Traveling is an amazing experience, but unfortunately, some people see tourists as easy targets for scams. Whether you’re exploring vibrant cities, relaxing on a beach, or wandering through historical sites, it’s important to stay alert. Here are some of the most common tourist scams around the world and how to avoid them.
1. The “Dropped item” scam
🔹 How it works: A scammer “accidentally” drops an item – often a shoe brush or tool – near a tourist. When you pick it up, they insist on rewarding you by offering a service, such as polishing your shoes. But after they finish, they demand a large payment.
🔹 Where it’s common: Asia, Africa.
✅ How to avoid it: Don’t pick up objects from the ground unless you’re absolutely sure no one is trying to trick you.
2. Taximeter tricks
🔹 How it works: Even when using a taxi with a meter, the driver might take an unnecessarily long route, pretend they can’t find your destination, or even stop for “water” while the meter keeps running.
🔹 Where it’s common: Asia, Africa.
✅ How to avoid it: Agree on a price before getting in or use trusted ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, or Lyft.
3. The “Per person“ taxi scam
🔹 How it works: A group of tourists negotiates a price for a taxi ride, thinking it’s for the whole car. However, upon arrival, the driver claims the price was “per person,” leading to a much higher fare.
🔹 Where it’s common: Asia, Africa.
✅ How to avoid it: Confirm that the price is for the entire ride, not per person, or use trusted ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, or Lyft.
4. Fake taxi
🔹 How it works: At airports or train stations, unlicensed taxi drivers offer rides to tourists. Some may overcharge, while others have even worse intentions, like robberies.
🔹 Where it’s common: Latin America, Africa.
✅ How to avoid it: Only use official taxis, and check that the license plate matches what’s provided in the app or by your hotel.
5. Tour scams
🔹 How it works: Cheap street-sold tours may be shorter, lower quality, or have hidden fees. Some promise entrance tickets, meals, or activities but later demand extra payments.
🔹 Where it’s common: Africa.
✅ How to avoid it: Book tours through reputable sites with reviews or through your hotel.
6. The “Closed business” scam
🔹 How it works: Strangers tell you that your hotel, restaurant, or attraction is closed and suggest another place – where they get a commission.
🔹 Where it’s common: Worldwide.
✅ How to avoid it: Check it.
7. The shopping trap on tours
🔹 How it works: Tourists are taken to overpriced stores selling carpets, oils, pearls, or herbal medicines at ridiculously high prices. The guides earn a commission from every sale. Some products may even be fake.
🔹 Where it’s common: Worldwide.
✅ How to avoid it: Avoid buying anything impulsively on a tour. If you like something, research prices and reviews before purchasing.
8. Pushy restaurant or shop promoters
🔹 How it works: Restaurants and shops with aggressive promoters usually have bad quality food or items, overpriced menus, etc.
🔹 Where it’s common: Worldwide.
✅ How to avoid it: Choose your shops and restaurants based on reviews, recommendations, or your own research rather than pushy salespeople.
9. Rental scams (cars, boats, equipment)
🔹 How it works: Some rental companies claim that you damaged their vehicle or equipment, forcing you to pay high fees.
🔹 Where it’s common: Worldwide.
✅ How to avoid it: Take photos and videos of rentals before using them and consider full insurance coverage.
10. Fake petitions or donations
🔹 How it works: People, often young individuals, ask tourists to sign a petition and then aggressively demand a donation.
🔹 Where it’s common: Europe.
✅ How to avoid it: Politely refuse and walk away.
11. Bracelet or “Free gift” tourist scam
🔹 How it works: A friendly stranger offers a “gift” like a bracelet or flower, then demands money once you accept it.
🔹 Where it’s common: Europe, North Africa.
✅ How to avoid it: Don’t accept anything from strangers.
12. ATM & card scams
🔹 How it works: Scammers may place a card skimmer on ATMs to steal your information or watch while you enter your PIN.
🔹 Where it’s common: Worldwide.
✅ How to avoid it: Use ATMs inside banks and cover your PIN when entering it.
13. The “Friendly local” tourist scam
🔹 How it works: A local befriends a tourist, then lures them to an overpriced bar, club, or shop where the tourist is forced to pay a huge bill.
🔹 Where it’s common: Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa.
✅ How to avoid it: Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering to take you somewhere.
Final tips for staying safe:
✅ Use trusted transport services like Uber, Bolt, or pre-arranged taxis.
✅ Book activities through well-reviewed platforms rather than random street vendors.
✅ Be skeptical of “too good to be true” deals.
✅ Double-check all prices and terms before agreeing to anything.
✅ Always trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away.
But keep exploring!
While these scams are important to be aware of, don’t let them stop you from exploring the world. Most people you meet during your travels are kind, welcoming, and just as excited to share their culture as you are to experience it. Traveling opens doors to unforgettable experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and fascinating histories. Stay informed, trust your instincts, and enjoy the adventure!
