Countries where even seasoned travelers get scammed – Tips to save your money
Countries where tourists are most often scammed with common tricks (photo: Getty Images)
Popular tourist destinations attract not only travelers but also those who profit from their trust. In several countries, the highest number of complaints involve scams, inflated prices, fake services, and petty theft.
RBC-Ukraine reports on the countries where tourists should be especially cautious.
Italy
One of the top countries for pickpocketing. Tourists are most often targeted in Rome, Milan, and Florence.
Common scams:
- Overpriced taxis;
- Fake guides near the Colosseum;
- "Free" bracelets;
- Group pickpocketing near the Trevi Fountain and Sistine Chapel.
Spain
Complaints are especially common in Barcelona.
Common scams:
- Theft in the metro;
- Souvenir scams;
- Fake tickets;
- "Sudden drink spill" used to distract and steal wallets.
Barcelona (photo: Wikipedia)
France
Paris is traditionally among the top cities for minor crimes in tourist areas.
Common scams:
- Being pressured to sign fake petitions;
- Photo scams with animals;
- Fake tickets to the Eiffel Tower;
- Money extortion near Montmartre.
Türkiye
Istanbul and Antalya are among the cities where tourists are most often overcharged.
Common scams:
- Closed restaurant/market trick, leading tourists to places with double prices;
- Fake tips;
- Bar scams with bills that suddenly increase several times.
Ankara Castle (photo: Wikipedia)
Thailand
Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya have long appeared in global lists of scams.
Common scams:
- Taxi rides without a meter;
- "Temples closed today" – tourists are taken to fake shops;
- Fake travel agencies;
- Pushy services on beaches.
Vietnam
Most complaints come from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Common scams:
- Overpriced taxis;
- Banknote switching;
- Boat tour scams;
- Fake entrance tickets to popular attractions.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi (photo: Wikipedia)
India
In Delhi and Jaipur, tourists most often encounter aggressive service upselling.
Common scams:
- Fake tourist information centers;
- Being told the hotel is closed and redirected to another with an inflated price;
- Interference with bookings;
- Fake licensed guides.
Mexico
Cancun and Mexico City rank high globally for tourist scams.
Common scams:
- Fake car rental and hotel websites;
- ATM fraud;
- Overpriced taxis;
- Tour scams to Isla Mujeres and cenotes.
Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City’s main square (photo: Wikipedia)
Egypt
Tourists are often deceived during excursions near the pyramids and at resorts.
Common scams:
- Being pressured to accept "gifts" that immediately become paid;
- Photo scams with animals;
- Overcharged taxis and boats;
- Banknote switching.
Morocco
Marrakech and Casablanca are among the cities with the highest number of complaints in North Africa.
Common scams:
- "Voluntary guides" loudly demand payment;
- Overpriced market goods;
- Fake artisans who clean shoes or hands with henna and then ask for money.
Mausoleum of Mohammed V (photo: Wikipedia)
Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is known for its nightlife and, accordingly, tourist scams.
Common scams:
- Theft on beaches;
- Bar scams during Carnival;
- Dating app encounters followed by extortion;
- Risks of substances being added to drinks.
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Sources: statista, NewVoice, TripAdvisor.
