12 Destinations with the Worst Tourist Scams

There is nothing worse than getting scammed while you’re enjoying your holiday. From fake tour operators to street vendors and restaurants charging you twice the usual price simply because you’re not a local, there are so many things travelers should watch out for.

While all countries have their unique tourist scams, a few places are particularly renowned for them. You don’t necessarily have to avoid these countries, but if you decide to go there, keep your eyes open!

Morocco

Located in North Africa, Morocco is unfortunately renowned for its many tourist scams. Cities such as Marrakesh and Fes are full of fake guides trying to guide you around the city and then asking for money you never thought you had to pay. For instance, Fes is renowned for being a massive intricate maize, and finding the right way inside the medina is impossible. Ask shop owners for directions instead of trusting random people saying they want to help.

Thailand

The most common scams in Thailand concern transportation. Whether you are taking a tuk-tuk or a taxi, the probability of your driver charging you extra is quite high. People here often refuse to use meters, so they can ask you whatever price they want at the end of your ride. On top of this, tourists are often taken to stores selling fake or overpriced gems, even when they are uninterested.

France

You may think Western Europe is always safe, but this is not always true. France is one of the most touristic countries in the world, meaning that people here have devised all sorts of scams to get money from naive tourists. People may ask you to sign a petition and insist you pay a ‘voluntary donation.’ Unauthorized street vendors may also push you to buy bracelets and other objects you don’t need, claiming they are presents to then ask for money.

Kenya

Located on the East Coast of Africa, Kenya is a wonderful destination for those wanting to immerse themselves in the most authentic African culture. Yet, beware of scams! The most common one is probably the tendency to sell overpriced or fake safari tours to foreigners. Of course, taxi drivers here may also charge you extra just because you are not a local.

Mexico

We now head to Latin America to warn you about the most common scams in Mexico. Unfortunately, people going to tourist destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and Cancún should watch out for a number of scams. For instance, you may purchase fake services or activities when buying tickets from unauthorized street vendors. Even though the government is trying to limit the presence of these people on most tourist sites, scams are unfortunately still present.

South Africa

South Africa can be quite dangerous if you don’t know where to go and which areas to avoid. Some of the most common frauds here include ATM scams. For instance, people may install skimming devices on local ATMs to steal tourists’ data, including card details. Others may try to help you when withdrawing money with the simple goal of stealing all your cash.

India

Fake tour guides are quite common in India. Their game? They offer overpriced tours showing almost nothing you may find interesting, and then they lead you to their friends’ shops, from which they get commissions on all your purchases. Again, similarly to many other countries on our list, taxis are another big issue. The chances of you being asked too much money are incredibly high.

Egypt

Similarly to Morocco, tourists heading to Egypt must remember that they will probably be stopped by dozens of people asking them to visit their shop, offering unrequested tours, or trying to sell whatever goods they have. Scammers here may also try to sell you fake ancient artifacts that, according to them, are millions of years old even though they were manufactured last month.

Indonesia

Here is another country in Southeast Asia. Indonesia is quite renowned for its money exchange scams. For instance, people may offer to exchange your money, giving you a terrible exchange rate. Another common scam concerns temples. Tourists may be asked to give donations that are incredibly overpriced. If you are heading here, also beware of motorbike scams, with agencies claiming you ruined their rented motorbike.

Italy

Like France, Italy is full of scams due to the many tourists heading there every year. For instance, if you’re moving by train, someone will surely ask you whether you have an extra euro for him, as he only needs an extra 70 cents to buy his ticket. Of course, none of this is true. Unauthorized street vendors are also quite annoying and may even tie bracelets to your wrists, saying it’s free, to then ask for money.

Argentina

We head back to Latin America to discuss common scams in Argentina. Unfortunately, fake bills are quite common here. You may receive these from taxi drivers or when exchanging money with unofficially exchange stores. Restaurants may also overcharge you if they realize you are a foreigner, especially in tourist destinations such as Buenos Aires.

Brazil

Brazil is another destination where tourists should always be extra careful. For instance, people may try to sell fake or overpriced tickets to the most popular attractions, so always buy from their official websites or directly on-site. You may also find thieves trying to distract you by stealing your belongings, such as your wallet or phone. Always beware!