Avoid These Common Travel Scams in Popular Destinations

18 February 2026

There’s no sugarcoating it—getting scammed while traveling sucks. You’re soaking in the sights, vibing with the culture, and then boom—you realize your wallet’s gone, or you just paid $100 for a tuk-tuk ride that should’ve cost $5. Unfortunately, travel scams exist almost everywhere, and scammers often target tourists who are either too trusting, too distracted, or just unfamiliar with local norms.

But here’s the good news: You can significantly reduce your chances of getting scammed just by knowing what to look out for. In this article, we’re going to unpack the most common travel scams around the globe, tell you exactly how they work, and more importantly—how to avoid them like a pro.

Let’s dive into the real talk on travel scams, shall we?

Table of Contents

1. The Taxi Meter Scam
2. The “Closed Hotel” Trick
3. Overpriced Currency Exchange
4. The Bracelet Scam
5. Pickpocketing in Crowded Places
6. Fake Police Officers
7. Rental Vehicle Damage Scam
8. ATM Skimming
9. The “Too-Friendly Local” Strategy
10. Counterfeit Goods and Fake Souvenirs
11. Tourist Trap Restaurants
12. How to Avoid Getting Scammed

The Taxi Meter Scam

Ah, the classic. You hop into a taxi in a foreign city, give the driver your hotel name, and off you go. A few minutes in, they tell you the meter is broken (which it never really is), and they quote you a price that’s way higher than usual.

Where it happens: Big cities like Bangkok, Cairo, Rome, and Mexico City.

How to avoid it:
- Agree on the fare before the ride.
- Insist on using the meter.
- Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Grab where available.

Think of it like ordering fast food—would you ever pay $20 for a $5 burger just because the cash register is "broken"? Nope.

The “Closed Hotel” Trick

You arrive in a new town, and a so-called helpful local (often a taxi driver) tells you your hotel is closed, overbooked, or doesn’t even exist anymore. But hey—they conveniently know another place nearby.

Where it happens: Southeast Asia and parts of India are infamous for this one.

How to avoid it:
- Contact your accommodation before you arrive to confirm your booking.
- Be wary of unsolicited advice from strangers.
- Stick to pre-booked, reputable hotels.

Always double-check before you detour. Because when it comes to travel, it's best to trust your email confirmation—not a random guy with “helpful” tips.

Overpriced Currency Exchange

You eagerly hand over your dollars or euros at a currency booth, only to later realize you’ve just been scammed with terrible rates or hidden fees.

Where it happens: Near airports, train stations, and tourist-heavy spots.

How to avoid it:
- Check the current exchange rate online before you go.
- Use bank-affiliated exchange services.
- Avoid exchanging large sums at airports or on the street.

That “No Commission” sign? Often a lie. If it feels too good to be true—it is.

The Bracelet Scam

You’re strolling through a market when someone playfully ties a bracelet or string on your wrist. Before you realize what’s going on, they're demanding money for it.

Where it happens: Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Marrakech—yep, this one gets around.

How to avoid it:
- Keep your hands to yourself and politely, but firmly, decline when someone approaches.
- Don't let anyone grab your wrist—even in the name of “peace” or “friendship.”

Free is rarely ever free, especially when someone tries to hand it to you on a city square.

Pickpocketing in Crowded Places

This one’s an oldie but a goodie—if you’re a thief. Pickpockets swarm in touristy areas, especially in busy subways, festivals, or landmark attractions.

Where it happens: Literally everywhere, but especially in major European cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Rome.

How to avoid it:
- Use a money belt or anti-theft backpack.
- Keep your bags zipped and close.
- Don’t display wealth; ditch flashy jewelry or expensive cameras dangling from your neck.

If someone jostles you in a crowd, check your pockets immediately. Distractions are their specialty.

Fake Police Officers

A couple of guys flash what looks like a badge and ask to see your ID or wallet, claiming something fishy about your passport. Then—they lift your cash or cards.

Where it happens: Central and South America, and parts of Asia.

How to avoid it:
- Ask for ID and their badge number.
- Say you’d prefer to go to the police station.
- Never hand over your documents or wallet on the street.

Real cops don’t work on the "trust me, bro" model.

Rental Vehicle Damage Scam

You return your scooter or car, and suddenly the staff points out a scratch or dent that you didn’t cause. Surprise: you’re charged a hefty repair fee.

Where it happens: Tourist hubs with lots of scooter rentals—Thailand, Bali, Greece.

How to avoid it:
- Take photos and videos of the vehicle before and after use.
- Rent only from well-reviewed places.
- Get everything in writing—including what’s considered "pre-existing damage."

This one’s like returning a rental tux and getting billed for a wine stain someone else left. Annoying and expensive.

ATM Skimming

You stick your card in the ATM, not knowing there’s a hidden device copying your data and a tiny camera grabbing your PIN. Later, your account gets drained.

Where it happens: Anywhere with sketchy ATMs—especially in Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.

How to avoid it:
- Use ATMs inside banks, not those on the street.
- Cover your hand when entering your PIN.
- Monitor your bank statements during and after your trip.

ATMs should give you cash, not headaches.

The “Too-Friendly Local” Strategy

You meet someone “coincidentally” who wants to practice their English, show you around, bring you to a bar... and the bill at the end? Astronomical.

Where it happens: Shanghai, Istanbul, Bangkok, and other mega-cities.

How to avoid it:
- Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is.
- Don’t go to bars or clubs with strangers, especially if they choose the place.
- Always check the menu prices before ordering.

Friendliness is great. But sometimes, that smile is backed by a scam.

Counterfeit Goods and Fake Souvenirs

You find "authentic" handmade crafts at a steal, only to learn later they were mass-produced in a factory.

Where it happens: Marketplaces in Morocco, Vietnam, China, and Turkey.

How to avoid it:
- Educate yourself on what local crafts should look like.
- Ask questions about the origin of the item.
- When in doubt, buy from government-certified stores or co-ops.

Remember: just because it says "genuine leather" doesn’t mean a cow was ever involved.

Tourist Trap Restaurants

You’re starving, you sit down at a cute little café near a famous monument, and boom—the bill is three times what it should be, plus mystery charges.

Where it happens: Tourist squares anywhere—think Paris, Venice, New York.

How to avoid it:
- Check online reviews before walking in.
- Beware of restaurants that don’t have prices on the menu.
- Walk a few blocks away from tourist attractions to find more authentic spots.

Good food doesn’t need a view of the Eiffel Tower to taste great.

How to Avoid Getting Scammed

Alright, now you're armed with the knowledge of what to look out for, but let’s wrap it up with some universal golden rules that’ll help you travel smarter:

1. Stay alert, not paranoid – There’s a balance between enjoying your trip and being cautious.
2. Do your homework – A quick online search about local scams can save you a lot of trouble.
3. Trust your instincts – If a situation feels weird, it probably is.
4. Travel insurance – It's not sexy, but it can be a lifesaver.
5. Have backups – Make copies of your passport and keep emergency cash in a separate spot.

Remember, scammers prey on people who are distracted or overly trusting. Stay sharp, stay chill, and always question anything that seems off. Most people you’ll meet while traveling are honest and helpful, but being scam-aware lets you enjoy the best parts of your adventure—without losing your wallet or your patience.

Final Thoughts

Traveling can be the most enriching thing you ever do—but don’t let it come with a side order of scam. By knowing what tricks are out there, you won’t be caught off guard. You’ll walk away with incredible memories, not horror stories.

Now go ahead, pack your bags, keep your eyes open, and get ready for a trip that’s as smooth and unforgettable as it should be.