12 Common Tourist Scams Around the World and How to Avoid Them
Most trips go smoothly, but tourists are an easy target for small scams in busy cities and at airports everywhere. The tricks are surprisingly similar around the world, which means that once you know them, they are easy to spot. This guide covers the most common tourist scams and simple ways to avoid each one.
Quick answer: Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps, always pay in local currency, book accommodation and visas only through official channels, keep valuables out of reach in crowds, and be cautious of anyone who approaches you first with an offer, a petition or a “problem”.
Transport scams
1. Unofficial taxis and “broken meter” drivers
Drivers approach you in the arrivals hall offering a ride, or claim the meter is broken and charge a fixed high price.
Avoid it: use official taxi ranks, the airport’s licensed taxi desk, or a ride-hailing app. Agree a price beforehand if there is no meter.
2. “Your hotel is closed”
A driver or stranger says your hotel or attraction is closed or full and offers to take you somewhere else, usually where they earn a commission.
Avoid it: check directly with your hotel or the attraction’s website.
Money scams
3. Paying in your home currency
Card machines and ATMs offer to charge you in your home currency. This “dynamic currency conversion” usually costs several percent more.
Avoid it: always choose the local currency. Our guide on paying abroad explains why.
4. ATM skimming and “helpful” strangers
Devices hidden on ATMs copy card details, or someone offers to “help” you and watches your PIN.
Avoid it: use ATMs inside banks, cover your PIN, and refuse help from strangers.
5. Short-changing and fake notes
Vendors give incorrect change quickly or swap a large note for a fake.
Avoid it: learn the local notes, count change slowly, and use cards where possible.
Street scams
6. Distraction thefts
Someone spills something on you, drops coins, asks for directions or starts a commotion while an accomplice takes your phone or wallet.
Avoid it: keep valuables in front pockets or a cross-body bag, and be alert when a stranger creates a sudden distraction.
7. Friendship bracelets and “free” gifts
Someone ties a bracelet on your wrist or hands you a “gift”, then demands payment.
Avoid it: keep walking and do not accept items from strangers.
8. Fake petitions and charity collectors
People ask you to sign a petition while others pickpocket you, or demand a donation.
Avoid it: politely decline and move on.
9. Overpriced tourist-trap restaurants and bars
Touts invite you in; the bill includes unexpected charges or prices far higher than the menu suggested.
Avoid it: check menu prices before ordering and read recent reviews.
Online scams
10. Fake visa and travel authorisation websites
Unofficial sites charge high fees for visas or travel authorisations, or take money for systems that do not exist yet, such as Europe’s ETIAS, which is not yet operating.
Avoid it: use only official government sites. Read our guides to the UK ETA and EES and ETIAS.
11. Fake holiday rentals
Attractive listings that ask you to pay outside the booking platform, then disappear.
Avoid it: always pay through the platform. See our hotel vs holiday rental guide for more safety checks.
12. Fake airline and travel agent phone numbers
Search results show phone numbers that look like airline helplines but are run by third parties that charge high fees or collect card details.
Avoid it: only use contact details from the airline’s official website or app.
What to do if you are scammed abroad
- Freeze your cards in your banking app and call your bank.
- Report thefts to the local police and get a written report for insurance claims.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen.
- Claim on your travel insurance within the time limit.
- Report online scams to the platform and to the fraud authorities in your home country.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common tourist scam?
Unofficial taxis and overcharging, along with pickpocketing through distraction, are among the most common worldwide.
How can I avoid pickpockets?
Keep valuables in front pockets or a zipped cross-body bag, avoid displaying phones in crowded places, and be alert to sudden distractions.
Are ride-hailing apps safer than taxis abroad?
They often reduce overcharging because the price and route are recorded, but always check that the car and driver match the app.
What should I do if my passport is stolen?
Report it to the local police and contact your country’s embassy or consulate for an emergency travel document.