Here Are 10 Travel Scams Tourists Always Seem to Fall For

Travel should be an exciting experience, but unfortunately, it also opens you up to be a target for various tourist scams. Having knowledge of common travel scams will help you avoid becoming a victim. It is important to be alert and safeguard yourself when you are traveling. Below, we’ll talk about some of the most common schemes that even the most savvy tourists get wrapped up in sometimes.

1. The Broken Taxi Meter

Tourists often rely on taxis or public transit to get from place to place. A common travel scam is the broken taxi meter. The driver will offer to drive you where you want to go, but they’ll tell you the meter is broken. As a result, they will charge you a flat rate for the service. Usually, this amount is much higher than what you’d normally pay. You should insist that the driver use the meter or negotiate the flat-rate pay in advance. Another common taxi scheme is sometimes the driver might take you on a longer route. This increases the fare. To avoid these problems, it is best to stick to licensed taxi companies only.

2. Fake Monks Asking for Donations

You might run into people dressed as monks, especially in popular tourist destinations. These people might be asking for donations. While it may seem like a good, innocent thing, these people are often scammers. Genuine monks or religious figures will not typically solicit donations from people on the street. If you find yourself wanting to contribute to worthy local causes while you are traveling, find reputable organizations or visit the temples. Don’t feel pressured to hand over any money to anyone on the street.

3. The Bracelet Scam

This scam is a common one in busy tourist spots. Someone will come up to you and offer a free bracelet or some other trinket. Before you have a chance to decline their offer, they might tie it to your wrist. Then, once you are wearing it, they demand payment for the item. The person may start getting aggressive and even create a scene. If someone approaches you while you are traveling with any unsolicited item, be firm, say no, and keep walking.

4. The Bump and Grab

The bump and grab is a classic tourist scam. Pickpocketing is a common problem in tourist locations. In this instance, a thief will intentionally bump into you in a crowded area. They do this to distract you while their accomplice steals from you. To avoid this travel scam, you should make sure everything is in secure, zippered bags. Don’t ever carry your valuables out in the open or in your back pocket. You should also do your best to be aware in busy markets and on public transportation. This is where thieves like this thrive. If you are bumped into, check your belongings to make sure nothing is gone.

5. The Free Tour That’s Not So Free

Unfortunately, many tourists fall for the “free tour” scam. This is where a local offers to show you around the location for free. In the end, they wind up profiting from your tour. They might take you to different local shops where they get a commission from your purchases. You also might find that they pressure you to leave a large tip. The best way to avoid this is to only book tours through reputable agencies.

6. The Currency Exchange Rip-Off

Travelers oftentimes get scammed at currency exchange offices. Sometimes, these places will offer good rates but charge hidden fees. They may even give you the wrong amount of money in exchange, cheating you out of your hard-earned cash. Always be aware of the current exchange rate before traveling to a different country. If you use a currency exchange office, always count your money before you leave the counter. Additionally, it’s best to use official exchange offices, which are typically located in the airport or at banks. Don’t approach street vendors claiming to offer currency exchanges.

7. The Closed Attraction Lie

Another common travel scam is the closed attraction lie. This happens when you are approached by a local who informs you that the attraction you are trying to visit is closed. The person will offer to take you somewhere else. It is usually grossly overpriced or even fake. Before you take them up on their offer, check for an official confirmation that the attraction you wanted to go to is actually closed. Stick to your original plans and don’t trust just anyone on the street.

8. The Overpriced Souvenir Shop

Souvenir shops are sadly a common place for travelers to get scammed. These shops will often claim that they have the best prices or the most authentic items. However, the store usually inflates their prices heavily. It’s important to shop around before you buy any souvenirs. Don’t feel like you have to buy anything from the first store you visit. Also, keep in mind, that bargaining is common in many countries. You can negotiate on the price.

9. The Fake Wi-Fi Scam

It’s never a good idea to use public Wi-Fi when you are abroad. Scammers will set up fake networks to steal your personal information. They might get access to your passwords, credit card numbers, and other important data. You should only use secure, password-protected network. For an extra layer of security, you can also use a virtual private network (VPN). Overall, it’s a good idea to be cautious of any free Wi-Fi in busy tourist areas.

10. The Friendly Photographer

Everyone wants photos of their travels, but you should be wary of a stranger offering to take your photo. This is a common travel scam. The stranger will snap the picture and then demand money before returning your phone or camera. They might even run off with your device. If you want your picture taken, it is better to ask another tourist in the location or someone you are traveling with.

Stay Alert and Protect Your Travel Experience

The best way to protect yourself against these common travel scams is to be aware of them. Knowledge and a little preparation will go a long way in making sure you have a safe trip. Remember, do your research before embarking on a new adventure, and stay vigilant.