There exists a range of scams in India, varying from simple to elaborate. Awareness of these scams can significantly enhance your experience while visiting the country.
1. Beware of Bag Carriers: A Common Tourist Scam in India
Avoid accepting help from individuals offering to carry your bags anywhere. Upon arrival at the airport, it is common to encounter the popular scam of a seemingly helpful bag carrier. It is advisable to handle your own luggage and not allow anyone else to touch or lift it into a taxi. Even though the cost may be minimal, it is best to maintain control of your belongings as you never know their intentions. If assistance is necessary, look for official porters wearing red shirts or designated uniforms, and be prepared to provide compensation for their services. This scam is not limited to airports but can occur at train stations or large bus stations as well.
2. Train Ticket and Reservation Centre Scam
Be aware of individuals claiming that your train ticket needs validation. It is a common scam where people dressed as 'official' train staff insist that your ticket is invalid without a stamp. In reality, your ticket does not require a stamp for validation, and you do not need to pay any additional fees. As long as you have a confirmed and paid ticket, simply show it to the train conductor along with your passport during your journey.
These are just a couple of examples, but it's crucial to remain vigilant and informed about potential scams while traveling in India. By being prepared, your trip to India can be much more enjoyable.
Before embarking on your journey, it is advisable to obtain travel insurance. Recommended options include SafetyWing or World Nomads, which provide coverage for various travel-related incidents.
It is important to be aware that claims of the reservation center being closed or inaccessible should be met with skepticism. Excuses like "closed for the night," "riots inside," or even bizarre scenarios involving ants and camels taking over the premises are likely attempts to deceive you. Always check the opening times of the reservation center beforehand, and if you encounter difficulties in reaching it, it is probably closed for a specific period. Some scammers have been known to obstruct travelers from accessing the reservation center by blocking their way on the stairs at New Delhi station. Responding politely with a "Thank you" or "No thanks" can often help you avoid such situations. Alternatively, on occasions when you're feeling less patient, claiming a lack of English proficiency in a foreign accent can deter scammers effectively.
3. Dealing with Pushy Guides: Avoiding Tourist Scams in India
It is a common sight to encounter individuals outside popular attractions offering their services as guides and insisting that you need their assistance. They might approach you with phrases like "guide, guide? You will definitely need a guide." While it is entirely up to your preference whether you choose to hire a guide, it is worth considering guidebooks or audio guides as more reliable sources of information with verified facts.
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| Source-by Karl rock's blog |
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By being aware of these tourist scams in India, visitors can make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to deception. It is important to exercise caution and rely on trustworthy sources to enhance your travel experiences in the country."
4. Avoid Price Surprises: Verifying Costs in India to Prevent Scams
It is crucial to always verify the final price before making any payment, as this is a commonly overlooked scam in India. One should be cautious when participating in activities such as boat rides, ensuring that the price quoted covers all aspects of the experience. For instance, during a boat tour, the traveler may be informed that the initial payment only covers the boat owner, while an additional fee is required for the boatman. To avoid such surprises, it is essential to clarify what the price includes before confirming any tours or services.
5. Steer Clear of Pushy Souvenir Sellers: Avoiding Scams in India
Ignore individuals who forcefully attempt to sell souvenirs to you, as this is one of the more prevalent and bothersome scams in India. It is not uncommon for vendors to approach tourists aggressively, placing items in their laps without consent. In one instance, during a boat tour in Varanasi, an older man with a rude attitude placed an item on the traveler's lap without their knowledge. Subsequently, the traveler felt obliged to pay for the item after being unable to return it due to the man intentionally moving his boat away. The man then demanded 150 Rupees, but the traveler refused and gave only 20 Rupees. It is advisable to avoid and completely ignore individuals in boats attempting to sell goods, as engaging with them can lead to unpleasant experiences.
6. The Bindi Scam: Avoiding Unwanted Expenses in India
Beware of the forced bindi scam, where individuals may approach and place a bindi (a decorative dot) on your forehead without your consent, typically during ceremonies or religious gatherings such as in Varanasi. Subsequently, they will persistently demand money from you. It is important to note that the money requested has no relevance to the ceremony itself; it simply goes directly into the pockets of those performing the act. Remain vigilant and observant of your surroundings, and if this situation arises, try to safely extricate yourself from it.
7. The poo Scam
Yeh it is a very funny and dirtiest scam ever. Click here for clear description about this scam
8. THE “FREE” BRACELET AND FAKE ORNAMENT SCAM
The 'free' bracelet scam involves individuals placing a bracelet or anklet on you, claiming it to be a gift, only to demand money afterward. Often, these items are difficult to remove, leaving you with little choice but to pay. To avoid this scam, exercise caution when approached by individuals offering free items and politely decline their offerings.
Additionally,There are some idiots who are selling fake ornaments like fake pearl and some fake gem stones so, be careful of them.
9. Smart Rickshaw Travel: Avoiding Overcharging and Midway Refusals in India
When using auto-rickshaws, it is crucial to agree upon and confirm the price beforehand to avoid being overcharged.If they have metres to price according to kilometres check it is on or not other wise they will overcharge. If they not ready to charge less it's better to book a taxi or ola.
Additionally, ensure that the driver is aware of your destination, and if possible, track your route using Google Maps to ensure you are heading in the right direction. If a driver refuses to take you to your destination midway, consider walking away, as they are likely to reconsider and continue the journey to secure payment. While rickshaw drivers are often associated with scams in India, many of them are friendly once a fair price has been established.
10. Drugs in food
A scam involving drugging passengers on trains and buses through contaminated food and drinks exists in India. This can result in travelers being rendered unconscious, leading to the theft of their belongings. If you feel unsure about the food or drinks being offered, it is best to politely decline and carry your own snacks, such as fruits, crisps, and water, to avoid having to purchase them elsewhere. Generally, meals and snacks provided by train staff are safe, but caution should be exercised when unauthorized individuals without official uniforms offer food or drinks.
11. Avoiding Hotel Scams: Staying Safe from the Riot Scam in India
The riot scam is a tactic employed by some unscrupulous drivers. They may falsely inform you that your hotel is closed or that there are riots in the area, preventing you from reaching your intended destination. To counter this scam, insist that the driver takes you to your confirmed hotel, informing them that you have already made arrangements and the hotel is expecting your arrival. Some drivers may even go to the extent of calling a hotel (often a friend's establishment) to verify the situation, which is part of their deceptive scheme. Ultimately, they will take you to an expensive hotel where they receive a commission. To avoid falling victim to this scam, remain vigilant, trust your confirmed reservations, and firmly assert your destination.
Being aware of these common tourist scams in India empowers travelers to protect themselves and have a more enjoyable and secure experience while exploring the country."
Remember, while scams exist, it is essential to recognize that most Indians are wonderful and welcoming individuals who are genuinely eager to help visitors. With caution and awareness, you can navigate through your Indian adventure with greater confidence.
Because Indians treat guests as Gods
