Traveling tips to avoid scams part 1

in tips •  8 years ago 
  1. The Friendship Bracelet
    Someone would playfully tie a cheap colorful bracelet around your arm very tightly. You will be charged a high price because you can't untie it without breaking.

  2. A Rose For Your Girlfriend
    This depends on the price, sometimes it's more expensive because there is a flower shop nearby.

  3. Asking you to sign a petition or hold their doll baby
    You will be distracted with the dramatic explanation/show while someone is pick pocketing you.

  4. Shoe shiner
    Someone would drop a shoe shiner and when you pick it up. He will shine your shoe as a thankful gesture, but will charge you a high fee afterwards.

  5. Expensive Photographer
    Some people would charge you a fee for helping you take your group photo.

  6. Cheating taxi driver
    Some taxi drivers have fake meters charging you more than what you owe. Pay attention to the meter and record whatever you can!

  7. Be aware of all your belongings
    You can get pick pocketing while you are walking or sitting in a station or vehicle. Just anywhere lol. Routinely check if you have everything on you!

  8. The fake policemen or anyone people in uniform.
    People in uniform can accuse you for breaking their made up law and ask you to go with them to a police station and let you go if you pay their made up fine. Always ask for their name, badge and what they do.

  9. The beggar
    This is a hard one, some are genuinely in need while others are distracting you with their show while someone is pick pocketing you.

  10. Broken Camera
    Someone will ask you to take a picture with their broken camera. When you hold it and it doesn't work, they will accuse you for breaking it and threaten you to pay for it otherwise they will bring you to the police station.

  11. Asking to borrow your phone
    Some people want to borrow your phone to make an urgent call and then run away with it. Tell them that they can call for free at the police station.

  12. Fake museum tickets/money exchange foreign currencies
    Some sell fake discounted tickets in front museums. By the time you scan the fake ticket, the seller it is already gone. This applies for exchanging foreign currencies as well. Just wait in line for the bank or train station money exchange desk.

So basically when in doubt, do the long expensive route. It is not worth taking a doubtful risk. That's gambling!

These are almost the exact list from @joshglen, but with 2 extra personal tips.
I want to post it with my own words for my record keeping too.
Feel free to follow us both. Thanks!

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