HOW TO AVOID TRAVEL SCAMS ABROAD (FROM SOMEONE WHO ALWAYS IS)
How to Avoid Travel Scams Abroad (From Someone Who Always Is). You land in a new city, exhausted, jet-lagged, and everything sounds like an opportunity. Scammers smell that. In this short guide, I’ll show you how to avoid travel scams abroad — what I’ve learned the hard way, and what you should do from Day 1 to protect yourself.
Contents: Key Actions:
- Trust Your Gut — It’s Often Right
- Confirm a Price Beforehand (Always)
- Do Your Local Scam Recon (Before & Upon Arrival)
- Beware of Fake Booking Sites & Payment Traps
- Fake Officials, Fake Police & Authority Schemes
- Don’t Take “Free” Anything (Roses, Bracelets, Photos)
- Backup Everything & Stay Redundant
1. TRUST YOUR GUT — IT’S OFTEN RIGHT
You’ll get pressure, smiles, friendly “locals” who “just want to help.”
When someone approaches you with unsolicited offers, gifts, or “help,” your gut = red flag detector.
In my case, in Bangkok, some random guy claimed the “palace was closed today” and offered me a “special tour” — yeah, that’s how I got dragged into a gem shop.
If your instinct screams “this is weird,” don’t overthink it — politely decline and walk away.
How to Avoid Travel Scams Abroad (From Someone Who Always Is)
FAQ…
- Is it paranoid to think about scams before you go?
Not at all. The more skeptical you are, the less likely you’ll fall. Better to be prepared than blindsided.
- What’s the worst kind of scam?
The “I’ll fix this now” one. Fake “helpful locals” telling you your hotel is closed and redirecting you to their partner, or taxi drivers calling pals. Those rely on disorientation and trust.
- Should I avoid small vendors or people offering help?
No — local interactions can be magical. But keep your guard up, don’t go off on isolated paths with strangers, and always vet offers. Use common sense more than blanket avoidance.
2. CONFIRM A PRICE BEFOREHAND (ALWAYS)
But don’t be a cynic — keep yourself open to experiences rather than just saying no to avoid a scam (because it will happen, and honestly, it should). After all, one of the oldest tricks in the book is the classic: “meter broke,” “traffic is heavy,” or “this road is closed” — all clever spins to jack the fare up.
So, whether it’s taxis, tuk-tuks, guides, or gifts, always insist on agreeing a price first.
And if they refuse or give vague answers, then simply find another option — you’ve got your answer right there.
That’s also why, the likes of Uber are now so popular in many tourist destinations: you know exactly what you’re getting. Whenever possible, use them to save yourself the hassle.
How to Avoid Travel Scams Abroad (From Someone Who Always Is)
3. DO YOUR LOCAL SCAM RECON (BEFORE & UPON ARRIVAL)
Different places = different scams. Scam in Istanbul isn’t the same as scam in Rio.
Before you go:
• Search “[city] + common scams”
• Visit your government travel advisory site
• Check travel forums or Reddit threads
Once there:
• Ask hotel staff or trusted locals about scams to watch for.
• Be aware of “tourist traps” locals warn of
For example, in many European cities there’s the infamous “bracelet tie” scam (they tie something to your wrist, then demand money). Similarly, there’s the “free album” trick in the States, where they sign a CD for you and then, once you refuse to pay, tell you it’s too late because your name is already on it. To be fair, these folk think of everything — at times, it’s pretty impressive.
Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, you’ll often come across fake tour deals, tuk-tuk detours, and gem shop scams.
Ultimately, you don’t need to spend too much time on upfront reconnaissance, but even a little can save you a lot of headache later on.
How to Avoid Travel Scams Abroad (From Someone Who Always Is)
4. BEWARE OF FAKE BOOKING SITES & PAYMENT TRAPS
For example, sites that mimic real ones, deep discount deals that vanish, or requests to pay outside the platform — these are red alerts. In fact, I’ve even heard of people getting done by fake Facebook pages. Honestly, who books their holiday through Facebook?!
Key tactics:
• Look up reviews with “scam” / “complaint” appended (e.g. “CheapHotelXYZ scam”) Consumer Advice
• If a site demands payment via wire, gift card, or crypto, walk away — those are classic scam signals. Consumer Advice
• Use credit cards or payment methods that offer fraud protection
• Prefer bookings via trusted platforms (Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.) — and even then, don’t take requests to move payment off-platform
• Ensure the URL is legit (look for minor misspellings or odd domains) Global Rescue
How to Avoid Travel Scams Abroad (From Someone Who Always Is)
RELATED READ: GETTING ROBBED BY POLICE IN PERU
5. FAKE OFFICIALS, FAKE POLICE & AUTHORITY SCHEMES
One of the scariest: someone in uniform demands documents, money, or “inspection.” They may demand a fine on the spot.
If this happens:
• Ask to see credentials / badge
• Offer to go to the nearest police station (don’t hand over valuables on the spot)
• Don’t carry your real passport always — keep copies or leave originals in safe at hotel
• Keep money and cards hidden, not in obvious pockets
Scammers bank on your fear of authority — and who the hell knows how the police should behave in the middle of Africa?
6. DON’T TAKE “FREE” ANYTHING (ROSES, BRACELETS, PHOTOS)
Another classic scam happens when someone hands you a bracelet or offers a “free photo.” Before you know it, they have their hand out looking for money.
In that moment, if someone tries to place something on you, refuse. And if they won’t take it back, simply put it on the ground. Remember, these people rely on fear, so when they demand payment, look them in the eye and tell them you don’t want it. Better yet, keep staring and give them an awkward silence. By this stage, they’ll realise there are easier targets and move on.
7. BACKUP EVERYTHING & STAY REDUNDANT
In a world of technology, sometimes the old fashioned way works.
• Keep digital & physical copies (passport, tickets, emergency contacts)
• Store them in separate places (luggage, money belt, phone)
• Save booking confirmation emails/screenshots offline
• Use secure VPN / avoid sketchy Wi-Fi for sensitive stuff – I believe this will become more and more of an issue as the years roll by.
FINAL THOUGHTS
You can’t travel 100% risk-free. But those “I wish I’d known” moments can be minimized. Trust your gut, nail down prices early, do your homework, and back up your stuff. If something feels off, it probably is. Never be scared of being bold.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
