Pyramid sightseeing has turned into a real pyramid scheme for travelers. Even the locals are giving it a miss due to all the exploitation and harassment. It’s like the Wild West out there, but we’ve got con artists instead of cowboys!
When one such experience was shared on a popular internet travel forum, several users told their stories and gave us some helpful advice. Here’s what we learned:
1. When the Locals Give Up
An Egyptian person mentioned how even locals don’t like visiting the pyramids due to the constant scamming and harassment. Where’s the police when you need them? Tourists aside, even Egyptians don’t see the pyramids due to the exploitation they face.
2. Speaking Arabic Can Repel Scammers
Egypt isn’t all bad if you know how to find the right tour guide. Someone advised forum members to get an Arabic-speaking tour guide when traveling in Egypt. This helps keep the local scammers away as the tour guide can talk them out of it on behalf of the tourists. That way, all the bad bits of the experience are filtered out, leaving you to enjoy the view before you.
Let the tour guide think for you. Then, of course, you might still get approached, but this time you’ll be able to get rid of the leeching touts in no time. It’s like having a superhero by your side, fighting off the villains of the tourist trade!
3. Hotel Recommendations: A Safe Bet for Pyramid Tours?
Another traveler recommended asking hotels for a tour guide instead of finding one yourself. This tip works well since hotels want to retain a good image alongside satisfied customers. Hence, they will always give a good recommendation.
4. Safe Spots: Say No to Pyramids
Don’t lose hope! One jet setter recommended Sharm-el-Sheikh and Dahab as safe venues for solo young women. They reported no harassment during their annual visits. Regardless of where you go, a user mentioned that, in the end, it all comes down to policy implementation and enforcement.
5. Not So Luxurious
Similarly, another traveler mentioned Luxor as an exemplary tourist site with gorgeous temples. Additionally, they claimed that the experience was safe. Several users chimed in with their devastating experiences in Luxor to counter this. Like anywhere else in the world, some parts of Egypt will be better than the rest. However, a user said Luxor came with its fair share of scammers.
6. Remote Retreat
Unfortunately, as someone pointed out, touts will follow tourists wherever they go. And, of course, tourists will go to the main attractions. Visiting less popular areas might be a safer option.
In fact, some recommended going off the beaten path to less popular areas to avoid scammers. Just make sure you bring a map and a compass!
7. From Pyramids to Piranhas
However, it is crucial to remember that such experiences are not exclusive to Egypt. Any prominent tourist attraction, from Eiffel Tower to Times Square, has its fair share of piranhas. Someone expressed their surprise at the lack of accountability.
During their experience in Cario, authorities didn’t seem to be acting against scammers who continue to trick vulnerable tourists.
8. Befriending Locals
One traveler mentioned their love for the White and Black Deserts. However, if you can’t get over the pyramids and have to see them, get a local to help you. They elaborated that they were with a Giza local who would take them to visit the pyramids at dawn.
That’s the best time to avoid the crowd. Some rookie mistakes you’d want to avoid include getting on top of random camels and letting strangers use your phones to take pictures.
9. Why Think When You Can Google
Google is your best friend when avoiding scams and unsafe tourist places. One person mentioned their positive experience with internet advice to help avoid tourist traps. Look for reviews before you go to a tourist site. And if Google can’t help, asking a taxi guy will still be better than making your own guess.
10. The Art of Overgeneralizing
As many people point out, the government seems complacent. One admitted perceiving all Egyptians in a similar light due to such horrid experiences. I mean, why on earth would a government want that for itself?
Of course, there’s good and bad everywhere, but some things just stick in your mind. However, the scammers may be as plentiful as the pyramids, but they’re not nearly as impressive!
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This thread inspired this post produced by Our Woven Journey.
Demi Michele is a seasoned traveler, turned freelance writer. Having explored most states and ventured internationally, her love for outdoor cafes, new cuisines, and cultural immersion shines through her wide range of articles. Based in Texas with her family and two Scottish Terriers, Demi turns her adventures into captivating travel narratives to share with readers.