How to Avoid Tourist Scams in Luxor
Luxor exists in two dimensions: one where you stand amidst the 3,000-year-old sandstone columns of Karnak, feeling the weight of history, and another on the Corniche, fending off constant offers for horse-drawn carriage rides. This is the essence of the Luxor experience—breathtaking yet overwhelming. Locals engaging in these “scams” are often just trying to make a living in a tourism-focused economy. To help you enjoy the grandeur of the Pharaohs without the hassle, here’s a guide on navigating common tourist scams in Luxor while keeping your sanity and wallet intact.
The Transport Trap: Caleches, Feluccas, and Taxis
When visiting Luxor, you’ll need transportation because the city is divided by the Nile, and the main attractions are located far apart. Unfortunately, tourists often lose money here due to tricky offers.
1. Caleche Bait-and-Switch
Horse-drawn carriages, called caleches, are a popular way to see Luxor. Drivers might offer a low price, such as 20 or 50 EGP (approximately $1 USD). It seems like a nice deal until you get to your destination.
The Scam: When it’s time to pay, the driver might say the price was “per person,” just for a short trip, or even in a different currency.
The Fix: Be very clear: Before you get in, say, “Total price for everyone to [Location] in Egyptian Pounds. No extra for the horse or tip.”
– The “No Change” Trick: Drivers often say they have no change to get you to pay more. Always have small bills like 5, 10, and 20 EGP.
– Pay at the End: Don’t pay upfront. Give the exact agreed amount when you arrive and then walk away.
2. Broken Taxi Meter
Luxor’s taxis are easy to find, but the meter often doesn’t work.
The Scam: Drivers might say the meter is broken or that prices have changed. They will then quote a much higher flat rate, 3-4 times the actual cost.
The Fix: Use the InDrive app. It shows fair prices and lets you negotiate. Even if you don’t book through it, check the fair price to negotiate better with street taxis.
Agree First: Never get into a taxi without agreeing on a price. If the driver won’t agree, find another taxi.
3. Felucca Wind Tax
Sailing on a felucca at sunset is a must-do, but prices can change.
The Scam: After agreeing on a price for an hour’s sail, the captain might say there’s “no wind” and ask for more money to use a motor or for extra time.
The Fix: Confirm that the price covers the whole trip, no matter the weather. Most honest captains will stick to the price, but booking through your hotel can provide extra assurance.
Luxor Tours & Activities
Looking to save some costs on your travel? Why not join a shared group tour to explore Luxor, Egypt? Here are some activities you might be interested in:
Scams to Watch for at Temples and Tombs
When you visit temples, it’s important to be alert, as these places can be where scams happen. Here are two common scams you might encounter:
1. Fake Guides
At sites like the Valley of the Kings or Karnak Temple, you may meet men wearing traditional robes who seem official and might have a lanyard. They might point out things on the wall or offer to take you to a special part of a tomb.
The Scam: These men are not licensed guides. They are often freelancers or “guardians.” After a brief explanation, they ask for a tip.
What to Do: If you want a guide, hire one at the entrance who will be with you the whole time. If someone starts giving you information and you are not interested, politely say, “I prefer to explore alone, thank you,” or use “La, shukran” (No, thank you).
2. Photo Op Scam
In many tombs, photography is limited or requires a special, paid permit.
The Scam: A guard might suggest you can take a photo for “free” or offer to take your picture in a restricted area. Once you have the photo, he may demand a big tip and could even threaten to report you for taking pictures illegally if you refuse.
What to Do: Follow the rules. Don’t take photos if the sign says no photos. If you have a photo permit, show it confidently. Never let guards take your phone or camera.
The "Museum" Workshop and the Friendly Stranger
Luxor relies on commissions for its economy. The “Friendly Stranger” plays a role in this.
1. The Alabaster “Educational” Tour
On the West Bank, you will find many “Alabaster Factories.” Your driver will likely take you to one, claiming it’s a “museum” or a “traditional cooperative.”
The Scam: You receive tea and watch a demonstration of how they carve alabaster by hand. While the demo is interesting, the so-called “authentic” pieces in the shop are often cheap imports marked up by 500%. Your driver earns a big cut, usually 30-50%, of what you spend.
The Fix: If you want to buy stone, go ahead! Just remember, you are paying a “tourist tax.” If you are not interested, clearly tell your driver: “No shops. No alabaster. Only the tombs.”
2. The “I Work at Your Hotel” Lie
This is a common psychological trick. A man may approach you on the street and say, “Hey! Remember me? I’m the chef (or cleaner/receptionist) from your hotel!”
The Scam: You may feel polite towards someone you “know,” which makes you lower your guard. He will then tell you about a “special market” that’s only open today or a “family festival” you should attend. He will lead you to a shop where he gets a commission on your purchases.
The Fix: They do not work at your hotel. It’s just a guessing game—they pick a popular hotel or wait for you to respond. Simply smile and say, “Nice to see you again,” and keep walking. Do not follow them anywhere.
Pro-Tips for a Stress-Free Luxor Visit
Learn the phrase “La, Shukran,” which means “No, thank you.” Say it with a smile while holding your right hand over your heart as a sign of respect, then keep walking. Tourists often make the mistake of stopping to be polite. In Luxor, stopping can be seen as a sign of interest.
Avoid making eye contact when talking to vendors. It may sound harsh, but it’s effective. If you aren’t interested, don’t look at them. Instead, look down or off into the distance while walking past vendors. This signals that you are not a customer.
Dress modestly in Luxor, as it is more conservative than other areas like Cairo or the Red Sea resorts. Covering your shoulders and knees shows respect for the culture and indicates that you are an experienced traveler, making you a less likely target for vendors.
Walk with purpose, Touts often target people who seem lost or confused. Even if you’re unsure of your location, walk confidently as if you have an important destination.
Got a Question?
F.A.Qs
Yes, absolutely. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare in Egypt. The “scams” and “hustle” you encounter are almost entirely financial or persistence-based. There is a heavy presence of Tourist Police at every major site and hotel district specifically to ensure visitor safety. You might feel annoyed, but you are very rarely in danger.
In 2026, a fair price for a short point-to-point ride (e.g., from the Winter Palace to Luxor Temple) is usually around 50–80 EGP. If you are hiring them for an hour of sightseeing, expect to pay 150–250 EGP.
The most effective strategy is polite disengagement. * Don’t stop walking.
Don’t engage in “negotiation” if you have no intention of buying.
Use the phrase “La, Shukran” (No, thank you) firmly.
If they persist, simply stop responding entirely. Silence is not considered rude in this context; it is a clear signal that the “sale” is dead.
Cash is king for street transactions. Using a card in small shops or for transport opens you up to “incorrect” amounts being typed into the machine or “technical errors” that result in double charges.
Use cards for your hotel and official ticket offices (which are increasingly card-only).
Use small cash bills for everything else.
Yes. If a taxi driver or vendor is becoming aggressive or refuses to honor an agreed price, looking for a man in a white (summer) or black (winter) uniform with a “Tourist Police” armband usually settles the dispute instantly. Most touts do not want to deal with the paperwork or trouble that comes from a formal complaint.
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