How to avoid travel scams?
Traveler scamsTravelers, in search of discovery and relaxation, can become the victims of scammers who use all the stratagems to steal their money or their precious objects. Here are 10 common travel scams and some tips on how to avoid them.
Always inquire about the price charged for a taxi trip in a city
Some taxi drivers are the instigators of the most commonly practiced traveler scam. If the taxi does not have a meter, you must agree the fare before boarding.
It is also recommended to obtain a map of the city as well as the exact address of the hotel where you are staying. In this way, the driver will not be able to walk for hours in the agglomeration to increase the price of his service. Do not hesitate to use the applications of your Smartphone to follow your movements and to know if the route proposed by the driver is the shortest for the destination.
Beware of thieving animals
In some countries, animals are used by unscrupulous people in their attempts to scam tourists. Whether it's small, trained monkeys like those in Bali or any other exotic destination, watch your wallet as well as your valuables.
Be careful of thefts . If possible, keep only a little cash with you. Provide a backpack to keep your valuables and place them at the bottom of it to make them inaccessible.
Beware of the police, real or fake
Without going so far as paranoia, always demand official papers from the police or authorities who stop you to check your papers or your license if you are driving abroad . Don't let them have your wallet or passport out of your presence.
Indeed, you do not necessarily know the uniforms of the police forces of the country you are visiting. It is therefore best to make sure that they are real officials. However, even among true law enforcement, some may be tempted to trick you.
Beware of love at first sight and dating
The sun, the relaxed and warm atmosphere as well as the proximity of sites of great beauty often invite the heart to romanticism. If you meet a pretty girl or attractive guy who flirts with you and takes you to a place to order food and drinks, be careful. He or she may disappear when it's time to pay the bill, leaving you alone with a bill of a few hundred dollars. Not to mention that you can also be taken to a place that can be dangerous.
Don't be tempted by carpets or discounted gold items
Check the price of goods in the shops. If the merchant offers you a carpet or a gold ring for five or ten times less than the normal price, beware. Most of the time, this is a sign that it is counterfeit.
It is likely that the carpet will not support washing once returned to France or that the jewel in question will be fake. It is always better to go to a shop recommended, either by your travel guide or by the local population.
Be careful when withdrawing cash from ATMs
Check the device slot carefully before inserting your card into it. Also, only type your code if you are alone. Finally, try as much as possible to use ATMs located on the premises of a bank. In this way, you will be quickly taken care of in the event of a problem encountered during your withdrawal. Indeed, thieves are very clever and use different schemes to steal your card by making you believe that it has been swallowed by the device.
Always haggle over prices, especially with street vendors or in souks and bazaars
Observe the movement of buyers for a few minutes to find out how much the product or object you want to buy really costs. The seller will surely increase the price as soon as he knows that you are a tourist.
In any case, always try to haggle and compare the price with other shops before deciding. This will allow you to save money while visiting other stalls where you can find many equally interesting souvenir items.
Beware of restaurants for tourists and those recommended by the taxi driver
As a precaution, refer to the places recommended in your tourist guide or by the local population. You will be sure of the quality of the food and the prices of the meal. You are less likely to get sick .
It's tempting to think outside the box and eat wherever your footsteps take you. However, you risk paying an exorbitant price for a simple meal and you have no guarantee as to the quality of it and the cleanliness of the kitchen.
Always ask permission before taking a photo
It's not uncommon for locals to ask for compensation if you photograph them or engrave their animals, homes, or gardens on film. Be more discreet or start a conversation, if you sympathize with them, they will more willingly let you photograph them.
Be careful when renting a car, motorbike or scooter
If you rent a vehicle abroad , check the condition of the vehicle before taking the keys. Report any scratches, dents, or areas of peeling paint and note them on the vehicle handover sheet.
If you are renting a motorcycle or scooter, buy a chain and padlock on site to back up the rental company's lock. Thus, even if the service provider is malicious and has a duplicate lock key, he will not be able to recover the two-wheeler without your knowledge.
As a tourist, you are considered easy prey for thieves who come up with a thousand and one scams to trick you. Vigilance is always required, regardless of the region of the globe where you venture. If, despite your precautions, you are the victim, it is a travel hazard that you must deal with quickly. ACS allows you to discover the formalities to be carried out and the attitudes to adopt if you are the target of criminals or if you lose your passport during your trip.
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