Our guide on the most popular tourist scams to avoid in Asia and how to avoid them for your next trip.
Asia is a breathtaking travel destination with diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and rich history. However, like any popular tourist destination, it’s not immune to scams.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can enjoy Asia’s incredible culture and scenery without falling victim to common scams.
Here’s a guide to the most common scams in Asia and tips on how to avoid them for a safe and enjoyable trip.
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General Tips to Avoid Scams
Do Your Research: Read about common scams in your destination before your trip.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels too good to be true, it probably is.
Use Trusted Sources: Book tours, transportation, and accommodations through reputable providers.
Stay Alert: Avoid distractions and be cautious with your belongings in crowded areas.
Have Local Contacts: Keep your hotel or local embassy number handy for emergencies.
Carry Small Bills: Avoid flashing large amounts of cash to reduce your risk of being targeted.
Popular Tourist Scams To Avoid In Asia
1. Taxi Scams
How It Works:
Drivers refuse to use the meter and charge exorbitant flat rates.
Fake taxis may have rigged meters or take unnecessarily long routes.
Where It’s Common:
Major cities like Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila, and Delhi.
How to Avoid:
Insist on using the meter or negotiate a price upfront.
Use reputable ride-hailing apps like Grab, Gojek, or Uber.
Research official taxi colors and avoid unmarked vehicles.
2. Fake Tourist Guides
How It Works:
Unofficial guides approach tourists offering tours, only to charge extra fees or take them to overpriced shops.
Where It’s Common:
Around historical landmarks in India, China, and Cambodia.
How to Avoid:
Book tours through trusted agencies or online platforms.
Politely decline unsolicited offers and use official guides.
3. Overpriced Souvenirs and Goods
How It Works:
Vendors inflate prices for tourists, especially in markets and tourist hotspots.
Fake luxury goods are sold as originals.
Where It’s Common:
Markets in China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.
How to Avoid:
Always bargain in markets, but be respectful.
Research average prices before shopping.
Look for official stores if buying luxury items.
4. Gem and Jewelry Scams
How It Works:
Tourists are lured into shops by promises of cheap gems or “limited-time deals,” which turn out to be fake or overpriced.
Where It’s Common:
Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka.
How to Avoid:
Avoid purchasing expensive items unless at a reputable store.
Be skeptical of strangers offering “special deals.”
5. The “Closed Attraction” Trick
How It Works:
Scammers tell you a famous site is closed and offer to take you to an alternative site, usually leading to expensive shops or fake attractions.
Where It’s Common:
Popular in Bangkok, Delhi, and Beijing.
How to Avoid:
Check opening hours online or with official sources.
Politely decline offers and proceed to the site on your own.
6. Fake Ticket Sellers
How It Works:
Scammers sell fake tickets for attractions or events.
Where It’s Common:
Busy tourist spots like Angkor Wat in Cambodia or the Great Wall of China.
How to Avoid:
Only purchase tickets from official counters or trusted online platforms.
Be wary of individuals selling tickets near attractions.
7. Tuk-Tuk and Rickshaw Scams
How It Works:
Drivers offer extremely low fares but stop at shops where they earn commissions.
Some may overcharge for short trips.
Where It’s Common:
India, Thailand, and Vietnam.
How to Avoid:
Agree on a price before getting in.
Refuse unscheduled stops at shops.
8. Fake Charity Collectors
How It Works:
People approach tourists asking for donations to orphanages, schools, or temples, which are fake.
Where It’s Common:
Cambodia, Nepal, and Indonesia.
How to Avoid:
Donate only through verified charities or organizations.
Politely decline street solicitations.
9. Street Food Scams
How It Works:
Vendors inflate prices after you’ve eaten or swap food for lower-quality items.
Where It’s Common:
Popular in night markets across Southeast Asia.
How to Avoid:
Ask for prices before ordering.
Watch your food being prepared to ensure you get what you pay for.
10. Fake Monks
How It Works:
Individuals dressed as monks offer blessings or trinkets and demand money in return.
Where It’s Common:
Thailand, China, and Nepal.
How to Avoid:
Real monks do not solicit money in public.
Politely decline and walk away.
11. Motorbike and Jet Ski Rental Scams
How It Works:
Rental operators claim damages to the bike or jet ski upon return, demanding excessive repair fees.
Where It’s Common:
Thailand, Bali, and the Philippines.
How to Avoid:
Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before renting and take photos of existing damage.
Use reputable rental companies.
12. Pickpocketing and Distraction Scams
How It Works:
Thieves create distractions (e.g., dropping items, street performances) while stealing your belongings.
Where It’s Common:
Crowded markets, public transport, and festivals across Asia.
How to Avoid:
Use a money belt or anti-theft backpack.
Stay alert in crowded areas and keep valuables out of reach.
13. Fake Police Officers
How It Works:
Scammers pose as police officers and ask to check your wallet or passport, claiming counterfeit money or fake documents.
Where It’s Common:
India, Thailand, and China.
How to Avoid:
Always ask for ID before handing anything over.
Keep copies of important documents and show only those.
14. Unofficial Currency Exchange Scams
How It Works:
Unlicensed money changers offer good rates but shortchange you or give counterfeit bills.
Where It’s Common:
Tourist-heavy areas in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia.
How to Avoid:
Use official money exchange counters or ATMs.
Count your money before leaving.
15. Fake Massage Parlors
How It Works:
Poor-quality or scam massage services charge you exorbitantly or steal belongings during the massage.
Where It’s Common:
Bali, Thailand, and Vietnam.
How to Avoid:
Research reputable spas or ask for recommendations.
Keep valuables with you or leave them securely at your accommodation.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.