What is the cancellation/refund policy for tours booked in Cairo, Egypt?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 12 days ago
TL;DR
Most Egyptian tour operators use a tiered penalty system: 25% forfeited if you cancel within an hour of booking, up to 100% if you cancel on the day of the tour; refunds are nearly impossible if you booked directly with a freelance guide.
What the community said
Major tour operators (e.g. the international Carthage Group, operating in Egypt, Tunisia and the UAE) use standard tiers: cancel within an hour of booking — lose 25%; cancel at least 24 hours before — lose 50%; cancel on the day of the tour or no-show — lose 100%.
13 days ago Carthage Group: 25% / 50% / 100%
Tours that include a flight or ferry crossing have a separate rule: 70% is withheld regardless of how far in advance you cancel, and 100% if you cancel on the day of the tour.
13 days ago Flight/ferry tours: 70-100% withheld
If you bought the tour directly from a local guide rather than through an agency, chances of a refund are slim — freelance sellers rarely return prepayments. It's still worth trying to negotiate and, if needed, mentioning that you could contact the tourist police.
14 days ago Tourist police as leverage