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Top travel scams in Asia
Taxi scams in Thailand
15 20How it works: Version 1: charging an exorbitant flat fare instead of using the meter. Note: taxis in Chiang Mai are un-metered. Version 2: offering a low rate only to…
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Cult ceremony scam in South Korea
14 1How it works: Situation: This is Korea’s version of China’s teahouse scam. Version 1: An old lady and her daughter ask if you have had a relative who passed away…
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Ear cleaning scam in India
10 0How it works: Opening: locals purporting to be “ear cleaners” will grab and put something resembling a rusty nail on your ear, claiming that it cleans your ear. Set-up: surprise!…
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Tuk-tuk scams in Thailand
10 14How it works: Version 1: claiming that today is the Thai Tourism Day where the government is sponsoring free gas. Hence, he can offer a cheap tour and bring you…
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Khlong scams in Thailand
9 9How it works: Version 1: a tout tells you that the Wat Pho/Grand Palace is closed. However, he can offer you a discounted price on his friend’s longtail boat to…
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Fake/imitation tea leaves in Taiwan
9 0How it works: Situation: With its mountains and misty, humid conditions, Taiwan is able to produce some top drawer tea leaves (e.g. oolong tea). However, due to demand being greater…
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Teahouse/tea ceremony scam in China
8 5How it works: Opening: Step 1: an innocent looking girl/group asks where you are from, then claims to have a relative there; or they ask you for help in taking…
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Disaster relief scam in Japan
8 0How it works: Well-dressed, English speaking middle aged individuals/Filipinas will approach and show you documentation about a recent disaster. They’ll be very polite and well-educated on the impact of the…
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Gem scam in Thailand
8 5How it works: Opening: you are usually brought to a gem shop as a result of the tuk-tuk scam. Set-up: the shop owner/tout will claim that as gems are abundant,…
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Fake government tourism offices, agencies, operators in India
8 10How it works: Situation: There is only one real official government India Tourism office and it is at 88 Janpath Rd in New Delhi, any others claiming to be one…
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