There are two ways to get ripped off in Sharm El Sheik. Firstly, through commercial tour companies who charge inflated international fees within a country where one can live and travel at very inexpensive rates. The second way is for independent travellers to be ‘played’ by people trying to be your ‘friend’.
Enticing people to feel they are your best friend to sell goods and services is a normal part of the tourist trade in Sharm El Sheik. Some people love the attention and play along. Others like to haggle to strike a good bargain. This can be part of the rich, exotic experience of Egypt.
Through friendship, compliments, time and gifts, hawkers test tourists to see what they are worth and how much they can pay. Some traders seek to create a sense of obligation by giving gifts, compliments, time and attention before charging inflated prices.
Such interactions play out multiple times daily for the sake of economic as well as sexual gain. This behaviour can be both a way of life and a game. When one understands how the game works and is determined not to be a victim, it can be harmless, even a bit of fun for those who understand the rules.
My top tip is to aim for win-win encounters with local people where you are in control. Choose not to be tight, but generous with local people, at the same time as not feeling under any obligation to pay above a fair price.

The last time my wife and I visited Sharm, we were enticed by an exceptionally charming man to a meal on the beach by the sea. The service was good, with exceptional smiles and banter. However, at the end of the meal, when I went to pay the bill, the charge was nearly double that advertised on the menu.
Some people can calmly negotiate such situations; some pay the extra to keep the evening sweet, and others get angry, feeling cheated and ripped off by people who were previously acting as your best friend. Welcome to Sharm!
For those independent tourists who prefer reliable service at a reasonable price, it may be worth booking events through a local person. A willing and able local person can organise the things you want to do at a reasonable price without all the extra hassle.

Gigi is an example of such a tourist assistant. She keeps costs down by operating solo through her company ‘Sunshine Travel’. She provides a homely, friendly, stress-free service for Egyptians and overseas tourists at reasonable rates. Gigi organises all sorts of events in and around Sharm, such as diving, snorkelling, four-wheel drives, sightseeing days out etc. She takes care of all the small details so that her clients can enjoy their hassle-free holiday. Should any issues arise Gigi is quick to resolve them.
You can contact Gigi through her Facebook account:
https://www.facebook.com/Sunshine-Travel-Sharm-El-Sheikh-113886447969760
Or through her WhatsApp or phone +20 111 7751134.