Southeast Asia has been one of the favorite spots in the world for planning and visiting in the summer vacations. Temperature is often cold in highland areas. Southeast Asia is recognized to be known for its low prices, delicious cuisine, good flight connections, and perfect beaches. Consider the following scams and best travel tips to avoid these scams while visiting Southeast Asia as they are threatening and can obligate get-away.
1. Money Exchange:
The money exchange is a common fraud in exchange markets. The scammer usually begins by inquiring about the amount of cash to be exchanged. More amounts of cash mean more chances for a scammer to replace your money with the fake one or they hand over the money with a fake dye. Or replace the money at low rates. Even the offices at the airport also don’t give a fair rate. Make sure to count the money before leaving the exchange office. Talk to the police if you find about the scammers.
2. The Tour Guide Scam:
Tour guides also scam the tourists. Always keep one thing in mind that the tour guide doesn’t approach you, you have to approach them. Tour guides are always seen standing in the form of groups. Unofficial tour guides ask for overpricing and usually don’t give all of you cycle an area. And will convince you that some spots are not available to travelers. So be cautious around the tour guides.
3. Kids Scam:
Not only seniors but also the kids are involved in doing scams. Kids doing scams looked innocent by their faces but they are not trustworthy. They ask to pay for their food and are faking illness. They torture you so much and make you feel so selfish if you don’t pay them anything. Children are so trained to rob people. Always be careful when you are around such kids.
4. Special Massage Scam:
The massage scam is the worst scam ever. They usually separate you from your family. And takes you to an unknown place and rob all your belongings. And sometimes they take you to their shops but their massage skills are awful. They also charge you extra money. You can visit well-reputed salons if you need a massage. Watch out these fake massage services.
5. Tourist Information Office Scam:
The tourist information office also plays tricks with people. Some offices are unofficial and are not registered for touring. They sell you the services that are over-priced and even unreal. They also pin you fake company badges. They usually ask you to pay before beginning the tour. And then take you to the places that are locked. Be aware of these scams with fake registration and badges and report to the police.
6. Motorbike Scam:
Be careful when you are renting bikes from bikes rental companies. They usually trick you by providing duplicate keys of the bike. When you leave the bike unattended, they will approach the bike and steal it away and blaming the tourist to pay money for the lost bike. Make sure to not cause any damage to the rented bike otherwise you will be charged.
7. Taxi Scam:
Tourists are usually complaining about taxi scams. Taxi drivers take tourists by the longest route and charge them with extra money at the end of the ride. They even charge the travelers for placing extra luggage in a cab. Sometimes they help you with placing the luggage in the taxi and then drive away without carrying the passenger. Make sure to don’t fall victim to taxi scammers.
If you have ever visited any country in Southeast Asia and encountered any scam like mentioned above, please comment below and share your experience with us. if you have any solo travel tips, please share.
James is a co-author with one his friends at Travelistia. He loves to write adventure stories and explore adventure filled destinations.