Common Scams that Travellers Must Be Aware Of

The hardest part of any trip is planning. Now travelers are more often worried about traps. The trip goes from awesome to ‘worst time of my life’. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Don't lose your time, money or energy when awareness on your part can protect you.

Taxi Scams             

Broken Taxi Meter Scam Taxi drivers near airports or train stations start to drive when you get into the taxi. The driver informs you that the meter is broken and charges you more and you have no idea what the actual charge is. Sometimes the taxi driver claims lesser price than the metered taxi. After few miles through the trip, a fake call comes in claiming that the destination was misunderstood, the total fare is more.

How to avoid it? Be ahead of time. Ensure the meter is working or negotiate the rates before jumping into the cab. Make sure the driver understand the destination.

The Longest Route Scam

Taxi driver takes the longest route to your destination, ensuring the meter to run longer to get a larger fare. How to avoid it: Prepaid taxi from the airport is fair. But from point A to point B in the city, ask the local before taking one. They have a good idea of the distance and fare. Negotiate the fare with the taxi driver.

The Bill Swaps or Disappeared Scam

This is very common and can happen to anyone, tourist or local. You gave fifty dollar bill and next you see him holding a five, insisting that he was underpaid. Another scam is when you give few bill notes, they will disappear one and claim that they have paid less. How to avoid it: While paying to the taxi driver, count loudly and give the bills to the taxi driver one by one.

Per Person Scam

Taxi driver decides a price and you and your friends jump in. After reaching the final destination, taxi driver forcefully insists the fare is for per person. Sometimes they play numbers. For example, the rate is finalized as 13 but after reaching the destination they ask for 30 and it is you with the hearing problem. How to avoid it: Speak boldly and clearly. Ask the total fare for everyone.

Overbooked or Closed or Similar name Hotel

Taxi driver takes you to a different place than what you asked for. The driver will tell you your hotel is either closed or overbooked. He may take you to a hotel with the same name and drop you off to figure it out for yourself.

How to avoid it? Call your hotel in advance and make sure they’re open. Ask if they offer shuttle service. If your taxi driver insists, answer him that you have a reservation.

Check and  learn more how World Ventures can turn dream to reality!