Navigating around tourist traps can be an incredibly frustrating experience. Moreover, the lack of proper law enforcement in certain areas often provides scammers with an opportunity to evade consequences. However, there’s no need to worry, as we are here to assist! Here are some valuable tips and tricks to help you spot and avoid tourist traps in Southeast Asia.
Have you ever fallen victim to a nasty tourist trap during your travels abroad? Don’t worry; we’ve all been there before (unfortunately). Being in a foreign country for leisure should be enjoyable and stress-free. That’s why we’re here to help! Below, we’ve listed eight common tourist traps in Southeast Asia, so you’ll be well-informed and better equipped to avoid being cheated on your next adventure.
1. Taxi Trouble (Most Prominent In The Philippines & Thailand)
Picture this: You’ve just landed at your destination after a long flight, and all you want is to get to your hotel, unpack, and begin your trip. You hop into a taxi, and the driver starts taking you to your desired location. After a few minutes, you notice that the taxi meter isn’t turned on, and you have no idea how much the ride is costing. When you bring this up to the driver, he feigns forgetfulness and proposes a fixed fare that you both agree upon.
This common tactic is used by taxi drivers in Thailand, the Philippines, and many other Southeast Asian countries to scam extra money from unknowing tourists who aren’t familiar with the local taxi fares. While falling for this scam might not be as financially damaging as others, it still leaves a sour feeling once you realize you’ve been cheated.
Thankfully, you can easily avoid such a situation by being vigilant and refusing to get into any taxi where the driver refuses to use the meter. Stay aware and protect yourself from unnecessary scams while traveling!
2. Bump & Drop Tactics (Philippines)
Bumping into a stranger on a crowded street is unavoidable, especially while traveling in the Philippines, particularly in Manila. However, you must be cautious, as a simple bump could lead to pickpocketing or the “Bump & Drop” tactic.
This scam involves a fraudster lightly bumping into your shoulder on a busy street and intentionally dropping an item from their hands. The dropped item could be of low value, like food, or even a pre-prepared mobile phone with existing damages. The scammer will then demand compensation for the supposed damages, putting you in an uncomfortable position, especially as a foreigner who doesn’t want unnecessary attention. In such situations, you might eventually give in and pay the demanded sum of money.
Avoiding this scam can be challenging because it happens randomly and catches you off guard, leaving little time to react. If you’re not someone who can simply walk away from such encounters, paying a negotiated amount might seem inevitable. Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings to protect yourself from falling victim to this tactic while traveling.
3. Tuk-Tuk Tours You Didn’t Ask For (Thailand)
If you’ve ever visited Thailand, you’re likely familiar with the unique transportation method of Tuk-Tuks. Whether you’ve had a smooth Tuk-Tuk ride in the past or are planning to experience one for the first time, this entry aims to protect you from potential scams.
Tuk-Tuk scams are prevalent in Thailand and often involve inflated prices and pressuring tourists to hire multiple Tuk-Tuks by claiming insufficient seating for the entire group. However, the most frustrating scams occur when drivers take detours to places they’re affiliated with, such as tailor shops or farming complexes, under the guise of being “on the way.” This not only wastes your time but also exposes you to overpriced products from which the driver earns a commission.
If you ever find yourself in such a situation, you can opt to pay the driver a small amount for the distance already traveled and disembark the Tuk-Tuk to find alternative transportation. Staying aware and vigilant can help you avoid falling victim to Tuk-Tuk scams during your travels in Thailand.
4. Wrong Change/Note Scams (Most Prominent In Thailand & Vietnam)
A common scam that can occur almost anywhere is the false change or false note scam, which takes advantage of tourists’ unfamiliarity with local currencies and denominations, especially in countries like Thailand and Vietnam where the currency has a lot of zeros.
This tourist trap is often carried out by cashiers who exchange paid notes for similar lower denomination notes and then notify customers that they need to hand over more cash. While this scam is unlikely to happen in established brick-and-mortar stores with security cameras, people should stay alive because it can still happen.
To avoid falling victim to this scam, it is imperative that you become familiar with the local currency as soon as possible and make it clear to the cashier that the amount you are offering is expected. You can also ask the vendor if they have change in a specific denomination to show that you understand the amount being handed over. Alternatively, consider using cashless payment options.
5. Self-Proclaimed Tour Guides (Thailand)
Also known as the “This Place Is Closed” scam, these dubious “tour guides” are often found outside major tourist attractions in Thailand. They deceive unsuspecting tourists by claiming that the attraction they plan to visit is closed at that time. In reality, the attraction is open, but they push tourists to join their comprehensive tours, which include a visit to an alternative attraction, usually a shop they are affiliated with.
The true motive behind this ploy is to lead tourists to these out-of-the-way shops, where they are encouraged to purchase overpriced goods. The “tour guides” receive a commission from the shop owners on top of the amount already paid for the “tour.”
When approached by such “tour guides,” it’s best to politely decline their offer, no matter how persistent they may be, and continue with your original plans—especially if you have your day already planned out. Conducting research and checking the opening hours of attractions online before visiting can be very helpful. In case of doubt, always head to the official ticket sales desk of the attraction to purchase tickets. Staying vigilant and well-informed can protect you from falling prey to this scam while exploring Thailand.
6. Help My Hungry Baby (Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam)
Known as the Baby Milk scam, this deceptive ploy has been reported mainly in Cambodia, but it has become increasingly common in Laos and Vietnam as well. The scam typically involves a distressed woman carrying a seemingly tired baby, approaching tourists at popular attractions and dining areas. She claims that she can’t afford formula milk for her baby and asks the tourists to purchase it from specific nearby shops. The formula milk is often sold at an exorbitant price, and the woman receives a cut of the amount paid when she returns the product to the same shop. Alternatively, a child might approach you, claiming their younger sibling is starving and urgently needs formula milk.
In such a situation, it’s crucial to refuse to comply with the request and not entertain these scammers. Though it may be heart-wrenching to turn away a child or a woman with a baby, giving in to this scam supports the exploitation of child beggars, who use sympathy to garner little earnings for themselves. Staying vigilant and not falling for such tactics helps to discourage these scams and protect vulnerable individuals from being exploited.
7. Motorcycle & Jet Ski Maintenance (Philippines, Thailand & Vietnam)
In Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, where heavy traffic congestion is common, rental motorcycles have become a popular mode of transportation for tourists. Similarly, in coastal areas like Pattaya, Phuket, and Danang, rental jet skis have become a favorite activity for many travelers. However, travelers should be cautious as some rental companies have been reported to scam tourists by dishonestly charging additional fees for maintenance, citing damages to the vehicles.
When faced with such a situation, unaware of these scams in advance, paying the inflated charges imposed by rental companies might seem unavoidable to avoid potential legal actions against you. To protect yourself, it is essential to take photos of any existing dents and scratches on the vehicle at the time of rental. This precautionary measure can prevent the rental company from falsely claiming that you caused damage to their vehicle and save you from unnecessary charges. Being vigilant and proactive can help you have a smooth experience while renting motorcycles or jet skis during your trip to these countries.
8. A Familiar Face (Philippines)
The final scam on our list is one that can occur almost anywhere and has been reported in the Philippines, particularly in Manila, in recent years. The scam involves a seemingly friendly stranger approaching you, claiming to either work at or stay in the same hotel as you. This individual strikes up a conversation and offers to show you around, taking advantage of your status as a tourist. However, be cautious, as accepting this offer could lead to robbery, drink spiking, or being cheated out of your money through sob stories meant to gain sympathy.
When faced with such situations, the best approach is to ignore these overly friendly strangers. It’s important to remember that such individuals might not be as genuine as they appear to be. Staying vigilant and avoiding engaging with strangers who seem overly eager to befriend you can help you steer clear of potential scams and stay safe during your travels.
Always Stay Vigilant!
It’s true that things may not always go to plan when traveling, but it’s crucial to stay vigilant. Better to be safe than sorry! Enjoy an easy and cost-effective way to bankroll your travels as you book flights and plan exciting activities in the sun!
