Common Scams when Travelling

The best way to avoid being ripped off is to get informed and know about popular scams at your destination before travelling. In general, you should be wary of any stranger who approaches you in a touristy place. People who approach tourists at attractions, transportation hubs or border crossings very often have a strong motive.

Here are some simple rules which help to avoid falling for local ripoffs.

1. Always ask for the price first
Always ask for the price before receiving. Taxi ride, food, drink, whatever! It is too late to ask after having received and you can be charged any price.

2. Attractions, transportation hubs and borders
These are places where new tourists arrive and usually they have pockets full of money. This is why scams are very common in such places and one should pay extra attention. Very often prices for goods and services are higher than just a few meters away.

3. Always compare prices
Compare prices of goods, tickets and services even when at tourism information offices or ticket counters. In some places such offices are fake and run by middlemen who want to earn on you. A good idea is to ask and possibly book through your accommodation.