book through your hotel in advance. The fare to central Cairo should be approximately 200–350 EGP depending on the area.
Practical Tips
- Book Pyramids tickets online in advance through the official Egypt Tourism Authority website
- Use metered white taxis or the Careem/Uber app for all city transport
- Your hotel concierge is the most reliable source for verified guide recommendations
Destination Guide
Cairo Scam Guide
19 documented scams with full details
Related Tips
Official advisory resources
Editorial note: Travel safety guidance on Before You Go is compiled from government travel advisories, verified news sources, and traveler-submitted incidents. Content is reviewed for accuracy before publication. Read our methodology →