In a revelation that underscores the challenges faced by foreign tourists in Egypt, British TikToker Grace Ching shared how her visit to the North African nation quickly devolved into one of the worst travel experiences of her life. As reported by the British newspaper “Daily Mail”, Ching, known on TikTok as @gracietravels, spent a week exploring Egypt’s historical landmarks but felt unsafe throughout her journey.
Ching detailed her encounters with aggressive scammers lurking at every corner, trying to swindle unsuspecting tourists. In a video shared on TikTok, she expressed, “I felt extremely uncomfortable during my visit to Egypt… Scamming is a significant issue here, and I didn’t truly grasp its magnitude when I first arrived.” She further described the overwhelming culture of hustling, with locals persistently urging tourists to purchase something.
تيك توكر مهتمه بالسفر زارت #مصر مؤخراً وبتقول ان الحلم أتحول لكابوس.. بسبب ان الناس بتحاول تحتال عليها وتطلب الأموال منها وتعرضت لمضايقات وتحرش، ونصحت الجميع بعدم السماح بالتقاط الصور أو وضع شيء في أيديهم أو المساعدة وحاسه بالخطر وعدم الأمان في مصر لان الناس بتشوفها اموال بتمشي! pic.twitter.com/SRsO2lHz2O
— حاتم صالح 🇪🇬 (@HatemSaleh_) September 5, 2023
Adding to her discomfort, Ching felt that even the presence of a tour guide did little to assuage her fears. She warned fellow travelers, especially women, about the intense stares from local men, describing them as unsettling and relentless. Beyond the human interactions, Ching also expressed concerns about the safety of her belongings, fearing they would be stolen whenever left in a vehicle.
The video garnered numerous comments from other travelers who had visited Egypt, many of whom echoed Ching’s sentiments. One commenter stated, “I agree. I’ve traveled around the world, and Egypt was the only country where I never felt safe.” Another shared, “I felt the same way when I visited Egypt and Morocco.”
Despite the negative experiences, some commenters expressed their continued desire to visit Egypt, albeit with caution.