Tourist Traps - Stay Alert on Holiday

Travelling brings many wonderful experiences, but it's important to know that tourists are often targeted by different kinds of scams. Knowing the most common ones can help you enjoy your holiday without nasty surprises.

Common Scams Targeting Tourists

1. Taxi scams

Many tourists are cheated by taxi drivers who charge unusually high fares.. This is common in cities where tourists don't know the local transport system.

2. Attraction scams

In this scam, people claim to be guides or ticket sellers at popular tourist attractions and sell fake tickets at inflated prices, or tickets that aren't valid.

3. Currency exchange scams

Scammers may offer to exchange money at a "good" rate, but give you counterfeit notes or much less currency than is fair.

4. Rigged street games

There are many kinds of street games where scammers make it look as if you can easily win money, when in fact you are being cheated. One example is the game with three cups where you have to guess which one hides the ball.

Bluffkollen's advice before your holiday:

Stay alert

Always pay attention to your surroundings and be sceptical of strangers who approach you with offers or help. If something seems too good to be true, it often is.

Use official services

Choose official taxi companies and use transport services recommended by reliable sources. Always check that the meter is on, or agree on the price before the trip starts. Many airports have dedicated taxi queues where only reputable taxi companies are allowed to pick up passengers. If someone walks up to you at the airport and offers you a taxi, it's probably not a legitimate taxi service.

Use official exchange offices and local currency

Exchange money at a bank or an official exchange office rather than on the street, however good the rate may seem. If you pay by card, it's usually smart to choose to pay in the local currency, because then your bank's exchange rate applies instead of the card terminal's.

Keep a healthy scepticism

Be extra careful if someone seems overly friendly or insists on helping you without being asked. That said, it doesn't mean you should be suspicious of everything and everyone on your holiday. Enjoy yourself too, of course. So pack your bag, but don't leave your common sense at home.