1. Taxi scams
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Saying they don’t have change or giving the wrong change
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Carry small bills, because I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a taxi driver agree to a price, take me to my destination, they when I hand over bills, they claim that they don’t have change. Also, ALWAYS count your change. If they do give you change, they will likely short you.
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Not using their meter
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Some taxi drivers don’t use their meter, especially in tourist spots or traffic jams. They HAVE a meter, but they don’t turn it on when you get in the car. This is illegal in most countries, but they do it and you get way overcharged because they can make up whatever number they want.
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Tricking you into going to their friends and families stores or restaurants
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I enjoy shopping local and supporting family businesses when I travel, but not when I’m lured into it. “Friendly” taxi drivers who try to give you ideas for stops like cheap tours, shops, or restaurants are likely doing this. They’ll take you to their cousin’s crappy restaurant or shop where they get a commission. You’ll be overcharged or sold worthless goods.
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To avoid taxi scams, try the following:
- Only use taxis with a meter. Don’t get in the car until the driver confirms that they have a working meter and will use it, and when you get in the car, watch them turn the meter on. Some drivers will say they have a meter to get you in the car, then not use it. You’ll be stuck with them in the car demanding you pay an outrageous price.
- If you’re using a taxi without a meter, don’t get in the car until you ask the price, haggle, and agree on the rate.
- Bring a personal alarm with you. I’ve had some SKETCHY taxi drivers, so better safe than sorry. I use the Papasafety 3 in 1 personal alarm— it’s tiny (fits in any purse!) and is one of the only safety devices that you can bring in a carry on bag.
2. Wrong change and overcharging scams
Just like the overcharging with taxi drivers, other merchants (like restaurants, bars, and shops) will pull this same trick. Honestly, expect it and haggle EVERYWHERE you go or you’ll get massively ripped off. And again, merchants may also try to give you the wrong change — for example, giving you change for $10 when you paid with a $100 note. They count on you not recognizing the local currency notes until it’s too late.
With bars and restaurants, staff may push you to order without a menu or avoid questions about price— then you’ll get an expensive bill. A restaurant in Turkey (on a menu without prices) tried to charge 60 USD for 2 drinks and a plate of fruit last year. 1 USD is ~19 Turkish lira, so the cost for this should have been around 15USD max. Be sure to:
- Familiarize yourself with local currency
- Get a sense of how much things cost
- Avoid using large bills to pay for small items. Read reviews of places, and always ask to see a menu. Check the price of food and drinks before ordering and don’t accept extra food you didn’t order.
- Pay attention and take your time to check you have the correct change.
3. Pickpocketing scams
In crowded tourist areas, scammers may pickpocket you creatively by creating some kind of distraction. Someone may engage you in conversation in any number of ways (Do you need directions? is one that gets people all the time) while their teammate “accidentally” bumps into you from behind (lifting your wallet or phone). To avoid pickpocketing scams, try the following:
- Pay attention in tourist areas (duh), on trains and buses, when buying tickets for something, when in crowds, when taking photos of a landmark, etc.
- Be suspicious of people that try to engage you in conversation. Normally I give everyone the benefit of the doubt and love talking to locals, but in places that are tourist heavy, it really serves you better to keep scams at the top of your mind and sus someone out if they approach you.
- Don’t put things in your back pockets. Keep your valuables in a zipped coat pocket or in your bag on the front of your body.
4. Credit card skimming scams
Card skimming is the illegal copying of information from the magnetic strip of a card. Skimming happens often when you’re buy something and somebody takes your credit card out of your sight. Don’t forget to:
- Ask for your card back straight away if a shop assistant wants to swipe it out of your sight or in a second machine, or a second time.
- Pay with a check or cash, or don’t buy the item if they insist on taking your card away.
- Never share your PIN.
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5. Visa scams
Visa scams involve travelers buying visas that are not needed, illegal or overpriced. I’ve had this happen to me using third-party websites that charge a fee to submit a visa application on your behalf, then the visa never comes.
I’ve also had a friend get scammed at the airport trying to get a visa, so be sure to do all your visa research ahead of time and have these in line before you travel and get stuck in a high pressure situation. Be sure to:
- Apply for visas using links or organizations recommended by the embassy or consulate of the country you’re visiting
- Read the travel advice for information on entry and exit requirements well before you travel (some visas can take weeks or months to be approved!)
6. Car, motorcycle, and bike rental scams
Vehicle rental scams happen a lot in tourist towns, including vehicles like jet skis, bikes, boats, etc. The rental operator will accuse you of returning “damaged” vehicles and demand more money. This scam is especially dangerous because when you rent a vehicle in a tourist destination, they usually take your passport as collateral, which means that they have the power of keeping your passport until you pay for the damage. Always:
- Read reviews of local travel companies
- Check the vehicle and take photos of any and all damage. I actually take pics and videos of the entire thing, top to bottom.
- Check if your insurance covers you for recreational vehicles
- Never leave your passport as collateral- tell them you don’t have it on you and offer your driver’s license or student ID instead. If they insist, pick a different rental operator.
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