Travel Ticket Magazine - Book - Page 16
5 Travel Scams To Watch Out
For — Especially Abroad!
By Redd E. Tuugo
Taxicab Rip-offs
Fortunately, rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft are helping level the playing 昀椀eld
when it comes to forcing cab drivers to stop ripping people off — but you still should be
careful. Taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging tourists. Sure, there’ll be a meter in the
cab showing your fare, but many cab drivers will take you on an out-of-the-way route to rack
up a higher charge.
“Closed” Attractions
Tip: Before leaving for a trip abroad, contact your carrier about being able to use your phone
overseas Reach for your telephone if you hear a story like that. Call the venue and ask if
there are any issues. There’s a chance that the driver might be receiving a commission for
every tourist he delivers to some other attraction. Another trick driver’s use is to claim an
attraction is currently closed for lunch. Again, call and 昀椀nd out for yourself.
Currency Scams
One of the biggest issues with traveling abroad is foreign currency. In some countries, such
as the Dominican Republic, the bills are very colorful. Although the denominations of the
bills are clearly visible it can take some time to fully understand how it all works, including
the exchange rate. Some tourists out having a good time may be content to take whatever
change they’re given, only to 昀椀nd out later they were taken advantage of.
Free Bracelet Scams
In some countries, especially Europe, young children or even their friendly-looking parents
may ask to place a cheap bracelet around your wrist or even a scarf around your neck — as
a sign of friendship. You may be fooled into thinking it’s a part of a tradition, but it’s actually
a ploy for money. The person offering you the gift may beg for money, hoping you will pay
them just to go away. That’s why you should never allow anyone to place something on your
body. Always shake your head no and keep it moving. If you do accept something, simply
remove it, hand it back, or even place it on the sidewalk as you walk away. Do it 昀椀rmly.
Illegal Drugs
This one should be a no-brainer, right? Unfortunately, people fall into this trick all the time.
You’re in a party place and someone offers an illegal substance at what you feel is a great
price. It’s a scam, with the cop and con artist working together. The cop asks for a signi昀椀cant
amount of cash or you’ll be taken to jail. The cash is just for him and his con artist friend.
In this scam, it’s rather unlikely that the cop would actually arrest you if you refused to give
money, but who’s willing to take that risk?
16