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TikTok Account Exposes 23 Of The Most Used Tourist Scams That Still Work Because Not Enough People Are Aware Of Them
TikTok account @isotravels has released a series of videos titled "Known scams in every country" and while they don't cover every country, we can forgive the clickbait—underneath the slightly misleading title lies a comprehensive list of all the dirty ways in which people try to rob tourists blind.
From "artists" to "train inspectors", scammers come in many disguises and they're willing to use every trick in the book to make a dollar. Continue scrolling and check out what you should be careful of when traveling abroad.
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#2
France
#3
Turkey
Serial pacifist 5 years ago (edited)
Also in Istanbul, a shoe cleaner 'accidentally' drops the brush passing by, when you call him and give it to him, he expresses grattitude by almost forcefully cleaning your shoes (while talking about his allegedly sick child in hospital) and then asks for compensation that's worth more than the shoes. Fell for it myself, but didn't pay him more than a proper amount.
#4
India
#5
Canada
bryguy 5 years ago
This happens a lot in Toronto. There is also a lot of "fundraising" scams where a kid will hand you a chocolate bar and the adult demands money to support community youth or sports or a fake charity and if you don't pay will make a scene of you taking the childs chocolate without donating. To avoid all this, just don't put your hand out when a random person is handing you something.
#6
Portugal
#8
Italy
#9
Morocco
#10
Nigeria
#11
Netherlands
#12
Brazil
#13
Iran
Tiny Dynamine 5 years ago
I don't think many people plan on going on holiday to Iran any time soon.
#14
Egypt
#15
Romania
Andrei Anghel 5 years ago
I'm from Romania and never saw or heard that. Instead you may get the "French", "Italian", "Portugal" or "Australian" treatment. Really, there are many was to get scammed in Romania
#16
Thailand
JennyLaRue 5 years ago
They are also known for taking you into tailors shops where they'd get a cut of any purchases (and you're obviously given a hard sell).
#17
United Kingdom
Not Proud British 5 years ago
Not a scam I am aware of and I'm from the UK. Here they tend to just pickpocket or downright mug you.
#18
America
#20
Spain
#21
Germany
#22
Ireland
#23
Mexico
Verena Gitterle 5 years ago
Really? When someone pretended to be from my country, I would speak to him in my language. An "Accent" is not enough proof.
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Tiny Dynamine 5 years ago
Very handy to know. I picked up some tips when I went to South America and India. Only go out with as much cash as you need. Keep your paper money in your socks. They won't be able to take it from there. Wear your rucksack on your front and if travelling on a bus, keep it on your lap, not the floor. Also, when walking around on your own, appear confident. If you seem nervous, you're a target. I used to just sing to myself and look around like I owned the place. I never lost anything in 6 months by following these tips.
Uncommon Boston 5 years ago
My son and I traveled a great deal when he was younger. I taught him to stand up straight, head high, look strangers in the eye, and then nod. Look as if you know where you are going, even when lost. (He studied maps and did know the best route.) Casual attire isn't the same everywhere. Jeans and T-shirts are perfect for garden center -- not much else. Pay attention to your surroundings, watch body language, look confident. I talk to strangers, with discretion, decide where to stay or eat in the moment. Treating others with respect, as an equal, has made the biggest difference.
Load More Replies... Todd Hunter 5 years ago
In Rome you sometimes get men or women dressed as Priests or Nuns outside of a church asking for money if you enter, these people are Roma and are not with the churches. Churches in Rome accept donations INSIDE the church not at the door.
Uncommon Boston 5 years ago
Our big wonderful world is full of unique cultures. Exploring each is an opportunity to learn. It can be tremendous fun. Knowing a bit about the culture before you arrive makes it easier. What to wear, basic manners, which of our normal habits are insulting to them, and how to be safe. What works in Boston, doesn't always work in NYC. People love to brag about their country. Go to non-touristy neighborhood and ask how they do things, what they eat, etc. You will be amazed. We stay at small local inns or convents. Few tourists, lots of travelers.
Load More Replies...
Eliška Hůlková 5 years ago
Prague: Money exchange offices that advertise no commission fees - but they grossly overcharge you on the exchange itself. And strangers that offer you to exchange money on the street only to give you invalid currency. But I have heard these few years back, there might be different tricks today.
Tiny Dynamine 5 years ago
Very handy to know. I picked up some tips when I went to South America and India. Only go out with as much cash as you need. Keep your paper money in your socks. They won't be able to take it from there. Wear your rucksack on your front and if travelling on a bus, keep it on your lap, not the floor. Also, when walking around on your own, appear confident. If you seem nervous, you're a target. I used to just sing to myself and look around like I owned the place. I never lost anything in 6 months by following these tips.
Uncommon Boston 5 years ago
My son and I traveled a great deal when he was younger. I taught him to stand up straight, head high, look strangers in the eye, and then nod. Look as if you know where you are going, even when lost. (He studied maps and did know the best route.) Casual attire isn't the same everywhere. Jeans and T-shirts are perfect for garden center -- not much else. Pay attention to your surroundings, watch body language, look confident. I talk to strangers, with discretion, decide where to stay or eat in the moment. Treating others with respect, as an equal, has made the biggest difference.
Load More Replies... Todd Hunter 5 years ago
In Rome you sometimes get men or women dressed as Priests or Nuns outside of a church asking for money if you enter, these people are Roma and are not with the churches. Churches in Rome accept donations INSIDE the church not at the door.
Uncommon Boston 5 years ago
Our big wonderful world is full of unique cultures. Exploring each is an opportunity to learn. It can be tremendous fun. Knowing a bit about the culture before you arrive makes it easier. What to wear, basic manners, which of our normal habits are insulting to them, and how to be safe. What works in Boston, doesn't always work in NYC. People love to brag about their country. Go to non-touristy neighborhood and ask how they do things, what they eat, etc. You will be amazed. We stay at small local inns or convents. Few tourists, lots of travelers.
Load More Replies... Eliška Hůlková 5 years ago
Prague: Money exchange offices that advertise no commission fees - but they grossly overcharge you on the exchange itself. And strangers that offer you to exchange money on the street only to give you invalid currency. But I have heard these few years back, there might be different tricks today.
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