12 Countries Where Tourists Are More Likely to Get Scammed Than Locals

With every great adventure often comes a little risk. Traveling is no exception. There are potential risks of venturing into unfamiliar territory, and often times unsuspecting tourists make prime targets for scammers and con artists.

The locals know how to avoid falling prey to these scams and in most cases can avoid them so, we have compiled a list to help you out the next time you decide to travel to any of these 12 countries. Stay alert and be on the lookout for these tricks.

Greece

Tourists can get scammed in Greece and locals acknowledge being aware of these tricks. An example would be hiking up prices at restaurants and markets where items cost significantly less. They lure tourists into cute seaside restaurants, where the ‘free’ appetizers or drinks incur a hefty price. The overcharged taxi rides from the airport are another scam. Knowing standard rates helps to avoid these costly tricks.

Turkey

Scams are common in Turkey, most notably in Istanbul. The “shoe shine scam” is one of the most infamous. where a shiner will ‘accidentally’ drop a brush in front of you and then convince you to let them shine your shoes when you pick up the brush. Once you make the mistake of allowing them to do this, they charge you a ridiculous fee. The classic overpriced nightclub scam is another where tourists are tricked under the pretense of free entry into bars, only to find that they have an astronomical bill.

Brazil

Brazil’s lively cities and beautiful beaches all make for a perfect beach destination, but tourists are often ripped off and scammed. The one that’s a favorite among tourists is the “found ring” scam, where someone tells the tourist they found something valuable and offers it to them, and then demands a reward. Another scam is taking apparently unofficial tour guides to either look at ‘special’ sights, overcharging outrageously.

Indonesia

Millions of visitors flock to Indonesia’s island paradise of Bali each year. But tourists are often caught in scams that locals would escape. Say, for instance, some taxi drivers take longer routes in order to increase the fare. A common scam at currency exchange counters too is giving the tourists a non official exchange rate or shortchanging.

Italy

Cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence are bustling with people, with Italy being the obvious dream come true for lovers of art and history. These popular spots are also hotbeds for pickpockets and street scammers. The one that so many fall prey to is the one that involves fake petitions; they will ask you to add your signature to something of a noble cause and then request a ‘donation’ after.

India

India is an incredible destination with beautiful culture and wonderful food, but there are many scams that tourists fall prey to. At markets or with tuk-tuk drivers, overcharging is rampant. Taxi drivers will then claim your hotel is closed or fully booked, then escort you to another hotel they either own or receive a commission from. Of course, locals know better and book directly.

Morocco

Morocco’s souks and medinas are charming but can be a scammer’s favorite playground. One known scam involves henna artists ‘gifting’ tourists unsolicited artwork and then demanding payment. Locals know to decline or avoid these situations or if caught in them, they know how to bargain effectively.

Egypt

The pyramids and temples of Egypt routinely attract millions of tourists each year, but also millions of scammers. The camel rides at the pyramids are one of these more notorious scams. Tourists are lured to catch a ride on the camel and told it costs a small fee, after the ride, the price mysteriously skyrockets. Locals who know, the real rate rarely fall for these tricks.

Thailand

Beautiful beaches and charming temples are great destination spots for tourists but also a magnet for scams. Tourists will find that on days when temples are closed for a holiday or special occasion, friendly strangers will approach and attempt to guide them to a different viewing spot. Of course, this alternate location is a tourist trap and often very expensive.

Mexico

Cancun and Playa del Carmen are two of the most popular areas among tourists. Unfortunately, tourists are more likely to get scammed here. Perhaps the most common of them is the fake police shakedowns; someone claiming to be an officer will accuse tourists of a minor infraction and demand payment on the spot.

Vietnam

Many travelers are attracted by Vietnam’s stunning landscapes and adventurous cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. It’s common for tourists to be scammed with inflated taxi fares. Taxi meters are not used or are tampered with, leading to exorbitant prices. A second scam involves fake vendors selling ‘authentic’ counterfeit goods.

Spain

Spain itself is not a dangerous country, but, as is often the case, there are places that attract pickpockets and street scams, mainly in Barcelona. According to SchoolTube, a common scam is where fake police officers ask tourists to produce their passports and wallets and then steal the cash. Another involves a tourist being distracted by one person while an accomplice helps himself to the tourist’s bag. In such situations, locals are always more vigilant and avoid taking risks when interacting with strangers.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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