Giza (Pyramids Area)

Pyramids themselves are secure but surrounded by aggressive touts and scams. Hire a guide, visit early, agree prices upfront, don't stay in this area.

The Giza Pyramids area is built for tourism, which means aggressive touting and scams are standard. The pyramids themselves have heavy security with armed guards and metal detectors, so the actual site is safe. Everything around it is the problem. Camel and horse touts do bait-and-switch pricing - cheap ride offer then they won't let you down unless you pay several times more. Fake officials say you bought the wrong ticket. Shop owners pressure you constantly. All this plus the usual harassment and inappropriate comments. It's exhausting. The pyramids are worth seeing and it's doable with prep. Book a guide through your hotel ($30-50) to cut out most of the hassle. Agree on all prices upfront or skip camel rides entirely. Go early morning when it's cooler and less crowded. Don't stay in this area - neighborhoods around the pyramids have high harassment. Uber from Zamalek or Maadi, see the site, leave.