subject: 5 Common Scams Against Vacationers and Methods to Avoid Them [print this page] 5 Common Scams Against Vacationers and Methods to Avoid Them
Scams against tourists can be found everywhere, and the traveler is always prone since he's in unfamiliar surroundings and at times is open to being "aided" by a native "acquaintance". That, coupled by the fact that there are folks in virtually every tourist site who make their livelihood on the unsuspecting tourist, and it can leave a damper on what is meant to be an amazing happening. Here are 5 common scams against vacationers, and how to avoid them.
1. Travel Deal Bait and Switch. Beware of the hotel offering complimentary meals at its restaurant, afterward varying the stipulations when you arrive, maybe even waiting until when you check out and saying the first package was invalid. Be sure when checking in to clarify the provisions of the package deal, and for all time get your agreement in print and have it with you. Whenever you receive disreputable treatment from your hotel, whenever possible put in your difficulties on the hotel comments. "Trip Adviser" is one I frequently make use of. Most savvy travelers study these previous to booking, and this sort of operator will soon be out of business.
2. Insurance. Most travel companies are on commission to sell you insurance, and unhappily some misinform the traveler. A Consumer Association study recently reported 81 % of customers didn't have their policy cover properly explained to them by their travel agent, 55% weren't told concerning their excess fee and 65% weren't asked with reference to any existing medical complaints that likely have left them exposed. For automobile cover, possess a reproduction of your insurance coverage rather than having to take insurance from the rental agency, which can cost almost as much as the rental alone.
3. Counterfeit Merchandise. It's possible you'll go to particular travel locations that make available great shopping opportunities, where merchandise is on sale for only a fraction of its charge in another place. These editions are nearly always imitation or knockoffs. This might not be a huge deal to you, but just bear in mind, if ever the deal seems too good to be true, it is.
4. Money Exchanges. There are many scams concerning exchange booths, and there are occasions when you must use them. I have found, too, that their exchange rates can often (but not always) be better than banking institutions. The majority are professional, but be careful when they count out bills in very small denominations or the site or individual that you're dealing with will not be clearly permanent. Thus each time obtain a receipt, and choose fixed premises, so if you have difficulties with fake currency you'll have someplace to bring the police to.
5. Unauthorized Taxis. The final of our 5 common scams against vacationers is getting into unofficial taxis; in no way, ever employ one. The best thing that will take place is you will be overcharged. The most awful is the horror tales of being kidnapped and robbed (predominantly in Central and South America), but you are open to this anywhere. Unfortunately, the old traveler's tradition of sharing cabs to economize isn't safe, as gang members or accomplices can pose as travelers getting into that cab with you.
These are just a few among the familiar common scams against vacationers. That obviously does not insinuate the only means avoiding these unscrupulous individuals is to not travel. But being forewarned helps, and in my dealings with them a precedent seems to be to pray on your sense of greed (a great deal you can't pass up), or your sense of goodness. So only agree to "bargains" from people you're confident who you will be dealing with and you comprehend fully what the deal is.
