Mistakes to avoid and what NOT to do in Egypt

Egypt can feel overwhelming for some travelers. Add to that the horror stories of scams and catcalling, and it’s no surprise that many people hesitate to visit—a shame, really, considering Egypt boasts some of the world's most fascinating history and world-class diving.

Having lived on and off in Egypt for two years, I know that with the right mindset and a few precautions, you’ll not only have an unforgettable experience but also find yourself eager to return.

If you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out our essential tips on how to avoid tourist traps, scams, and common mistakes in Egypt.

Or join our Wonders of Egypt group trip for women to enjoy a stress-free trip to Egypt.

11 Mistakes to avoid in Egypt

Not learning some Arabic

This tip isn’t just for Egypt, it applies wherever you travel. Learning even a few words in the local language can transform your experience, helping you connect with locals, bring a smile to someone’s face, and even avoid an Egypt travel scam.

Egyptians appreciate visitors who make an effort, and a little Arabic can go a long way in earning their respect. You might also find that vendors and touts hassle you less when they see you’re not just another uninformed tourist.

Here are some useful Arabic words to help you avoid being scammed in Egypt:

• Salaam alaykum – Peace be upon you (a form of hello)
• Shukran – Thank you
• La – No
• Ah/Aywa – Yes
• Khalas – Enough/done/finished (a great word to get somebody to stop bothering you)
• In’shAllah – God willing
• Ma’a Salama – Goodbye

Being afraid to say no

At popular tourist attractions, most Egyptians you encounter will be trying to sell you something. Unfortunately, many visitors base their entire perception of Egypt on these interactions, which don’t fully reflect the warmth and hospitality of the country as a whole.

Once you’ve learned the simple phrase “la, shukran” (no, thank you), use it with confidence. If you’re not interested, you don’t need to engage. Saying it in Arabic is far more effective than English—vendors tend to back off much faster, perhaps out of respect or simply because they see you as a more experienced traveler rather than an easy target.

For extra persistence? A firm “khalas” (enough/done) should make it clear that you mean business and put an end to the conversation.

If you don't want the stress of worrying about this, join our group trip to Egypt and be accompanied by an awesome local guide the entire time.

Not using ride-hailing apps

Many visitors to Egypt complain about being overcharged by taxis, and while it's unfortunate that a few bad experiences can tarnish the whole system, you can easily avoid this by taking a few precautions.

Most major destinations in Egypt have ride-hailing apps like Uber, InDrive, and Careem. Downloading all three gives you peace of mind and ensures you're covered.

You’ll save yourself a lot of stress (and maybe a few grey hairs) by opting for these apps instead of hailing a taxi off the street. Here’s why ride-hailing apps make your life easier:

• You avoid using unauthorized taxis
• There’s no haggling. You know the price you have to pay before getting in the car.
• You can check whether you’re in safe hands by checking the driver rating on the app.
• Apps like Uber use real-time GPS tracking, allowing riders to share their location with others.

Dressing inappropriately

As Egypt is predominantly a Muslim country, it's important to consider your clothing choices before visiting — especially for women, as the dress code tends to be more relaxed for men.

While foreign women aren’t held to the same strict expectations as locals, it’s a sign of respect to dress modestly and follow the cultural etiquette in Egypt. This typically means covering your shoulders and knees.

I’m sure the last thing you want is to offend someone by dressing inappropriately. When in doubt, take a cue from the local women and dress accordingly or check out our ultimate packing list for Egypt for extra guidance. 

Forgetting about haggling in Egypt’s markets

If you're visiting a market like Cairo's famous 600-year-old Khan el-Khalili, or any market in Egypt, you’ll need to haggle. If you don’t, you’ll likely end up paying far more than you should.

A solid rule of thumb is to start at about 50% of the vendor's initial price and negotiate from there.

However, be smart about your bargaining. Don’t be that tourist who spends ages haggling over a price that's already reasonable or arguing over just a few cents. Choose your battles wisely!

Taking the wrong tour

A common scam in Egypt involves falling for a tour led by a fake tour guide. While you might still have a good time, you don't want to waste your hard-earned money on such an experience.

To avoid this—and other common mistakes—join our Wonders of Egypt group tour for women. You’ll be in safe hands and get the most authentic experience possible.

Another typical mistake is sticking only to Egypt’s well-known tourist sites. We go beyond the Pyramids of Giza to give you a deeper, more immersive experience. You’ll stay with local families, explore the vast desert, and even enjoy a 10-course farm-to-table lunch at an extraordinary location in partnership with a women’s NGO.

Engaging in situations with a high risk of being scammed

Your common sense is put to the test a little more in Egypt than in other countries, but put it to use, and it will save you a lot of frustration.

If you’re visiting a popular tourist attraction in Egypt like the Pyramids of Giza or Abu Simbel and somebody is offering you something for free, doesn’t that sound a little too good to be true? They’ll promise you it’s free, and once they’ve provided that ‘free’ service, they’ll ask for a tip or claim they’d told you a price at the start.

Skip the uncertainty of something being fake and buy it from an official shop or ticket office.

Drinking tap water

Don’t drink tap water anywhere in Egypt. Bottled water can be purchased for around 10 EGP ($0.20), so it’s really not worth taking the risk.

There’s nothing worse than spending your trip with your head over the toilet instead of discovering tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

Missing out on street food

In cities like Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor, you'll find an abundance of delicious Egyptian street food. While there’s no guarantee you won’t get sick from street food anywhere, the chances are slim if you stick to the right vendors and choose one of Egypt’s most popular street food.

Wandering through the cities, you’ll encounter many street food vendors selling affordable, tasty sandwiches filled with falafel, ful, cheese, tomato, eggs, tahini, baba ganoush, and a variety of other traditional fillings. These make for perfect on-the-go snacks and are a true taste of Egyptian culture.

And don't miss out on koshary, Egypt’s national dish. This hearty, satisfying meal is not only a favorite street food but also a great way to fuel up for an adventure at the Pyramids of Giza or Luxor Temple.

Common tourist scams to avoid in Egypt

Here’s a quick rundown of Egypt travel scams and common tourist scams:

• Fake ticket sellers that offer for you to skip the queue if you buy from them.
• Taxis overcharging and claiming that their meter is broken.
• Strangers offering to show you a shortcut or a shop with cheap prices, which actually ends up being an Egypt tourist trap.
• Unlicensed tour guides.
• Taking a photo of you and then asking for money.

If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Egypt and want to spend more time enjoying Ancient Egypt instead of worrying about scams, join our Wonders of Egypt group tour for women.