Travelling is a wonderful way to explore new places, learn about different cultures, and create unforgettable memories. However, tourist scams are a common problem in many popular destinations, where unsuspecting travellers can be taken advantage of in various ways. Here’s a list of 19 cities known for their notorious tourist scams.
Paris
“For centuries Paris has been one of the world’s most important and attractive cities,” says Britannica, but it’s not without several tourist scams. One of the most common is the “friendship bracelet” scam, where friendly street vendors approach you near popular sites like the Sacré-Cœur and offer to tie a bracelet around your wrist. Once it’s on, they’ll demand an exorbitant fee.
Rome
Rome, with its rich history and stunning architecture, attracts millions of visitors each year. However, it also attracts con artists. One well-known trick is the ‘gladiator photo’ near the Colosseum, where costumed individuals invite you to take a picture with them and then charge an outrageous amount for the service.
Bangkok
The bustling streets and vibrant culture of Bangkok make it a top travel destination, but it’s also a hotspot for scams. The ‘gem scam’ is particularly notorious, where tuk-tuk drivers or friendly locals tell you about a once-in-a-lifetime sale at a jewellery store. After being taken to the store, you might be pressured into buying overpriced or fake gems.
Barcelona
Barcelona’s beautiful beaches, historic sites, and lively nightlife draw countless tourists, but it’s essential to be cautious of crime, as pickpocketing is rampant, especially on Las Ramblas and in crowded metro stations. There’s also the ‘bird poop’ hustle, where someone squirts a foul-smelling liquid on you, and then a “helpful” local offers to clean it up, using the distraction to steal your belongings.
New York City
The Big Apple is a must-see for many travellers, but it’s not without its criminal tricks. One common trick is the ‘CD scam’ in Times Square, where street hustlers offer you a “free” CD and then demand payment once it’s in your hands. Another involves fake monks who offer ‘blessings’ or trinkets in exchange for donations, becoming aggressive if you refuse to pay.
Istanbul
Istanbul’s blend of East and West makes it a fascinating destination, but tourists need to be on guard for lies, including the ‘shoe shine’ con. A shoe shiner “accidentally” drops his brush and offers to clean your shoes for free, only to demand an excessive fee afterwards. Additionally, be cautious of friendly locals inviting you to a bar or club, where you might end up with an astronomical bill.
Marrakech
The markets and historic sites of Marrakech are a magnet for tourists and, unfortunately, for scammers too. One of the most common is the ‘henna artist’ trick in Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where women will start applying henna to your hand without permission and then demand a high price.
Prague
Prague’s fairytale-like scenery attracts many visitors, but some locals take advantage of tourists, and one frequent scam is overcharging at restaurants, where you might be given a different menu with inflated prices. There’s also the ‘money exchange’ hustle, where unscrupulous money changers give you a terrible exchange rate or counterfeit currency.
Cairo
Ancient wonders are a huge draw for tourists, which is why Cairo is so popular. But so are its criminals. Be cautious of the ‘papyrus painting’ scam, where vendors sell you fake papyrus paintings at high prices, claiming they are genuine. Taxi drivers may also take you to shops or businesses instead of your intended destination.
Venice
Venice’s canals and historic charm are marred by a few common tourist swindles. One involves overpriced gondola rides, where you might be quoted one price at the start and then charged significantly more at the end. Another scam to watch out for is in restaurants, where waiters might bring you unordered items and then charge you for them. Always clarify prices before agreeing to anything.
Rio de Janeiro
Stunning beaches and vibrant culture make Rio de Janeiro a popular destination, but tourist tricks are prevalent. The ‘photo scam’ on Copacabana beach is common, where locals offer to take your picture and then demand an inflated fee. Also, be aware of taxi drivers who take longer routes or have tampered metres to charge you more.
Mexico City
Mexico City offers a rich history and culture but also some notorious scams. Be wary of the ‘mustard scam,’ where someone squirts mustard on you and then offers to help you clean it up. They use the distraction to steal your belongings.
Athens
A city steeped in history, Athens has one frequent trick that involves ‘fake policemen’ who ask to see your ID and wallet, claiming they’re checking for counterfeit money. Once they have your wallet, they’ll take your cash. Another con involves restaurants in tourist areas adding hidden fees to your bill—so you’ll want to check it carefully.
Delhi
Delhi’s chaotic charm is both captivating and challenging, with numerous cons targeting tourists. Be cautious of the ‘tuk-tuk tour,’ where drivers offer to take you on a city tour at a low price but end up taking you to shops where they get a commission.
Hanoi
The bustling streets and rich culture of Hanoi attract many visitors, but tourist hustles are common, too, including the ‘cyclo ride.’ This involves cyclo drivers quoting a low price for a short ride and then demanding a much higher fee at the end.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is known for its European-style architecture and tango music but also for its scams, such as people posing as police officers and asking to check your money. Another common trick is the ‘fake taxi’ idea, where unlicensed taxi drivers overcharge or give you counterfeit money as change.
Kuala Lumpur
Its modern skyline and cultural diversity make Kuala Lumpur a fascinating destination, but tourists getting duped is common. The ‘fake tour guide’ is prevalent, where individuals posing as official guides offer tours but instead take you to shops where they earn commissions.
Casablanca
Casablanca, with its modernity and tradition, also has its share of tricks. Be wary of taxi drivers who take longer routes or overcharge by not using the metre. Another common scam involves ‘fake guides’ who offer to show you around the medina and then demand a large fee.
Ho Chi Minh City
And finally, in Ho Chi Minh City, with its vibrant street life and historic sites, you might be up against the ‘motorbike rental’ con, where rental shops claim you damaged the bike and demand an exorbitant fee. Always rent from reputable companies, and be cautious when buying items from street vendors.
