Right, let’s be honest, people! We all dream of those picture-perfect holidays, but sometimes reality throws a spanner in the works. I’ve been gallivanting around the globe for two decades, and trust me, I’ve seen a thing or two. The world’s a wonderful place, brimming with incredible sights and experiences. But like any place, it has its share of dodgy characters looking to make a quick buck at the expense of unsuspecting tourists.
But fear not! This isn’t a doom and gloom tale. Think of this as your secret weapon, a guide packed with insider tips to help you navigate the world of travel scams with a smile. With a bit of savvy, you can outsmart the scammers and keep your holiday memories sunny side up. Let’s get t it and arm you with the knowledge to travel smart and stay safe.
The Classic Taxi Overcharge
The age-old taxi trick! You hop in, eager to reach your destination, only to find the meter running faster than Usain Bolt. Suddenly, a simple journey turns into a budget-busting nightmare. It happens, it truly does.
How to avoid it:
- Always agree on a fare beforehand or insist on using the meter.
- Research local ride-share apps for transparency and fixed fares.
- Carry small bills to avoid the “no change” trick.
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Your Accommodation is "Closed"
You arrive at your hotel, bags in hand, only to be told by a “helpful” stranger that it’s unexpectedly closed. Conveniently, they know a fantastic alternative! Spoiler alert: it’s probably not fantastic, and it might not even be real.
How to avoid it:
- Call ahead to confirm your reservation.
- Politely decline unsolicited advice and head directly to your booked location.
Find your Accommodation: Booking.com Accommodation
Find the best tours & tickets: TripAdvisor Tours
The Shell Game
Three cups, one little ball, and a whole lot of trickery. This classic street scam is designed to distract and confuse. You might think you’re following the ball, but these guys are pros at sleight of hand. Someone in the crowd pretending to help you will advise you where the ball is or distract you ! I got done by this in Benidorm!
How to avoid it:
- Avoid participating. Just don’t bother playing!
- Stick to people-watching without pulling out your wallet. You just don’t win!
"Come in for Tea and Help Me Write a Letter!"
This one’s a heartstring-tugger. A friendly local invites you for tea and asks for help writing a letter in English. Sounds innocent enough, right? Wrong. This is often a prelude to a sob story and a request for money. While some of their stories might be true, they just want your money.
How to avoid it:
- Politely decline such invitations if they seem overly insistent.
- If you’re curious, set boundaries and stick to them.
- Remember, your gut feeling is usually right. If it feels a bit off, then it may well be.
Free Bracelets/Rosemary/Anything They Can Put on You
Someone approaches you with a “gift” – a bracelet, a sprig of rosemary, or something similar. Once it’s on your wrist, you’ll start to walk away, but they’ll demand payment, often aggressively. A popular scam for tourists.
How to avoid it:
- Keep your hands to yourself and walk away firmly.
- Practice a polite but firm “No, thank you” in the local language.
- In Egypt they like to put things on your head, like a hat etc, just remove them and give it back.
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
The Spill on Your Clothes
Oops! Someone “accidentally” spills something on you. While they’re apologising profusely and helping you clean up, an accomplice is busy lifting your wallet or phone.
How to avoid it:
- Be wary of overly helpful strangers in crowded areas.
- Secure your belongings and keep valuables out of reach.
Motorbike Scam
You rent a motorbike, excited to explore. But when you return it, the owner claims you’ve damaged it and demands a hefty sum.
How to avoid it:
- Take photos of the bike before leaving.
- Rent only from reputable companies and review policies carefully.
The Flirtatious Local
A charming local strikes up a conversation, maybe even buys you a drink. Before you know it, you’re being led to an expensive bar or club where you’re hit with an outrageous bill.
How to avoid it:
- Stick to your own drinks.
- Be cautious of overly eager company, especially in tourist-heavy bars.
Your Attraction is Closed for Lunch
You arrive at a popular tourist spot, only to be told it’s closed for a special event or lunch. A “helpful” guide offers to take you to another, equally amazing place.
How to avoid it:
- Verify opening hours online or at official entrances.
- Politely decline assistance and head to the ticket counter yourself.
The “Found” Ring
Someone “finds” a gold ring right in front of you and offers it to you. It looks valuable, but it’s almost certainly fake. They’ll either demand payment or use the distraction to pickpocket you.
How to avoid it:
Refuse to engage and keep walking. Simple.
The Fake Petition
Someone asks you to sign a petition for a seemingly worthy cause. While you’re distracted, an accomplice steals your valuables.
How to avoid it:
- Avoid interacting and keep moving.
- Don’t let strangers invade your personal space.
The Drug Deal Gone Bad
This is a serious one. Someone offers to sell you drugs, and then a “police officer” appears, demanding a bribe to avoid arrest.
How to avoid it:
- Just say no to anything illegal.
- Avoid sketchy areas and keep interactions minimal.
The Wrong Change
You pay for something, and the vendor gives you back incorrect change, hoping you won’t notice.
How to avoid it:
- Count your change immediately and calmly point out errors.
- Familiarise yourself with local currency before spending.
- Have the correct money on your to give.
The Switcheroo
You buy a quality item, but when it’s bagged, you’re handed a counterfeit or broken version.
How to avoid it:
- Inspect items before paying.
- Keep them in sight until you leave.
The ATM Scam
Criminals tamper with ATMs to steal your card details and PIN. This can involve skimming devices, hidden cameras, or even fake keypads.
How to avoid it:
- Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit areas.
- Cover the keypad and check for tampering.
- Definitely use bank atms and not the portable ones!
Child & Injured Beggars
It’s heartbreaking to see children or people with apparent injuries begging on the street. However, these are often organised scams, and the money rarely goes to those in need.
How to avoid it:
- Donate to verified charities instead of individuals.
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Even if they are blind (or seem to be), just don’t bother parting with your money.
Fake Wi-Fi Hub
You connect to a free Wi-Fi hotspot, but it’s actually a fake set up by hackers to steal your personal information.
How to avoid it:
- Use VPNs and avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
- Stick to official networks at hotels or cafes.
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Fake Currency Scam
You exchange money, but the vendor gives you counterfeit notes. This is particularly common with unofficial money changers.
How to avoid it:
- Use small bills for transactions.
- Double-check your change immediately.
- Use bank atms or currency exchange to get real notes.
The Overly Helpful Porter
A seemingly kind stranger offers to carry your bags, especially at train stations or airports. Once they have your luggage, they demand an exorbitant fee or disappear with your belongings altogether.
How to avoid it:
- Be wary of unsolicited help with your luggage.
- Use official porters if available, or keep a firm grip on your bags yourself.
The Fake Police Officer
Someone claiming to be a police officer approaches you, often in plain clothes, and demands to see your passport or wallet. They might accuse you of a minor infraction and demand an on-the-spot fine.
How to avoid it:
- Ask for identification and stay calm.
- Don’t hand over your passport or wallet unless you are absolutely sure they are legitimate law enforcement.
- Refuse to hand over documents and request to go to a police station if in doubt.
Right, there we have it! We’ve journeyed through the murky underworld of travel scams, and hopefully, you’re now feeling a bit more streetwise. Remember, the vast majority of people you’ll meet on your travels will be kind, honest, and welcoming. Don’t let the fear of scams put a damper on your adventures. By staying alert, using your common sense, and trusting your instincts, you can outsmart the scammers and enjoy a truly unforgettable trip.
Your turn…
Have you ever encountered a travel scam? Share your experiences or any tips you’ve picked up along the way in the comments below! Let’s help each other travel smarter and safer.
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Your Questions, Answered
What's the best way to carry money when travelling?
Use a mix of methods: credit cards for larger purchases, a small amount of local currency for incidentals, and a debit card for ATM withdrawals. Consider a money belt or hidden pouch for added security.
How can I avoid being pickpocketed?
Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Keep valuables close to your body and avoid flashing large sums of cash.
What should I do if I think I've been scammed?
Report it to the local authorities and your embassy or consulate. Contact your bank or credit card company if necessary.
Are there any countries where scams are more common?
Scams can happen anywhere, but some tourist hotspots are known for having a higher incidence. Research your destination beforehand.
Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi when travelling?
Be cautious with public Wi-Fi. Avoid accessing sensitive information, like online banking, on unsecured networks. Use a VPN for added security.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource.
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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