Travel Scams around the world & How to Avoid them
Travel Scams Around the World & How to Avoid them
Travel truly is a beautiful thing. When you travel, you meet amazing, kind-hearted people who will bend over backwards to help you on your journey. You experience new cultures and alternative ways of life, and you develop an appreciation for history. However, despite all the good, every now and then you meet some people just looking to make a buck off you. Let’s face it, nobody wants to think about all the ways they could possibly be scammed before they head out on a trip, but being prepared and aware of the most common travel scams could save you a lot of money and a huge headache.
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Common Travel Scams And How To Avoid Them:
When traveling, it’s important to be aware of common travel scams that target tourists in popular destinations around the world. These scams can range from simple tricks designed to overcharge you, to more elaborate schemes aimed at stealing your money or personal belongings.
Understanding how these scams operate and being vigilant can help you avoid falling victim to them. From fake taxi meters to friendly locals offering unsolicited help, staying informed about common travel scams can make your trip safer and more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on the adventure rather than the risks.
Taxi Scams
Being scammed by a taxi driver is something that almost all travelers either went through or had this happen to a friend. For this reason it will start off our list with the top 3 most common taxi scams.
Taxi scam: longer routes
Taxi drivers may think you don’t know the way to get to your hotel. After all, you are a tourist and probably don’t know much about the city. So they will take extremely long routes to reach the address you gave them in order to jack up the meter price.
How to avoid it?
Google the route in advance and check it in on the map. Have the route pulled up and track the way you’re going during the drive. Also can help if know a street name to tell the driver which way you want to go if it looks like he isn’t going the quickest way.
Taxi scam: Broken Taxi Meter
This one doesn’t really take much to explain. If the taximeter isn’t working, the driver shouldn’t be on the streets offering his service, right?
How to avoid it?
Take another cab. It really is that simple.
Taxi scam: Fake or changed bill
You’re sitting in the backseat, give the driver a $50 bill, and he takes it, but you can’t see the bill very well because it’s in front of his body. Then he says he won’t accept a fake bill and gives it back to you. And that is a fake bill indeed, but that’s not yours.
Or he says it’s missing some money. But you gave him $50! “No, you gave me $5, look!”. Sneaky, huh? The scammer drivers are pretty fast at doing it, so watch out!
How to avoid it?
I always ask before we leave if card will be accepted. If not, I usually say thanks anyway and find another cab to avoid this issue all together. However if you don’t feel like waiting for another cab, or they seek scarce depending on time of day, ask beforehand if he has change for $50, and say how much he owes you when you give him the bill.
Fake police officers
You’re walking through the streets of a new city, and a police officer stops you to ask for your documents. For obvious reasons, you give it to him, but there is something wrong with it, he says. Or, he claims you have violated some rule but you have no clue if this is true. Then, apparently, he can let it go if you pay him out right now. No, thanks!
How to avoid it?
Remember that real police should not ask for the fine on the spot. If you find yourself in this situation, then ask for their ID and tell them you will deal with the matter at the police station. This is likely to quickly deter them.
The Gift.
Someone will approach you and offer a thin bracelet/ string saying that it’s from the church nearby or even that it’s a gift for you. Or an older women will want to give you a rose, a keychain , something….
Once you accept, they will ask you for money for your new souvenir. They can be intimidating and follow you around making a scene until you give them a ridiculous amount of money.
How to avoid it?
When someone offers you a “gift”, say firmly, “No, thank you!” and walk away.
Motorbike snatchers
This scam is present mostly in South East Asia and possibly other countries where motorbikes are widely used. The person on the motorbike or moped will drive past you as you are walking down the street and snatch your bag. They then drive off; with no way you can catch them. This happens with cell phones and other items people tend to carry in their hands while walking.
How to avoid it?
Always walk with your bag placed the opposite side of the road or use a bag with a cross strap. I only travel with a backpack or cross body bag when traveling. I also put a tracker in my bags on the chance that somehow they are stolen.
Baggage bus/train scams
Buses and overnight trains can be easy places for thieves to steal your belongings. From the helpful local who offers to help you with your bags, and then takes off with them, to the person who distracts you whilst someone else tries to steal something from inside you bag. You should also be careful with overnight buses or trains when someone can steal your belongings while you are asleep.
How to avoid it?
Always keep the most valuable possessions on your person and keep them close to you, especially while you sleep. Buying an anti-theft backpack can also help with an added layer of protection form bag slashers. I also keep a Bluetooth GPS Tracking lock on all my luggage (which I can set off an alarm).
Conclusion
There we have it, the top most common travel scams around the world and how you can avoid them. Feel free to check out my Top 7 Travel Safety Tips article as well.
Have you ever been scammed abroad? Or do you know any other scams to share with fellow travelers? Drop your experiences in the comments!
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