Cairo taxis have a complex reputation. Here's which scams are real, how to negotiate correctly, and when to use Uber instead.
Cairo's taxi culture can be bewildering for first-time visitors. Traditional black-and-white taxis often do not use meters and fares are typically negotiated. This creates significant room for overcharging tourists. Newer white CNG taxis and app-based services (Uber, Careem) have made the situation much easier — but if you venture into traditional cab territory, knowing the rules is essential. Egypt's currency has also depreciated rapidly, meaning fare benchmarks in EGP shift frequently — always use the Uber app as your real-time baseline.
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Uber and Careem (owned by Uber) both operate extensively in Cairo and are the strongly recommended options for tourists. Fares are upfront in Egyptian Pounds, no negotiation is needed, and the driver's details are recorded. For the airport, both apps have dedicated pick-up zones. If you do take a traditional taxi, agree the fare in full (in EGP) before entering the vehicle — saying the destination and a fair price ("Tahrir Square, EGP 150?") — and only pay the agreed amount on arrival. Cairo's metro is also an excellent option for longer journeys between key areas.
If you must use a traditional negotiated taxi, the formula is: know the Uber price first, offer 80% of it, and settle at the Uber price or just below. State the destination clearly in Arabic if possible (showing it on a map works well). Have exact change ready — handing over a large note invites the "no change" problem. If the driver agrees a fare and then tries to renegotiate on arrival, simply offer the agreed amount and be prepared to walk away.
At Cairo Airport's arrivals, unofficial taxi touts will approach you aggressively claiming to be official. Ignore them completely and either use the Uber app or proceed to the official taxi queue outside. The official queue has a price board — check it before agreeing to any fare.
Download Uber before arriving in Egypt — it works reliably at Cairo International and throughout the city. Careem is equally good and sometimes offers lower fares. Have both apps on your phone for comparison.
How much should a taxi cost in Cairo?
Airport to central Cairo: EGP 250–400 via Uber. City centre journeys: EGP 60–150 depending on distance. Use Uber as your real-time baseline — fares shift as the Egyptian Pound fluctuates.
Is Uber safe in Cairo?
Yes — Uber and Careem are widely used in Cairo and considered the safest and most transparent option for tourists. Driver details are recorded and trips are tracked.
Should I negotiate taxi fares in Cairo?
For traditional (black-and-white) taxis: yes, negotiate before you get in. For newer white CNG taxis: insist on the meter. For Uber/Careem: the app sets the fare automatically.
What is the difference between Cairo's black-and-white and white taxis?
Old black-and-white taxis have no meter — fares are negotiated. Newer white CNG taxis are metered by law, though drivers sometimes refuse. Both are increasingly replaced by Uber/Careem for tourist journeys.
Are there taxis at Cairo International Airport I can trust?
The official taxi queue outside arrivals has regulated prices displayed. Alternatively, use Uber from the designated pick-up area inside the terminal. Avoid all touts who approach you in the arrivals hall.
Is it safe to take a taxi alone at night in Cairo?
Uber and Careem are the safe options for night-time travel. Traditional street-hailed taxis carry more risk after dark — if you must use one, agree the fare explicitly and share your trip details with someone.
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