This is a tearful guide to avoiding pitfalls in Cairo

The stunning Red Sea, the rich history, and the brilliant civilization are all points that still move me whenever I recall my trip to Egypt. But in Cairo, countless scams significantly affect the travel experience. So I decided to share the common pitfalls in Cairo, hoping to help those who are about to set off. ▫️ 1⃣️ At Cairo Airport, you go through security first, then get your boarding pass and check your luggage. During security, staff might hold your passport for various reasons (the aim is to make you pay for the fast track). At this point, be firm. We directly snatched our passport back from his hand. 2⃣️ When you leave the airport, most taxis are scams and overcharge heavily. After exiting the arrival hall, cross the road and walk to the airport parking area to call an Uber. ▫️ 3⃣️ Be wary of overly enthusiastic locals who approach you without you asking for directions or help. If they excessively praise you or offer to take you somewhere, it's usually a scam. 4⃣️ Anyone at the entrance of the pyramids telling you the site is closed today, offering to guide you or buy tickets, or chasing you for photos, is a scam. Ignore them. ▫️ 5⃣️ The souvenir vendors at the entrance of the pyramids or the Egyptian Museum shouting "one dollar" sell poor-quality fridge magnets and papyrus paintings. They are not genuinely one dollar; many scammed tourists say it's actually one dollar just to look. 6⃣️ You can haggle camel rides at the pyramids down to 100 EL, and horse carriages to about 300 EL. Agree on the price before getting on and record a video as proof to avoid disputes later. ▫️ 7⃣️ All restrooms charge a fee. Carry small change, or you might encounter staff pretending not to have change. Don't engage with people standing by the tissue dispenser offering you tissues; they charge one dollar per sheet. 8⃣️ Items at the Khan El Khalili market are obviously made in Yiwu. If you really want to shop, keep an eye on your bag and haggle aggressively. ▫️ 9⃣️ Whether at a street-side restaurant or a fast-food chain like KFC, always count your change in front of the cashier. We encountered numerous instances where they intentionally gave less change, only to reluctantly give the correct amount when pointed out, indicating they knew the correct amount all along. 🔟 Street-side juice stalls charge 1-2 dollars per cup. Anything more is a scam! ▫️ 1⃣️1⃣️ Keep a bottle of mineral water in your bag. The pyramid area is very sunny, and there are no water vendors. 1⃣️2⃣️ It's best to travel in groups at night. We encountered a group of kids trying to snatch our bags.