India is unquestionably one of the most incredible places to visit in the world, and traveling there can be a life-changing experience. The country is known for its warmth and hospitality, and visitors are welcomed with open arms. Unfortunately, scamming is common in India, and there will always be a few unscrupulous touts or scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting travelers. India’s credibility and image have been wrecked by major fraudulent activities in the past. From the moment you step out of the airport until you leave the country, you will come across swindlers looking to make an extra buck off tourists.
Many tourists avoid India because of horrific stories about tourist scams. Although dealing with these fraudsters can be extremely frustrating, keep in mind that scams happen all over the world. While we should not be overly paranoid, it’s advisable to be aware and cautious. Be prepared and visit India with enough insight to identify and avoid the most common tourist scams. Here’s a rundown of some desi tourist scams in India.
1). Inflated Taxi/Auto Fare
The majority of tourists complain about this scam, and it is something to be aware of. Drivers can con you by charging exorbitant fares, claiming their meter is broken, taking you on longer routes, or tampering with their meters. When taking a taxi or auto, make sure the driver is using his meter, or negotiate the fare first and ensure that it includes all passengers and luggage. If the taxi driver claims that the meter is broken but can drive you for a cheap fare, do not fall for it.
Make sure you know where you are going and use Google Maps if you suspect the driver isn’t heading in the right direction. Do some research beforehand to get a rough estimate of the travel time and cost. Taking an unauthorized taxi can be dangerous, and you could get ripped off. Hire a taxi from the hotel or another trustworthy source. Ride-sharing Apps like Ola and Uber are dependable and cost-effective, so use them wherever possible.
2). Money Scam
Isn’t it always about money? Currency scammers prey on oblivious tourists who are unfamiliar with the value, look, and feel of currency notes. Your genuine currency note may be replaced with a counterfeit one by scammers when you try to get a change for a larger bill or make a purchase. Or they might shortchange you in the hopes that you will not count the notes. If you point it out, they will claim you haven’t handed over enough….
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