Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kochi, Kerala, India

All Topics about Kochi All Cities in India

1. Auto-rickshaw overcharging

Avoid being charged exorbitant fares by auto-rickshaw drivers. Always negotiate the fare before starting the journey.

Knowledge of Local Rates: Understand the standard rates for auto-rickshaws in Kochi to avoid overpaying.
Negotiation Skills: Negotiate the fare before getting into the auto-rickshaw, ensuring a fair price.
Awareness of Common Overcharging Areas: Be cautious in areas known for auto-rickshaw overcharging, such as tourist spots and late at night.

Avoid being approached by fake tour guides who may charge exorbitant fees. Only hire licensed guides and research ahead.

Licensed Guide Verification: Ensure that the guide is officially licensed by Kochi's Tourism Department.
Reputable Tour Operators: Book tours through reputable operators or pre-arrange guides to minimize risks.
Research and Read Reviews: Research about the attractions and read reviews of tour guides before hiring them.

Avoid being cheated during currency exchanges. Always use legitimate exchange services and check the exchange rate.

Knowledge of Standard Exchange Rates: Keep yourself informed about the current exchange rates to avoid being ripped off.
Legitimate Exchange Services: Use established money exchange services like banks or recognized forex vendors.
Be Wary of Street Vendors: Avoid exchanging money with street vendors, as they may offer unfavorable rates.

Avoid being overcharged for local goods. Bargain and shop at reputable stores or markets.

Knowledge of Standard Prices: Familiarize yourself with the standard prices of common goods in Kochi.
Reputable Stores and Markets: Shop at established stores or popular markets to ensure fair pricing.
Bargaining Skills: Haggle with the shopkeeper for a better price, but be reasonable and respectful in your negotiations.

Avoid eating at touristy restaurants with inflated prices. Explore local eateries offering authentic and affordable meals.

Authentic Local Eateries: Find eateries frequented by locals to enjoy authentic food at a reasonable price.
Avoiding Tourist Traps: Stay away from restaurants located near major attractions, as they may overcharge for food.
Word-of-Mouth Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on good places to eat or look up trusted online reviews.

Avoid being sold fake SIM cards or overpriced plans. Purchase a SIM card at an authorized dealer inside or outside the airport.

Authorized Dealer Verification: Ensure that you buy the SIM card from an authorized dealer of your chosen network.
Check for Activation Fees and Validity: Ask about any activation fees, validity periods, and data rollover policies before purchasing a SIM card.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy a SIM card from street vendors or unauthorized dealers to avoid scams.

Avoid taxis with tampered meters. Use pre-paid taxis or app-based services for a fixed fare.

Pre-Paid Taxis: Use prepaid taxis available at the airport or major tourist spots.
App-Based Taxi Services: Download and use popular taxi apps like Ola and Uber to book a ride with a fixed fare.
Check the Meter Reading Before Starting the Journey: Check the meter reading before starting your journey, ensuring it starts at zero.

Avoid buying counterfeit goods that may be of poor quality or even illegal. Opt for genuine and high-quality items.

Knowledge of Counterfeit Goods: Learn to identify counterfeit goods, such as logos, materials, and packaging.
Trusted Retailers and Brands: Shop at reputable retail stores or authorized dealers of brands you trust.
Avoid Street Markets with Counterfeit Goods: Stay away from markets known for selling counterfeit goods to minimize risks.

Avoid credit card skimming by using ATMs located in secured areas or inside banks.

Secure ATM Locations: Use ATMs located inside banks, hotels, or shopping malls for added security.
Cover the Keypad While Entering PIN: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder-surfing.
Monitor Account Activity Regularly: Regularly monitor your account activity for any unauthorized transactions.

Avoid unlicensed massage parlors and spas that may offer questionable services or exploit workers. Only visit reputable establishments.

Licensed Establishment Verification: Ensure the establishment is licensed by Kochi's Tourism Department.
Reputable Spas and Massage Parlors: Choose spas and massage parlors with good reviews, recommendations from locals or travelers.
Be Aware of Unusual Offers: Be wary of overly aggressive sales pitches or unusual offers that may be a sign of unlicensed activities.

Avoid being overcharged for boat rides. Negotiate the fare beforehand and ensure safety precautions are met.

Negotiation Skills: Negotiate the price of the boat ride before boarding, ensuring a fair fare.
Safety Precautions: Check that life jackets are available and ask about safety procedures before setting sail.
Reputable Operators: Choose reputable operators with good reviews, recommendations from locals or travelers.

Avoid buying fake or overpriced bus tickets. Buy tickets from authorized ticket counters or reliable vendors.

Authorized Ticket Counter Verification: Ensure that you buy the ticket from an authorized ticket counter of your chosen bus company.
Check for Validity Periods and Additional Fees: Ask about validity periods, seat availability, and additional fees before purchasing a ticket.
Be Wary of Street Vendors: Do not buy bus tickets from street vendors or unauthorized dealers to avoid scams.

Avoid being tricked into giving money to fake street performers. Only give tips to genuine artists who truly deserve it.

Genuine Street Performers: Recognize the difference between genuine and fake street performers based on their performances, props, and attitudes.
Local Culture and Traditions: Research about local culture and traditions to understand what's considered appropriate for tipping.
Be Aware of Scams: Stay alert for suspicious activities that may be scams, such as performers using distractions or forcing interaction.

Avoid fake or overpriced accommodations. Book through trusted online platforms or reputable local agencies.

Trusted Online Platforms: Book your accommodation through established online travel platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, or Airbnb.
Reputable Local Agencies: Use local agencies with good reviews, recommendations from locals or travelers.
Research and Read Reviews: Research about the accommodation and read reviews before booking to ensure a positive experience.

Avoid being approached by touts offering services or tours that may be scams. Be firm and polite in declining their offers.

Knowledge of Standard Prices: Understand the standard prices for services at attractions to avoid being overcharged.
Be Polite but Firm: Politely decline their offers, as well as any attempts to engage you in conversation.
Avoid Areas with High Concentration of Touts: Stay away from areas known for having a high concentration of touts to minimize interactions.