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Nepal
21 scams
If you are one who seeks adventure, Nepal, the land of the Himalayas is where you have to be at with its massive mountains and breathtaking raw beauty.
That said, there are a number of common tourist targeted scams that you have to be wary of.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency number
- Police: 112
- Fire: 175
- Civil defence: 125
- Red Cross: 140
Travel guide
Shoe box scam in Nepal
4 1How it works: Opening: This usually starts off with someone offering to be your unofficial guide. Once rapport is built, they offer to bring you to their home and meet their…
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Unscrupulous tour operators in Nepal
3 0How it works: Version 1: there are fly by night operators which disappear after collecting a large deposit. A common red flag is making payment via Western Union/MoneyGram to an…
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Unofficial guides in Nepal
3 0How it works: Opening: one/two kids or adults ask where you from, then offers to be your friend/guide and bring you around. They will insist that there is no charge…
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Orphanage, volunteering scams in Nepal
2 0How it works: Version 1: like in Cambodia, there are orphanage scams in Nepal as well where kids there are not real orphans, but are kids “rented” from somewhere for…
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Helicopter rescue scam in Nepal
2 0How it works: Situation: This is a scam by rogue tour operators who work with rogue private hospitals and helicopter companies to defraud money off insurance companies via expensive helicopter…
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Belahiya Nepal-India border scams in Nepal
2 0How it works: Situation: The Nepal (Belahiya) – India (Sunauli) border is rife with scams Going to India from Nepal: Version 1: a fake bus conductor directs you to a…
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Sob story scammers in Nepal
2 1How it works: Situation: begging is actually prohibited here since 1962 (Begging (Prohibition) Act). However, it has not been enforced by the authorities. In 2014, police estimated that there were…
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Bus scam in Nepal
2 0How it works: Version 1: A trick by multi-leg bus trips is to double charge you. Example: you are headed from point A to point C and have to transit…
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Fake holy men/sadhu scams in Nepal
2 1How it works: Version 1: fake holy men who offer to perform puja for you or who simply apply a tika (red dot) on your forehead claiming to have blessed…
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Taxi scams in Nepal
2 0How it works: Version 1: many taxis in Nepal refuse to use the meter and you can be quoted inflated fares if you look unfamiliar with the place. Fake fees…
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Gem export scam in Nepal
1 0How it works: Opening: a stranger or a gem dealer at a shop claims to have exceeded his export quota or will incur heavy taxes if he exports these gems….
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Visa scam in Nepal
1 0How it works: You apply for a 30 day visa, but only get a 15 days visa stamped on your passport with the difference in application fees eaten up by…
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Money exchange scam in Nepal
1 0How it works: It’s not common, but a lousier rate of exchange can be used as compared to the advertised rate. When questioned, the teller will conveniently reveal that there…
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Rental motorbike damages scam in Nepal
1 0How it works: Situation: rental bikes are generally not well maintained and you may face issues with the brakes, the gear lever, throttle linkage, etc. Set-up: as such, there been…
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Dance bar scams in Nepal
1 0How it works: Situation: most night clubs in Nepal are fine, but there are dodgy ones which may charge you crazy prices for simple drinks. Set-up: for instance, it could…
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