Avoid these common tourist scams when traveling around the world

It's easy to get scammed as a tourist when you're traveling the world. You don't possess the local knowledge to know better, which makes you the ideal target for swindlers and scammers.

Today, we've compiled a list of some of the most common tourist scams around the world, so you can keep an eye out for them. Let's begin!

Most common tourist scams around the world

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Be safe, friends. Study this list and never get scammed again. And always follow your gut feeling!

1. America: In the US, some people will try to give you a CD or a USB drive containing their mixtape as a gift. The problem is, as soon as you take what they're trying to give you, they'll aggressively demand money from you. This scam is more common in the big cities, like the NYC, but you can encounter it anywhere.
2. Australia: You come across a rental property that's unbelievably cheap. When you contact the owner, you'll learn that s/he is out of the country; so, you won't be able to see the property. You'll be told to go to a DHL branch to collect the key. But in order to do that, you'll be required to make a deposit and give them your personal info. If you fall for this, the person will disappear with your money and info, and you'll find yourself a victim of identity theft. Always use trusted platforms to rent properties. Check out our Booking Tools page for more trusted parties!
3. Brazil: Be very careful when using ATMs in Brazil. Scammers put fake scanners on the ATM. When you insert your card, the scanner will copy all your card's information and the scammers will be able to drain your account.
4. Canada: Some people will try to give you pamphlets on black history, after which they'll demand money in return. If you refuse, they'll claim you're a racist and become more aggressive in their demands.
5. Egypt: Shoe cleaners will try to make your shoes dirty when you're walking around, just so you'll come to them for cleaning. They use a variety of tactics, from creating a puddle nearby to just flinging dirt on your shoes when you're not looking.
6. France: When in France, be vigilant of children who pretend to be disabled to scam you out of your money. Sometimes, these children will also claim to represent a charity. Make sure you verify thoroughly before you hand over any money.
7. Germany: When you're on a train in Germany, a fake train inspection (complete with a fake badge) will come up to you and demand to see your ticket. After they inspect your ticket, they'll say it's a fake and ask you to pay a fine on the spot.
8. Hungary: If you ask a taxi driver in Hungary to take you to a currency exchange, you'll likely be taken to a dinghy booth where you'll get scammed.
9. India: When you hail a taxi from the airport (or anywhere else), taxi drivers will tell you that the hotel you're heading to is completely booked, and they'll try to take you to a shady hotel, so they can get a commission. Taxi drivers will also try to take a longer route to your destination, so they can charge you more. Always call your hotel to confirm your booking, and use Google Maps to make sure your driver isn't taking you on a grand tour.
10. Iran: A friendly stranger will come up to you and ask if you need help. Ask even one question here, and they'll demand you compensate them for helping you.
11. Ireland: If you go looking for a taxi in Ireland, and you're part of a group, you're likely to encounter this scam. You'll be told there are no taxis here, but you can get a carriage ride at a very reasonable rate. Once you reach the end of the ride, you'll be told that the rate was for each person.
12. Italy: Scammers will puncture your car's tires when it's parked. Then they'll follow you on the road until you notice it and stop, maybe they'll even draw your attention to it. They'll help you with your tire problem and then demand money.
13. Mexico: Scammers will try to determine which country you're from by following you. Then, they'll fake an accent from your own country and pretend that they got robbed of all their belongings. A lot of tourists fall for this scam because they want to help their fellow countrymen.
14. Morocco: Henna tattoos are extremely beautiful, and there are a lot of talented henna artists in Morocco. If you do decide to get a henna tattoo, make sure you give the artist the exact design you want. Some artists will try to give you a larger tattoo, so they can charge you more.
15. Netherlands: When you're dining out in the Netherlands, someone will come to a restaurant and create a scene. Once you're thoroughly distracted by the commotion, an accomplice will steal your belongings.
16. Nigeria: You'll happen upon innocent-looking kids who will ask your help to cross the busy streets. While you're holding their hand and crossing the street, your attention will be on the traffic while the kids' attention will be on picking your pockets!
17. Pakistan: When you're snapping pictures at a beach, or any other tourist destination, a friendly stranger will come up to you and offer to take your picture. However, they'll either run off with your precious device, or they'll ask for money in return for helping you.
18. Philippines: Be careful when handing your luggage to baggage handlers. Some of them will put illegal items in your baggage, like bullets, and when your luggage goes through checks the security will demand a lot of money to release you.
19. Portugal: You'll often meet overly friendly people selling bracelets. They'll come up to you with a friendly smile, and try to tie a bracelet around your wrist (which will be very hard to take off). If they're successful, they'll aggressively start demanding money from you.
20. Romania: Pay attention to the ground when walking around on busy streets. Scammers will put their paintings on the ground, and if you step on it, they'll demand money from you for ruining their masterpiece.
21. Spain: Soccer is a really popular sport in Spain, and you'll often find groups of kids will be playing it in the streets. Some of them will even ask you to join in on the fun. When offered, you might want to pass. If you join in, they'll pickpocket you!
22. Thailand: Tuk-tuks are quite a popular tourist attraction in Thailand. Some tuk-tuk drivers will try to scam you by recommending accommodations or sightseeing locations where you'll get charged more. The drives receive a cut of the money.
23. Turkey: When you pay your taxi drivers in Turkey, keep an eye out for sleights of hand. The drivers will try to switch the bill to a lower one to demand more money from you by saying that you paid them less. Like India, taxi drivers in Turkey will also try to take longer routes to increase your fare.
24. UK: A person will come up to you with a map, pretending to be a fellow tourist and asking for directions. Once you're properly distracted, s/he'll pick your pockets.

More scams to learn about

This list just goes to show you that you can never be too careful when traveling the world. Even Free Birds owners Martin and Suzanne have gotten scammed on their travels, and recently in Tulum, Mexico with their suitcases, passports, and laptops…

So… to be sure, are you insured for your next trip? Doublecheck that on our Travel Insurance page!

If you found this list above interesting and helpful, we have another one, covering 40 most popular tourist scams in the world. Make sure to check it out, and be careful out there!

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