West Bank 'Guide' Overcharging & Harassmenthigh
At the Valley of the Kings ticket office and at the ferry landing, persistent 'guides' quote USD 100+ for informal tours, block pathways, and follow tourists. Official licensed guides (identifiable by government ID badge) charge USD 30–50 for a half-day West Bank tour. Always hire guides through your hotel or the Egyptian Tourist Authority office in Luxor.
Hot Air Balloon Safety, Choose Operators Carefullyhigh
Luxor has had several hot air balloon accidents due to unlicensed operators. Always book with Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) licensed operators: Hod Hod Soliman, Magic Horizon, and Sky Cruise are reliable. Never accept a balloon ticket from a street tout or hotel tout, always book directly with the licensed company. Safety records are publicly available.
Fake Antiques & Scarabsmedium
Vendors near the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, and in Luxor's souvenir market sell 'genuine ancient scarabs, coins, and figurines' that are factory-made reproductions. Exporting genuine ancient artefacts from Egypt is illegal and customs officers do check. Any vendor claiming to sell genuine antiquities is either lying or selling stolen goods, either way, avoid.