Travel scams are as old as, well, travel itself. But you can beat some of these scammers at their own game, if you’re prepared.
One of the oldest tricks is for taxi drivers to take the so-called “long route” to your destination.
Your phone’s GPS can put you in the driver’s seat, since you can easily see whether you’re being taken for a ride.
But those devices aren’t foolproof. So load or print out a map ahead of time so you can see what route you should be on, and about how long it should take.
Shortchanging on a purchase is the oldest game in the book, and in some countries, cashiers may slip in old currency hoping you won’t notice.
You’re better off using a credit card so you have some recourse if you’re overcharged. But still, pay close attention to your receipt before walking out of the store.
In many countries, travelers who rent equipment—like jetskis or motorbikes—end up being charged exorbitant fees for damage they didn’t cause!
It’s not usually worth confrontation, but read vendor reviews ahead of time, and take photographs of the equipment before you leave.
For more information, visit our Travel Safety and Travel Tools Archives.
Keep reading for more Travel Tips.
