Mental Floss tells that In New York, some street sellers offer “deals” on tickets for the Staten Island Ferry, which is free to ride.
The scam works because tourists don’t know what should be free. This guide by traveltweaks.con and hotels covers the traps that cost travellers the most and the habits that stop them.
Important Note
TravelTweaks Hotels is a purely informational platform providing experience based information and in this article we are taking traveltweaks.com as partner in this article. Scams change by city and year, so treat this as a starting point and check official sources for current local advice.
The Taxi and Transfer Trap
Chubb found that overcharging taxi drivers are a global issue, mostly found at top tourist spots and transport hubs. Traveltweaks.com found the the usual tricks played by these fraudulent drivers:
- The “broken” meter: SAYS Malaysia specifies that the driver claims it isn’t working and quotes a fixed fare
- Tourist charges: Partners 1st FCU 2026 says that hidden fees added when the driver sees you are arriving from an airport
- Fake ride-hail drivers: According to Myvi, some pose as legitimate drivers in cities where ride apps are popular
- The detour: tuk-tuk rides that stop at jewellery, tailor and souvenir shops instead of attractions
Chubb gives the fixes that are simple. Pre-book through a licensed company and agree the fare first. Use an app that shows the price upfront. Note the company name and plate number.
Public transport avoids the problem. According to Alike.io, From Dubai Airport to Marina, a taxi costs AED 60 to 70 and the Metro costs AED 8.50. Our guide by traveltweaks.com and hotels on experiencing a city like a local covers the cost gap in more cities.
Inflated and Fake Tickets
SAYS Malaysia found a common scam: a friendly stranger says the official counter is closed or sold out, then steers you to an unofficial agency charging inflated prices or selling fake tickets.
Chubb flags fake tickets as a particular risk in Kuala Lumpur, Beijing and Shanghai and advises buying from the ticketing office itself. Signs of a fake confirmation: no e-ticket number, or errors in the flight or event details. (Partners 1st FCU)
Even legitimate resellers can mark up. For Machu Picchu, third-party sellers charge 30% to 50% above face value, while the official government portal costs face value. (Voyista 2026) We cover this in our South America map guide.
Distraction Scams
Traveltweaks.com and hotels found that there are a variety of distraction scams on tourist sites.These work by pulling your attention away while someone takes your wallet or phone. Common versions:
- Fake petitions: most common in Paris
- Street performers: Paris and London. Locals tend to ignore them, so follow their lead
- Free gifts: reported in Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Cairo. Decline anything offered in tourist areas
(Sourced from Chubb)
Fake Listings and Fake Menus
Some fraudulent hosts post fake photos to collect deposits for properties that don’t exist. Some scammers print fake take-out menus and slide them under hotel doors. Book through verified platforms and order food from places you can check yourself.
( Sourced from Myvi 2025, Mental Floss )
Currency Exchange Counters
SAYS Malaysia says that exchange counters in tourist areas don’t always offer the rate advertised elsewhere. Check the mid-market rate on your phone before you exchange, and compare it with the rate on the counter.
Five Checks Before You Pay
- Is the price agreed before the service starts?
- Is the seller official, or someone who approached you?
- Does the confirmation include a ticket number?
- Does the local price match what you researched?
- Are you being rushed?
Conclusion
SAYS Malaysia says Most trips across the world are safe and enjoyable. Scams depend on hurry and unfamiliarity, so a little research and a few habits beat most of them. That is the idea behind both traveltweaks.com and hotel guides.