Scams on Vietnamese streets

Bicycle rickshaw debauchees in Nha Trang

Where it occurs: Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Hue, Hanoi and other tourist spots.

Most common scam. One of the classic ways to scam tourists in Vietnam. To begin with, do not mess with cycle rickshaws. Never. Such a tourist trip looks simply barbaric, the desire to feel like a white exploiter does not make anyone better, but we are not about aesthetics and ethics now, but about fraud.

If you do contact a bike rickshaw, expect the price of the ride to increase five to ten times, even if you have agreed on the price a hundred times. At the end of the ride you will be “explained” that this price was in dollars, or that you missed a zero (three zeros) in the calculations and misunderstood. On attempts to solve the issue peacefully will certainly run away other cycle rickshaws, and the real hell will begin. Tested by many tourists. Rickshaws will start shouting, pushing you, pulling your things. The brawl looks terrible – ten twenty dirty dressed Vietnamese and tourists who are stunned. It is impossible to leave without losses, it is better to just give the money and forget as a terrible dream.

Often (in 5 cases out of 10) if tourists do not want to give the money in a good way, rickshaws provoke a fight. And the police will take their side, as there is no proof of your rightness for them.

What to do: never ride a rickshaw. You will pay 50 or 500 dollars instead of 50,000 VND anyway, and the police won’t help.

A spectacular photo on the street in Saigon

Where to meet: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Danag, Hue, tourist spots

A colorful Vietnamese woman walks past you with a traditional pail full of fruit, smiles immensely, speaks Vietnamese and English, calls you a friend and offers to take a photo with the pail and fruit as a friend, wearing her straw hat. And when the photo-session is over, he starts selling fruit at exorbitant prices and swearing if you refuse.

What to do: pass by, do not engage in communication.

Can I shine your shoes?

Where it occurs: Hanoi, Saigon and other centers

Another popular scam. In tourist areas, you may be caught by unexpected “well-wishers” with a brush and wax. You stand with a camera and shoot the beauty of architecture or the bustle of the city, as suddenly pops up a Vietnamese with a brush, points at your dirty dusty shoes, and immediately begins to clean them. This “courtesy” usually costs 10-20 dollars. And on attempts not to pay causes shouting, noise and help of eyewitnesses.

How to be: refuse and continue moving even if he has already started, no reaction – the best way to get rid of the well-wisher.

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Scams in transportation: cab, tuk-tuk, motorcycle

There are several types of cabs in Thailand:

• Tuk-tuk. A three-wheeled motorcycle with a cab;
• Motorcycle cab;
• Cab with a meter (Taximeter);
• Songteu. It is a pickup truck with two benches, which in Pattaya, tourists call a tuk-tuk. It is considered public transportation.

Common types of deception/misunderstandings:

Often tuk-tuk and motorcycle cab drivers quote a price that ends up doubling or tripling at the end of the trip. It’s all about the fact that the amount previously agreed upon was per person.

How to protect yourself?

• Clarify several times for how many people the price of the trip is announced, for 100% understanding show the amount on your phone.

Payment to the driver of the songteu occurs after you have reached the desired stop. Sometimes, the tourist does not have change, so payment is made with a large denomination bill, in this case there is a chance that the driver will leave, and you will be left without change.

How to protect yourself?

• Pays everything under the settlement or small denomination bills.

Taximeter. This type of cab exists only in Bangkok. Payment is made by the meter, but some drivers do not include it, preferring to negotiate the price of the trip with the client. As a result, upon arrival, the price may not be the one you agreed on earlier.

How to protect yourself?

• Ask the driver to turn on the meter, in case of refusal, leave the car.

Suit Tailoring Scam

Most likely you have met at popular Thai resorts Indians who are eager to sell you a suit.

How it happens. On the street, a smiling man persistently offers to tailor a suit at affordable prices. You are invited to the atelier, take measurements and set a date of meeting, which is close to the date of your flight. At the same time, you need to make a prepayment.

After the paid amount, the tourist will not see neither the suit, nor the money, and if you are lucky, you will be given a suit that is 3 sizes larger, for the finalization of which you will definitely have no time left.

How to protect yourself

• Do not leave an advance payment.
• Use the services of trusted ateliers, which you can find through reviews on the Internet.

The post Scammers in Thailand – How Tourists Get Swindled appeared first on ScamTravels.

How to avoid fraud and not to become a victim of deception when it comes to visiting batik-art schools? Here are some useful guidelines.

Check the reputation of the school

Before enrolling in a course, make sure the school has a good reputation. Find reviews from previous students online, on travel forums or on social media. Pay attention to the presence of regular customers, not just tempting advertisements. Often scammers create fake review sites, so try to look for verification from a variety of sources.

Avoid “too good” offers

If the course price is too low compared to other schools, it should raise suspicion. Scammers often attract tourists with inflated price promises or discounts that at first glance seem like a great deal. In practice, however, such courses may not only fail to meet your expectations, but may turn out to be bogus.

Check the legitimacy of the school

Make sure that the school is registered and has the necessary licenses. Legitimate institutions always have the appropriate documents and can provide information about their activities. Course vendors who refuse to show you licenses or other official documents are most likely operating illegally.

Beware of offers without prior information

A real batik art school will always give you detailed information about the course content, instructors, schedule and cost. If you are offered a course without a clear description or are asked to pay for it right away, be wary. Also check carefully whether the price includes all the materials you need for the course.

Check the location

Sometimes scammers place advertisements on popular travel sites and offer to hold master classes in unfamiliar locations that have nothing to do with real schools. Check the address of the school on a map, research exactly where it is located, and don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations.

Keep an eye on the payment process

Do not pay for courses in full in advance, especially if you are asked to transfer money through unfamiliar or obscure payment systems. It is best to pay after you have visited the school in person or when you arrive at a pre-arranged location. Using secure payment systems or credit cards will also help you avoid problems with refunds if something goes wrong.

Contact travel associations

If you are in doubt about the legitimacy of a school, contact local travel associations that can provide information on verified schools. Many tourist areas in Indonesia have such organizations and they can help you avoid scams.

Conclusion

Visiting a batik art school in Indonesia is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique culture of this country. However, as with any other travel activity, it is important to be careful not to fall victim to scammers. Check information, read reviews, ask questions and don’t rush into paying. With the right approach, your trip will not only be exciting but also safe.

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Don’t forget that Bali is not in the seventh heaven, but still on planet Earth. It is a beautiful island that can give you many pleasant moments. But don’t forget to be careful about security and especially financial security.

We present you the ten most popular tricks of exchangers, thanks to which you can lose your money.

1) Dumping part of the money during multiple recalculations

It seems as if the money has already been recalculated and you are sure that everything was issued normally. But the employee takes the money to count it again, pretending to be squeamish. At this moment he drops some of the money under the counter.

If the changer counted the money and handed you the packet, be sure to count it yourself. He may then take the bundle out of your hands and count it again. Take it and count it yourself again. Do not leave the changer with the last word. Do not leave the money changer until you have counted all the money yourself after it has been in the hands of the money changer.

2) Arrange the money into numerous piles

It would seem that everything should be visually clear. Here’s a million, here’s another one, here’s a third. In fact, the more such piles on the table, the more difficult it is for you to visually control each one. And if you lose focus, the money from these piles gets dumped under the counter at the money changer. Often they are dumped at the moment of putting all these packs into one common one.

When you have been given the final bundle, take it as a whole and count the whole amount again. After that, don’t give it out to recalculate it again if everything adds up. Thank them and leave. If you need to change a lot of money, for example, 1000 dollars, and you are afraid that you will not be able to hold the whole bundle of rupees in your hands, change 500 dollars first. Change it, it all fits, put the money in your bag. After that, change another 500 dollars.

3) Different exchange rates for different denominations

In Bali, dollars of different years of issue and different series have different values. On the sign of the exchanger is written the rate for new hundred-dollar bills. Therefore, if you suddenly change bills of a different denomination, you may be given a smaller amount.

Before you change the money, show your bills and ask if the exchange rate for dollars applies to them.

4) The absent-mindedness game

Applied even in proven exchange offices that look respectable. You are simply undercharged part of the amount, expecting that in a serious exchanger you will not expect to be cheated. If you notice, they just say “ah, sorry, I made a mistake…”. such carelessness… aye-aye-aye”.

If the final amount does not add up, just tell the exchange employee about it. Most likely they will just give you the missing amount.

5) Device collusion

When calculating the amount you should receive, the employee clicks the keys so cleverly that they click an amount less than what you should end up receiving.

It’s unlikely that your phone will collude with the money changer during your time at the exchanger. Before you do the exchange, calculate on your phone how many rupees you should get as a result of the exchange.

6) Attack on two fronts

While you are concentrating on getting your amount counted correctly and watching the money changer’s hands, a pickpocket enters the point and empties your bag.

If you enter a money changer, hang your bag or backpack in front of you. Never behind your back or on your side. If someone tries to lean on you, move away from that person. Driver! Keep your distance!

7) Muddy people in the exchange

If you are concentrating on exchanging and counting money and suspicious-looking, tattooed, angry-faced people enter the exchanger, you feel threatened, want to leave sooner, and don’t count the money carefully. These may be “actors” working in collusion with the exchanger to create a stressful condition in you.

Avoid stress at all costs. If you are stressed, you are acting illogically and to your own detriment. This is important not only for the situation with exchangers. Just keep your distance with such people, be confident and continue to methodically count your bills.

8 ) What do rupiahs look like?

If you’re new to Indonesia and you’re not very familiar with banknotes, and the zeros make your eyes water, you may be given a hundred thousand instead of a million without batting an eye. And ten thousand can be given for a hundred.

Many people call Indonesian money “wrappers”. Bright and beautiful. And not always so big. Pay attention to how the bills look. There are old and new banknotes. They can slightly differ in color, differ in pattern. Pay attention to the number of zeros.

9) The exchange rate at the point ends with 999 or 99

Thus the final amount you should receive is not rounded, contains a lot of change. If you don’t know much about Indonesian money, you may be given the wrong amount.

This is also where your knowledge of Indonesian money comes in handy. Try taking a crash course in familiarizing yourself with it before changing a large amount.

10) Smokescreen

Many tricks are used to divert your attention from the billing process. Sometimes a basket with offerings to spirits and a stick of incense is placed very close to the customers, so that the smoke goes into their eyes. And then you can hardly think of such a pious and devout man, as if he might harbor some treachery against you? This is not the main maneuver, but in combination with the above, it adds its mite.

There’s no weapon against a smokescreen. It’s an offering to the spirits. You can’t touch it. But if you observe all the previous rules of safe exchange of money, the spirits will probably favor you, and not the guy with lusciously polite manners and nimble hands.

More tips:

1. Do not change a large sum of money at the airport at once

There is not the most favorable rate. Exchange 20 – 50 dollars to get to your hotel, maybe eat until you find a money changer. The exchange office at the airport is open even deep at night. Exchange rates at hotels are usually very unfavorable too.

2. change the bulk of your money at chain exchange offices

It is better to change money in a bank or choose an exchange office that belongs to a large network. It is not profitable for the management to encourage fraudsters in their company, and it is much more profitable to keep a good reputation. Many exchangers are marked on the people’s map of Bali. Write reviews on good exchangers and they will be added to the map.

The post Scams in Indonesia’s Money Exchange Houses appeared first on ScamTravels.

• Follow the rules of hygiene;
• Do not eat unwashed fruits and vegetables. Wash only with boiling water. People often do not take this rule seriously. Even a banana should be washed, because in the process of peeling the peel, the infection can get on the fruit from the hands. It’s a general rule in Eastern countries;
• Drink only bottled or boiled water;
• Do not drink water from the hotel tap;
• Only brush your teeth with bottled water. This also applies to the hotel;
• It is undesirable to drink drinks with ice, as ice is not made from boiled water;
• Do not eat any exotic food from the trays;
• We will have a first aid kit for general use, but if anyone has their own specific medicines, they should take them.

Visa

A visa for Nepal can be obtained on arrival in Kathmandu. The passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry. Have a passport size photograph with you on Application Form.

Visas cost: 15 days multi-visa – 25 USD, 30 days multi-visa – 40 USD, 90 days multi-visa – 100 USD, single entry visa for 60 days – 30 USD. It is better to have money for visa without change. It is obligatory to declare more than 2000 imported USD.

How much money you need

• Visa – 25 USD (preferably without change);
• In Kathmandu we have only breakfast included. Lunch and dinner will be in restaurants of your choice. Lunch and dinner is about 15-20 USD;
• In Kathmandu you can buy several packets of trekking mix (nuts, raisins, dried fruits) to chew on the go. It is caloric and gives you strength. Guide will help to buy;
• Water on trekking (20 dollars in total).

Exchange offices in Kathmandu in Thamel are numerous, and there are no problems with exchange. You just need to keep in mind that you will not be able to change back into dollars

Guides will help with exchange and shopping

• Tips to local guides on trekking and rafting, tips to guides on excursions, tips in restaurants

Safety

Nepal is a safe country for tourists.

• In Kathmandu, especially in the Tamel district you can walk late at night;
• But as in every big city, theft is possible. Do not carry large sums of money in your handbags. A neck wallet is the most reliable. Make photocopies of the first page of your passport. Leave any money and documents you don’t need at the moment in the hotel safe;
• Have your hotel card with you. If you get lost, you can get to the hotel by cab or rickshaw.

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Be careful in crowded places

Pickpockets love crowded places such as markets, pedestrian streets and transportation hubs. In such locations, they can easily approach you from different directions, distract you and quickly take your wallet or phone. If you need to pass through such places, try to be extra careful not to lose sight of your belongings.

Use secure bags

One of the most effective ways to avoid theft is to use special bags that have anti-pickpocketing protection. Many companies offer bags with anti-theft locks, hidden pockets, and knife-proof drawstrings. There are also RFID-protected bags on the market that prevent your cards from being scanned remotely.

Carry only the essentials

One of the best ways to avoid theft is not to carry a lot of cash, documents or valuables. Use the hotel safe to store important items such as passports and extra money. On the day of your outing, only take the things you really need: some cash, a map and your phone.

Be careful with phones and valuable items

Cell phones and tablets are a frequent target of pickpockets. When you use them on the street, try to hold them with confidence and avoid exposing the screen in places with large crowds. Don’t leave your phone on tables in cafes, on public transportation seats and other places where it can be easily stolen.

Beware of scammers and fraudsters

Pickpockets can operate in more than just the shadows. Sometimes they use deception to divert your attention. This can be beggars, “transportation” or “medical” cases where someone is trying to get your attention in order to steal your belongings.

Carry your money in different places

Don’t keep the entire amount of money in one place. Divide it among several pockets, purses, or even bags. This way, if someone steals one portion, you will still have access to the remaining amount.

Know your rights

In Thailand, the police keep a close eye on the safety of tourists, and in case of theft, you can always seek help. Go to the nearest police station if your belongings have been stolen and fill out the necessary report. Having a copy of your passport and visa will make it easier to recover your documents.

Conclusion

Pickpockets in Thailand can appear in the most unexpected places, but if you are careful, your risks will be minimal. The key is to always stay alert, use anti-pickpocketing measures and don’t put yourself at unnecessary risk. Then your trip to Thailand will pass without unnecessary trouble, and your vacation will remain only in positive memories.

The post Pickpockets in Thailand: How to Protect Yourself? appeared first on ScamTravels.

Use only official exchange offices

In Indonesia, there are both official exchange offices and private operators who can offer you a more favorable rate. However, exchanging at private exchange offices is often risky. Official exchange offices often have visible signage and operate in large hotels, shopping centers and airports. They may charge a small fee, but you will get a fair exchange rate.

Check the exchange rate in advance

Currency exchange always has a set rate. If you know the average rate at the time of your trip, it will help you determine if they offer you a fair exchange. Many online services and apps allow you to track up-to-date exchange rates. It’s worth remembering that the exchange rate may be slightly different locally, but if the difference is too great, it’s a reason to be wary.

Pay attention to commission fees

Usually, exchange bureaus offer exchange rates with a commission. Before agreeing to an exchange, make sure you know all the details – how much the commission will be or what the final exchange rate will be for you. Some exchangers in Indonesia use the practice of hidden fees, reducing the amount of money you receive despite a seemingly favorable rate.

Make sure the calculation is correct

Regardless of which exchange office you choose, always check the amount of money you are given. Compare it with the calculations and pay attention to what you are shown when calculating. Fraudsters may intentionally or mistakenly give out a smaller amount or, on the contrary, add extra zeros to the tickets.

Be careful with exchanges on the streets

Some scammers organize currency exchanges right on the streets, especially in tourist areas. They may offer tempting rates, but during the exchange process you may be slipped counterfeit bills or cheated on the quantity. If you want to exchange money on the street, be sure to make sure it’s safe beforehand.

Avoid rates that are too low or too high

If an exchange office offers a rate that is too favorable or too unfavorable compared to the market rates, this should alert you. This could be part of a scam in which they are trying to lure you to the exchange office to later cheat you out of the amount of money or commission.

Beware of “surprises” when exchanging currency

Always check your currency as soon as you receive it. Some exchange bureaux may give you counterfeit bills or coins that will later prove useless. Don’t hesitate to ask the exchange agent to explain how the currency is verified.

Use mobile apps to transfer money

If you need to exchange currency or make transfers, consider using mobile services and apps like PayPal, Revolut, or Wise, which allow you to exchange money at a favorable rate with low fees. This can be a safer option than traditional currency exchange at points of sale.

Conclusion

Exchanging currency in Indonesia, as in any other country, requires care and caution. By following these simple tips, you can avoid unpleasant situations and save your money. Be careful, check all the details and do not rush to exchange in dubious places.

The post How to Avoid Getting Scammed When Exchanging Currency in Indonesia appeared first on ScamTravels.

How does the scammers’ scheme work?

Gem scams at Lake Chilika usually begin with tourists and locals being offered to buy rare and valuable stones supposedly found at the bottom of the lake or in its vicinity. The sellers, often posing as local fishermen or scientists, promise unique stones that may be precious, such as sapphires, emeralds or rubies.

They accompany their offers with beautiful tales of how these stones bring good luck or can be a source of wealth. Doubting buyers are provided with fake certificates and even “confirmations” of authenticity, giving them the illusion that they are purchasing real jewelry.

Why does this scam work?

The main reason this scheme works is that Chilika Lake is known for its natural diversity, and sometimes you can actually find beautiful stones draped in algae or sand. These stones may outwardly resemble precious stones, but they are actually ordinary minerals that are not of high value.

Scammers know how to exploit this natural confusion. They trust on the underestimation of tourists, who, being in an exotic place, tend to believe in miracles and unusual phenomena, such as finding gems on the shores of a lake.

How to avoid being tricked?

In order to avoid falling into the trap of scammers, you need to follow a few simple rules:

• Do not trust dubious sellers: Be careful with people who offer “gems” on the street or on the shores of the lake. Often such offers are accompanied by promises of wealth or good luck.
• Verify the authenticity of stones: If you decide to purchase a stone, always consult a professional gemologist or jeweler to verify its authenticity.
• Avoid buying without certificates: Make sure that any stone you wish to purchase has a document that proves its authenticity and origin.
• Pay attention to reviews: Read reviews from travelers and locals to learn about possible scams in the area. Many travelers share their experiences about such incidents online.

Conclusion

Chilika Lake gemstone scams are a serious problem for tourists, who may not always be able to recognize bogus offers. It is important to remember that despite the tantalizing stories of gemstone finds in the region, the reality is often far from a fairy tale. By being careful and checking information, you can avoid unpleasant situations and avoid becoming a victim of fraudsters.

The post Chilika Lake Gems Scam in India appeared first on ScamTravels.

Violent crime

India (perhaps because the country once belonged to the British) has a generally British order. Cases of violent crime are rare here. Nevertheless, in some Indian states the situation is unstable: there are possible terrorist acts, religious conflicts or open manifestations of inter-communal hostility. It is better to refrain from visiting Kashmir, Assam and the states on the border with Bangladesh.

If you are in trouble, be aware that not all Indian states have private security guards authorized to carry weapons. In an emergency, contact the state police.

Drugs

Drugs in India (both local and Western-made) can be bought almost everywhere, and at affordable prices. If you are offered to buy or try a substance of unknown origin on the street or in a club, make it clear at once that you are not interested. Be aware that India has a system of police provocateurs and that drug use and possession can land you in an Indian prison for up to 30 years.

Thefts

If you are not vigilant enough in India, you cannot avoid petty theft. Do not leave your belongings unattended (especially on the beach). Use the hotel safe to store valuables. If there is no safe in the hotel, put your belongings (clothes, shoes) in a suitcase or closet to avoid tempting the hotel staff.

The post Safety Rules to Follow in India appeared first on ScamTravels.

The “free gifts” scam

Everyone loves freebies, and traveling tourists on a tight budget even more so. Thai locals and store owners are well aware of this and don’t hesitate to take advantage of it. The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a prime example. Men walk around with packets of bird seed and try to give you a few in your hands to feed the birds, claiming it’s free and according to Thai tradition symbolizes good luck. Make no mistake, once a bird seed is in your hand, they will try to charge you for it and you won’t be able to hand it back without scattering it. The best thing to do in this and similar situations is to exercise extreme caution or avoid free gifts from strangers altogether. If the gift seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Cab Scams

As soon as you step out of the airport, you’re immediately surrounded by a crowd of charming cab drivers eager to get their hands on your fare. So how can you protect yourself from overpaying? Again, you should avoid those who are too persistent in trying to take your fare, as they will be looking for tourists to take advantage of. When getting into a cab, make sure there is a meter and that it is working. Don’t settle for the phrase “the meter is broken” after which you will be offered a fixed price, as it will almost always be overcharged. Top tip: cab ride apps like Uber or Grab are a great option as you know immediately how much you are paying, there is no need to exchange money or feel awkward, and they are also very cheap in Thailand.

Motorcycle rental scams

Motorcycle rental is a great way to experience Thailand and is one of the main types of tourism. Aside from physical safety considerations, motorcycle rental shops have a few tricks to watch out for. Never leave your passport with the rental company. If they do need to have a copy of your passport, leave a photocopy or offer to send an electronic copy. If it’s just a deposit, offer to leave money instead. One trick they use is to claim you damaged the motorcycle and demand payment for repairs. Be sure to note the condition of the motorcycle, take pictures and let them know before you leave. Another way is to leave the motorcycle locked and parked somewhere, then someone with spare keys will come and get the motorcycle and charge you for its loss. To avoid this, take a padlock with you to lock your motorcycle.

Market shopping scams

One of the best things to do in Thailand is to visit the many cheap markets. From cheap bags, shoes and sportswear to authentic Thai souvenirs and jewelry, you can find everything a traveler needs in Thai markets. The art of haggling has become part of the culture, and there are a few tips to help you get a good deal. Never settle for the first offer. It has to be overpriced to get you to make a counter offer and negotiate, so when you hear the first offer, whatever it may be, just walk away in disgust and watch them immediately offer you almost half the price. If they don’t chase you, however, don’t be afraid to walk away. Many stalls sell the same thing, so if you can’t get the price you want, just walk down the road and try again at the next place. You have the power to haggle, so don’t be afraid to use it!

Drink spiking scam

Not so much a scam, but something to be wary of: popular tourist bars and nightspots can spike drinks. Scammers thrive on drunk people making bad decisions, and all good solo travelers love to drink and make bad decisions. Fortunately, you can still get drunk and avoid this if you are vigilant. Always keep an eye on the bartender when he or she is making your drinks. Do not accept drinks from strangers. If you buy a bucket of alcohol, buy a bucket with sealed bottles that you can mix yourself, not a bucket with ready-made mixes. Simple tips like these will help you to drink freely and not shy away from your inhibitions without losing your values or anything else.

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