Planning that long-awaited Euro trip? Keep your guard up and protect yourself from falling prey to tourist scams! Here are some common frauds to take note of — and tips on how to avoid being their next victim.
Europe is undisputedly one of the most beautiful continents in the world, with many cultural, historical, and natural marvels. So it comes as no surprise that it attracts throngs and throngs of tourists every single day. But as with many tourist destinations around the world, you’re bound to find some bad apples out to make the travel experience unpleasant. And when you’re busy snapping photos of everything and anything, or fumbling around on your phone’s Google Maps, you’re pretty much a walking target for these scammers.
So to ensure that your trip to Europe remains memorable for the right reasons, we’ve shortlisted eight of the most common tourist traps you might encounter. Remember — it always pays to stay vigilant and one step ahead! 👇
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1. The Friendship Bracelet (Most Common in Paris)
Image credits: The Arterie
Remember making these using a combination of colourful threads as kids? In Europe, these typically have a bad rep — and for good reason. While common in many tourist areas, the Friendship Bracelet Scam occurs most commonly in Montmartre, Paris, where the breathtaking Sacré Coeur resides.
The scam is pretty straightforward. As you’re climbing the seemingly endless flight of stairs, someone will approach you and offer you a ‘gift’ in the form of a friendship bracelet. To do so, they’ll typically ask for a handshake (or in some cases, they straight up just grab your hand) and begin tying it around your wrist. Once the deed is done, they’ll demand for some money, sometimes up to 20 euros. And if you turn them down or attempt to take it off, they’ll get their fellow scam artists to join them in hustling you — which can be very intimidating.
To avoid being a target, be aware of your surroundings. If anyone approaches you, simply ignore them and keep walking — even if it seems rude. Further, reduce the risk of getting grabbed by keeping your hands to yourself.
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2. The Friendly Local (Most Common in Greece)
Image credits: Unsplash
If you enjoy travelling alone and ambling through unfamiliar streets — do take note of this (Of course, these actors don’t discriminate — they’d target anyone!). With so many small roads and things to see in Greece, it’s only natural for you to be holding onto your phone and orienting yourself with Google Maps. But this also makes you an easy target, as the ‘friendly local’ would approach you, asking if you need help with directions.
Then, they’ll try to strike up a conversation about anything and everything. And in typical Greek hospitality, they’ll ask if you’ve tried Ouzo, an aperitif that’s widely also known as the national spirit of Greece. If you say no, they’ll likely tell you they work at a bar, and invite you down for a drink on the house. Once they get you into the establishment, you’ll almost always find a big, burly bodyguard stationed by the door, making it nearly impossible for you to leave. And once you’ve had your shot of Ouzo, be prepared to pay anything up to 100 euros.
To avoid this, simply turn them down from the get-go and be on your merry way! While there are stories of legit Greek hospitality, we think erring on the side of caution is the best bet. After all, ordering your own from a legit establishment won’t cost you an arm and a leg anyway.
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3. Fake Petitions
Image credits: AAUW
It’s not surprising to see individuals out and about on the streets asking for people to sign petitions for causes they believe in — especially in a country like Europe where freedom of expression is a big deal. However, this means that you may end up becoming a victim of a scam if you chance upon the wrong group of people.
In more urban areas like London and Paris, you may be approached by children to sign a petition and donate to a charity. And of course, you’d feel inclined to see what they have to offer — they’re kids after all! But as soon as you’re distracted, they may work their hands and pickpocket you without you even realising it.
While it always feels good to give back to society, there are plenty of safer and more legit ways to do so. Simply don’t engage with them and walk away if you have to. You can always donate to causes you believe in when you’re back home!
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4. The Taxi Scam
Image credits: Unsplash
This one is prevalent in most parts of the world and is scary because it can occur at any point of your trip. If you’re planning to take a taxi from the airport into the city, make sure you use ride-hailing apps or book them from official companies at the airport. There are plenty of stories where street-side taxi drivers end up making you pay exorbitant prices for your trip. And if you’re trying to get around within the city, always make sure that they are licensed and reputable companies — don’t get into a cab with a broken meter. If you can, try to pre-pay for your trip too because there are also reports of taxi drivers taking longer routes just to get more out of your journey.
Where possible, we recommend taking public transport or using ride-hailing apps, so that you know exactly where you’re going and how much you’re paying. If taxi rides are a must, remember to do your research!
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5. The Rosemary Scam (Most Common in Spain)
Image credits: Hotels.com
When going to a country steeped in so much culture and history like Spain, it may seem only natural to want to embrace all kinds of experiences — like receiving a sprig of rosemary for good luck. In this scam, an elderly lady may approach you to offer you one, along with an offer to read your fortune. Then — you guessed it — they start to demand money in exchange for her services.
If you don’t pay, she may start cursing you and your family or have other old ladies join in to pressure you to pay up. Either way, they are both extremely harrowing experiences, so it’s best to avoid them completely!
The same rules apply here. Smile and walk away confidently.
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6. The Cup & Ball Game (Most Common in Paris)
Image credits: Daily Express
Beware of another classic scam commonly observed in crowded tourist hotspots across Europe. Here’s how it unfolds: You’ll come across street vendors engaging in a seemingly innocent game of guessing which cup the ball is hidden under. However, what appears to involve other tourists and locals is actually an orchestrated act. These individuals are not genuine participants but rather actors employed for the purpose of the scam. You may notice their intentional ineptitude, luring you into believing you have a chance to win the prize.
Once they notice your interest, they’ll try to encourage you to join the game. And that’s where you’ll end up losing a lot of money — either through sleight of hand or by getting pickpocketed by their accomplices.
If it’s your first time seeing such street games, it may seem interesting to watch. And while you can take a peek, just keep walking and they’ll likely leave you alone.
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7. The Menu Scam
Image Credits: Unsplash
While not as insidious and intimidating as the ones listed above, falling for the menu scam can put a damper on your dining experience. When travelling abroad, it’s natural to request an English menu, particularly in regions where English isn’t the first language. However, in many tourist areas across Europe, there have been instances where tourists are charged higher prices compared to locals ordering from the same menu.
You may also find yourself missing out on enticing lunch or dinner set menus and specials, as the English versions are often simplified (for reasons that remain unclear). Although not illegal, it can leave a proverbial sour taste in your mouth.
To avoid this, you may want to do your research beforehand. Look for establishments that come with high reviews, and preview their menus ahead of time if you must. Alternatively, take a gamble and rely on the good ‘ol Google Translate to help you out. Ordering something without knowing precisely what to expect can even add a touch of excitement to your adventure!
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8. The Accidental Spill
Image Credits: Unsplash
When exploring the bustling parts of Europe, it’s almost unavoidable to find yourself amidst a sea of people. In such crowded places, accidental collisions and coffee spills are bound to happen. However, it’s important to be aware of the common pickpocketing ploy that often follows these incidents. The victim (or the offender) may offer to help you clean the spill, and that’s when you may end up getting pickpocketed.
If it ever happens, be firm and let them know that you can handle it on your own, while keeping a watchful eye on your belongings. Sure, it may genuinely be an innocent mishap with a stranger, but let’s not take our chances here!
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Travel Smart — Always Stay Sharp!
We’re probably just skimming the surface when it comes to the types of tourist scams out there. As we all know, these individuals and syndicates evolve quickly — so it pays to stay extra vigilant. It may seem intimidating or even rude to say ‘no’ or to ignore these individuals, but remember that your safety and well-being always come first.
And as you can expect, we always recommend carrying around a multi-currency card, just like ours! If you ever end up losing your wallet or needing cash in an emergency situation, our YouTrip card allows you to temporarily freeze all transactions, and manage your cash (it being a debit card and all) without you worrying about chalking up exorbitant bills like a credit card scam might. You’ll also get to enjoy our wholesale exchange rates so that you get to save, even as you spend!
As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with promo code <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.
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Safe Travels!
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