Top 10 Tips for Traveling Cairo

Uber is your safe space and how to avoid the cash double-charge scam: 

In Cairo, skip the taxis entirely and stick to Uber. It provides a digital trail, a fixed price, and the driver’s info. A common scam through Uber is that the driver will try and convince you that the app is “broken” or that they don’t receive card payments, hoping you’ll pay in cash so they can effectively get paid twice. A major red flag is when your assigned driver stops moving about 500 feet away from your pickup point. They are often waiting for you to get frustrated and cancel (so they get a fee) or are waiting for you to approach them so they can negotiate a “cash-only” deal outside the app. If your driver stops moving and ignores your messages, cancel and find a new one. To skip this headache entirely, go into your Uber settings and change your payment method to “Cash” before you request the ride. This is standard in Egypt; you’ll see the exact price on your screen, pay that amount in Egyptian Pounds at the end, and there’s zero risk of a digital double-charge.

Dress in Linen Layers 

You don’t need to be fully covered from head to toe, but modesty is your best tool for blending in. Think loose, breathable fabrics. Linen trousers, midi-skirts, and t-shirts that cover your shoulders and chest. It shows respect for the local culture, which significantly reduces “staring” and unwanted attention. Always keep a light scarf in your bag to throw over your shoulders if you enter a mosque or feel underdressed.

Master the “La, Shukran”

Eye contact in Cairo is often seen as an invitation to start a conversation. Learn the phrase “La, Shukran” (No, thank you). Say it firmly, don’t smile, and keep walking. In many Western cultures, we are taught to be “polite” by stopping and explaining why we don’t want a camel ride. In Cairo, the most polite and effective thing to do is to be firm and keep moving.

Don’t be afraid to use the walk away method 

Haggling is practically a national sport in Egypt. To get the “real” price, a good rule of thumb is to counter-offer at about 50–60% of their initial ask, with the goal of meeting somewhere in the middle. the most powerful tool in your arsenal is the “walk-away” method: if a vendor won’t budge on a price you know is too high, politely say “La, Shukran“ (No, thank you) and start walking. Most of the time, they will call you back with a significantly lower offer. Just remember to keep it lighthearted and friendly—smiling and joking is part of the game. Once you agree on a price, it’s considered poor etiquette to back out, so only start the “dance” if you’re actually ready to buy!

How to do the Pyramids of Giza right: 

The best thing we did was booking a tour for the Pyramids of Giza. It can be a daunting task figuring how to get to and from, how to avoid be scammed, and seeing everything you want to see. By booking through a tour, which is usually very affordable, they will include your pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, and a guide to keep you safe. We booked a tour that included a camel ride and it was one of my favorite activities we did in Cairo. If you want to do the Pyramids yourself, keep reading for more tips to stay away from the common scams. 

Doing the Pyramids of Giza yourself: 

The Giza Pyramids are one of the most incredible sights on Earth, but the “hustle” there is legendary. Here is how to navigate the Giza Plateau without falling for the common traps: The “Official Entrance” Diversion – As your Uber approaches, men will stand in the road or wave your car down, claiming the “Tourist Gate” is closed or that you must stop at a “Government Registration Office” (which is actually just their camel stable). The Fix: Tell your Uber driver to ignore everyone and drive directly to the Great Pyramid Ticket Office (the Mena House side) or the Sphinx Entrance. The Ticket “Checkers” – Inside the plateau, men in civilian clothes may approach you and ask to “check” your ticket. Once they have it in their hand, they will lead you toward a “secret view” and then demand a tip to give your ticket back. Only show your ticket to uniformed officers at the actual entrance gates. If someone else asks to see it, keep walking. You do not need to show your ticket to anyone once you are inside the site. Camel and Horse Photo “Up-Charging” – You agree on a price for a camel ride (e.g., $10). Once you are on the camel, they lead you to a spot and offer to take your photo. When you try to get down, they demand an extra “photo fee” or “dismount fee” to let you off the animal. If you want a camel ride, go to the official government stalls where prices are fixed and posted on a board.

More Scams to Avoid (Beyond the Pyramids)

The “Egyptian Museum Guide” Scam: * The Scam: At the entrance of the original Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, men with official-looking lanyards will offer to “show you the highlights for free” because they “work there.” The reality, they do not work there. They will rush you through, give you questionable facts, and then demand a high “tip” at the exit.

Safe Nightlife for 20-Somethings

Since Egypt is a majority Muslim country, alcohol can be difficult to find and heavily taxed. While you can find local beer and wine at specialized shops like Drinkies or upscale hotel bars in Zamalek, spirits are a different story. Buy your favorite bottle at Duty-Free in your home airport before you fly. You are generally allowed 1 liter per person. It’s significantly cheaper, guarantees quality, and makes those sunset drinks on your balcony much easier to manage. A fun and safe spot to go out in Cairo is Cairo Jazz Club. If you want actual music and a safe “night out” vibe, this is the spot. It’s legendary in Cairo. You usually need to message them on Facebook to get on the guest list.

Airport Survival Checklist: 

Visa on Arrival: Before you hit passport control, you must go to one of the bank windows and buy a $25 USD visa sticker. They only take cash (USD is best). Do not stand in the passport line without this sticker! The SIM Card: Do not leave the airport without a SIM. There are Vodafone and Orange booths right after you grab your luggage. It takes 5 minutes, is very cheap, and is essential for calling those Ubers.

The “Human Shield” Strategy

The safest way to cross is to find a local who is already waiting to cross and literally stand right next to them. Follow their lead as they step into traffic; they know the rhythm and when a driver is actually going to slow down. Move at a slow, steady, and predictable pace—never run, as drivers calculate their path based on your current speed.