Guest post written by

Fernando · El Prisma de Fer

Frequent traveler passionate about discovering new destinations and immersing himself in different cultures.

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Visiting the Pyramids of Giza has always been one of my dreams. I see them in photos, documentaries, postcards, and they seem so distant, almost mythical.

So when I finally arrived in Cairo, I couldn’t believe I was actually there, about to see one of the last remaining wonders of the ancient world.

But what I didn’t expect was how complicated it could be to visit the site independently. The moment I got out of the metro station, I realized this task wasn’t going to be easy.

A Rough Start: Scams Begin at the Metro Station

The first warning sign came the moment I got out of the metro at Giza station. Before I could even look at my phone, people started approaching me from every direction.

Some were smiling and speaking perfect English, others acted friendly and curious, “Where are you from, my friend?” “Oh, Argentina! I love Messi!”, and then quickly moved to, “Come, I’ll show you the way to the pyramids, it’s dangerous to go alone.”

They all had their stories. One said he was going that way with his little son for their “first time ever” and that we could walk together. Another pretended to be an official guide. Others tried to convince me that the main road was closed, that I should follow them through a “shortcut.”

It’s all fake. Every single one of them is trying to lead you somewhere, usually to a “special entrance,” or a shop where they get a commission.

How to avoid this? Don’t follow anyone, no matter how nice or convincing they sound. Stick to your plan, trust your map, and keep walking straight toward the main entrance.

The real danger isn’t the street itself, it’s letting someone else take control of your path.

The Al Haram Trap: Taxi and Horse Carriage Scammers

Another tricky moment came when I decided to take a taxi from Giza Station and head straight to the main entrance on Al Haram Street, the one near the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

It sounds simple enough, right? But the reality was something else. As soon as the driver turned onto the main avenue, a few men standing by the road noticed there were tourists inside. They stepped out and started waving for the car to stop, pretending to be officials or security staff.

If your driver slows down, things get messy fast. These guys try to convince you that this is “as far as cars can go,” or that you “need to switch to a horse carriage” or one of their “official taxis.”

It’s all part of the scam. Once you get out, they’ll pressure you into paying ridiculous prices for rides or fake tours.

My best advice? Never get out of the car. Politely tell your driver to keep going, no matter how insistent these people get. Even better, avoid Al Haram Street altogether, it’s the main hunting ground for these hustlers.

Use an alternate route through the Giza side instead; it’s calmer and far less chaotic.

The Ticket Hustle: Fake Guides and “Mandatory” Carriage Rides

Once you finally reach the official entrance, you’d think the chaos is over, but it’s actually just beginning. Around the ticket counter, dozens of men approach tourists pretending to be official guides or helpers.

Some insist you need a guide or a horse carriage to get in, saying the pyramids are “too far to walk.” Others will claim the ticket office is closed or that they can sell you tickets “faster” or “cheaper.” Spoiler: all of that is fake.

They’re not part of the site staff, they’re just middlemen trying to get your money before you even step inside.

The truth is that visiting the pyramids is totally doable on foot, and there are even hop-on-hop-off free buses you can use inside the complex, if you want the extra help. You can buy your ticket directly at the official counter or, even better, through the official website, without anyone’s help.

Just ignore the noise, head straight to the window, and pay the official price.

Inside the Complex: The “Helpful” Guides and Fake Workers

Once you’ve made it past the entrance, you’d expect to finally relax and enjoy one of the world’s most iconic wonders, but Egypt still has one more trick up its sleeve.

As soon as you start walking, men dressed like guards or workers will approach you with big smiles, trying to help you find the best photo spot or the right path.

Some will even offer to take your picture, or claim they can show you a secret viewpoint that most tourists miss.

They’ll seem friendly at first, but eventually, it all comes down to money. They’ll demand a tip, often aggressively, or won’t give your camera back until you pay.

It’s one of the most common scams inside the Giza Plateau, and it happens even if you’re polite.

My advice is, don’t accept unsolicited help from anyone, even if they look official. Keep your distance, and remember that every favor here has a price tag attached.

The Camel Ride Trap: A Classic Tourist Scam

No visit to the pyramids seems complete without the iconic image of someone riding a camel with the Great Pyramid in the background, and scammers know that.

Around every corner, you’ll find men and kids offering “short rides” or “photo stops” with their camels. They’ll quote a price that sounds reasonable, maybe a few dollars, and you’ll think it’s a harmless little experience. But once you’re up on the camel, the story changes completely.

They might tell you the price was actually per minute, not for the whole ride, or demand extra money to “go down safely.”

Some will even lead you far from the main area and then ask for a ridiculous sum to bring you back. It’s one of the oldest and most frustrating scams around the pyramids.

If you really want to do a camel ride, make sure to agree clearly on the price beforehand, and confirm it’s for the entire ride and not “per person” or “per minute.”

Better yet, book the experience through an official operator or hotel. Otherwise, you’ll end up with more stress than smiles (and a lighter wallet).

Final Thoughts: Visiting the Pyramids Without Losing Your Money

Seeing the Pyramids of Giza for the first time is one of those travel moments that stays with you forever. No matter how many photos you’ve seen before, standing in front of these ancient structures is truly impressive.

But it’s true: doing it on your own can be quite a challenge. The number of people trying to sell you things, guide you without asking, or outright scam you can make the experience exhausting.

My advice is to arrive with a clear mindset. Don’t trust anyone who approaches you “in a friendly way” to help you or give you directions.

Walk confidently, stick to your plan, and only buy tickets at the official ticket office. If you want to take a guided tour, hire one beforehand or at the official site. And if you can, arrive early, in the morning there are fewer people and the atmosphere is much calmer.

Beyond all that, it’s worth it. The pyramids are one of those places that remind you why you travel, because even amidst the chaos, there are moments when you look up and think, “I can’t believe I’m seeing this with my own eyes.”