Travel Scams + Common Mistakes to Avoid
Nobody wants to spend a trip paranoid, and I definitely don’t think you should.
But there’s a difference between traveling scared and traveling aware.
A lot of travel scams work because they catch people when they’re tired, distracted, unfamiliar with the area, or trying to be polite.
These are the things I’d watch for.
Taxi + Transportation Scams
This is one of the most common places travelers get taken advantage of.
That can look like inflated fares, broken meters, drivers taking unnecessarily long routes, or unofficial drivers approaching you inside or outside the airport.
I prefer official taxi stands, reputable rideshare apps where available, or transportation arranged through the hotel or airport.
If I’m using a taxi somewhere I don’t know, I like having a rough idea of what the ride should cost before getting in.
💡 SHANE’S TIP
If somebody is aggressively trying to get you into their car the second you leave baggage claim, I’m already skeptical.
Fake Police or Unofficial “Fines”
This can happen in some destinations and can involve either someone pretending to be police or someone in authority pressuring a traveler for an unofficial cash payment.
If you’re stopped:
stay calm
do not make sudden movements
ask what the violation is
ask for identification if it feels safe
ask whether any legitimate fine can be paid through an official process
avoid showing how much cash you have
The goal is not to win an argument on the side of the road.
The goal is to get out of the situation safely.
If something feels wrong, document what happened once you’re safe and report it through the appropriate local or consular channels.
ATM Tricks
ATMs can get expensive fast when you add withdrawal fees (tip: Charles Schwab debit card refunds all ATM fees), conversion fees, and bad exchange rates.
I try to use ATMs attached to reputable banks instead of random standalone machines.
And if the ATM offers to convert the withdrawal into U.S. dollars for me, I usually decline that conversion and withdraw in the local currency instead.
That lets my bank or card network handle the conversion.
Also, always check the machine before using it. If the card reader looks loose, damaged, or strange, I’m finding another ATM.
The “Helpful Stranger”
Not everyone helping you is trying to scam you.
But I’m cautious when someone suddenly appears with a very urgent reason why I need their help.
That might be:
telling you an attraction is closed
offering to help with a ticket machine
insisting they know a “better” tour
trying to carry your luggage
or redirecting you somewhere else
If I didn’t ask for the help, I slow down and verify what they’re telling me before going anywhere.
Currency Confusion
This one is easy to fall for because you’re dealing with money you’re not used to.
Know roughly what the local currency is worth before you start spending.
Count your change.
Look at the bill you’re handing over.
And if someone tries to rush you during the transaction, slow it down.
I also avoid carrying large amounts of cash in one place.
Restaurant + Menu Surprises
Before ordering somewhere tourist-heavy, I like knowing what things cost.
Some scams involve inflated menus, surprise service charges, items that suddenly cost much more than expected, or prices that were never clearly stated.
I’m not saying interrogate the server.
Just read the menu, ask when something isn’t clear, and check the bill before paying.
Friendship Bracelets, Flowers + “Free” Gifts
If someone puts something on your wrist, hands you a flower, gives you a souvenir, or insists something is free, there may be an expectation for payment afterward.
I’m polite, but I do not accept things I didn’t ask for.
A simple “no thank you” usually works.
Distraction Scams
Someone spills something on you.
Someone asks for directions.
There’s a commotion.
One person is talking to you while somebody else is getting very close to your bag.
The scam may not be the conversation itself.
The conversation may just be the distraction.
I keep my valuables secure and stay aware of what’s happening around me, especially in crowded tourist areas and public transportation.
Pickpocketing
Pickpocketing can happen anywhere, but crowded trains, busy attractions, markets, and transportation hubs deserve extra attention.
I avoid keeping my phone or wallet somewhere that’s easy to grab.
Back pockets?
Absolutely not.
I also keep bags closed and in front of me in crowded spaces when it makes sense.
Fake Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is convenient, but I’m careful about what I do on public networks.
I would not log into banking or anything particularly sensitive on a random open network if I can avoid it.
If I have working mobile data, I’d rather use that for anything important.
Rental Car Damage Claims
Before driving away in a rental car, I take pictures or a quick video of the vehicle.
Every side.
Wheels.
Windshield.
Existing scratches.
Interior.
That way, if there’s a disagreement when I return it, I have a record of how the car looked when I received it.
I also read what the rental coverage actually includes instead of assuming everything is covered.
Don’t Flash Your ‘Wealth’
This one is less about a specific scam and more about reducing unnecessary attention.
I like nice things too.
But there’s a time and place.
Walking around an unfamiliar area with a designer bag, expensive watch, camera hanging off your shoulder, phone in your hand, and cash out is not something I need to do.
You can look good without advertising everything you own.
Don’t Let Politeness Override Your Instincts
This might be the biggest one.
If someone makes me uncomfortable, I do not stay in the situation because I’m worried about seeming rude.
I leave.
I decline.
I say no.
Travel is not the time to ignore your instincts just because somebody seems nice.
Know the Common Scams for Your Specific Destination
Before every international trip, I spend a few minutes searching for common scams in the city or country I’m visiting.
Not because I want to scare myself.
Because if I’ve already heard about something, I’m much less likely to fall for it in the moment.
That ten minutes of research can be more useful than a lot of the random travel hacks people post online.
The Bottom Line
Most people you meet while traveling are not trying to scam you.
And you should not spend your trip treating everyone like a threat.
Just stay aware.
Know what things should cost.
Keep your valuables secure.
Verify things before handing over money.
And if something feels off, remove yourself from the situation.
You can be open to the experience without being careless.
Go somewhere. Make it worth it.