8 Travel Scams From Around The World
Whilst it would be great to live in a world where we feel safe and can trust everybody, the sad reality is; there are people who are not so good out there, who like our money more than they like us or just like playing games on unsuspecting victims.
Thankfully I have a strong gut instinct so have not fallen for too many scammers on my travels, . However, that doesn’t mean they haven’t tried.
You will find;
The pineapple lady in Vietnam - she puts her hat on you and thrust her stick on your shoulder, and encourages your friend to take a photo and then charges you for it. Yes, I fell for this one. It all happens so quick and she is so convincing you don’t have time to react. At least you get some pineapple out of it.
Shops are closed in Bangkok - there are guys standing on the side of the road dressed in a tourist shirt so they look legit. They have maps and all to advise tourists. They talk convincingly. They tell you the shops are closed but they can take you to the temples now including a boat ride. Know your stuff. Do your own research if you are out sightseeing for the day. They are not closed and the prices they were going to charge were crazy expensive. We didn’t fall for this one. We didn’t spend long in the shops though.
Festivals only on today - In Colombo, Sri Lanka, guys stop unsuspecting tourists new into the city that day to tell them there is a special festival at a temple only on today. They can show you and take you there. They stop a passing tuk-tuk and leave you there at the temple. Guess what? There is no special festival and the temple is so far away from the city. Then the tuk-tuk driver demands an extravagant amount of money as payment. Yep, fell for this one too. I got angry and refused to pay them what they were asking, only giving them a little which would still have been a wholes day wages.
Pickpockets - Watch out in Buenos Aires, Argentina for pickpockets, especially on crowded buses and trains. You won’t even feel a thing. Never put your phone on money in a pocket without a zipper or button. My sister lost her mobile on the second day into her travels. They were quick to swipe her phone from her pants pocket. You will also find pickpockets around Paris, Ulaanbaatar, and Rome. Pays to take care wherever you are in the world.
Metres not working - In Morocco the taxi drivers will not use their metre or tell you it’s broken then tell you a large amount you need to pay. Work out the final price with the driver before you take off. They may also stop to pick up other passengers on the way. There are petite taxis which hold four passengers or grande taxis which can take six passengers; two on the front seat and four in the back. Prepare to squeeze tight or you can pay for two people and get the extra room.
Local’s price and the tourist prices - In many countries, you may notice stores without pricing or signs. That’s because they make the price up depending upon whether you are a local or tourist. Think Italy, Morocco, Thailand…
Gypsy babies - Have you heard the one about the women in Italy who walk around with babies asking for money to help feed their baby. Half the time they are not even their own baby.
Starting a company - In Africa, guys will get you close, tell you a sob story about how they don’t have much money but have a great business idea and how they just need a little money to start it. They may even email you their business plan. Don’t give them any money. They will never pay it back. And they never have any intention of starting that business. Why? Cause it’s so easy just to scam money from tourists.
Have you been caught out while travelling? It happens to the best of us, even me, who thought I was all over it. Do your research first before entering the country so you are prepared for what they want to throw at you. Anything for your money.
What has been your experience? We would love it if you joined the conversation and left a comment below.
