Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Homs, Syria

1. Khalidiya Street Scam Alert

Street known for pickpocketing and overpriced goods; beware of distract-and-grab techniques.

Crowded Area: Popular tourist destination increases likelihood of scams.
Distract-and-Grab Tactics: Thieves may use distractions to snatch valuables.
Overpriced Goods: Vendors often charge exorbitant prices for souvenirs.

Taxis may refuse meter or inflate prices; agree on fare before starting journey.

Refusing Meter: Drivers may refuse to use the meter, offering a fixed price instead.
Inflated Fares: Prices quoted may be significantly higher than normal.
Unmarked Taxis: Unlicensed taxis can be found in the city, posing as legitimate ones.

Unfavorable exchange rates at souvenir shops disguised as currency exchanges.

Disguised as Exchanges: Shops may appear as currency exchanges but offer poor exchange rates.
Overcharging for Currency Conversion: Conversion fees are often inflated compared to banks or authorized exchanges.
Limited Options: Shops may not offer a wide range of currencies, limiting your options.

Unauthorized guides may approach tourists offering services; verify their credentials.

Lack of Credentials: Guides may not have official certification or knowledge of the sites.
Pushy Approach: Guides may aggressively approach tourists, attempting to pressure them into hiring their services.
Incorrect Information: Guides may provide inaccurate or misleading information about the sites and artifacts.

Be cautious when exchanging money; check for authenticity before accepting bills.

Counterfeit Bills: Counterfeit Syrian Pounds may be difficult to distinguish from real ones.
Unauthorized Money Changers: Money changers operating outside banks or authorized exchange centers may deal in counterfeit bills.
Limited Exchange Options: Exchanging large amounts of money may be challenging due to limited options.

Hotels and hostels may charge excessively; research prices before booking.

Excessive Prices: Accommodation prices in Al-Waer are often much higher than in other areas of Homs.
Poor Quality: Some accommodations may not meet the expected standard, despite the high prices.
Limited Availability: Demand for accommodation in Al-Waer is high, making it difficult to find affordable options.

Scammers posing as charity collectors; research legitimate charities before donating.

False Representation: Scammers may falsely claim to represent a reputable charity.
Pressure Tactics: Scammers may use pressure tactics, such as stories of need or urgency, to solicit donations.
Lack of Documentation: Legitimate charities will have documentation and transparency in their operations.

Menu prices may be inflated; compare prices with nearby establishments.

Inflated Prices: Prices at Al-Khaldi Restaurant are significantly higher than in other restaurants.
Limited Options: The menu may be limited, and choices may not cater to all dietary preferences.
Quality of Food: Some customers have reported inconsistencies in the quality of food served.

Beware of fake antiques; verify the authenticity of items before purchasing.

Fake Antiques: Counterfeit antiques may be difficult to distinguish from genuine ones.
High Prices: Prices for antiques at Al-Azem Palace Market are often excessively high.
Lack of Documentation: Reputable antique dealers will have documentation and a clear provenance for their items.

Avoid unlicensed tour operators offering guided tours; verify their credentials.

Lack of Credentials: Unlicensed guides may not have the necessary knowledge or certification.
Inflated Prices: Prices offered by unlicensed operators are often significantly higher than licensed ones.
Safety Risks: Unlicensed guides may not follow safety protocols, putting visitors at risk.

Be cautious when purchasing tickets; buy from authorized ticket vendors only.

Counterfeit Tickets: Counterfeit tickets may be difficult to distinguish from genuine ones.
Inflated Prices: Prices for tickets sold by unauthorized vendors are often higher than the original price.
Lack of Seat Availability: Unauthorized ticket vendors may not have access to all available seats, limiting your options.

Beware of counterfeit clothing and textiles; check for authenticity before purchasing.

Counterfeit Brands: Counterfeit versions of popular brands may be difficult to distinguish.
Low Quality: The quality of counterfeit items is often significantly lower than genuine ones.
Limited Warranty: Counterfeit items may not have a warranty, and repairs or replacements may be impossible.

Be wary of dishonest taxi drivers offering rides; agree on fare before starting journey.

Refusing Meter: Drivers may refuse to use the meter, offering a fixed price instead.
Inflated Fares: Prices quoted may be significantly higher than normal.
Unlicensed Taxis: Unlicensed taxis can be found at the bus station, posing as legitimate ones.

Be cautious when booking tours; research agencies thoroughly before committing.

Lack of Credentials: Agencies may not have the necessary licenses or certifications.
Inflated Prices: Prices offered by fake agencies are often significantly higher than those of legitimate ones.
Poor Service Quality: Fake agencies may provide poor service, such as canceled tours or unsatisfactory guides.

Be cautious when purchasing bottled water; check for authenticity before consuming.

Counterfeit Brands: Counterfeit versions of popular brands may be difficult to distinguish.
Poor Quality: The quality of counterfeit water is often significantly lower than genuine ones, posing health risks.
Lack of Expiry Date: Counterfeit bottles may lack an expiry date or have an invalid one.