Navigating scams: A cautionary tale for visitors to Egypt's pyramids
The Pyramids of Giza, an essential tourist attraction in Egypt, also happen to be fertile grounds for local scams. Alongside 'visiting the Pyramids' on their list of things to do, tourists should also mark 'avoiding scams'. Particularly around the Pyramids, locals have been known to target gullible visitors. A video surfaced on the internet, giving a glimpse into one such tourist trap.
Even during winters, Egypt continues to be a favorite holiday destination for Poles. Despite cold, grey, and potentially snowy weather at home, the warm Egyptian climate, with temperatures up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, beckons them.
Egypt isn't just popular among Poles. Last year, the country saw a total of 12 million tourists, and this figure is expected to grow this year. Tourism forms a vital part of the Egyptian economy, providing employment opportunities for its citizens. However, some residents resort to deceitful means for financial gains. Tourists need to know what to avoid.
Engaging in conversation - the first step to spark a scam
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt is as essential as seeing the Eiffel Tower when in Paris. However, as highlighted by a vlogger who posts under the pseudonym @sealontour on TikTok, visitors must remain vigilant. In a one-minute video, he documents an attempt by a local to con him.
First, the local inquires about his nationality, shares a joke, declares his love for the tourist, and then places a foil-wrapped shawl on the tourist's forearm, insisting he accept it as a gift. Acceptance of this 'gift', however, is a trap.
As soon as the tourist unwraps the shawl, the local demands compensation for it. He refuses to take it back because it has been unwrapped.
Steer clear of unsolicited gifts
The vlogger featured in the recording promptly rejected the 'gift' and returned it in its wrapping. She was approached similarly again later and responded with a firm 'no' each time.
If you fall for this, I don't feel sorry for you - stated the vlogger in her recording.
However, refusing these advances isn't always easy for everyone, as evident from the online comments.
If this happened to me, I'd certainly fall for it, as I find it hard to say no - commented one viewer.
I would feel guilty refusing - added another internet user.
