Traveling is exciting, but tourist hotspots often attract scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting visitors. From fake tickets to overly “helpful” strangers, these scams can ruin your trip—and your budget.
Here’s a list of common travel scams in popular destinations, how to spot them, and tips to avoid falling victim.
1. The “Friendly Local” Scam (Bangkok, Thailand)
🎭 How It Works: A friendly local approaches you near major attractions (like the Grand Palace) and says it’s “closed for a Buddhist holiday.” They then offer to take you to a “better” temple or shop (where they get a commission).
🚫 How to Avoid:
✔ Always check official opening hours online.
✔ Ignore strangers offering unsolicited help.
✔ Walk into the attraction to verify.
2. The Taxi Meter Trick (Istanbul, Turkey / Delhi, India)
🎭 How It Works: The driver claims the meter is “broken” and charges an inflated fare. Some taxis even have rigged meters that jump prices rapidly.
🚫 How to Avoid:
✔ Use Uber, BiTaksi (Istanbul), or Ola (India) when possible.
✔ Insist on the meter before getting in.
✔ Ask your hotel for estimated fares beforehand.
3. The Fake Police Scam (Rome, Italy / Barcelona, Spain)
🎭 How It Works: Someone dressed as a cop asks to check your wallet for “counterfeit money” and steals cash.
🚫 How to Avoid:
✔ Real police never ask to see your wallet.
✔ Ask for official ID and offer to go to the police station.
✔ Keep your money in a hidden pouch.
4. The Bracelet Scam (Paris, France / Marrakech, Morocco)
🎭 How It Works: A vendor “gifts” you a bracelet, then demands payment. If you refuse, they may cause a scene or pickpocket you.
🚫 How to Avoid:
✔ Say “No, thank you” firmly and keep walking.
✔ Avoid making eye contact with street vendors.
✔ Keep your hands in your pockets in crowded areas.
5. The Overpriced Restaurant Menu (Prague, Czech Republic / Dubrovnik, Croatia)
🎭 How It Works: You’re handed a menu with reasonable prices, but after eating, the bill is 5x higher (often targeting tourists who don’t check).
🚫 How to Avoid:
✔ Check Google Maps reviews before dining.
✔ Take a photo of the menu when ordering.
6. The Fake Tour Ticket (Egypt / Machu Picchu, Peru)
🎭 How It Works: Sellers offer “discounted” tickets to major sites, but they’re either fake or already used.
🚫 How to Avoid:
✔ Only buy from official ticket offices.
✔ Check for holograms/watermarks on tickets.
✔ Book online in advance when possible.
7. The “Helpful” ATM Thief (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Bangkok, Thailand)
🎭 How It Works: A “good Samaritan” helps you at an ATM, then secretly swaps your card or notes your PIN.
🚫 How to Avoid:
✔ Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
✔ Use ATMs inside banks (not street ones).
✔ Check your card before leaving.
8. The Gem Scam (Myanmar / Sri Lanka)
🎭 How It Works: A friendly local convinces you to buy “cheap” gems to resell for profit—but they’re worthless glass.
🚫 How to Avoid:
✔ Never buy gems from street dealers.
✔ If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
✔ Walk away from high-pressure sales tactics.
9. The Fake WiFi Hotspot (Airports / Europe)
🎭 How It Works: Scammers set up fake “Free Airport WiFi” networks to steal passwords and credit card details.
🚫 How to Avoid:
✔ Only connect to official airport/hotel WiFi.
✔ Use a VPN for secure browsing.
✔ Turn off auto-connect on your phone.
10. The Distraction Pickpocket (Barcelona, Spain / Rome, Italy)
🎭 How It Works: Someone spills something on you, “helps” clean it up, while an accomplice steals your wallet.
🚫 How to Avoid:
✔ Wear a cross-body bag with zippers.
✔ Be wary of sudden crowds or distractions.
✔ Keep valuables in front pockets.
BONUS: General Anti-Scam Tips
✔ Research common scams in your destination before traveling.
✔ Carry only the cash you need for the day.
✔ Use a RFID-blocking wallet to prevent digital theft.
✔ Trust your gut—if something feels off, walk away.
Stay Alert, Not Paranoid
Most locals are honest and helpful—but a few bad actors target tourists. By staying aware of these tricks, you can travel smarter and safer.
Want a Part 2 with more scams? Let us know! 🚨✈️
