Travel Scams Around The World

One of the most diverse countries in the world, India is known for its natural beauty
and culture. The country is home to several ancient structures and historical
monuments, breath-taking hill stations, beautiful beaches, vibrant cities and little
towns and villages too.
Travel Scams In India
• Prepaid taxis charging exorbitant prices or taxi or auto rickshaw meter not working.
Avoid prepaid taxis at the airport and go for a government approved Meru taxis. You can also
opt for Ola and Uber taxis by downloading the app. In case of meter not working, opt for a
vehicle with a working meter or agree on a price before starting the journey
• Fake train ticket collectors (in uniform) charge foreigners money to provide an upgrade.
Real ticket collectors have a list of the passenger details and have a name and number tag on
their uniform. If the ticket checker is checking only the tickets of foreign tourists, then he is
definitely a fake one.

United Arab Emirates or UAE is one of the most popular tourist countries in the
Middle East. In UAE, you would be rewarded with a great cultural experience, state-
of-the-art amenities, amazing sights and breath-taking adventures.
Travel Scams In UAE
• Family in a broken down car with no money and no food, claiming to be from another
Emirate or country.
If you find such a family asking for some money so that they can buy food and some petrol to
return home, it is best to walk away without waiting to hear their false stories or see their fake
tears.
• Woman begging for money to save the life of her sick child. Many tourists have reported to
have been approached by a woman wearing a burqa, asking for money for the treatment of
her child who has been hospitalized.
Do not fall for her sob story. Instead walk away immediately. If she is persistent, threaten to
call the police. Remember any form of begging is illegal in the UAE.

An archipelago with more than 13,000 islands, Indonesia is blessed with a diverse
geography, comprising beautiful beaches, lush forests, flaming volcanoes, gorgeous
temples and scenic landscapes.
Travel Scams In Indonesia
• Faulty taxi meter or taxi fare per person
It is always best to hire a taxi or cab that has a perfectly working meter. If the meter is not
working, fix on a price before boarding. Clarify if the price mentioned if for per person or for
everyone in the group.
• Encountering unlicensed tour guides who charge hefty fee at the end of the tour
It is best to avoid hiring a tour guide. However, if you do, always ask for the fee first. Also, do
not forget to negotiate or bargain before fixing the amount.

Hong Kong, a part of China, is a major metropolis with high rise buildings, luxury
hotels, fine dining restaurants, state-of-the-art transportation and huge shopping
malls. But at the same time, it offers lush flora and fauna as well as beautiful
heritages and cultures. Moreover, the city is home to Asia's only Disneyland too.
Travel Scams In Hong Kong
• Switching original products for fake or cheap ones: The shopkeeper or his assistant may
switch the product at the pretext of going to the backroom to get you a fresh piece. You
may end up with a fake or cheap product.
Before you leave the shop, make sure to check whether you have been handed over the right
product.
• Fake herbal medicine scam. You would be approached by a person on the street trying to
sell you herbal medicines at a high price. But usually, the herbs do not have any medicinal
value.
Walk away from such people immediately. Always buy medicines from trusted pharmacists or
stores.

Singapore is a city-state island known for its high rise buildings, luxury hotels,
amusement parks, shopping malls and streets and natural surroundings too. The city
is one of the favourite locations for family holidays as well as romantic getaways.
Travel Scams In Singapore
• Several tourists have reported to have approached by Buddhist monks and nuns for
donations and money.
Be vary of these monks as they are most likely fakes. Buddhists monks and nuns do not beg.
• Tourists have been handed fake or low quality goods in the name of high-quality electronic
products like mobile phones, ipad, audio equipment, etc.
Always buy the products from reliable sources. If the seller is selling his products from a van, it
is most likely cheap or fake products and is best avoided.

Turkey is a favourite destination for travellers, especially backpackers as the country
offers so many memorable experiences. Right from amazing food to beautiful
locations, there is lot to look forward to in Turkey.
Travel Scams In Turkey
• Beware of a friendly scammer who would strike up a conversation and would ask whether
you would be interested to have a drink at a bar of his choice. At the bar, you would either
be charged exorbitantly for a few drinks or you may be looted after your drink has been
spiked.
If a stranger approaches you, it is best to avoid the person saying that you are waiting for a
few friends. If you accompany the person to a bar, make sure that you drink only what the
waiter has poured. If the person insists on going to a particular bar and does not take your
suggestions, do not accompany the person.
• It is quite common to be scammed by people selling you fake carpets at really high rates.
The same applies to coins and other goods.
Always do your research before buying carpets. Ask the staff at your hotel about genuine
stores where you can buy original carpets and other Turkish products without being fooled.

Vietnam boasts of breath-taking 3000 km coastline, beautiful natural landscapes,
rich culture and unique heritage. Interesting history, delicious coffee, amazing food,
exciting adventures, pristine beaches and friendly people await you in this country.
Travel Scams In Vietnam
• You may find an eager cobbler who would forcefully repair your perfectly fine footwear
and then hand you the bill. He may also try to sell a new pair of shoes.
If you encounter such a cobbler, it is best to not stop but to continue walking. If you do stop,
the person will lift your legs and take off your shoe.
• Many restaurants serve nuts and fruits to their customers before the start of the meal.
Innocent tourists indulge on them thinking they are complementary, only to be charged for
them on the bill.
If you are served nuts and fruits, it is best to refuse. If you want to try it, ask for the price
beforehand to avoid being overcharged.

With its magnificent Swizz Alps, the gorgeous waterfalls, the mouth-watering Swiss
cuisine or the delectable Swiss chocolates, Switzerland is a dream holiday
destination for most people around the world.
Travel Scams In Switzerland
• You may be approached by random people offering free stuff, only to be charged later. If
you refuse to pay, they would create a scene.
If someone offers free stuff, plainly refuse and leave the place as soon as possible. If they are
too persistent, create a scene in public which would force them to withdraw.
• It is common to find volunteers working for NGOs asking for donations, on the streets.
However, there are several fraudsters who pocket the money for themselves instead.
If you want to donate, ask for official identification of the person. If you are in doubt, you
should refuse to pay and walk away.

From mountains, glaciers, forests, beaches and lakes, to the vibrant cities,
adventurous activities and interesting festivals and events, a holiday in Canada is
nothing less than inspirational and exciting.
Travel Scams In Canada
• In the middle of the night, you may receive a call claiming to be your hotel's front desk
asking for your credit card details. The reasons cited for extracting the information range
anywhere from the computer system crashing to you winning a free night.
This is usually a fake call. If you receive one, cut the call and make a call to your front desk
immediately.
• You are pulled into a restaurant and compelled to order the today's special. But when the
bill comes, you have to pay a hefty amount.
Avoid ordering today's special or any other dish without checking the price. If the restaurant
avoids giving you the price, do not hesitate to walk away from the restaurant.

The United States of America with a diverse geographical landscape is one of the
most famous holiday destinations in the world. Be it glamorous cities, lush
rainforests, vast deserts, classy skyscrapers and breathtaking canyons, the USA has it.
Travel Scams In USA
• You may find a takeaway menu slipped inside your hotel room. But is possible that when
you order through the menu, your credit card information gets stolen and misused.
If you find such a menu in your hotel room, check with your hotel reception before you order
anything.
• Be aware of people trying to sell fake tickets. The tickets may be old ones or you may be
sold tickets for places and rides that are actually free.
It is important to do your research before you buy any kind of any tickets. Always look out for
and buy your tickets from authorized ticket outlet and never from random strangers on the
streets.

Ancient ruins, wonderful museums, gorgeous cities, pristine beaches and beautiful
sceneries are what await you in Italy. The architecture, culture, people and food of
Rome, Venice, Florence, etc. would not fail to awe you.
Travel Scams In Italy
• There are people who purposefully cause accidents with your vehicle. They may pull aside
the road and claim that you hit their vehicle to extract huge amount of money as
compensation.
Most of these people are in old, battered cars or scooters. If you come across such scammers,
call the police before paying any money. If the accident is fake, the person would go away
before the police arrive.
• Several scams are caused by people dressed as gypsies in Italy, especially Rome. They may
try to steal your valuables with various methods.
If you come across such a group during your travels, be extra cautious and avoid them as much
as possible.

The European country of France is nothing less than spectacular. While Paris is the
most popular cities of the country, Nice, Marseilles, Cannes, etc. to check out the
cities, villages, beaches and cuisine.
Travel Scams In France
• Someone holds a gold (fake) ring and asks whether it is yours. If you take it in your hands to
check, the person will ask for money for food. It does not end here, he or she may return
after a few minutes and demand more money. What's worse he/she may have an
accomplice who may pick your pocket when you are engaged in conversation.
If anyone gives or points out towards a gold ring, refuse from taking it in your hands.
• While walking on the streets, someone might tie a friendship band on your hand or give
you a rose and ask for money. Even if you try giving back the friendship band or rose, the
person would not oblige. Several more people may join and force you to pay.
Always stay alert while talking on the streets. Also, do not take anything from strangers even if
they insist that it is for free. Nothing is!

Classy architecture, unique folk traditions, gorgeous landscapes, interesting towns,
the capital city of Budapest, marvellous food, exciting festivals, etc. are some of the
best things that you can expect in Hungary.
Travel Scams In Hungary
• Single male travellers visiting strip clubs may be offered spiked drinks. When they feel
unwell, a dancer would accompany to your hotel room to make sure you are ok but not
before robbing you off your valuables and belongings.
Avoid visiting bars or strip clubs on your own. Always visit with a group of friends or travellers.
If you visit alone, always drink from a bottle which is opened in front of you.
• Street touts may encourage you to visit a bar or hotel. In most cases, these restaurants or
bars are at secluded places. You would be either be not offered a menu or offered one with
different rates than regular ones. Once you are done with your meal, you would be
presented with a heft bill.
Do not visit the restaurants and bars suggested by street touts. It is always better to go to a
restaurant or bar that is on street level. Also, insist on a menu and check the prices carefully
before you order.

With 500 national parks, 10,685 beaches and 8222 islands, Australia offers tourists a
lot of reasons to visit its many cities, towns and districts. Culture, adventure, natural
beauty and amazing parties await you in this land of kangaroos.
Travel Scams In Australia
• Fraud or shady tour operators charge hefty prices for visiting attractions, even those which
are free. This problem is mostly faced by tourists who do not understand English well, like
the Chinese.
To avoid this problem, always book your tours through reputable tour agencies or operators.
• If you are in Surfers Paradise, you would find people selling wristbands that promise to give
free entry to all bars and clubs of the place along with a welcome drink. The cost can be
anywhere between $100 and $200.
These wristbands are useless. Most clubs in Surfers Paradise have free entry until 10 in the
night. Also, no one offers a free drink with or without the wristband. So, do not waste your
money.

Be it the majestic palaces, the gold sandy beaches, the elegant architecture or the
fascinating history, the UK has many things to grab your interest. The UK offers a
variety of landscapes, attractions and interesting things to do for tourists.
Travel Scams In United Kingdom
• You may come across several mock auctions held at retail units held near tourist
attractions. You may be tempted to buy high quality (seemingly) electronic items at low
prices.
Avoid such auctions because at the end of the auction, you would be left with a low quality or
faulty product. Even some of the people participating in the auction are involved in the scam.
• It is quite common to meet beggars who would narrate a sob story to gain your sympathy
and eventually your money. They may also take down your address to return your money
but you would never see it again.
Do not fall for these sad stories and giving money. Walk away as quickly as possible.

A holiday in the country of Iceland would give you the chance to see the Northern
Lights, the Midnight Sun, the geothermal baths, the glaciers, the mountains, the
black beaches and the volcanoes.
Travel Scams In Iceland
• The hotel you are staying at asks you not to use the tap water for drinking and insists on
buying bottled water at high prices.
Do not fall for this. Due to the availability of abundant fresh water, you can directly from the
tap anywhere in Iceland. So, do not waste your money buying water when in Iceland. Instead,
save it to buy some souvenirs to take back home!
• Lopapeysa or Icelandic sweater is made using native wool and has become a part of
Icelandic cultural identity. However, machine made Chinese replica of these sweaters are
available in the market for the exact same price or even more.
Always buy the Icelandic sweater from local farm stays like Handknitting Associate of Iceland,
Thorvaldsens Bazar, etc. to avoid being duped with a Chinese version.

Modern architecture, tea plantations, colonial architecture, adventurous activities,
interesting wildlife and a diverse culture are what await you in Malaysia. It is also
endowed with beautiful beaches, lush forests, high mountains and some great cities.
Travel Scams In Malaysia
• Many cases of thieves snatching handbags, jewellery and other valuables
(camera, phone, etc.) while travelling on bags have been reported. Not only does
the person loses his/her valuables, but sometimes gets seriously injured if the
bag or valuable does not come off easily.
Make sure that you carry your handbag away from the road. Also, it is better to not
wear any jewellery and keep your valuables safe. Moreover, do not carry too much
cash or other valuables like your passport in your bag. Carry a copy in your bag and
keep the original in your bank locker.
• You may find touts or even guesthouse owners selling you tickets for bus rides
and ferries for a low price than the original. However, when you reach the ferry
or bus terminal, you realize that it is an old ticket and you have been duped.
Always buy bus and ferry tickets from a licensed retailer. Ferry and bus companies
also offer tickets online. However, avoid buying tickets from travel agents who are

Right from unspoiled sandy beaches to thriving green mountains, the scenic beauty
of Sri Lanka is spell binding. It also offers several unique experiences like visiting tea
plantations and going on a wildlife safari.
Travel Scams In Srilanka
• You may get to sample delicious tea at a tea plantation or some other place. Once you have
done so, you would be asked if you want large quantities of tea to be delivered to your
home country at a low price. However, even after paying the amount and export tax, you
do not receive the order.
Avoid paying export charges to get the tea shipped to your home country. It would be best to
buy the tea and take it with you while returning home.
• You may come across a local who promises to take you around the place and get good rates
on transport and food. But you would most likely to be taken to stores where you would be
forced to buy products at really high prices. You are most likely to be ripped by the tuk tuks
that the local is associated with.
If you are offered such unofficial tour deals and guides, refuse firmly and walk away.

Complete with resplendent beaches, exotic wildlife, interesting adventures, delicious
food and wine and a pleasant climate throughout the year, there is a lot to look
forward to in South Africa.
Travel Scams In South Africa
• You are approached by a well-dressed man offering taxi service for reasonable price at the
airport. You agree, only to be taken to a secluded place, away from the transportation hub
where you can be robbed or suffer from worse consequences.
Always go for a reputable taxi service. If possible, book a taxi before you arrive at the airport.
Also, if you are approached by anyone providing taxi service, ask for driver's license.
• While on the road, you may be approached by a man with a helmet who would ask for
money to buy fuel for his bike which has broken down three blocks away. He may tell you a
sob story and even cry. However, the money you give will most likely go into alcohol and
drugs.
Avoid paying any cash. If the person is persistent, suggest calling road assistance. If the person
is a fraudster, he would leave even before you have dialled the number.

Brazil is home to the biggest rainforest in the world, the Amazon Forest. The country
is bestowed with pristine beaches, natural wonders, vibrant cities, amazing
celebrations, travel friendly weather, amazing food and great people and culture.
Travel Scams In Brazil
• While enjoying one of the beautiful beaches, you may be approached by a person claiming
that the beach is a private property of a complex or group of apartments nearby and you
would have to pay a fee to use it. If you refuse to pay, he may get aggressive.
Do not panic. If there is no fence around the beach, it is not a private property and is free for
the public. If the person becomes aggressive, threaten to call the police and he would no
longer bother you.
• If you become a victim of drug planting and caught by the police, you would have to pay a
huge bribe to save yourself.
The best way to avoid this is keeping your bags closed at all times. Make sure that you are
alert all the time, especially when you are in crowded places which is when the drugs are
usually planted.

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South East Asia. It has a
pleasant climate year around, is home to the most delicious cuisine, has the most
gorgeous beaches, has a great culture and offers the best nightlife.
Travel Scams In Thailand
• You have had a fabulous jet skiing experience in Pattaya or Phuket. However, when you
return the rented jet ski, you are thrust with a huge bill that covers cost of damages that
you are sure have not been caused by you. If you refuse to pay, you would be threatened to
be taken to the cops.
Before you go on a jet skiing trip, take pictures of the jet ski from all angles and capture all the
existing dents and damages. Also, never provide your passport as a deposit while renting the
jet ski.
• You may be lured into a gem shop by people who get commission from the store owners.
Once you are at the store, you would be forced to buy gems which are actually worthless.
Do not take unsolicited advice from strangers. If they offer free tuk tuk or any other service if
you visit a gem store, then you are in for a ride. Reject firmly.

Philippines is blessed with postcard perfect beaches, beautiful diving spots, gorgeous
islands and the people are extremely friendly. It resembles South America more than
the other South East Asian countries.
Travel Scams In Philippines
• Riding on a horse-drawn buggy may seem to be an interesting experience. During the ride,
the driver would get down at a place only to be taken over by his boss who would demand
anywhere 10-20 times more than the amount which was agreed earlier.
You would not be able to escape this problem even if you have agreed on the amount before
starting the journey. In this case, it is best to avoid getting on a horse-drawn buggy.
• You would be approached by a stranger promising to take you to a bar where you would
find several beautiful girls. These ladies would not only interact with you but also order
drinks. At the end, you would be presented with an overpriced bill which you would have to
pay.
It is best to refuse offers of drinking together from strangers.

Breath-taking landscapes, perfect climatic conditions, mouth-watering food, ancient
monuments and amazing nightlife are some of the factors that make Greece so
popular. Pristine beaches and ancient monuments would keep you busy in Greece.
Travel Scams In Greece
• Taxi scams are really common in Greece. Once you start your journey, you would be
informed by the driver that the meter is not working and you would be charged a
ridiculously high amount which you would no option but to pay.
Research online or ask at the reception of your hotel to know how much you would be
charged to reach a place. Before you start your journey, bargain and agree on a price.
However, the best thing to do is get in a legal taxi which has a proper working meter.
• A person approaches you willing to take your picture. You agree. But after taking the photo,
he demands a huge sum of money.
Do not accept offers of taking photos from strangers. If you want to get your photo clicked, ask
a fellow tourist.

Argentina is home to spectacular waterfalls, glacial lakes, violent volcanoes, lush
jungles, enormous mountains, amazing sea coast, haunting steppes and a unique
culture. Vibrant cities are also a major attraction of Argentina.
Travel Scams In Argentina
• You may exit the airport only to find a well dressed waiting with your name board. He
would say that it is part of the hotel service and take you in his vehicle. Once inside, you
could be charged for the service, robbed or taken to another hotel claiming the hotel you
had booked is full.
Do not fall for this. In most cases, the person receives all your information through a customs
official inside the airport. If you have not arranged for pickup or if your hotel has not
mentioned any pickup service, do not go for it.
• You may be walking on the street when someone spills something (mustard, ketchup or
chocolate milk) on you and tries to help you getting it out. When you are distracted, his or
her accomplice whisks away your wallet and valuables.

Bestowed with elegant scenery, delicious food and simple lifestyle, Morocco is a
haven for tourists who are looking for a relaxed holiday. Be it the Sahara Desert, the
mosques, the riads, the architecture or unique landscapes, Morocco has it all.
Travel Scams In Morocco
• If you are visiting Jemna El-Fna, beware of the Henna women who would sneak Henna ink
on your hands, apologize and offer to get a full tattoo. When it is done, you would be asked
to pay a preposterous amount, even if you do not like the end result.
It is best to fall into this scam. If you find henna paint on your hands, just walk away. Do not
agree for your entire hands to be painted. You would be charged more than the actual price.
• It is common to see local people carrying snakes and monkeys in the market. If you click a
picture of the animal, you may have to pay a fee for the same. On the other hand, hand
over the animal to you, snatch your camera, take a picture and then demand a fee.
Always avoid these street performers or scammers. Also, keep your camera safe as some
people may just run away with the camera.

Travel Scams Around The World

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