Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bhilai, Chhattīsgarh, India

1. Auto-Rickshaw Overcharging

Rickshaw drivers may overcharge tourists. Always agree on the fare before starting the journey.

Knowledge of Local Rates: Be aware of standard rickshaw rates in Bhilai.
Negotiation Skills: Practice your bargaining skills to get a fair price.
Avoiding Dispute: Agree on the fare before starting the journey to avoid disputes.

Some individuals may offer unauthorized guide services. Always confirm guides are registered with Bhilai Tourism Department.

Legitimacy Check: Always ask for a registration number or badge.
Research: Research and book guides through reputable channels.
City Tourism Department: Contact Bhilai Tourism Department for recommended, registered guides.

Be cautious when receiving change. Counterfeit notes are common in Bhilai.

Knowledge of Real Currency: Familiarize yourself with the appearance and feel of genuine Indian Rupee notes.
Lighting Conditions: Check currency in good lighting conditions to spot any irregularities.
Inspectors at Bank: If unsure, inspect the notes with a bank teller or police station.

Some shops may sell overpriced or counterfeit goods. Always compare prices with other shops.

Some taxi drivers may manipulate the meter. Always agree on the fare before starting the journey.

Knowledge of Local Rates: Be aware of standard taxi rates in Bhilai.
Negotiation Skills: Practice your bargaining skills to get a fair price.
Avoiding Dispute: Agree on the fare before starting the journey to avoid disputes.

Individuals may claim to find lost items with the intention of extorting money. Keep valuables secure.

Valuable Storage: Use hotel or hostel safes for storing valuable items.
Report Lost Items: Report lost items to the local police station immediately.
Suspicion of Scams: Be cautious and suspicious of anyone claiming to find a lost item.

Some money changers may offer unfavorable exchange rates or cheat tourists. Only use authorized money changers.

Authorized Money Changers: Locate and use authorized money changers.
Exchange Rate Comparison: Compare exchange rates with other authorized money changers.
Check ID of Money Changer: Always check the ID of money changers to ensure they are licensed.

Some hotels may overcharge tourists. Always compare prices with other accommodations.

Some individuals may claim to be collecting for charity but are actually scammers. Be cautious and research legitimate charities in Bhilai.

Research: Research legitimate charities operating in Bhilai.
Check for Authorization: Ask for official authorization from the charity before donating.
Suspicion of Scams: Be cautious and suspicious of anyone asking for money in the name of charity.

Some vendors may sell faulty or unregistered SIM cards. Only buy from authorized retailers.

Authorized Retailers: Locate and use authorized mobile network retailers.
SIM Card Check: Check the SIM card for registration and functionality before purchasing.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid buying from street vendors or unauthorized retailers.

Touts may offer fake tours or overpriced services. Ignore their offers and research legitimate tour operators in Bhilai.

Research: Research reputable tour operators before visiting tourist attractions.
Avoid Touts: Ignore touts offering services at tourist attractions.
Contact Information: Always have the contact information of reputable tour operators.

Some internet cafes may install spyware or steal personal information. Only use reputable and secure internet cafes.

Reputation Check: Research and choose well-known, reputable internet cafes.
Security Measures: Check for security measures such as password protection and anti-virus software.
Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal information on public computers.

Some ATMs may be tampered with to steal card information. Only use secure and recognized ATMs.

Recognized ATMs: Only use ATMs from recognized banks or within bank premises.
Check for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering before using it.
Cover Screen: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent snooping.

Some ticket sellers may offer fake tickets for popular events. Always verify ticket authenticity.

Authenticity Check: Verify the authenticity of event tickets before purchasing.
Authorized Ticket Sellers: Only purchase tickets from authorized ticket sellers or official event websites.
Event Organizer's Contact Information: Always have the contact information of the event organizer for verification purposes.

Street food may not be hygienic and could cause illness. Be cautious when eating street food.

Hygiene Conditions: Check the cleanliness of the food stall before purchasing.
Cooking Methods: Avoid eating raw or undercooked foods from street vendors.
Local Recommendations: Seek local recommendations for safe and hygienic street food vendors.