The Most Common Travel Scams In 11 Global Cities

Travel is one of the best ways to explore the world—but it also makes you an easy target if you’re not careful. In cities around the globe, scammers have perfected tricks that catch tourists off guard, from fake charities to rigged taxi meters.

These scams aren’t always obvious, and even seasoned travelers can fall for them. Being aware of what to look out for can help you avoid the traps and focus on what really matters: enjoying the experience.

1. Friendship Bracelet & Petition Scams – Paris, France

Strolling near the Eiffel Tower? Watch out for friendly strangers approaching with colorful threads. They’ll tie a ‘friendship bracelet’ on your wrist before demanding payment.

Paris is notorious for these tactics, along with petition-signers who distract you while accomplices pick your pockets. Keep your hands in your pockets and firmly say ‘Non, merci’ without stopping.

2. Tuk-Tuk Tours & Gem Scams – Bangkok, Thailand

Smiling drivers offer ridiculously cheap city tours – just 20 baht for the whole day! The catch? You’ll be dragged to overpriced shops selling fake gems, suits, or souvenirs.

Bangkok’s gem scam is particularly infamous. Drivers claim the government shop has a ‘special sale today only.’ Legitimate tuk-tuks charge by distance, not by hour. Agree on a fair price and specific destinations beforehand.

3. Distraction Pickpocketing & Fake Police – Barcelona, Spain

Someone spills mustard on your jacket, and a helpful stranger offers tissues. While you’re cleaning up, your wallet vanishes faster than you can say ‘gracias.’

Barcelona’s Las Ramblas and metro stations are hotspots for these tactics. Another common scam involves fake police officers requesting to see your wallet for ‘counterfeit bills.’ Real officers never ask to handle your belongings.

4. CD Hustles & Times Square Costume Scams – New York City, USA

Friendly rappers hand you their ‘free’ mixtape, then demand payment once you’ve touched it. Try walking away and they’ll cause a scene to pressure you into paying.

New York’s Times Square is infamous for costumed characters who pose for photos, then aggressively demand $20+ tips. Remember: nothing is free in NYC. Keep walking if approached, and discuss prices before taking photos with characters.

5. Shoe Shine & Friendly Local Invitation Scams – Istanbul, Turkey

Walking through bustling streets, you’ll suddenly notice your shoe covered in mud or bird droppings. A helpful shoe-shiner appears, offering to clean it – then demands an outrageous fee.

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar area is rife with this setup. Similarly, friendly locals might invite you for tea or to a special club, only to leave you with a massive bill. Politely decline these unexpected acts of kindness.

6. Fake Guides & “Closed Site” Lies – Cairo, Egypt

Approaching the pyramids, a convincing local informs you the entrance is closed for a special ceremony. Fortunately, he knows a secret entrance – for a special price.

Cairo’s ancient sites attract these opportunists who claim official status. Another variation involves guides offering to take your photo, then demanding payment. Check official opening times online and only use guides arranged through licensed agencies.

7. Fake Charity Collectors & Overpriced Taxis – Rome, Italy

Children clutching clipboards approach with heart-wrenching stories about disabled family members. Their innocent faces make refusal difficult, but these are trained pickpockets in disguise.

Rome’s taxi scams are equally notorious, especially from Fiumicino Airport. Insist on using the meter or confirm the fixed fare (around €48 to central Rome) before entering any cab.

8. Motorbike Snatch Thefts & Taxi Meter Rigs – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Texting while walking along busy streets creates the perfect opportunity for lightning-fast thieves. Motorbike riders zoom past, snatching phones, cameras, and purses without slowing down.

Ho Chi Minh City’s streets can be dangerous for distracted tourists. Meanwhile, some taxi drivers manipulate meters to run at 2-3 times the normal rate. Use reputable companies like Vinasun or Mai Linh, and keep valuables away from street-side exposure.

9. Fake ATMs & Express Kidnappings – Mexico City, Mexico

Withdrawing cash from standalone ATMs might cost more than just service fees. Criminals install card skimmers and hidden cameras to capture PINs and clone cards.

Mexico City visitors should only use ATMs inside banks during business hours. The city also sees rare but frightening ‘express kidnappings,’ where victims are forced to withdraw daily maximums before release. Use registered taxis and avoid displaying wealth.

10. Money Exchange Tricks & Inflated Restaurant Bills – Prague, Czech Republic

Glowing signs advertise ‘NO COMMISSION’ exchange rates that seem too good to be true – because they are. Tiny print hides astronomical fees that leave you with half the expected cash.

Prague’s Old Town restaurants sometimes present tourists with padded bills, counting on visitors who don’t understand Czech koruna. Always count your change carefully and review restaurant bills item by item before paying.

11. Commission-Based Tour Scams & Fake Travel Agencies – Delhi, India

Arriving at the train station, helpful strangers inform you your hotel has burned down or closed. They offer to call their ‘brother’s place’ or take you to a ‘government tourist office.’

Delhi’s tourist areas are notorious for these redirections. The ‘official’ tourist offices are often elaborate fakes designed to sell overpriced tours. Verify information directly with your hotel and only book through established agencies with physical offices.